American Express® Gold Card vs Capital One Spark Cash

This comparison aims to help you decide between the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Spark Cash. Both cards offer different benefits and features tailored to various spending habits, making it crucial to understand their differences before making a choice.

Card Overviews

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is designed for individuals who frequently dine out and shop at supermarkets. With a robust rewards program centered around dining and groceries, this card offers valuable benefits for food enthusiasts and savvy shoppers alike.

Capital One Spark Cash

The Capital One Spark Cash is ideal for businesses looking to earn cash back on all purchases. With a straightforward rewards structure, this card allows users to earn unlimited cash back without worrying about category restrictions, making it a suitable option for business owners.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Rewards Highlights

American Express® Gold Card Rewards

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Capital One Spark Cash Rewards

• Earn a one-time $750 cash bonus once you spend $7,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
• Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
• Rewards won’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount.

Pros and Cons

American Express® Gold Card Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • High rewards rate on dining and groceries
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Multiple dining and travel-related credits
  • No foreign transaction fees
• Cons:
  • High annual fee
  • Limited to American Express acceptance locations

Capital One Spark Cash Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • No annual fee for the first year
  • Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
  • Easy rewards redemption
  • No foreign transaction fees
• Cons:
  • Annual fee after the first year
  • Lower rewards rate compared to category-specific cards

Who Should Consider Which Card?

The American Express® Gold Card is perfect for individuals who frequently dine out and shop at supermarkets, enabling them to capitalize on high rewards rates in these categories. Conversely, the Capital One Spark Cash is better suited for business owners who want a straightforward cash back approach without category restrictions, making it easier to earn rewards on all purchases.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Spark Cash have their unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Consider your individual needs and spending patterns to determine which card aligns best with your financial goals.

“Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”