American Express Gold or Chase United Explorer?
Chase United Explorer returns $230 over its fee and American Express Gold returns $99, so the fee difference comes down to which categories you use.


| CATEGORY | GOLD | UNITED EXPLORER |
|---|---|---|
| 🍽️Food & Dining | $424 | $120 |
| 🌎Travel | — | $200 |
| 🚗Transportation | $120 | $60 |
| ✨Lifestyle | $120 | — |
| Total credits | $424 | $380 |
| Annual fee | $325 | $150 |
| Net value | +$99 | +$230 |
You use food & dining, transportation, lifestyle. Lifestyle alone is worth $120 here and nothing on the United Explorer.
You use travel. Travel alone is worth $200 here and nothing on the Amex Gold.
Where to use each card
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Gold or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase United Explorer is better with $230 net annual value compared to the American Express Gold at $99. The Chase United Explorer wins by $131/year.
What's the difference between American Express Gold and Chase United Explorer?
The key differences: American Express Gold has a $325 annual fee and $424 in annual benefits, while Chase United Explorer has a $150 annual fee and $380 in annual benefits. The annual fee difference is $175.
Which has a lower annual fee, American Express Gold or Chase United Explorer?
The Chase United Explorer has a lower annual fee at $150 compared to the American Express Gold at $325. However, the American Express Gold offers $424 in total annual benefits.
Is the Chase United Explorer worth it compared to the American Express Gold?
Yes, the Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value compared to $99 for the American Express Gold. It also has a lower annual fee.
Amex vs Chase: which issuer is better?
For these specific cards, Chase's Chase United Explorer offers better value with $230 net annual value. Consider which issuer's broader ecosystem (transfer partners, redemption options) fits your needs.
Which card is better for food_and_dining?
The American Express Gold is better for food_and_dining with $424 in annual food_and_dining benefits compared to $120 for the Chase United Explorer.
Should I get the Chase United Explorer?
If you're deciding between the American Express Gold and Chase United Explorer, the Chase United Explorer is the better choice with $230 net annual value. However, make sure you can use the key benefits to maximize value. Compare the full benefit breakdown to see which fits your spending better.
Other comparisons
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- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
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MORE UNITED EXPLORER COMPARISONS
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- vs. Amex Business Platinum
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve
- vs. Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
- vs. Amex Green
- vs. Amex Hilton Honors Aspire
- vs. Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
- vs. Amex Platinum
- vs. Amex Platinum (Charles Schwab)
- vs. Amex Platinum (Morgan Stanley)
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- vs. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards
- vs. Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
- vs. Capital One Venture X
- vs. Capital One Venture X Business
- vs. Hyatt
- vs. Sapphire Preferred
- vs. Sapphire Reserve
- vs. Sapphire Reserve for Business
- vs. United Club
- vs. United Quest
- vs. IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
- vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card
- vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- vs. The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card
- vs. United Business Card
- vs. United Club Business Card
- vs. Citi AAdvantage Executive
- vs. Citi Strata Elite
- vs. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
- vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey