Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Our Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual Fee
- No lounge membership
Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Our Rating
PROS
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS
- Annual Fee
- No lounge membership
The American Express Gold Card is a top choice for food enthusiasts and frequent travelers, offering substantial rewards in dining and grocery categories. First-timers stand a chance to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24..
The card's strengths lie in its impressive 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. With a $325 annual fee, the card provides notable benefits, including $120 in dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash annually, effectively reducing the net cost to $10 per year.
While the card lacks certain travel perks like lounge access or trip cancellation insurance, it compensates with benefits such as baggage insurance, rental car loss and damage coverage, and trip delay insurance.
Additional potential drawbacks include the need for strategic planning to maximize credits, limited eligibility for the dining credit, and the capped 4x return on U.S. supermarket spending at $25,000 per year.
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
Pros & Cons
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the American Express Gold Card and see if it’s the right one for your wallet or not.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
Flexible Redemption Options
| Credits Require Planning |
Additional Travel Benefits | No Lounge Access |
Dining and Supermarket Credits | No Balance Transfers |
No foreign Transaction Fees | |
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit |
- Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24. on purchases made with the American Express Gold Card.
- Flexible Redemption Options
Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to various travel partners.
- Additional Travel Benefits
Receive travel protections, including baggage insurance, rental car loss, and damage coverage, enhancing overall travel experience.
- Dining and Supermarket Credits
Enjoy $120 in dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash annually, effectively offsetting the annual fee if you maximize them.
- No foreign Transaction Fees
The Amex gold card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is ideal for international travelers.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit
Unlock smoother travels with a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck.
- Annual Fee
American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $325, which is higher than most credit cards.
- Credits Require Planning
Maximizing the dining and Uber Cash credits necessitates strategic planning, potentially limiting spontaneous use.
Also, the $10 monthly dining credits are applicable only at select establishments, limiting choices for users.
- No Lounge Access
Unlike some premium travel cards, the American Express Gold Card does not offer complimentary airport lounge access.
- No Balance Transfers
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.
Additional Features
The Amex card offers additional features for cardholders:
- $100 Experience Credit: Enjoy a $100 experience credit when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for a getaway of at least two nights. The value of the experience credit may vary based on your chosen property.
- Entertainment benefits: Enjoy exclusive experiences and presale tickets for concerts, sports events, and theater performances through the American Express® Gold Card Entertainment Access program, though availability may vary.
- Luxury hotel perks: Access the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program as a cardholder, unlocking benefits like room upgrades, complimentary nights, and daily breakfast for two at participating hotels.
- High-end concierge service: The Amex Gold Card provides a concierge service for assistance with travel and dining reservations, but availability may limit its ability to fulfill all requests.
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.
| |
|---|---|
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. You can also transfer your points:
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.
Top Offers
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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.. 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 Amex Gold Card?
- 1.
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.
- 2.
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.”
- 3.
Thoroughly read through the Terms and Agreement for using the American Express Gold Card.
- 4.
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.
- 5.
You've now completed the application process and will be contacted through any of the submitted mediums to know your application's status.
How It Compared To Other Travel Cards?
The American Express Gold Card stands out among travel cards, particularly for individuals who prioritize dining and supermarkets. However, when compared to other travel cards, certain considerations come into play.
In comparison to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Gold Card's annual fee is higher at $325. Additionally, the Sapphire Preferred offers strong travel insurance benefits, such as primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which the Gold Card lacks. On the other hand, the Amex Gold offers higher rewards rate on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets as well as statement credits which is not available through the Sapphire Preferred® Card.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another competitor with a $95 annual fee, offering a flat 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. While it may lack the specialized bonus categories of the Gold Card, its simplicity and versatility make it appealing for those seeking straightforward travel rewards.
For individuals focused on dining rewards, the Savor Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment. With a lower $95 annual fee, it competes favorably in the dining category, although it lacks the travel perks and flexible redemption options of Membership Rewards points.
Those seeking premium travel benefits might consider The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, a step up from the Gold Card with a higher annual fee of $695 and $550, respectively. (as of the last available data). Both cards offers airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and other exclusive perks. However, its rewards structure is not as favorable for dining and supermarkets.
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 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 on purchases at all Hyatt hotels. Plus, 5 Base Points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent for being a World of Hyatt member. 2x Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit and commuting as well as fitness club and gym memberships. Plus, earn 1 Bonus Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
|
1x – 6X
6X points for every $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card. Plus, earn up to 10X points from Marriott for being a Marriott Bonvoy® member. Plus, earn up to 1X point from Marriott with Silver Elite Status. Earn 3X points for every $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Earn 2X points for every $1 you spend 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 |
Up to 60,000 Bonus Points
30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.*Opens offer details overlay Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
|
3 Free Nights
3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening
|
70,000 points
70,000 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 | 21.49%–28.49% variable | 21.49%–28.49% 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 on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.. This is one of the highest Amex credit card promotions available.
Compare American Express Gold Card
If you're looking for everyday spending rewards, the Amex Gold Card offers more. But for travel rewards benefits, there is a clear winner.
The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.
While the Amex Gold Card is more expensive than the Blue Cash Preferred, its rewards program and other benefits are more lucrative.
The Autograph is great for travelers who want to stay on budget, while Amex Gold provides premium travel benefits and redemption options.
If you're a dedicated Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Gold may be your top pick, while the Amex Gold offers a broader range of benefits.
While Amex Gold Card offers statements credits and everyday spending benefits, the Venture card is cheaper and include decent travel perks.
The Venture X offers better travel rewards than the Amex Gold but is less appealing if you're looking for everyday spending rewards.
Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture X : Which Premium Card Is Best?
The Amex Gold Card focused on everyday spending and general travel rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offer premium airline benefits.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Side By Side Comparison
The Freedom Unlimited beckons with its cash-back rewards, but the Amex Gold exudes luxury, boasting robust rewards on dining and groceries.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Amex Gold Card: Which Card Wins?
The Amex Gold Card focuses on everyday spending rewards, while the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is tailored for frequent Delta travelers.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Side By Side Comparison
The Hilton Honors Surpass wins at estimated cashback, while the Amex Gold card is the winner for everyday spending and extra benefits.
If you're looking for travel rewards, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Is Best?
While the Amex gold card is best for everyday spending, the Chase sapphire preferred may be better as a travel card. Here's our comparison.
American Express Gold Card Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Is Best?
Review American Express Credit Cards
American Express Everyday
American Express Platinum Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
American Express Green Card
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Delta SkyMiles Blue
American Express Gold Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Hilton Honors American Express
- 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.
