See which card earns more rewards for your spending. Compare annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and reward rates side-by-side.
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Try our Wallet OptimizerChoosing the right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars per year in rewards and benefits. Our side-by-side comparison tool helps you evaluate the key factors that matter most:
The best rewards card depends on your spending habits. For dining, the Amex Gold earns 4x points. For travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x on travel and dining. For flat-rate simplicity, cards like the Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited offer 1.5-2% back on everything. Use our comparison tool to see which earns more for your specific spending categories.
Both are excellent mid-tier cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year) is better for travel bookings and transferring to airline partners. The Amex Gold ($250/year) earns more on dining and groceries (4x vs 3x) and includes dining credits that offset the fee. If you spend heavily on restaurants and supermarkets, Amex Gold typically wins.
Annual fee cards are worth it if the rewards and benefits exceed the cost. A card with a $95 annual fee that earns 3x on your $10,000/year dining spend would give you $300 in value - a net gain of $205. Premium cards ($400+) often include travel credits, lounge access, and statement credits that offset most or all of the fee.
Most reward optimizers carry 2-4 cards to maximize category bonuses. A typical setup includes: one card for dining (like Amex Gold), one for travel (like Chase Sapphire), and one flat-rate card for everything else (like Citi Double Cash). More cards can mean more rewards, but also more complexity to manage.