In the realm of mid-tier travel credit cards, the competition is fierce, with two standout contenders vying for your attention: Amex Green vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred. These financial powerhouses have been designed to cater to the needs and desires of credit card enthusiasts and seasoned travelers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve deep into the world of these two credit cards, dissecting their annual fees, welcome bonuses, point-earning potential, travel benefits, and much more. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card is the ideal companion for your journeys and financial adventures.
The Basics: Annual Fees and Credits
Let’s kick things off by dissecting the annual fees and credits associated with these two credit cards. Understanding the cost of ownership and the benefits that come with it is essential before delving into the nitty-gritty of these cards.
American Express (Amex) Green Card:
- Annual Fee: $150
- Credits:
- $189 Clear Credit: This credit allows you to experience the convenience of expedited airport security through the Clear system.
- $100 LoungeBuddy Credit: Access airport lounges with ease using this credit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Credits:
When it comes to annual fees, the American Express (Amex) Green Card carries a slightly higher price tag at $150. However, this annual fee can be offset by the credits it provides, making the effective annual fee just $139. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, on the other hand, boasts a lower annual fee of $95, which can be further reduced to an effective annual fee of $75 after considering its credits. Both cards offer the advantage of no foreign transaction fees, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s acceptance abroad is bolstered by its Visa affiliation.
The Welcoming Bonuses
One of the most enticing aspects of credit cards is the promise of lucrative welcome bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what both the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer to new cardholders.
American Express (Amex) Green Card:
- Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $3,000 in the first six months.
- Additional Bonus: Get $20 back on eligible travel and transit spend (up to $200) in the first six months.
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
The Amex Green Card’s welcome bonus is not only generous but also offers a longer spending period of six months, making it more accessible to a wider range of cardholders. With the potential value of the bonus reaching $800 or more, this card certainly starts with a compelling offer. In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Preferred requires a slightly higher initial spend of $4,000 in the first three months. While it’s still a strong bonus, it’s worth approximately $750, making the Amex Green Card the more attractive option in terms of bonus value.
Earning Points: What’s on the Menu?
Earning points is the heart and soul of these travel credit cards. Both the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred offer various point-earning categories to cater to different spending habits and preferences.
American Express (Amex) Green Card:
- 3x Points on Travel: This category includes flights, hotels, and vacation rentals.
- 3x Points on Transit: Earn triple points on train rides, bus journeys, ferry trips, subways, Ubers, and more.
- 3x Points on Dining: Enjoy dining out at restaurants worldwide.
- 1x Points on All Other Purchases: This category covers all other types of spending.
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- 5x Points on Chase Travel: Maximize your earnings when you book travel through Chase.
- 2x Points on All Other Travel: This category is broader and includes various travel expenses.
- 3x Points on Dining: Satisfy your taste buds and your points balance with dining purchases.
- 3x Points on Online Grocery: Stock up on groceries and earn bonus points.
- 3x Points on Streaming Services: Enjoy your favorite shows and music with extra point earnings.
- 1x Points on All Other Purchases: Standard points apply to all other spending.
The point-earning categories of these cards cater to different lifestyles and preferences. The Amex Green Card focuses on travel and dining, offering a robust 3x points in both categories. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred casts a wider net with additional categories like online grocery and streaming services. It’s essential to consider your spending habits when choosing between these two cards.
Making the Most of Your Points: Redemption Options
Earning points is only part of the equation; redeeming them effectively is equally important. Both cards offer multiple redemption options, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers an advantage when it comes to certain redemptions.
Both cards allow you to transfer points to a variety of airline and hotel partners, which can be an excellent way to maximize the value of your points. However, the Sapphire Preferred offers a compelling benefit when redeeming points through the Chase travel portal, where points are worth 1.25 cents each. This means that for certain types of travel bookings, you can stretch your points further with the Sapphire Preferred.
Travel Benefits: More Than Just Points
Travel benefits can significantly enhance the value of a credit card. Let’s explore the travel-related advantages offered by the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
American Express (Amex) Green Card:
- $100 LoungeBuddy Credit: Access airport lounges with ease and enjoy the comforts of pre-flight relaxation.
- Secondary Collision Damage Waiver: Receive secondary rental car insurance when using the Amex Green Card for bookings.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance: Use Amex points to book travel and enjoy primary rental car insurance.
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
- $50 Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit: Save on hotel bookings made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
- No Lounge Access Benefits: The Chase Sapphire Preferred does not provide complimentary lounge access.
- Primary Collision Damage Waiver: Enjoy the peace of mind with primary rental car insurance when using the Sapphire Preferred.
Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the advantages offered by both cards. The Amex Green Card is particularly strong in the lounge access department with its $100 LoungeBuddy Credit. Additionally, it provides primary rental car insurance when you use Amex points to book travel. On the other hand, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, which can be used to save on hotel bookings made through the Chase portal. Moreover, it provides primary collision damage waiver insurance, which is especially valuable when renting a car.
The Verdict: Which Card Is Right for You?
Now that we’ve thoroughly explored the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred, it’s time to draw some conclusions. Both of these credit cards have their unique strengths, and the right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and priorities.
American Express (Amex) Green Card:
Pros:
- Generous welcome bonus with a longer spending period.
- Focused on travel and dining, offering 3x points in both categories.
- Valuable travel credits, including Clear Credit and LoungeBuddy Credit.
Cons:
- Points redemption value may be slightly lower.
- Primary rental car insurance only applies when using Amex points for bookings.
Chase Sapphire Preferred:
Pros:
- Slightly lower annual fee with effective credits, making it more cost-effective.
- Versatile point-earning categories, including online grocery and streaming services.
- Offers a valuable primary collision damage waiver for rental cars.
Cons:
- Welcome bonus requires a higher initial spend in a shorter time frame.
- No lounge access benefits provided.
Conclusion
While both cards offer enticing benefits and rewards, the Amex Green Card comes out as a strong contender for those who love to travel and dine out. Its generous welcome bonus, travel-focused points earning, and valuable travel credits make it a solid choice for maximizing rewards. However, for beginners and those seeking simplicity, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a user-friendly experience with a lower effective annual fee and primary collision damage waiver insurance. Ultimately, the choice between these two cards should align with your specific preferences, spending habits, and travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which card is better for frequent travelers: the Amex Green Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Amex Green Card is generally better for those who travel frequently due to its higher point-earning rates on travel and dining. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers primary collision damage waiver coverage, which could be valuable for travelers who rent cars often.
How do I decide which card is right for me if I’m a beginner in credit cards?
If you’re new to credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred may be a better choice due to its straightforward redemption options through the Chase travel portal. It’s also an excellent card to start building your credit history.
What are the differences in point redemption between these two cards?
Both cards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers better redemption value through the Chase travel portal, where points are worth 1.25 cents each. Amex Green Card’s value depends on how you redeem points, but it offers more transfer partners and transfer bonuses.
Do these cards have foreign transaction fees, and which one is better for international travel?
Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred may have a slight edge in terms of acceptance worldwide because it’s a Visa card.
Can I get both cards to maximize rewards?
Yes, you can get both the Amex Green Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred to take advantage of their respective strengths. This allows you to earn points in different categories and access various benefits. However, make sure to manage your credit responsibly when holding multiple credit cards.