American Express® Business Gold Card vs U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature

American Express

U.S. Bank

Annual Fee

$375

$295

Card Type

Business

Rewards Currency

Membership Rewards

Cash Back

Point Value

2.00¢/pt

1.00¢/pt

Base Earn Rate

Welcome Bonus

100,000 Membership Rewards after $15,000 in 90 days

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Effective return by category

Category	American Express® Business Gold Card	U.S. Bank Business Essentials Plus Visa Signature
Dining & Restaurants	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Gas Stations	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	2.00% 2x
Phone & Wireless	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Online Advertising	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	2.00% 2x
Rideshare & Transit	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	2.00% 2x
Food Delivery	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	2.00% 2x
Electronics Stores	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	2.00% 2x
Business Services	8.00% 4x · Capped Spending · $150,000 cap	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Card Travel Portals	6.00% 3x	2.00% 2x
Airfare	2.00% 1x	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Entertainment	2.00% 1x	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Office Supplies	2.00% 1x	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Shipping	2.00% 1x	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Utilities	2.00% 1x	5.00% 5x · Capped Spending · $200,000 cap
Everything else	2.00% 1x	2.00% 2x

Returns are multiplier × point value, using your “smart” setting. Caps and rotating categories affect real-world earnings.

The better question: which one adds more to your wallet?