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

Published on: 19 October 2023 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024

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.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol

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.

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Top Denver Activities for 2019

Throughout the United States, there are numerous excellent destinations that all travelers should try to visit at least once in their lifetimes. From the bustling major metropolises to the beautiful natural wonders of this great nation, there is something in the USA for every tourist. One of the top cities in the United States to travel to today is Denver. Denver has something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover or you like to revel in the culture of a fabulous urban area, this city truly provides everything and anything for you. When traveling to a new city, it can be difficult to know what to do without any recommendations. Learning about some of the top activities to do in Denver for 2019 will certainly make your stay in this great city even better! Check Out Some Live Music: As the tourism rates in Denver have risen immensely in the past few years, the city’s cultural landscape has also blossomed. There are concerts all over Denver every night of the year, and seeing some live music while you are in this city is highly recommended. As the live music scene has flourished, Denver has grown into a haven for performers. From larger venues like Red Rocks, to free shows at the Levitt Pavilion, there is so much that you can see on your trip to this spectacular city. Partake in a Scavenger Hunt: When coming to a new city, you are sure to get a little bit lost at first. This is part of the fun of exploring a novel destination, and there is no better way to truly get to learn about Denver and find out how to get around than by partaking in a scavenger hunt. Doing a Denver scavenger hunt will allow you to learn about this city, explore the numerous landmarks, and discover some history, all while having a fantastic time! Do a Self-Guided Food Tasting Tour: There is no better way to truly get the feel for a location than to try the local cuisine. Denver is certainly a foodie’s paradise, as it has numerous types of cuisines available for everyone to try. Running your own self-guided food tasting tour of the city is an excellent idea for you and your travel companions, as you can run it at your own pace and enjoy all that the city has to offer. While there are numerous types of foods you should try, the one necessity you have to eat is Denver’s most popular dish – green chili. Final Thoughts: While there are so many different places to travel to throughout the United States, Denver is certainly a top choice because of its amazing combination of cosmopolitan lifestyle and natural beauty. As you start to plan your next vacation to Denver, definitely consider getting off the beaten path by seeing the city as locals do. Listening to live music throughout the city, trying a scavenger hunt, and running your own self-guided food tour are three excellent options for your trip to Denver in 2019. Read Also: So Much To See And Do During A Visit To Chicago Top 10 Travel Destinations That You Need To Visit The Top Destinations For New Year Celebrations

Leiebil In USA To Make Your Trip Better

A vacation is something we look forward to. We dream of seeing a large number of places around the globe if possible and go from one place to another. We will certainly need to look into a car to hire which couldn’t be easier in the States. We often think that there are too many fine details involved, that the process requires endless checks or financing but this not the case. A simple bit of planning can make things go a lot smoother, and it will take a big weight off your shoulders once you’ve arrived at the destination country by not having to search and remember where all the transport depots are, or busses and train stops. Looking for the perfect vehicle may seem daunting at first, but if you write down your main priorities in terms of features you are looking for and the objectives of the trip, then it is easier to narrow down the specifics. Think about travel plans, areas you intend on visiting, how many people will be traveling, and whether you are willing to go above your set budget if it means added extras. The Car for You: Determined by your traveling party size the vehicle you choose will be either one of 3 factors: comfort, efficiency, and size. Knowing you are a group of friends looking to explore the United States while having fun, like celebrating a recent engagement, ideally, you will want a car that is big enough so that everyone can travel together. Having vacationed in a group, I can personally vouch for a minibus. Not only is there ample space for everyone and their luggage, but the atmosphere is always energetic and it makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Look for the efficiency of fuel if you will be doing a lot of day trips. You wouldn’t want to be stopping constantly to be filling up (as there might not even be a gas station nearby), but the cost will work against you in the long run. As the old saying goes, “bigger is better.” A vehicle that is tough enough to handle the ups and downs of adventure enthusiasts, but still chic enough to not look like you’re driving an armored car is what you should search for when going for a vacation. To get the ball rolling and help you see what is available on the market, take a quick browse at Goautos.no/leiebil/usa/ for a variety of cars suited for all demographics and holidays, and most importantly won’t break the bank. You don’t want to find the perfect car only to discover it is not in your price range or would essentially work against you for this trip, do your homework, shop around and conclude from there. Why Rent? Are you one of those people who think that you’re “wasting money” on a car that is not and never will be yours? Then I’m sure you are hesitant at the thought of hiring a rented vehicle, but if you weigh up the odds versus using the local and public transport means available, are you saving yourself time, not to mention money? There are endless perks to renting a vehicle as opposed to going local, let’s take a look at the top 5 points people pointed out that made them decide to hire a car while holidaying abroad rather than using buses or taxis. Distance: This is especially important if you are a large group, opting to be picked up and ferried to your destination and back could cost an arm and a leg. You would need a suitably sized vehicle for starters, drop-off, and pick-up times may be set by the company which could work against your itinerary, and if the driver has to wait there because it is too far to travel up and down, his time is your money. Time: How long is your trip? If you are on a long weekend and looking to see as many sights as possible the last thing you want to be doing is wasting time standing in bus queues or on train platforms waiting for the next one to arrive because you just missed this one. Simply hop in your rental and the day begins immediately. Freedom: The luxury of coming and going as you please comes easy with a hired car. The tour buses may go on the main tourist routes and sites, but if you see something interesting you would have to go back later that day or even the next to go explore. With a car you just need to make a pit stop, jump out, and go experience something new and different, ‘off the beaten track.’ Cost: When traveling abroad some transport companies try their luck by pushing up prices with tourists or when they hear a foreign language, and being none the wiser this could cost you double what it should have had you been a local or used a rent a car. Taxis could take ‘the long way around which also adds up on the meter by the end of the trip. Weather: Depending on the time of the year you are traveling the weather may not be in your favor, and worse so if you have children in tow. Perhaps you’re away for a snowy Christmas, you want your kids safe and warm in a vehicle or indoors and not waiting outside for taxis to arrive or in the pouring rain. See some handy tips in this link to consider when traveling abroad with kids, how to make their trip fun and more comfortable which will inevitably mean you will have a good time too. We know how quickly a situation can change when a little one is not in a good mood, hungry, or cold. Being organized can prevent these situations and you can focus on having a great time. Renting and returning: The time has come when all the fun and madness has to come to an end and sadly it is back to reality and the working week of the 9-5 rat race. Taking the car back to the rental agency is not as simple as arriving and handing over the keys, believe it or not, so be aware of a few common mistakes people make. One of the most common faux pas I have noticed and have been victim to myself is not checking the traveling distance or time it will take to get back to the rental parking lot, and agencies have a strict late-return policy which comes with a hefty price tag. Be sure to mark and map your route and leave ample time to get there. Better to be early than late. As with most rental firms when returning the car it should be as it was when collecting, this usually means with a full tank of petrol. Be sure to check the map for the closest fuel station to the agency and stop to fill up, be sure to keep the receipt in case there are any queries. A great tip I learned from a friend was once you have parked be sure to take pictures of the internal and external areas of the car, as well as the dashboard with the ignition on so you can see the fuel gauge and mileage count. This way you have evidence that all was in order when you handed over the keys and these images can be presented if you need to make a case or claim of unexpected charges to your card. Lastly, be sure you have ALL your belongings. Check glove compartments, the boot and back seat areas, the middle console, and the most forgotten about gaps – the sides of the doors. There is a slim chance you will get anything back that you have forgotten no matter how honest you want to believe that people are. A final thought: If you have all the necessary and essential paperwork and documentation in order there is no reason why renting a vehicle abroad should cause any headache. The world is becoming easier to explore, to venture out into, and driving wherever the wind takes you is as easy as shopping for the perfect rented car. The practice of renting out cars has been around for centuries, only now we have more options, and it’s more fun, win-win. Read Also: Compasses & Outdoor Tools Buying Guide Factors To Consider While Preparing For A Move How to Travel in Style

Make the Most of a Business Trip to Chicago

As one of the financial hubs of the entire nation, millions of business travelers make their way to Chicago each year. Fortunately for all of these visitors, the Windy City is ripe with interesting things to see and do so that you can make the most out of your work in this vibrant area. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you try to squeeze all that you can out of this amazing city: MAKE TIME FOR THE FOOD As one of the world's most premier destinations for dining, you cannot leave Chicago without partaking in some of its most iconic foods. To start, you must sample the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza. Everyone has a favorite, but some of the top choices include Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Pizzeria Uno. If you are looking for something more casual on your lunch break, head to Portillo's for a taste of the beloved hot beef sandwich or to Gene & Jude’s for a classic Chicago hot dog. Because the city is such a melting pot of people and cultures, you are sure to find a variety of ethnic foods to suit any taste bud. The only thing left to do is to dig in and enjoy. Location, Location, Location! It is no secret that Chicago is a massive city. Choosing hotel accommodations that are convenient to your business trip will save you an immense amount of time and headache while leaving you more free time to have fun. If your business takes you to the downtown area, an ideal choice is the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. This world-class hotel is connected to the McCormick Place showroom floor, giving you easy access to this convention center. Whatever hotel that you choose, be sure to select one that affords easy access to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system, also known as the "L." Bring Your Spending Money Chicago is a shopper's paradise. A wide array of indoor and outdoor shopping centers make Chicago a mecca for shoppers. Be sure to bring along a little extra money and allow some time to check out all that the city has to offer. The Magnificent Mile boasts some of the most exclusive names in the world, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. Right along the Magnificent Mile, you will find the Water Tower Place. This eight-story mall features over 100 stores and a variety of dining options. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, Chicago invites you to shop till you drop! Get In Touch With Your Cultural Side Chicago is a haven for art lovers and aficionados of all things culture. An amazing selection of museums could keep you busy for days. The Art Institute of Chicago is the granddaddy of them all and should not be missed. As the second-largest art museum in the country, you will never run out of things to marvel at while visiting this destination. As a bonus, its central location in the famed Grant Park will combine two must-see attractions into one visit. You will want to come back to Chicago again and again for business once you see how pleasurable this premier destination can be. Read Also: Enjoy All That Chicago Has To Offer Lyft Vs. Uber: What’s The Difference Between The Ridesharing Giants?

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

The American Express Gold Card: A Culinary Approach to Travel

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

Experience The Charm And Allure Of The Island Of Ireland With Indus Travels

Exploring Frisco, Texas: Top Attractions & Activities Guide

Abdul Aziz Mondol

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.

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Top Denver Activities for 2019

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The American Express Gold Card: A Culinary Approach to Travel

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Experience The Charm And Allure Of The Island Of Ireland With Indus Travels

Exploring Frisco, Texas: Top Attractions & Activities Guide

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.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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