Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » American Express® Gold Card: 2023 Review
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American Express® Gold Card: 2023 Review

The American Express® Gold Card makes travel plans a whole lot easier with its amazing features. With that being said, its annual fee is relatively high.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: November 1, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

American Express® Gold Card

Amex gold

Rewards Plan

1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Credit Rating

0% Intro

N/A

Annual Fee

$250

APR

21.24% – 29.24% Variable
American Express® Gold Card

Amex gold

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Rewards Plan

1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

60,000 points


60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

0% Intro

N/A

PROS

CONS

APR

21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$250

Balance Transfer Fee

N/a

Credit Requirements

The American Express® Gold Card offers a myriad of benefits to clients. First-timers stand a chance to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Also, cardholders earn 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases.

Other benefits include no additional charges on international transactions (see rates and fees) and up to a $100 credit for hotel expenses when you book two nights or more with your Gold Card. The American Express Gold Card can be used for contactless transactions by facing the symbol to the screen of a pos machine. There is also a global assistance feature for emergencies when you travel out of the country.

Travelers usually go through rigorous procedures to ensure that their time in a foreign land is well spent; however, American Express Gold Card makes travel plans a whole lot easier with its amazing features. You can pre-hire a car to pick you up at the airport and transport you to your hotel in no time, and you earn a $100 credit for hotel expenses like food and spa treatment. 

The biggest drawback of this card is the high annual fee ($250)  so you need to make sure your spendings and use worth it.

  • Introductory Bonus
  • No foreign Transaction Fees
  • Protection
  • Global Assist Hotline
  • The Hotel Collection Credit
  • Preferred Seating
  • Dining Credit
  • Uber Cash
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
  • Amex Send & Split
  • Annual Fee
  • Not Popular in Some Areas of the World
  • No Balance Transfers

How hard is it to get Amex Gold Card?

It is not as hard to get the Amex Gold card as some of the other Amex cards, once you are able to meet the minimum requirements.

What are the top reasons NOT to get the Gold Card?

If you do not travel a lot then the Amex Gold card might not be a good fit for you and you might want to look at other options that are out there.

How to Use Amex Gold card Benefits?

Use it for a versatile range of purchases, make sure you are aware of the different perks and credit that you get with the Amex Gold card.

Should You Move to Amex Gold Card?

If you need a versatile card that covers a wide range of purchases, with the main focus on travel-related purchases and perks then the Amex Gold card could be a good fit.

 

Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Table of Contents

Advantages

Let’s take a look at the advantages of the American Express Gold Card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not (Terms Apply).

New clients can earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership on purchases made with the American Express Gold Card. This welcome offer is higher than most credit cards, and it allows clients to earn big. 

The AMEX gold card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee.

Baggage insurance for up to $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry on*, if it is lost, stolen, or damaged when you purchase your fare using your card.

When you travel more than 100 miles from home, the Global Assist® Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency assistance and coordination services such as medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and lost luggage assistance. 

Cardholders are liable for the fees charged by third-party service providers.

Cardholders get a $100 experience credit to use during  stay. However, there is a minimum of 2-night stay to redeem this benefit.

With the loyalty program for members, cardholders gain exclusive access to high-class events and front row seats at games or shows.

You can stay updated on the upcoming events and be a part of the first set of persons to enjoy ticket presales for the best events hosted anywhere in the country.

Up to $10 of dining credit at restaurants to each monthly statement when you order from participating partners.

With your Gold Card, you can earn up to $120 in Uber Cash per year. Simply link your Card to your Uber account, and you'll receive $10 in Uber Cash every month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the United States.

You may be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory if you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the Rental Company counter.

Amex Send & Split improves your ability to send money and split purchases with other Venmo or PayPal users, all within the American Express App. Cardholders can pay friends more easily and without incurring the standard Venmo or PayPal credit card fee.

You can also easily split your Amex purchases with others and have the money returned to your Card as a statement credit.

Disadvantages

Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of this credit card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not.

American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $250, which is higher than most credit cards. The ideal fee is $0 to encourage clients to apply and keep their accounts open. 

However, due to the high rewards, the annual fee may be worth it for clients who spend a lot daily using the specific services that attract multiple points.

While the Gold Card does have some excellent travel benefits, it is important to note that American Express is not a popular card in many areas of the world. Outside of the U.K and Italy, most European countries tend to rely on Visa or Mastercard networks.

There are no balance transfers permitted on the American Express Gold Card. So, if you do want to consolidate your entire credit card debt on one card, this is not possible.

Rewards Simulation: How Much You Can Earn?

The best way to determine whether the Amex Gold Card is a good fit for your needs is to calculate the amount of rewards and benefits you expect to receive.

Remember that this is a general breakdown of expenses, so make sure to tailor it to your specific consumer preferences and spending habits.

Amex gold

Spend Per Category
American Express® Gold Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
60,000 points
$5,000 – Restaurants
20,000 points
$4,000 – Hotels
4,000 points
$3,000 – Airline
9,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
4,000 points
Total Points
97,000 points
Estimated Redemption Value
1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents
Estimated Annual Value
$582 – $1,552

Where to Redeem Your Rewards?

American Express strives to make it as simple as possible to redeem your card rewards. You can check your points balance at any time by logging into your account. You can also use the membership rewards website to learn about all of your available rewards.

  • Direct deposit or statement credit: There is no minimum for redeeming your rewards in this manner, and direct deposits are accepted by the majority of US checking and savings accounts.
  • Amazon benefits: When you link your card to your Amazon account, you can use your rewards to pay for all or part of eligible Amazon.com orders.
  • Gift cards: American Express offers a variety of gift card options, including those for dining, entertainment, and shopping.
  • Travel benefits. You can use the Amex membership club to get great deals on travel products like hotel stays and flights.

In general, each point is worth up to $0.016, but this will vary depending on whether you choose merchandise, gift cards, entertainment options, or premium travel.

After selecting your reward, you have two redemption options:

  • Click on the reward: Once you've decided on a reward, click on it and follow the website's instructions to complete the redemption.
  • Call: You can call American Express's toll-free number and an agent will walk you through the process.

Make the Best of Your Gold Card

Here are some pointers to help you make the most of your Amex Gold Card:

  • Link your Gold Card to your Uber account: When you link your card to your Uber account, you can earn up to $120 in Uber Credit per year, or $10 per month.
  • Check the at restaurants Partner list: American Express has a list of participating dining partners, and if you make purchases at these locations, you can earn up to $10 in statement credit per month.
  • Hit the intro spending requirement: You’ll only earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. So, make sure you hit this spending figure within this timeframe.
  • Use the card to book fares: If you pay for train, bus, or airplane tickets with your Gold Card, you'll receive free baggage insurance worth up to $1,250 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged.

How To Apply For American Express Gold Credit Card?

Visit the website at americanexpress.com, look for the American Express Gold Card at the top of the page and select. Click on “Apply Now” to begin your application. 

Fill in your personal information; name, date of birth, phone number, email, and home address. After filling, scroll down to provide your financial details like social security number, annual income, and income source. Click on “Continue to terms.”

Thoroughly read through the Terms and Agreement for using the American Express Gold Card.

Scroll down to read the paperless agreement and tap on the highlighted phrase – a link to see the full review. Tick the box if you agree to the terms and click on “Apply & Submit Application” to complete your request. 

You've now completed the application process and will be contacted through any of the submitted mediums to know your application's status.

Is the American Express Gold Card Right for You?

Customers have the potential to earn huge rewards with the American Express Gold Card.

It is suitable for big-time shoppers who spend a lot of money daily, and for people who do not like home-cooked meals because of the numerous offers when you eat at specific restaurants or shop at U.S. supermarkets.

It is also suitable for people who do not like spending hours trying to plan the perfect trip because you can use any the amazing travel features like hiring a pick-up car, enjoying free credits when you book a hotel room, and the insurance to cover any damages or theft of rental cars, and your travel baggage.

Compare The Alternatives

The Amex gold is great for everyday spending and also travel. However, there are similar cards with great benefits you may want to take a look before applying:

World of Hyatt

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card review 2019

hilton honors card

World of Hyatt Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Annual Fee
$95
$95
$0
Rewards
1X – 4X 4 bonus points per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas, 2x for flights purchased directly from the airline, local transit, commuting, restaurants, fitness club, gym memberships and 1 bonus point per $1 spent on all other purchases
1x – 6X 6X points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, 3X on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining and 2X Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on all other purchases
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
30,000 points 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
5 Free Nights 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases
100,000 points 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0.
$0. See Rates and Fees.
Purchase APR
20.99%–27.99% Variable
20.99% – 27.99% Variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable

FAQ

Yes, you will get it automatically once you decline the car insurance from the rental company and you pay the full rental charge using this card. Please review the terms and conditions before to make sure you're covered.

Besides cap on higher cash back as mentioned above, there is no sort of limit in place as to how many rewards you are able to get when using the Amex Gold card to make purchases.

The rewards points that you earn through making purchases with the Amex Gold card will never expire as long as you keep your account open.

With the Amex gold, new customers get 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. This is one of the highest Amex credit card promotions available.

Review Travel Credit Cards

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  • 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.
Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
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amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: 80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus: $250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases]
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Advertiser Disclosure

The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. 

Table of Contents

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.