Choosing between the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) and the United Explorer Card ($150/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 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 2%. 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.
Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.
Apply Now| Feature | American Express Gold Card | United Explorer Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $325 | $150 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | 70,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | <strong>1.0%</strong> | <strong>1.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 2% |
| Dining Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $50,000/yr)</strong> | 2% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $25,000/yr)</strong> | 1% |
| Key Benefits | 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. | 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays. |
American Express Gold Card pulls ahead for travel, dining, groceries spending.
The $175/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.