Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs United Business Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the United Business Card from Chase at $150/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($650 more in estimated value) than the United Business Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the United Business Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | United Business Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $150 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 90,000 miles + 2,000 PQP |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,350 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
United Business Card
$150/yr · 90,000 miles + 2,000 PQP
Editorial take: United Business Card
Strong United business card. The free checked bag for two travelers, two club passes, and the under-the-radar $50/twice-per-year hotel credit help cover the $150 AF for any United-leaning small business. The 90k + 2,000 PQP bonus is the sweetener. Post-2025 refresh swapped the old $100/$10k-spend credit for a $125 travel credit unlocked by 5 United flight purchases of $100+.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or United Business Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 90,000 miles + 2,000 PQP (~$1,350) on the United Business Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the United Business Card?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the United Business Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and United Business Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the United Business Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. United Business Card: $5,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.