Two tools, one scorecard, verdict first. Every number in a comparison is traceable to the same fact base as the main ranking; cells still under verification are marked pending rather than filled.
Amex Gold at $325 a year: 4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, $400+ in dining and rideshare credits per CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/select/american-express-gold-card-review/).
Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express: $95 ongoing fee, 6% at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 a year, 6% on select U.S. streaming. When the ongoing fee pays for itself.
Citi® Double Cash vs Chase Freedom Unlimited® on verified terms: flat 2% vs 3% dining/drugstores + 1.5%, both $0 annual fee, transferable points vs cash back. Verdict first.
Capital One Venture X vs Amex Platinum on recorded terms: $395 fee with a $300 travel credit vs $895 fee with statement credits our records put at up to twice the fee. Verdict first.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® vs Reflect® on verified terms: unlimited 2% cash back with a $0 fee vs no rewards and a long intro APR. Who gives up rewards for runway, and who should not.