The American Express Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are two popular choices among credit card enthusiasts, offering compelling benefits and access to valuable transferable rewards programs. Both cards have been staples in many wallets for a while, and for good reason: they complement each other well and can provide significant benefits when paired together.
One of the main reasons these cards work well together is that they have different strengths when it comes to earning rates. The American Express Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, making it a great choice for grocery shopping. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases and 2 points per dollar on most other travel purchases.
When it comes to traveling, the cards can be used in a strategic way to maximize earnings. For example, the American Express Gold Card can be used to book flights directly with airlines, earning 3 points per dollar spent. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, can be used for hotels, trains, camping, and general travel expenses, earning 3 points per dollar.
The cards also have different strengths when it comes to dining. The American Express Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining worldwide, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on dining purchases. This can be especially beneficial for food delivery and takeout outside the U.S., where the American Express Gold Card's dining bonus may not apply.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the cards also offer unique perks that can be combined to save more money in everyday life and while traveling. The American Express Gold Card offers up to $10 in monthly statement credits at eligible dining merchants, including Grubhub, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription.
Another advantage of holding both cards is that they offer access to a wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners. The American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred share many of their transfer partners, but they also have some unique partners that the other card does not.
Finally, holding both cards can also allow you to earn two welcome bonuses, provided you're eligible for each. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you're new to the world of credit cards.
Of course, holding both cards may not be right for everyone. If you don't frequently spend at U.S. Dunkin' Donuts or the American Express Gold Card's eligible dining credit merchants, or if you already have a different Membership Rewards or Ultimate Rewards card, you may want to consider a different strategy. Additionally, if you're at or over Chase's 5/24 rule, you may not be eligible for a new Chase card.
In conclusion, the American Express Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card make a compelling case as a pair. With their complementary earning rates, access to more transfer partners, and unique perks, they can provide significant benefits when used together. Whether you're a seasoned credit card enthusiast or just starting out, holding both cards can be a great way to maximize your rewards earnings and simplify your travel planning.
