Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold: Which Is Better in 2026?
The verdict
On typical spending the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card nets $440 a year after fees, $184 more than the American Express® Gold Card at $256. That flips at about $12,130/month of spending, where the American Express® Gold Card takes the lead.
Who earns more, by the numbers
| Spending level | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | American Express® Gold Card | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light spender ($1,200/mo) | $173/yr | −$35/yr | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
| Typical spender ($2,400/mo) | $440/yr | $256/yr | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
| Heavy spender ($4,500/mo) | $909/yr | $766/yr | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
Net of annual fees, typical category mix at baseline point values. The winner flips at about $12,130/month of spending.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase
3.0/5
Annual Fee:$95
APR:19.24%-27.49% variable
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months (increased limited-time offer)
Rewards: 5X Chase Travel, 3X dining, 3X gas/EV charging/vacation homes at top brands, 3X streaming and online grocery, 2X other travel, 1X everything else
EARNS MORE ON TYPICAL SPEND
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
2.7/5
Annual Fee:$325
APR:21.24%-29.99% variable
Welcome Bonus: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months (offer is personalized)
Rewards: 5X on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 4X at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/yr), 4X at US supermarkets (up to $25,000/yr), 3X on flights, 2X on car rentals via Amex Travel, 1X on everything else
The tables above are computed from each card's typed rewards rates and current
fees, on the same spending profiles used across the site. Editorial context to
follow.
FAQ
Which is better, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the American Express® Gold Card?▼
On typical spending the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card nets $440 a year after fees, $184 more than the American Express® Gold Card at $256. That flips at about $12,130/month of spending, where the American Express® Gold Card takes the lead.
What is the annual fee difference between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the American Express® Gold Card?▼
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges $95, versus $325 for the American Express® Gold Card — a $230 difference every year.