Choosing between the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) and the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard (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 6%. 2x on all, 2.5x on mobile up to $5k/quarter, 6x on prepaid travel. Earns a solid 2.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | American Express Gold Card | U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months | 75,000 points after $10,000 spend in 120 days |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% | 0% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>2.0%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | <strong>6%</strong> |
| Dining Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $50,000/yr)</strong> | 2% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>4% (up to $25,000/yr)</strong> | 2% |
| Key Benefits | 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. | 2x on all, 2.5x on mobile up to $5k/quarter, 6x on prepaid travel. |
American Express Gold Card pulls ahead for dining, groceries spending.
U.S. Bank Business Altitude Power World Elite Mastercard 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.