Choosing between the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) and the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee) 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 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 NowStrongest in travel at 5% via portal. 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel. Earns a solid 1.5% on everything else.
Perfect if: You're comfortable booking through the issuer's portal for the best rate.
Apply Now| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | $200 after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 3% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>1.5%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | <strong>5%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $50,000/yr)</strong> | 3% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $25,000/yr)</strong> | 1.5% |
| Key Benefits | 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. | 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on Chase Travel. |
American Express Gold Card pulls ahead for dining, groceries spending.
Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on travel, gas.
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.