Choosing a credit card requires you to perform a deep cost-benefit analysis, or you will miss a lot when applying for the wrong one. For ordinary travelers or even those who enjoy the culinary experience of traveling the world, there are many credit card options. Among these contenders, two cards stand out for their epic rewards scheme on travel and dining.
Their reasonable annual fees are worth it if you maximize their redemption options for flights, hotels, and all other travel experiences. The question then lies in how to rate the value of Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred, depending on a cardholder’s lifestyle. Overall, American Express Gold offers generous rewards on restaurant and supermarket purchases. At the same time, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has more substantial rewards on travel essentials, such as insurance, as well as a transferable points program that can be taken advantage of by US-based travelers.
In this article, we will delve deeper into how these cards can be maximized for culinary adventurers. We will be exploring the benefits of the card in terms of their dining experience, for both restaurant dining or food deliveries, and other additional perks.
Earning Rates
While both cards are designed for travel, they differ significantly in their bonus categories, one of which is their reward points for dining, as well as their food deliveries. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards ultimately differ: https://time.com/personal-finance/article/amex-points-vs-chase-points/
Amex Gold grants their cardholders 4 Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent at restaurants in the US. They also offer the same points for takeout and food deliveries, granting the same financial satisfaction for all types of foodies, whether those who enjoy visiting restaurants or experimenting with what’s available in Uber Eats, Lyft Delivery, or other platforms.
Chase Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, offers competitive dining rewards in their own right. Cardholders earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points for every dollar of restaurant spent worldwide. This generous amount extends to takeout and delivery wherever you are in the world.
Additional Dining Perks and Benefits
The premium Amex Gold credit card also includes access to reservations and other exclusive experiences in the world’s elite restaurants, perfect for foodies who are also travel enthusiasts. Dining at select restaurants can also incur cardholders up to $120 in dining credits and an additional $120 for Uber spend, renewed annually. While it may not seem much, this could be a huge help to offset the card’s annual fee of $250.
The versatility offered with ultimate rewards points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card makes it an attractive choice for foodie travelers. Redemption can be through a wide range of travel benefits. Cardholders also gain access to special dining orders, experiences, and other exclusive perks through Chase’s partner restaurants and merchants.
Find the best ways to redeem Chase’s ultimate points from this article.
Analysis of Benefit Comparison
At a quick glance, it is easy to judge Amex Gold as the better option for our gastronomic nomads because of their generous earning points. However, after deeper exploration, Chase Sapphire can make for a great competitor in terms of methods to earn points and access.
While the Amex Gold credit card opens up a world of exclusive dining at top-notch restaurants, Chase Sapphire gives cardholders flexibility and diversity in their redemption options. For food enthusiasts, award-winning restaurants can be a palpable choice for a lucrative experience. However, being able to dine at restaurants anywhere in the world and still be rewarded with generous points is also an enticing choice for some.
Taking into account the annual fees, Chase Sapphire proves to be the more cost-efficient choice with a lower annual fee of $95. However, Amex Gold offers a maximum $120 credit balance for dining at select restaurants, which can offset the $250 annual fee. While it is still a bit more than what Chase Sapphire offers, the added benefits can outweigh the additional few bucks.
The Verdict
The battle between Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred in dining rewards seems simple, but looking closely, one would find it a bit more complicated for their own unique strengths. Ultimately, the Amex Gold proves to be the dining powerhouse with its 4x rewards points and significant dining credits. On the other hand, Chase Sapphire Preferred offers flexibility in points redemptions, with a minimal difference of 3x rewards points for dining.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and spending habits. If your focus lies on your dining experience and you want to indulge in luxurious epicurean feasts in five-star restaurants, paying that hefty annual fee for Amex Gold is worth it.
Alternatively, if you make food as only a part of your travel experience, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is your perfect match. The perfect balance of dining rewards and travel experience is a compelling reason why the Chase Sapphire credit card is a top choice.
Ultimately, making an informed decision, using the basis of lifestyle and preferences, is the key to finding the perfect credit card suitable for your needs. Finding the right fit will allow you to savor the fruits of that decision with countless travel and dining rewards for years to come.