World Unlocked: Amex Gold Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred – Which Is Better?

Published on: 19 October 2023 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
World Unlocked: Amex Gold Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred – Which Is Better?

International travel is a popular contender in people’s bucket lists. Revenge travel post-pandemic has motivated several individuals to list countries they want to visit before they die. While immersing yourself in a different culture and enriching your wisdom with knowledge from other nations is exciting, it also comes with heavy financial considerations.

Travel expenses transcend flight tickets and hotel accommodations, though these take up a considerable part of the budget. The other crucial concerns that must be prioritized are food expenses, land transportation, activities, and even souvenirs. When traveling interstate, these may require a meager and fixed amount you can easily budget. Traveling to another country with their unique currency is a different story.

Some factors, including conversion rate and transaction fees, must be accounted for, especially when using credit cards. Using credit cards offers convenience, but their foreign transaction fees can eat into your budget, typically charging 3% of the purchase amount in foreign currency. Thus, the best way to optimize your travel expenses is to use credit cards designed for travel. They usually come with zero transaction fees for foreign currencies.

In this article, we will compare the two crème de la crème among all these no foreign transaction fees credit cards – Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred – and evaluate how they fare with their overall suitability for international travel.

The American Express Gold Card: A Culinary Approach to Travel

Coming in as a heavyweight contender in the premium credit card arena is the Amex Gold Credit Card. When traveling is a hobby you do only on special occasions, Amex Gold can give you so much more for your ordinary days. It shines with its generous 4x bonus reward points on your restaurant visits, takeout sprees, and everyday groceries.

On your travel days, Amex Gold also proves to be a reliable companion for your travel expenditures – especially for your gastronomic excursions. The whole American Express network has global recognition, with its card widely accepted worldwide. Using your card for your dining will even award you 4x bonus points and a 3x reward for flight tickets.

Beyond the global acceptance and generous award points, this travel credit card also offers a suite of premium travel benefits. From travel insurance, points transfer with their travel partners, and even a $100 credit for a minimum 2-night stay on their hotel collection to having access to their Global Assist® Hotline.

Their Global Assist® Hotline lets you enjoy your travel with peace of mind, knowing you will have safeguards for emergency situations. Their assistance covers a range of needs, including medical referrals, legal aid, and even lost passport replacement.

Here’s a link to a complete guide to all of Amex Gold credit card benefits:

https://fortune.com/recommends/credit-cards/american-express-gold-card-review

With this solid range of convenience in your hands, it is only fitting that this credit card comes with a hefty annual fee and high APR for a pay-over-time feature. If you look forward to lounge access for your pre-travel experience, you will also be in for a big disappointment, as the Amex Gold card does not provide any lounge access.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: A Versatile Traveler’s Ally

Another premium travel card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred, enjoyed by many cardholders for its flexibility and generous travel rewards program. With their Ultimate Rewards Portal, you can earn 5x bonus points for your flights, hotel rooms, and other travel experiences. On some promotional periods, they even offer 5x bonus points on select theme park tickets available to purchase through the portal, including Universal Studios, Legoland, SeaWorld, etc. This is especially suitable for traveling families or those who enjoy theme park activities.

Nevertheless, on your off-travel days, you can still enjoy other perks, such as their 3x bonus points offer for online grocery purchases, subscriptions to streaming platforms, and even on your restaurant indulgence. Currently, the credit card also offers 5x bonus points on your Lyft rides, so be sure to maximize your commute.

The real perk that comes with the Chase Sapphire is its flexibility with transferring points. Their 1:1 transfer partners make all your earned bonus points worth the incurred expenses. Suppose your favorite hotel line is offering a great deal on premium suites with their hotels on a desired destination. They are offering it for a minimal price of 30,000 points plus applicable taxes and fees. With Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can convert your Ultimate Rewards Points into the rewards program of that hotel line to pounce on that great offer.

Find their comprehensive list of transfer partners in this article.

These great rewards also come with a price of $95 annual fee. They also do not offer any intro APR for new cardholders. Nevertheless, these financial sacrifices can be valuable with all the travel conveniences the card offers, which unfortunately can also be earned only when you book through their portal.

Overall, transaction fee concerns, although entirely erased by these cards, are just one aspect that completes the complexities of international travel. The overall cost-benefit analysis must be made on the basis of the card’s rewards program, annual fees, and other travel-related perks. The choice of a suitable credit card must be weighed on the basis of personal preferences, travel habits, and financial goals.

Read Also:

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

World Travel

What Is There To Do In Anaheim?

To most people, Anaheim, California is synonymous with Disneyland. But there is so much more this city has to offer travelers. Anaheim is located in Southern California and is known as the quintessential vacation destination. Your vacation begins from the moment you step off the plane. Its convenient location puts you right in the middle of all the top attractions. Anaheim has something for every type of person from the music lover, to the artisan shopper, or the food connoisseur. You'll discover pristine beaches, world-famous theme parks, and adventures that will create memories to last a lifetime. Where to Stay The Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim The Hyatt House Cypress/Anaheim is conveniently located close to exciting attractions including Knott's Berry Farm, Next Level Sports Complex, and Disneyland. Every room includes a touch of home with additional sleeper sofas and full kitchens. The suites have private balconies or patios that overlook the city views. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour gym. Check out their website for more details and to even book your rooms. The Hilton Anaheim The Hilton Anaheim has over 140,000 square feet of meeting space making it ideal for business travelers. There is an onsite Starbucks, a FedEx retail store, an outdoor pool with waterslide, and a kid’s playground. The property also has a health club, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa for much-needed relaxation. The Hilton offers small bites at Mix Lounge in the food court or you can dine at one of their two restaurants. Restaurants Dominic's Ristorante Italiano Dominic's is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant serving pizza, authentic Italian food, and seasonal specials. The owner, Angelina, has a passion for food and it shows. Her family focuses on quality food, exceptional customer service, and giving their customers fantastic food at affordable prices. When you stop in, try the specials Cappellini Alla Checca tossed with garlic, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and topped with Romano cheese and basil, or the manicotti smothered in meat sauce and baked with mozzarella. The Ranch Restaurant Executive Chef Michael Rossi and his talented team make everything from scratch using only the finest ingredients from their farm. At The Ranch Restaurant, the chefs know precisely when to pick products which are then served to your table within hours. The atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated serving fresh seafood and buttery steak inside an elegant interior. Entertainment The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament The Medieval Times is an unforgettable experience that takes you back to the 11th century. You'll feel like you are a part of history in the age of chivalry, and romance. The two-hour show welcomes guests of all ages. You will be treated like Kings and Queens with a four-course dinner and beverages. Before the show, browse through the castle and visit the Museum of Torture. Next Level Sports Complex The Next Level Sports Complex offers a variety of indoor sports activities for adults, kids, and families including Zumba, basketball, yoga, soccer, and spin classes. The goal at Next Level Sports is to help athletes improve their game by positively pushing themselves. The state-of-the-art facilities were built for seasonal tournaments, training, and competitive play year-round. Next Level Sports is a family-friendly complex that is designed to cater to those who love the game. Read Also: Travel Fears: 5 Most Common Fears That Keep You Inside The Home Things You Should Never Ignore While Choosing A Reliable Travel Agent 5 Essential Tips For The Traveling Photographer

READ MOREDetails
Naturalization

Become A U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization

Are you tired of going back and forth and the travel bill skyrocketing? Whether it is schooling, an internship, or a job that requires you to be in the country part-time, you shouldn't be traveling all month and waiting for your work visa to expire to get it renewed. If you find yourself spending a considerable amount of time in The United States, don’t you think getting citizenship will help you more? Now, it is not a simple process, and a citizenship lawyer would ask you to create a thorough checklist, ensure a clean record in the country, and then apply for citizenship through naturalization. If you are not familiar with the concept of Naturalization, then keep reading more to understand the subject matter and how to proceed with becoming a permanent citizen of the USA. If the legal documentation, and comprehension is getting very difficult then contact a Naturalization Lawyer. What Is Naturalization In simple terms, naturalization is a process of acquiring citizenship of a country when you have citizenship of another country. The reasons why you will need a Naturalization when you are residing in the country more often than not. - When you were not born in the country. - When you marry a US citizen, you will receive a green card that expires within three years. So, you need to submit for naturalization after that. Now that you know the gist of naturalization let us understand the eligibility and how to file. What Is The Eligibility? So, if you are planning to be a US citizen through Naturalization, you must be eligible for all the criteria below. It is a rigid process, and leniency toward making yourself a citizen of a different country is unheard off. Therefore, it is imperative that you take them seriously. - Only an adult can file for citizenship. So, you have to be over 18. - To be a citizen, you must show proof of residency in the country. You could either show proof of being a semi-permanent citizen of the country for the past 3-5 years. Or frequent residency in the country. - Since English is the language of communication in the country. You should at least be able to speak, write or understand basic English. - You should be able to project moral character. Yes, there will be a lot of questions in the procedure. So, it is better to hire a citizenship lawyer for the naturalization process. Since they are local and they have worked in the niche, they should be able to explain all the questions to you. - You need to understand the basics of the US constitution and comply with it. - Have a basic knowledge of US history. - You have to take an oath of Allegiance, so preparing for that is also a necessary part of the process. How To File? Here is how to file for citizenship with the help of a citizenship lawyer. If You Want To Do It Offline - Get the physical copy of Form N-400. - Read the articles on the form thoroughly before filling it up. - Then, start filling out the application carefully. - Sign the N-400. - Some files might have a filing fee, and others don't. - Attached is the extra documentation of evidence and identity proof. If You Want To Do It Offline - You have to create an account in USCIS online. - Then fill up the form. - Pay any fees if they are required. The good part of an online form is you can communicate with the executive securely. Plus, you could even get regular case updates about citizenship through this portal. So, submitting online is more convenient now.  Why Should You Get It? Here are some of the reasons you should get US citizenship if you have reached the age. - It will help you get jobs after college if you study abroad on a visa. - You do not have to renew your work visa every six months. - You do not always have to rent; you can now buy property on American land with your citizenship. - You have been out of the country for some time now, and dual citizenship can solve a lot of temporary issues. Read Also: Having Business in Foreigner Country, Advantages and Disadvantages How to Get a Business Visa to Singapore: Insights for Foreigners Government Debt Relief And Student Loans

READ MOREDetails
Birmingham

Travel To Birmingham And Explore Second Largest City in The UK

It is curious to think that despite being the second most populated city in the United Kingdom, Birmingham remains a great mystery among foreign tourists in general. Because of this, the experience of wandering its streets can only be even more exciting since nothing can kick off the adventure like the unknown. Traveling to Birmingham is very simple, and it should not cost you anything to find cheap flights that will take you to Birmingham Airport. The city has two faces and the energy beating from its paved streets paint the picture of industrial England with an additional charm found nowhere else. Prepare to fall in love with the heart of the British Islands. Birthplace of Black Sabbath and Industrial England It's no wonder why so many people storm the city center every Christmas in Birmingham. That jolly good spirit wins over you the moment you step out of the plane and you will be amazed by the fact that so many people know so little about the second largest city in all of UK. It is located approximately 200 km away from the capital London or on average an hour and a half by train. Birmingham is not one of the most sought after destinations in the country yet it's bustling inner metropolis: large yet friendly. With more than 1 million inhabitants, Birmingham has a strategic location in the middle of the country, a region called the Midlands. With easy access to several other cities and is privileged by an efficient public transport system which only facilitates the train routes inside and outside the city. The birthplace of musician Ozzy Osbourne, it was Birmingham where he started his career with the formation of the band Black Sabbath in the late '60s. Even today the fact is that the music scene is one of the strong attractions of the city especially during the summer months when the Birmingham Jazz Festival with many free concerts for everyone's excitement. Throughout the year, Symphony Hall hosts musical events with orchestras and famous musicians. Take a walk around Victoria Square, the heart of the city and the area where you can walk to various attractions such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Cathedral, St. Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham Town Hall, and Council House. This area is also good for those who are looking for a shopping spree. Because many amazing stores are located here and for those who like a mall, the Bullring Shopping Center is the best option. You will be surprised to find out that Birmingham has more kilometers of canals than Venice. They were built in the time of the Industrial Revolution and they were used for charcoal transport, but nowadays they are being used for cruising, a great way to get to know and appreciate the city's landscapes. Birmingham was once the world leader in jewelry production and one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution, undergoing a revitalization it is now becoming a super fashionable destination. The time will tell us if this city will finally get his deserved fame because, with all this charm and excitement that will never go away, one can only hope that the more visitors could spread the word about all of its riches. Read Also: So Much To See And Do During A Visit To Chicago 4 Best Destinations In Western United States The Top Destinations For New Year Celebrations

READ MOREDetails