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

Denver

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

READ MOREDetails
slider-img

How Much Will You Pay To See Landmarks During Lockdown?

It’s a very strange time we’re living in, our daily lives have been turned upside down, our social lives are non-existent and our priorities have completely changed. Just one of the impacts of this crisis is the housing market, with property buyers unable to view new homes and sellers unable to shift houses. With buyers now spending a substantial amount of time inside their homes, we realize now more than ever what is important to us when it comes to making an offer. Practical aspects such as nearby schools, ground rent, and full searches to determine if possessory title insurance from LawSure could soon be replaced with priorities such as space for a home office, nearby parks and exercise routes, and a garden that can safely allow social distancing when buying a new home. For some of us feeling isolated, we are taking comfort in the views our homes can benefit from, whether this is a beach, mountain, or famous landmark. While others are now wishing they had put more thought into what their windows look out to. With the summer holidays approaching and the idea of enjoying these warmer months like we once did diminishing, we curiously look into how much we would have to pay to benefit from a property that allows us to see some of the UK’s favourite landmarks. Do you think it’s worth paying this much to be one of the exclusive few who can still enjoy these sights, even in lockdown? 1. Big Ben If you want a private view of the world’s most famous clock tower, it certainly will cost you. Just under £30 million will provide you with a secluded roof terrace on top of your property where you can enjoy the ringing of Big Ben morning, noon, and night. Built-in 1859, the tower has been an iconic part of London’s skyline for over two centuries and is a hot tourist spot of holiday photos. You can spend as much time as you please taking selfies of Big Ben if you are willing to pay the premium price. However, you do also get seven bedrooms, an indoor pool, snooker room, home cinema, and countless other entertainment rooms. If you can afford this epic lifestyle, you’ll probably find something more fun to do during lockdown than staring across the horizon. 2. The Tower of London Even for those with little knowledge of London know about The Tower of London. Depicted in countless period dramas for its grisly history of executions and the main target of modern-day villains for attempting to steal the crown jewels, it’s as famous as the royal family. The last execution was performed in 1941, this was by firing squad and thankfully not the infamous guillotine. While £30 for an adult admission ticket may seem steep, wait until you hear how much it costs to live nearby. An apartment on the opposite side of the river bank recently sold for £9,500,000 and came with a private riverside terrace that allows spectacular views of the iconic London skyline. 3. Windsor Castle So far the above properties may have two of the most iconic landmarks in England but during the lockdown, they are lacking the one attraction that brings millions of tourists to the UK every year. The royal family, more specifically Queen Elizabeth II brings a substantial amount of revenue to businesses across the UK, but at the moment, she isn’t even in London. Her majesty is spending quarantine in Windsor Castle, the favourite of her many homes. You can purchase a home of the same streets as the gates to the castle for just under £1.5 million. You may think it is a bargain as you’ll be rubbing shoulder with royalty and can even boast that you share the same postcode. However, this price only gets you a small terrace house with a very modest garden and no parking. A high price to pay when you’ll probably be shunned away if you ask your royal neighbour if you can borrow a cup of sugar. 4. Edinburgh Castle Castles sweep the countryside in the UK and Edinburgh Castle is certainly one of the most iconic. From a fortress to a prison in the 1700s and now a tourist attraction, the castle has certainly had its fair share of uses. The most famous event that takes place today is the New Year's Eve firework display that attracts over a million visitors from all over the world. If you love the idea of an epic firework display but loath large crowds of people, you could always purchase a nearby property to benefit from a private viewing. Firstly, you’ll need £1,388,500, this will get you an apartment overlooking the castle with a balcony for that perfect view. Although for that price, we might just settle to watching them on TV instead. Ben Nevis Staying in Scotland, Ben Nevis is the tallest summit in the UK and is located in the picturesque Highlands. The average house price in this area is £200,000, not bad right? While many properties are at this mark, they don’t sit at the base of this impressive mountain. If you want to witness this every day, you’ll be looking at £600,000. The valley is vast enough for you to get a little more for your money though, the houses are significantly larger than most in the area and your £600k will get you eight bedrooms. Blackpool Tower Try to think of a classic British beach holiday and you’ll immediately think of Blackpool. The iconic arcades, donkeys and nightlife are famous as the quintessential English summer holiday. Teamed with Blackpool Tower and you couldn’t get a more postcard-perfect spot. As a built-up area, there are plenty of homes that you can see the tower from, especially as it’s grand height. Blackpool Tower was once the tallest structure in the UK, standing at 158m. It’s not dwarfed by the current record holder, The Shard, at 310m. If you want to always feel like it’s summer, it will cost £100,000. So do you think it’s worth forking out this kind of cash to be able to feel like a tourist on holiday every day? Or are you happy to save those pennies and wait until the lockdown is lifted and pay general admission? Perhaps your window skyline is so tiring, any chance in scenery would be a good one, no matter what you can see! Read Also: Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property 5 ideal London locations you may not have considered staying 5 London Modern Art Galleries That Deserve More Attention

READ MOREDetails
New York City, United States

The Top Destinations for New Year Celebrations

Had an excellent year? Good for you. Had a crappy one? Move on and put it behind you. That’s the thing about the New Year. You can start afresh with renewed plans and spirits. If you start 2017 on a good note, things are likely to go uphill from there. Many of you may already have plans for New Year’s Eve while some of you may be procrastinating. For those who are enthusiastically making plans, you are on the right track. Those still lazing around will most likely end up mopping at home as the clock strikes 12 and the New Year begins. This is the time for action. Buy miles to make the trip possible at a low cost. You are at the right place if you are trying to figure out the best destinations for New Year Celebrations. Here are some of the most popular ones around the world! New York City, United States The New Year festivities in New York City are contagious. The city’s biggest and most iconic gathering is held at Times Square where more than a million people gather to share the fun and excitement as the clock strikes 12! Every year a flashy ball drops while the countdown occurs. This celebration is somewhat of a yearly ritual now. We hope it continues with as much zeal as it does now. Expect to see celebrities at the event too. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio is known to throw the best carnivals and parties. No one can possibly dispute this claim. The most popular New Year’s Eve gathering is held the beautiful Copacabana Beach. Colorful fireworks cover the sky as the celebrations begin and the live musical performances make the surroundings pretty happening. Sydney, Australia Sydneysiders take New Year celebrations quite seriously and the parties are spread all across the city. The fireworks display in Sydney truly stuns all onlookers and many claims this display is arguably the best one among all displays around the world. The New Year Party at the Bondi beach should not be missed at any cost! Berlin, Germany Berlin is already known for its wild parties and exotic nightlife so it comes as no surprise that their New Year celebrations are extraordinary as well. The celebrations in Berlin usually go on until the sun dawns on a brand new day. Las Vegas, United States After New York City, the next big city famous for its New Year celebrations is Las Vegas. No cars are allowed on the Las Vegas strip as the New Year celebrations heat up. Live concerts keep the atmosphere alive and the people dance like there is no tomorrow. Fireworks are launched from multiple locations so you possibly cannot miss seeing them illuminate the sky. Paris, France Of course, the ultimate place to be at in Paris on New Year’s Eve is the Eiffel tower where the lights show and colorful display of fireworks illuminate the surroundings. Also, there are many great parties held at different clubs and bars in the city.

READ MOREDetails