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American Express is known as one of the best issuers of credit cards in the US market. Two of its main travel-focused cards are the Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold cards. These both have a wide range of perks that make them a good fit for people who want a versatile type of card that has some great rewards.
They even look great. This review will look at the commonalities and differences between these two options.
General Comparison
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The Amex Platinum Card | The Amex Gold Card | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates and Fees. | $250. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 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. Terms Apply. | 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. Terms Apply. |
Welcome bonus | 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. |
0% Intro APR | None | None |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None. See Rates and Fees. | |
Purchase APR | 20.49% – 27.49% Variable | 20.49% – 28.49% Variable
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Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Compare Rewards: Which Card Gives More?
It is a useful exercise to compare the redemption points between these two cards while looking at the same costs. This allows you to see where the cards stand out and where they might struggle.
This comparison clearly showcases the standout perks of both cards. You will be better off using the Platinum card for travel-related purchases. However, for more versatility, then the Gold card is going to be a better fit as it covers more bases than the Platinum card.
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Spend Per Category | The Platinum Card® | American Express® Gold Card |
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 10,000 points (100,000 in the first 6 months) | 40,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 5,000 points | 20,000 points |
$6,000 – Hotels | 30,000 points | 6,000 points |
$6,000 – Airline
| 30,000 points | 18,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points | 4,000 points |
Total Points | 79,000 points | 88,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents |
Estimated Annual Value | $474 – $1,264 | $528 – $1,408 |
Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Welcome Bonus And Fees
With the Platinum card, you will earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You will be able to earn 10x points on eligible purchases at restaurants across the world and certain purchases in the US. This covers up to $25,000 in combined purchases in the initial six months of having the card.
For the Gold card, you will earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
The annual fee for the Gold card is $250, with this rising to $695 for the Platinum card. You will be looking at APR rates of between 20.49% – 28.49% Variable for both of these cards. There is no foreign exchange fee charged when using either of these cards. There are late payment fees in place with both cards.
Compare Perks
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards. We will now highlight some of the similarities and differences when it comes to the extra features that are commonly seen with credit cards.
Here are the additional benefits you'll get on both cards:
- Dedicated Service Team: You will get access to a customer service team that is operational 24/7, so you can resolve any issues instantly.
- Up to $200/$120 in Uber Cash. You can also become an Uber VIP to be matched with top rated drivers without needing to meet any minimum ride requirements. Up to $200 if you carry the Platinum Card and $120 for Gold Cards. Enrollment Required.
- Preferred Seating at sporting and cultural events, subject to availability
- Extra Cards: Both of these cards allow you to add additional cards to your locknut with no additional fees. This allows you to earn rewards when other people make purchases, such as your spouse, children, or employees.
- Signature perks at upscale hotels, which are part of the Amex Hotel Collection and you book through American Express Travel.
- Fraud Protection: You will not have to be responsible for any fraudulent charges. If you see a charge that is suspicious, just get in touch with the Amex team.
- 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*.
- Pay It Plan It: This allows you to control how you pay for purchases. For payments under $100, you can make payments over the course of a month. For purchases of at least $100, you can split these payments into monthly payments, having a fixed fee and no interest rate. You also earn rewards as normal.
- Rental Car Insurance – Both Amex Gold and Platinum include rental car insurance (Terms Apply). The benefit pays out in the event that a rental car is damaged in an accident or stolen.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Amex Platinum Card - Unique Features
Pretty much every one of the Gold card perks is available to the Platinum cardholders. However, there are some special features that are available only for the Platinum cardholders:
- Up to $200 hotel credit in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment Required. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $240 or $20 per month in Digital Entertainment Credit when you pay for one or more The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM or Audible products with your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $155 in Walmart+ credit. When you use your card to pay for your monthly Walmart+ membership, you’ll get the full cost back every month. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $200 in Airline fee credit per year when you charge incidental travel fees from selected airlines on your card. Enrollment Required.
- Up to $300 back every year for eligible Equinox memberships when you enroll and pay using your card.
- Up to $189 back per year when you use your card to pay for a CLEAR® membership. Enrollment Required.
Compare The Drawbacks
Of course, no credit card is perfect, so it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before you make your final card decision.
American Express Platinum Card
- High Annual Fee
The $695 annual fee is seen as being quite high when compared to similar types of cards from American Express.
- Certain Airline and Hotel Restrictions
There are certain airlines and hotel chains that are excluded from this offering.
- Travel-Focused
Most of the perks associated with the Platinum card relate to travel-related expenses. While it can an advantage for some people, it makes the card more dedicated to a specific category.
American Express® Gold Card
- Excluded Supermarkets
There are some significant supermarket chains that are excluded from earning rewards through the Gold card such as Target and Walmart.
- Less Attractive For High Spenders
If you're a frequent traveler or tend to spend high amounts on everyday purchases, the Platinum may be more attractive for your needs.
Compare Redemption Options
American Express points are worth up to $0.02, but this depends on whether you choose gift cards, merchandise, premium travel or entertainment options. Some of the options include:
- Travel: Both companies offer travel deals for hotel stays and other promotions that tend to offer the highest redemption rates.
- Statement Credit/ Cashback: You can redeem your accumulated rewards as a statement credit.
- Gift Cards: Amex has a variety of gift cards from different retailers including entertainment services, restaurants, and department stores.
To claim any of these reward options, you just need to log into the card app or your credit card portal. Select your chosen option and follow the instructions to complete the redemption process.
How to Maximize Cards Benefits?
If you want to make the best use of your American Express Platinum Card, there are some tips to help you:
Travel-Related Purchases: The Platinum card is best fitted for people who are going to be making travel-related purchases.
Be Aware of Exceptions: There are certain airlines and hotels that are excluded from rewards, so make sure that you are aware of these exceptions.
Utilize the Perks: There are tons of great perks involved with the Platinum card, such as lounge access, annual statement credit for certain purchases, and so on. Make sure that you are aware of all these perks.
If you want to make the best use of your American Express Gold Card, there are some tips to help you:
Be Aware of Exclusions: There are certain airlines and U.S. supermarkets that are excluded from the rewards offered through the Gold card.
Utilize the Perks: There are tons of great perks involved with the Gold card, such as lounge access, annual statement credits for certain purchases, and so on. Make sure that you are aware of all these perks.
Customer Reviews: Which Card Wins?
Amex Gold Card | Amex Platinum Card | |
|---|---|---|
App Rating (iOS)
| 4.9 | 4.8 |
App Rating (Android) | 4.2 | 4.4 |
BBB Rating (A-F) | A+ | B+ |
WalletHub | 4 | 3.5 |
Contect Options | phone/social | phone/social |
Availability | 24/7 | 7 AM – 11 PM |
For the Platinum Card customers generally rave about the great travel rewards and perks that are in place. You are unlikely to find much better in this regard. On the downside, the annual fee is a bit hefty and it is not as good for a wider range of non-travel purchases.
For the Gold card, customers enjoy the nice versatility that allows you to get rewards on a wide range of different purchases. In terms of downsides, the annual fee is a good bit higher than similar cards from competitors.
When You Might Want the Amex Platinum?
The American Express Platinum Card is a flexible option that could be good if:
Travel a Lot: If you are someone who travels a lot, then the Platinum card is going to be a great fit for you.
Maximize Rewards: If you are able to maximize the rewards and perks that Platinum offers, then you can justify the annual fee.
- You like luxury perks. With the Amex Platinum card you can enjoy preferred seating at cultural and sporting events, signature perks at upscale hotels and other nice touches for those who delight in the finer things in life.
When You Might Want the Amex Gold?
The Amex Gold Card is a good choice if:
Want Flexibility: The Gold Card is a good fit for people who want to be able to make a wide range of purchases and still earn decent rewards.
Travel a Decent Amount: There are some good travel rewards available with the Gold Card, being suitable for those people who travel a fair bit.
- You like to dine out. You’ll earn 4x points when you pay for restaurant visits with your card, so it is a great choice for foodies. You can also earn up to $10 a month in statement credit if you dine with participating partners.
Bottom Line
Both of these cards have standout features. The Platinum card is going to be a great fit for people who are spending a lot of time traveling as there are some stunning perks available.
The Gold Card will be a better fit for people who are looking for a more versatile card that reaps the rewards across a wider range of purchases.
Compare The Alternatives
Both cards are definitely considered as one of the best in the niche. However, there are always recommended alternatives to check out before applying:
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|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Citi Premier® Card | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $95 |
Rewards |
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
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1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases
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1X – 3X
3X points per dollar on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, hotel and air travel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
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60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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60,000 points
60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
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Foreign Transaction Fee | 0%. See Rates & Fees. | 0% | None
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Purchase APR | 20.49% – 27.49% Variable | 21.49% – 28.49% variable APR | 20.49% – 28.49% (Variable) |
FAQ
There is currently no sort of limit in place on how many rewards you are able to earn when you are using the Amex Platinum card.
The reward points that you earn as a result of making purchases through the use of your Amex Platinum card will not expire once you keep your account open and meet a few basic conditions.
Yes, you can get pre-approval when it comes to the Amex Platinum card after completing a very simple application process that does not require a hard credit check.
You might not have met one of the requirements. You can ask the customer support team if there is something you can do to change this eventuality. Otherwise, you can look for an alternative card.
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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.
