Amex Gold vs Sapphire Preferred
Head to head on annual fee, rewards by category, and net value over a typical year of spending.
| Category | Amex Gold | Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $95 |
| Welcome bonus (est.) | $2,000 | $1,260 |
| Dining | 8% | 6% |
| Groceries | 8% | 2% |
| Gas | 2% | 2% |
| Travel | 2% | 2% |
| Online shopping | 2% | 2% |
| Entertainment | 2% | 6% |
| Transit | 2% | 2% |
| Everything else | 2% | 2% |
| Net rewards / yr | $909 | $656 |
The verdict: Amex Gold vs Sapphire Preferred
On a typical US spending profile, the Amex Gold comes out ahead — about $253 more in net annual rewards. But the winner for you depends on where you actually spend. Compare them on your own numbers, or use WalletFlo with your real transactions.
Annual rewards breakdown
Amex Gold: ~$1,159 in rewards before fees. Sapphire Preferred: ~$751 before fees.
Reviews & calculators
Amex Gold review · Sapphire Preferred review · Amex Gold calculator · Sapphire Preferred calculator · Interactive compare
Frequently asked questions
- Is Amex Gold or Sapphire Preferred better?
- On a typical US spending profile, Amex Gold delivers about $253 more in net annual value. Your winner depends on where you actually spend.
- What is the annual fee on Amex Gold vs Sapphire Preferred?
- Amex Gold: $250/year. Sapphire Preferred: $95/year.
- How is net annual value calculated?
- WalletFlo projects annual rewards from category earn rates on a default spend profile, adds credits and perks, and subtracts the annual fee.