Credit Cards » Credit Card Reviews » American Express® Gold Card: 2024 Review
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American Express® Gold Card: 2024 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: March 1, 2024
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: March 1, 2024

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

Our Rating

4.6
4.6/5

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

Our Rating

4.6
4.6/5

PROS

CONS

APR

21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$250

0% Intro

N/A

Credit Requirements

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 with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

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 $250 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.

 

Amex membership find hotels
Redeem Amex gold points for travel (Screenshot taken by our team from American Express app)

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

New cardholders 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. 

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to various travel partners.

Amex membership redeem rewards options
(Screenshot from American Express app)

Receive travel protections, including baggage insurance, rental car loss, and damage coverage, enhancing overall travel experience.

Enjoy $120 in dining credits and $120 in Uber Cash annually, effectively offsetting the annual fee if you maximize them.

The Amex gold card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is ideal for international travelers.

Unlock smoother travels with a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck.

American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $250, which is higher than most credit cards. 

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.

Unlike some premium travel cards, the American Express Gold Card does not offer complimentary airport lounge access.

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.
Amex membership Experience event
(Screenshot from American Express app)

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. You can also transfer your points:
Amex Transfer points to Airline example - Virgin Atlantic
(Screenshot from American Express app)

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 From Our Partners

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 brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
90,000 miles 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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.
American Express Gold Credit Card on tropical beach
(Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

How To Apply For Amex Gold 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.

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 $250. 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

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
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
80,000 points 80,000 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.

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.

American Express Gold Card vs. American Express Platinum

The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.

Apple Card vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Is Best?

While the Amex Gold Card is more expensive than the Blue Cash Preferred, its rewards program and other benefits are more lucrative.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Is Best?

The Autograph is great for travelers who want to stay on budget, while Amex Gold provides premium travel benefits and redemption options.

Wells Fargo Autograph Vs. Amex Gold Card: Which Is Best?

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.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Wins?

While Amex Gold Card offers statements credits and everyday spending benefits, the Venture card is cheaper and include decent travel perks.

Capital One Venture vs. Amex Gold Card: How They Compare?

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.

Amex Gold Card vs. Hilton Honors Surpass: How They Compare?

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

 

  • 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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Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers From Our Partners

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 brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
90,000 miles 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

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 brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
185,000 points 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 miles 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

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.