Choosing the right credit card is like picking a sidekick—you want one that complements your lifestyle and boosts your benefits.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is a hot favorite among frequent travelers and those who relish premium perks.

But with a yearly fee that might make you gulp, is it really the best choice? In this review, we’ll peel back the layers of what this card offers and pit it against the Barclaycard Rewards Card to help you find your perfect match.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is for those who want to rack up points while savoring a bit of luxury on their travels.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is like a Swiss Army knife for travelers—loaded with features.

You’ll earn 2 points per £1 spent on airlines or foreign currency, and 1 point per £1 on everything else. These points are your ticket to travel, shopping, and dining rewards.

The card also rolls out the red carpet with travel perks like 2 complimentary airport lounge visits per year through Priority Pass.

Frequent flyers, rejoice! You’ll also enjoy travel insurance that covers everything from delays to cancellations.

Plus, no interest on purchases for up to 56 days—just pay your balance in full each month to stay in the clear.

Details

Before you jump on the Amex Gold train, let’s weigh the goodies against the gotchas. This will help you decide if the card suits your spending style and financial goals.

To get your hands on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, you’ll need to check a few boxes:

Now you’ve seen all sides of this card – not just the golden shiny side. So, do you think it’s worth applying for? Keep reading, you’re almost there.

Applying for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card is as simple as pie:

Now, let’s see how the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card squares up against the Barclaycard Rewards Card.

The Barclaycard Rewards Card is the no-frills hero for those who want simplicity—no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees make it perfect for budget-savvy travelers.

You’ll get 0.25% cashback on all purchases, whether at home or abroad, which might be more appealing if premium perks aren’t your thing.

However, the Barclaycard doesn’t come with the red-carpet treatment like lounge access or hotel upgrades that the Amex Gold Card offers.

Plus, the rewards rate on the Amex Gold can be more lucrative, especially if you’re maximizing those bonus categories and the welcome offer.

Ready to make the call? Don’t forget to check out our detailed review on the following of the Barclaycard Rewards Card for the full scoop.