American Express® Gold Card vs IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

This comparison aims to help you decide between the American Express® Gold Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and travel preferences.

Card Overviews

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is designed for foodies and travelers, offering generous rewards for dining and grocery purchases. With a focus on Membership Rewards points, this card provides a variety of benefits that cater to frequent diners and travelers alike.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is perfect for those who frequently stay at IHG hotels. It offers substantial rewards points for hotel stays and travel-related purchases, as well as perks like free nights and elite status, making it ideal for loyal IHG guests.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Rewards Highlights

American Express® Gold Card

• 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.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Pros and Cons

American Express® Gold Card

• Pros:
  • High rewards for dining and grocery purchases
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Multiple dining credits
  • No foreign transaction fees
• Cons:
  • Higher annual fee
  • Limited rewards on non-dining and non-grocery spending

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Pros:
  • Low annual fee
  • Significant welcome bonus
  • Anniversary free night
  • Automatic elite status
• Cons:
  • Rewards are heavily tied to IHG hotels
  • Limited rewards on non-travel spending

Who Should Consider Which Card?

• The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for individuals who frequently dine out or shop at supermarkets and want to earn points on everyday purchases.
• The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is best suited for travelers who often stay at IHG properties and want to maximize their hotel rewards and benefits.

Conclusion

Both the American Express® Gold Card and the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offer compelling rewards and benefits suited to different lifestyles. Consider your individual spending habits and travel preferences 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.”