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American Express® Gold Card vs Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Compare Rewards, Interest Rates, Fees, and Benefits

American Express Gold Card is an excellent rewards card for cardholders who pay in full. How does it compare to Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express, a hotel credit card? Read our comparison chart below.

Keep in mind, the American Express Gold Card has a $125 annual fee, while the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card has a $65 annual fee. Both cards' annual fees are waived for the first year.


 American Express® Gold CardStarwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
 Apply for American Express® Gold CardApply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
 

American Express® Gold Card

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

 Personal Charge CardPersonal Credit Card
 
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending LimitEvents
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsAirline RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Airline RewardsInstant Approval
 
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
  • Starpoints® BONUS: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months – enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel.
  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
 

Card Interest Rates & Fees

Purchases APR as low as 15.24% to 19.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Balance Transfers APR as low as 15.24% to 19.24% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness and other factors
Annual Fee$125 annual fee, annual fee waived for first year$65 annual fee, annual fee waived for first year
 

Card Rewards & Benefits

Introductory Bonus Hotel Rewards Introductory Bonus Hotel Rewards: Starpoints® Bonus: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5K within 6 months - enough for up to 6 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel
Airline Rewards Airline Rewards: Redeem Starpoints for SPG Award flights on over 350 airlines -- all without blackout dates. Transfer Starpoints to more than 30 airline frequent flyer programs, mostly on a one-to-one basis.
Hotel Rewards Hotel Rewards: Get 1 Starpoint for every eligible dollar spent. Receive up to 5 Starpoints for every eligible dollar spent at Starwood hotels and resorts.
Point RewardsPoint Rewards: Earn 1 point for virtually every dollar spent. 
Travel RewardsTravel Rewards: Pay with points for travel and fly anytime, anywhere -- there are no blackout dates or restrictions. 
Bonus Airline Rewards Bonus Airline Rewards: Receive a 5,000 Starpoint Bonus when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to a frequent flyer program.
Hotel StatusHotel Status: Gold Card Hotel Program includes $75 dining credit with a stay of two nights or more at hundreds of Sheraton, Westin, W, and Le Meridien hotels and resorts when booking with goldcarddestinations.comHotel Status: Earn SPG Gold Status by spending $30,000 or more on your Card in a calendar year. Receive credit for 5 nights toward SPG elite status each year. Enjoy your third night free at participating Sheraton hotels and resorts.
 Go to issuer's official application, terms, and detailsGo to issuer's official application, terms, and details
 

CreditDonkey® Card Reviews

 American Express® Gold CardStarwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Gold card events
  • Great customer service
  • Exclusive travel benefits
  • Responsible charge card
Cons:
  • $125 annual fee
Pros:
  • Earn bonus points upon first purchase
  • Flexible transfer to airlines miles
Cons:
  • $65 annual fee
Bottom LineExcellent rewards card for cardholders who pay in full... Read full review Read full review
 Apply for American Express® Gold CardApply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

See issuer's website for details including terms and conditions. While reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate and updated information, the information shown on this site may vary, be out of date, or not applicable to you. All information is provided without warranty. When you click on the Apply Now button, you can review the terms and conditions on the issuer's website.

Blank fields indicate either the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the issuer's website for details.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on American Express® Gold Card

    American Express Gold Card Review: $125 Annual Fee vs Perks

    American Express Gold Card Review: $125 Annual Fee vs Perks

    July 30, 2011 - By Meghan Clark - Review for American Express Gold Card
    American Express has long been known for its superior service and perks. But whether the annual fee is worth the investment for you ultimately depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. We've crunched the numbers below so you can see if the ...

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Articles on Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

    AMEX Starwood Review: Free Nights at Hotels

    AMEX Starwood Review: Free Nights at Hotels

    December 16, 2011 - By David R - Review for Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card
    The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card is a great card for travelers because of its hotel and airline perks. This card is offered through American Express and Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

    Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.


Compare American Express Gold Card to:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel Rewards
  • 25,000 Membership Rewards® points bonus when you spend $2,000 during your first three months of Card membership
  • GLOBAL Travel benefits: Access over 600 lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select, no foreign transaction fees, skip U.S. customs lines with Global Entry.
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • Receive a companion ticket for discounted travel when you purchase a qualifying First- or Business-Class international ticket. Additional charges/taxes apply.
  • 24/7 Platinum Card® Concierge service for assistance with reservations, travel, gifts, and more
  • FINE HOTELS & RESORTS Program: exclusive upgrades and amenities at over 700 boutique, resort, and luxury hotels worldwide
  • Use Membership Rewards Pay with Points for part or all of your travel and get 20% of
Apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
0% for 12 months
-
17.24% - 22.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsInstant ApprovalGas Rewards
  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time
Apply for Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express
American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Introductory Bonus Reward PointsAirline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel Rewards
  • Membership Rewards(R) bonus: 25K points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $250, when you spend $2,000 in your first three months of card membership
  • Membership Rewards(R) points multiply fast! Earn 3X points on airfare, 2X points on gas and groceries, 1X points on everything else
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Destinations and events – Enjoy special travel packages and amenities at hotels worldwide, as well as select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more, nationwide.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $175
  • Get approved in 60-seconds.
Apply for American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card

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Compare Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card to:

Marriott Rewards® Credit Card
Apply for Marriott Rewards® Credit Card
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after your first use, redeemable for up to 4 free nights; plus receive 2 free night stay e-certificates upon account approval, that's enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 hotel
  • No Annual fee for your first year that's a $45 value*
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
  • Cardmembers achieve Silver elite status with 10 nights credit toward Elite status
  • Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsHotel RewardsBonus Hotel RewardsNo Limits on Rewards
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
14.24% (Variable)
$45

Citi® Hilton HHonors Visa Signature® Card
Apply for Citi® Hilton HHonors Visa Signature® Card
  • Earn 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after spending $1,000 within 4 months of account opening*
  • Earn 6 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent at a participating hotel within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.*
  • Earn 3 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations.*
  • Earn 2 HHonors Bonus Points for each $1 spent on all other purchases.*
  • No annual fee.*
Introductory Bonus Hotel RewardsHotel RewardsDrugstore RewardsGas RewardsGrocery RewardsNo Expiration on RewardsNo Limits on RewardsNo Pre-Set Spending LimitConcierge Car Rental InsurancePurchase ProtectionTravel Accident Insurance$0 Fraud LiabilityEmergency AssistanceIdentity Theft Assistance
Intro APR for PurchasesIntro APR for Balance TransferAPR as low asAnnual Fee
--
14.24% - 16.24% (Variable)
$0

How to Get Hotel Room Upgrades

Hotels are our homes away from home when we’re on vacation, which makes it important to find comfortable rooms where we can relax at the end of a busy day. While many travelers would probably prefer the amenities of a luxury suite, the price ...

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