United Gateway vs Amex Gold: Which Is Better In 2025?

American Express® Gold Card Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why the American Express® Gold Card (See Rates & Fees) is a top contender for foodies and frequent flyers alike.

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• The card offers generous rewards on everyday spending at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
• It provides valuable monthly credits for dining and rideshares, along with useful travel perks.
• Its rewards points are highly flexible and can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners.

Terms Apply.

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Pros

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• Exceptional rewards on food-related spending, from restaurants to U.S. supermarkets.
• Valuable annual credits for dining and Uber use in the U.S.
• Flexible points that can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs.

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Cons

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• The card carries a notable annual fee.
• Annual credits are distributed in monthly increments, which can be restrictive, and some benefits require enrollment.
• It has more limited acceptance than Visa or Mastercard, which can be a drawback for international travelers.

American Express® Gold Card vs United Gateway

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Categories

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When deciding which is better, United Gateway or Amex Gold, it's crucial to look at your personal spending habits and travel preferences as each card caters to a very different type of consumer.

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• United Gateway℠ Card: This card is an excellent entry-level option for occasional United Airlines flyers, budget-conscious travelers, or credit card beginners looking to earn miles without a financial commitment.
• American Express® Gold Card: This card is geared toward frequent travelers and food enthusiasts who spend significantly on dining and groceries and can take full advantage of the card's premium benefits.

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Redemption

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United Gateway℠ Card: Rewards are earned as miles that can be redeemed primarily for United flights, seat upgrades, and other travel purchases through the United ecosystem.

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American Express® Gold Card: Points offer greater flexibility, allowing transfers to a wide array of airline and hotel partners or for redemptions through the Amex travel portal.

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Travel Perks

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• United Gateway℠ Card: As a card focused on the United Airlines ecosystem, its main travel perks are centered on the airline itself. Cardholders receive a statement credit for 25% back on in-flight purchases, including food, beverages, and Wi-Fi on United-operated flights. However, the card does charge a foreign transaction fee, and it does not include airport lounge access.
• American Express® Gold Card: This card is built for broader travel and has no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong choice for international trips. While it doesn't offer complimentary lounge access, cardholders can receive an experience credit on eligible stays of two nights or more when booking through The Hotel Collection. All travel can be managed through the flexible American Express Travel portal. Terms apply.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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For those looking to eliminate the guesswork, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards by analyzing your personal spending habits.

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• The ability to 'test drive' credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized earning projections before you apply.
• Receive personalized card recommendations based on your actual transaction history, not generic suggestions.
• Manage multiple cards, monitor your credit score, and track spending all in one place.
• Access to unique benefits like a welcome offer guarantee, a $100 Kickstart+ reward on select cards, and detailed approval odds.

Who Should Choose the United Gateway?

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The United Gateway℠ Card is an excellent choice for occasional United Airlines flyers who want to earn miles without committing to an annual fee. It's particularly well-suited for credit card beginners, thanks to its straightforward rewards structure and manageable welcome bonus. Budget-conscious travelers can also benefit from its lack of an annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a practical option for both domestic and international trips.

Who Should Choose the American Express® Gold Card?

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The American Express® Gold Card is tailor-made for food and travel enthusiasts who want to earn premium rewards on their everyday spending. This card is ideal for frequent diners and home cooks, offering 4X points at restaurants worldwide and on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1X). Cardholders who can maximize the up to $120 in annual dining credits and up to $120 in annual Uber Cash will find significant value, especially since terms apply to these benefits.

Alternatives to Consider

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If this United Gateway vs Amex Gold comparison has led you to believe neither the United Gateway card nor the American Express® Gold Card is the right fit, there are several other compelling travel rewards cards to consider that may better suit your spending habits and travel goals.

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score: Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for the best approval odds.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can meet any Welcome Offer spending requirements through your regular purchases.
• Review the benefits: Make sure the card’s rewards and credits align with your lifestyle and spending habits.

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Application Strategy

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• Time your application around large planned purchases to help meet spending requirements.
• Know the issuer’s application rules, as some have eligibility restrictions or card limits.
• Look for the highest available welcome offer, as some issuers show your offer before final approval.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is there an annual fee for the United Gateway Card?

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The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning United miles.

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What kind of rewards do you earn with the American Express Gold Card?

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The American Express Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points, which are flexible points that can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners. Terms apply.

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Is the American Express Gold Card tied to a specific airline?

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No, the American Express Gold Card is not co-branded with a specific airline, offering greater flexibility for redeeming points across different travel partners.

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