When it comes to trel rewards cards, you usually get what you pay for in terms of bonus categories and perks. This is why we usually compare cards within a single category to try to find the best premium rewards card or the best no-annual-fee cards.
The problem is that the American Express® Gold Card doesn't fit neatly into any category. It straddles the line between midlevel and premium, offering high-value bonus categories for the foodie at a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees). Then there's the premium Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) that just recently received a major overhaul.
If you're a foodie and treler trying to decide between the Amex Gold and the Chase Sapphire Reserve — one of the best cards for trel and dining overall — here's what to consider to help you decide which card is a better fit for your needs.
Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold comparisonLet's start with a quick overview of each card's highlights:
Chase Sapphire Reserve^Amex GoldAnnual fee$795$325Welcome offerEarn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.Bonus categories Earn 10 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027), with a maximum of 50,000 points. Earn 8 points per dollar spent on purchases made through Chase Trel, including The Edit. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027). Earn 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. Note that elevated earnings on trel are received after spending your first $300 on trel each calendar year.
Elevated earning rates on flights and hotels booked directly and Chase Trel purchases apply only after exhausting the $300 annual trel credit. Existing Sapphire Reserve cardholders won't get access to the new earning rates until Oct. 26.
Earn 4 points per dollar spent on up to $50,000 per calendar year on dining at restaurants worldwide (then 1 point per dollar). Earn 4 points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through amextrel.com. Earn 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextrel.com. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Annual statement credits $500 annual credit (up to $250 statement credit biannually; two-night minimum stay required) to use on The Edit via Chase Trel $300 annual trel credit $300 annual StubHub and Viagogo credit (up to $150 statement credit biannually)(through Dec. 31, 2027) $300 annual dining credit (up to $150 in statement credits biannually at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables) $300 in annual DoorDash credits: Cardholders receive up to $25 in monthly promos with two $10 nonrestaurant promos and one $5 restaurant promo, and a complimentary DashPass membership for at least one year worth $120 (must activate by Dec. 31, 2027) Up to $250 annually in the form of complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (through June 22, 2027; one-time activation per service through chase.com or the Chase Mobile app is required) Up to $120 annually in Lyft in-app credits: Cardholders receive up to $10 each month; the credit does not apply to Wait & Se, bike or scooter rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) Up to $120 in Peloton credit (through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required) Up to $120 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee statement credit (once every four years) Up to $10 in monthly dining statement credit at the following partners: Five Guys, Grubhub, the Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly and Wine.com (up to $120 per calendar year) Up to $10 in monthly Uber credit in the form of Uber Cash that can be used on U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders (up to $120 per calendar year); you must add the card to your Uber account and can redeem with any Amex card Up to $100 in statement credits for purchases at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants per calendar year (up to $50 semiannually) Up to $7 in monthly statement credit for U.S. Dunkin' purchases (up to $84 per calendar year) Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply Other card benefits Chase and Priority Pass lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests, plus access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges for you and one guest when flying on a Star Alliance airline IHG One Rewards Platinum elite status Complimentary status upgrades and discounts with Avis and National Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Baggage loss and delay insurance Purchase protections No foreign transaction fees Plus, you can unlock these benefits after spending $75,000 or more in a calendar year: Southwest Airlines A-List status IHG One Rewards Diamond elite status $500 Southwest credit $250 Shops at Chase credit Up to $100 in credits for qualifying hotel activities at The Hotel Collection*** properties each calendar year (minimum two-night stay required) Trip delay reimbursement* Baggage loss or damage reimbursement** Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)*Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligible charges vary by property.
^It's also important to note that current Sapphire Reserve cardholders who applied before June 23 will not he access to the new benefits and earnings rate until Oct. 26.
Related: Is the Amex Gold worth the annual fee?
Daily NewsletterReward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsSapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold welcome offerBoth cards offer valuable welcome offers that can help fund your next big trip.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers new applicants earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
TPG's July 2025 valuations peg Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, making the Sapphire Reserve bonus worth is $2,563.
PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISESMeanwhile, with the Amex Gold, new applicants can find out their offer and see if they are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
TPG's July 2025 valuations peg Membership Rewards points at 2 cents a piece, making this welcome offer worth up to $2,000.
Of course, the bonus value is only one piece of the equation. You also need to make sure you're eligible to apply for either of these cards, as Chase and Amex he different restrictions on welcome bonus eligibility.
Chase has implemented new rules for welcome bonus eligibility on its Sapphire cards. You can now hold more than one Sapphire product at the same time, but if you're a current cardholder of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) or previously earned a welcome bonus on a Sapphire product — excluding the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees) — you almost definitely will not be eligible for a second Sapphire card bonus.
With the Amex Gold, you are subject to Amex's once-in-a-lifetime rule and family restrictions.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. Its welcome offer is the higher and more valuable one.
Related: Best welcome offers of the month
Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold benefitsHere's a breakdown of the benefits provided on each card at first glance.
Statement credits $500 annual credit (up to $250 biannually; two-night minimum stay required) to use on The Edit via Chase Trel $300 annual trel credit $300 annual StubHub and Viagogo credit (up to $150 biannually) $300 annual dining credit (up to $150 biannually at Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables) $300 in annual DoorDash credit: Cardholders receive up to $25 in monthly promos with two $10 nonrestaurant promos and one $5 restaurant promo, and a complimentary DashPass membership for at least one year worth $120 (must activate by Dec. 31, 2027) Up to $250 annually in complimentary Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions (through June 22, 2027; one-time activation per service through chase.com or the Chase Mobile app is required) Up to $120 in annual in-app Lyft credits: Cardholders receive up to $10 each month; the credit does not apply to Wait & Se, bike or scooter rides (through Sept. 30, 2027) $120 Peloton credit: Through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee statement credit (once every four years) Up to $10 in monthly dining statement credit at the following partners: Five Guys, Grubhub, the Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly and Wine.com (up to $120 every calendar year) Up to $10 in monthly Uber credit in the form of Uber Cash that can be used on U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders (up to $120 per calendar year). You must add the card to your Uber account and can redeem with any Amex card. Up to $100 in statement credits for purchases at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants per calendar year (up to $50 semiannually) Up to $7 in monthly statement credit for U.S. Dunkin' purchases (up to $84 per calendar year)Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Other card benefits Chase and Priority Pass lounge access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests, plus access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges for you and one guest when flying on a Star Alliance airline IHG One Rewards Platinum elite status Complimentary status upgrades and discounts with Avis and National Trip cancellation/interruption insurance Baggage loss and delay insurance Primary car rental insurance Baggage delay insurance Trip delay insurance Trip cancellation/interruption insurance An emergency medical and dental benefit Purchase protections No foreign transaction fees Plus, you can unlock these benefits after spending $75,000 or more in a calendar year: Southwest A-List status IHG One Rewards Diamond elite status $500 Southwest credit $250 Shops at Chase credit Up to $100 in credits for qualifying hotel activities at The Hotel Collection*** properties each calendar year (minimum two-night stay required) Trip delay reimbursement Baggage loss or damage reimbursement No foreign transaction feesEnrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
This is where we start to see the biggest differences arise, as the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium, luxury trel card with the perks to match.
Let's start with the most important benefit that can help offset the card's $750 annual fee: a $300 annual trel credit. This credit is automatically applied to a wide range of trel purchases, including airfare and hotels. Bookings do not need to be made via a trel portal and no activation is required.
The Sapphire Reserve's other standout benefit is lounge access. You'll he access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership for you and up to two guests. Plus, you and one guest will receive access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges when flying on a Star Alliance airline.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYAdditionally, Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive multiple other statement credits, including a dining credit; an entertainment credit with StubHub and Viagogo; complimentary Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscriptions; and a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee credit, and several useful trel and baggage insurance policies.
Cardholders also enjoy a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership and $25 in monthly DoorDash promos. (Must activate by Dec. 31, 2027.)
The Amex Gold rewards foodies with up to $10 in monthly dining credit valid at the following merchants: Five Guys, Grubhub, the Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly and Wine.com (up to $120 per calendar year). Cardmembers also receive up to $120 in annual Uber Cash each calendar year, issued in $10 monthly increments, which is valid on Uber rides or Uber Eats purchases. Your Amex Gold must be added to your Uber account, and you can redeem it with any Amex card.
In addition, cardmembers can get up to $100 in statement credits every calendar year for purchases made at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants (up to $50 in statement credits biannually). As a final foodie benefit, the Amex Gold provides up to $7 in monthly statement credits for U.S. Dunkin' purchases (up to $84 each calendar year).
The Sapphire Reserve offers more lifestyle- and trel-oriented benefits, whereas the Amex Gold is solely focused on food and dining. If you maximize these ailable benefits, you'll wind up with $424 in annual value, easily justifying the card's $325 annual fee and leing you in the green. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. It offers more substantial perks, including lounge access and industry-leading trel protections. However, if you're looking for a more food-focused card, the Amex Gold should be your top pick.
Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve statement credits: What they are and how to use them
Earning points on the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex GoldBoth cards earn valuable flexible rewards in a variety of bonus categories.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve you'll earn:
10 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 31, 2027), with a maximum of 50,000 points8 points per dollar spent on purchases made through Chase Trel, including The Edit5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly3 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide1 point per dollar spent on everything elseNote that the elevated earning rate on trel kicks in after spending your first $300 on trel each calendar year with the Sapphire Reserve.
Meanwhile, with the Amex Gold you'll earn:
4 points per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (U.S. supermarkets capped at $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar; restaurants capped at $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through amextrel.com2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other trel purchases made through Amex Trel1 point per dollar spent on all other purchasesThe Amex Gold is clearly targeted as a foodie-friendly card, and that's reflected in the bonus categories. The 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (an 8% return based on TPG's July 2025 valuations, on up to $25,000 per calendar year) is one of the best earning rates you'll find from any card.
The Amex Gold also has an edge when dining at restaurants, as its 4 points per dollar spent (on up to $50,000 per calendar year) again wins out over 3 points per dollar spent on the Sapphire Reserve, which is no slouch either (an 8% versus 6.15% return based on our July 2025 valuations).
GORICA POTURAK/GETTY IMAGESFor trel earnings, the Sapphire Reserve takes the cake as it earns 4 points per dollar spent on hotels and flights booked directly, whereas the Amex Gold earns 3 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly or on amextrel.com.
While the Sapphire Reserve is better suited for trel purchases, if you he higher spending on food and groceries, you're better suited with the Amex Gold card.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve, as it has slightly more bonus categories.
Related: Which purchases count as trel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Redeeming points on the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex GoldBoth cards share similar ways of redeeming points.
TPG's July 2025 valuations peg Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each and Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, but the programs each he strengths and weaknesses that could cause you to pick one over the other.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, points can be redeemed for trel through Chase Trel at a value of up to 2 cents per point, depending on the specific redemption, with the Points Boost feature. With Points Boost, you can receive elevated redemption rates of more than 1 cent per point on select Chase Trel redemptions. Select flight and hotel redemptions can be made at a rate between 1.5 and 2 cents per point.
Additionally, you can also redeem your points for gift cards, merchandise or statement credit.
XIER LORENZO/GETTY IMAGESWith the Amex Gold Card, you can redeem your points for trel through amextrel.com or for gift cards or cash back as a statement credit. It's important to note that you receive a redemption rate of 1 cent per point when booking flights through Amex Trel.
All other redemption options, including those through Amex Trel, provide a value of under 1 cent per point, well below TPG's July 2025 valuation of 2 cents per point, and are not recommended.
With both cards, you'll generally be better off transferring your points to one of Chase's or Amex's transfer partners for maximum value.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. Its points are worth at least 1 cent per point, regardless of the redemption method, whereas with the Amex Gold, there are no redemption methods that he a rate of 1 cent per point.
Related: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Transferring points on the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex GoldBoth cards he excellent rosters of transfer partners.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll he access to the Chase roster of 14 airline and hotel partners.
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUYWith the Amex Gold, you'll he access to Amex's roster of 20 airline and hotel partners, including Avianca LifeMiles and Qantas Frequent Flyer.
Both cards share some transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Emirates Skywards, British Airways Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
Additionally, each card has two domestic airlines as a transfer partner, with Chase hing United MileagePlus and Southwest Rapid Rewards and Amex hing Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue.
Chase has fewer airline transfer partners but is much better for those looking to redeem points for hotel stays, as World of Hyatt offers the best-value hotel redemptions, as Hyatt still uses a fixed award chart. Both cards share Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors as hotel transfer partners.
TPG Credit Cards Writer Chris Nelson loves to transfer his Amex points to Delta SkyMiles to take advantage of flash sales on award flights. Additionally, he likes to transfer his Chase points to Air Canada Aeroplan to book long-haul business-class flights on Star Alliance partners.
Transfer partners are the best way to maximize your points, especially if you want to stay at luxury hotels or fly in fancy premium cabins.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Sapphire Reserve takes the slight edge despite Aemx hing more transfer partners, as Chase has World of Hyatt as a transfer partner.
Related: Why all trelers should earn transferable points
Should I get the Sapphire Reserve or Amex Gold?If you're eligible for both of these cards, they make an all-star pairing, and there's a real case for hing both in your wallet, as Credit Cards Editor Daisy Hernandez can attest to: "I get a ton of value from both my Sapphire Reserve and my Amex Gold as trel, dining and groceries are among my biggest expenses."
These two cards complement each other very well in terms of benefits and earning and redeeming points. But if you must pick one, you'll he to decide if you want better earning rates on food and dining and a lower annual fee with the Amex Gold or luxury trel benefits with the Sapphire Reserve.
If you're looking for a more trel-oriented card, the Sapphire Reserve is your best choice, but if you spend a lot on food and dining, the Amex Gold will likely be a better fit.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Bottom lineDespite not technically being a premium card, the Amex Gold gives the Chase Sapphire Reserve a run for its money in several different categories.
These two cards complement each other quite well, but also target slightly different audiences. The Amex Gold is a go-to card for all things food-related, while the Sapphire Reserve focuses on luxury trel experiences. Either card could make an excellent addition to your wallet.
To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Amex Gold and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Apply here: Amex GoldApply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Related: Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.