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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA at $0/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 ($1,750 more in estimated value) than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | USAA Preferred Cash Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | $250 cash bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $250 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | USAA |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| 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
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
$0/yr · $250 cash bonus
Editorial take: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus $250 cash bonus (~$250) on the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $1,000 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.