Choosing between the Amazon Prime Visa (no annual fee) and the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.
Strongest in travel at 5% via portal. 5% at Amazon.com, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel; 2% on dining, gas, and transit.
Perfect if: You're comfortable booking through the issuer's portal for the best rate.
Apply NowStrongest in dining at 4% (up to $50,000/yr). 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights.
Perfect if: You spend enough in bonus categories to easily offset the annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | Amazon Prime Visa | American Express Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $325 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | None | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>5%</strong> | 3% |
| Dining Rewards | 2% | <strong>4% (up to $50,000/yr)</strong> |
| Groceries Rewards | 1% | <strong>4% (up to $25,000/yr)</strong> |
| Gas Rewards | <strong>2%</strong> | 1% |
| Key Benefits | 5% at Amazon.com, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel; 2% on dining, gas, and transit. | 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. |
Amazon Prime Visa pulls ahead for travel, gas spending.
American Express Gold Card wins on dining, groceries.
The $325/year fee difference means American Express Gold Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.
Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.