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.

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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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Fortunately, India is crowned with the mighty range of the Himalayas which give way to a plethora of mesmerizing hill stations in India. The northern part of India is totally covered with these exquisite hill stations, which offer a panoramic view and pacify one’s heart to the deepest. If you are thinking of a nice way to escape the city bustle this vacation, then visit the hill stations of the north. With a myriad of options to visit, like Manali, Shimla, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Darjeeling and many more, it may be quite a quandary to decide where to go, and which hill station to choose among the many options. To help you out, this article presents you with an enchanting glimpse of Darjeeling, the Queen of Hill Stations. Check for the tour packages for Darjeeling and you can save a lot of money, as compared to individual tripping. Here are some of the beautiful places that may pep your interest while in Darjeeling. Have a look. Read More: Top 5 Tourist Attractions Within And Around Mumbai A Visit to Darjeeling is All you Need this Vacation: 1. Tiger Hill: this is the hotspot of Darjeeling. The highest peak of the town, this spot gives you a mesmerizing view of the entire city. This hilltop presents a breathtaking view of the sunrise, which kisses the entire sky with its golden orangish hues. A look below from this peak will give you a green glimpse of the city, which is entirely basked with a thick forest cover and mountains and valleys. Visit the place to experience the best sunrise and sunsets of your life and enchant your souls like never before. Read More: How About A Royal Visit To The Magnificent Mysore Palace? 2. Botanical Garden: Also known as the Lloyd Botanical Garden, this place is sprawled over 40 acres of land. It is a paradise for nature and animal lovers, and if you are interested in botany, this is bound to stir your interest. Housing a myriads of species of flora and fauna, the place is a perfect delight for a peaceful and serene time in the lap of nature. 3. Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car-- or simply Ropeway is a very popular tourist attraction. A 3 km long ascend to the mountains will give you a jaw-dropping view of the lush green tea estates below. Travel up amidst the white of the clouds, go blurred and look down to a thick green span. The ropeway has been modernized now and strives to woo the hearts of its tourists very successfully. 4. Senchal Lake: it is a popular lake near Tiger Hill. serving as the source for drinking water to entire Darjeeling, this lake is revered and holds significant importance. Now, it is a very popular picnic spot, and tourists flock here to spend a nice relaxing and chilled out time. Friends gossip here and sit here for hours, playing games and enthralling themselves. This lake is a major catch of most of the tour packages for Darjeeling. 5. Dhirdham Temple: if you are visiting Darjeeling by train, visit this temple which is located at a stone’s throw from the railway station. It is quite similar to the famous Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu. Visit this. Read More: 5 Mind-Blowing Places To Visit In The Holy City Of Haridwar Inside The Sublime Environs Of Kalpa – A Guide To Best Places Where Are You Celebrating Holi This Year?

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MUST VISIT PLACES IN THE WORLD

Top 11 Must Visit Places In The World (2024 Update)

Much has been said about some of the world’s most enchanting destinations. In fact, the earth is replete with so many such places that no single list is ever exhaustive. There are some must visit places in the world which you should visit. If you are someone who enjoys the thrill of visiting new countries and gathering experiences, you should pay attention to our list. While traveling through a travel company can be a great option, leading travel experts suggest that driving around and discovering places will help generate better experiences and add to the convenience. All you need to do is get help from an International Driving Guide, and you will be well on your way to exploring all the wonderful places that we have mentioned on the list. The places in this article are not only famous for their aesthetic quality but their rich history as well. Here Are The Top 11 Must Visit Places In The World The following are the top 11 must visit places in the world: 1. 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The spas have been used by locals and visitors alike, who bathe and swim in the warm water for its health benefits.  Among the ailments the spas can cure include rheumatism, high blood pressure, kidney stones, stroke, and circulatory problems. The stunning scenery made by these mineral waters is reminiscent of a fairy tale movie. Between the fluffy white precipitate covering the landscape and the milky water, one feels teleported to a strange and mystical yet very relaxing world. 3. Marrakech, Morocco If you are as fond of medieval cities as I am, then Marrakech is worth checking out. Located in Western Morocco, Marrakech is a rich tapestry of quaint Berber architecture. The city’s main square, Jemaa El Fna, doubles up as a bustling market with colorful wares, from intricate mats and carpets to henna artists and ornate pots.  Amid the whiffs of incense and a myriad of other scents, you will encounter snake charmers and street performers in equal measure. Among the most remarkable features that the city has, is the Koutoubia Mosque, which was built in the 12th Century. The city also has gorgeous gardens as well as a 19th Century palace known as the Bahia Palace. Should you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, a trip up the nearby Atlas Mountains might be just the change you need. The temperature on these ice peaked Mountains is as different from the stifling heat of Marrakech as can be. This is one of the must visit places in the world. 4. Lake Louise, Canada This perfect postcard destination has a surreal feel to it that is almost impossible to put into words. Set in the Canadian Rockies, the deeply turquoise blue lake is sandwiched between two ice-peaked Rocky Mountains. A picture-perfect vista that is bound to inspire anyone, the Lake has activities all year round. It is the Rocky Mountains that host skiing enthusiasts all year long, not to mention hikers and campers. 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Of course, there are “more must visit places in the world.” What do you have in mind? Please share your opinions and experiences in the comments section below. Read Also: Exploring Amazing Things And Places In And Around Bangalore Healthy and Hearty: 5 Iconic Spots to Eat in Chicago The Ultimate London Bucket List for 2019 The Highest Mountains In The World

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outdoor tools

Compasses & Outdoor Tools Buying Guide

Custom imprinted compasses and outdoor tools with your corporate logo are unique gifts that can be used to boost your brand with targeted audiences in sports or outdoor-related businesses. Giving custom imprinted compasses and outdoor tools are functional and fun promo gifts that can be used to boost sales. There’s a wide selection of different promotional compasses and outdoor tool gifts available for your next marketing campaign! Custom imprinted compasses and outdoor tools with your corporate logo come in the following types such as multi-function pedometers, backpack sets, hydration packs, binoculars, hiker’s tools, compasses, weather stations, flashlights, lanterns, emergency kits, multi-functional tool, and much more! High Sierra Tahoe Binoculars Ideal for sporting and outdoor events such as hiking, camping, and hunting. 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What is the intended use of the promotional compasses and outdoor tools?  Functional, multi-tool gifts for outdoor or sports-related business events, tradeshows, outdoor events? Style of promotional compasses and outdoor tools – various types of compasses, outdoor tools with multi-function capability Types of custom imprinted outdoor tools and compasses with your corporate logo; multi-function pedometers, backpack sets, hydration packs, binoculars, hiker’s tools, compasses, weather stations, flashlights, lanterns, emergency kits, multi-function tools Material – made of durable materials, damp-proof? Will these promotional outdoor tools last for years to come? 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