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- Excellent earning rate at restaurants and US supermarkets; points transfer to 20 airline and hotel partners for award travel
- Monthly Uber Cash and dining credits offset most of the annual fee (enrollment required)
- Strong travel and purchase protections
Foodies and travelers can do very well with the Amex Gold Card and the bonus rewards it offers on dining, flights, and US supermarket purchases, in addition to an elevated welcome bonus offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. There's a $250 annual fee, but up to $120 in annual dining credits** and up to $120 in Uber Cash credits** per calendar year can offset most of the cost.
Review: Is the American Express Gold card the best card for you?
The American Express® Gold Card received a makeover in recent years with the addition of new statement credits and the return of the stylish rose gold card design, but there are plenty of other reasons it should be on your radar.
For starters, the Amex Gold Card is currently offering its highest public welcome bonus offer ever: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. The previous offer was for just 35,000 points after meeting the same spending requirement, so the current bonus represents a significant boost.
The card also earns a whopping 4x Amex Membership Rewards points at restaurants and 4x points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1x). For this reason, the Amex Gold Card sits high on our lists of the best cards for grocery purchases and best cards for dining. You'll also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Although its premium-card sibling, The Platinum Card® from American Express, gets a lot of attention for offering upscale travel perks and lucrative statement credits, the Amex Gold Card has benefits of its own that can nearly offset its $250 annual fee. These include Uber Cash credits you can use toward eligible US Uber rides or Uber Eats purchases – (up to $120 per calendar year ($10 per month), and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit) and up to $120 in annual dining credits** with participating food delivery services and restaurants.
The Amex Gold Card is a terrific choice for travelers and those staying closer to home between its generous bonus categories, welcome offer, and statement credits. If you like earning American Express Membership Rewards points, be sure to have a look at the Amex Platinum Card and American Express® Green Card as well to compare their perks and spending categories — depending on your travel and spending habits, they could also be a good fit for your wallet.
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How to earn points with the American Express Gold card
The Amex Gold Card is among the best cards for foodies because it earns strong rewards on dining and grocery shopping. You'll earn points at the following rates:
- 4x points at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year, then 1 point per dollar)
- 3x points on flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
To maximize your points earning, you can pair the Amex Gold Card with other Amex cards to earn the most points for every purchase. The "Amex Trifecta" of cards includes the Amex Gold Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
How to use Amex Membership Rewards points
The Amex Gold Card earns American Express Membership Rewards points, which are among the most valuable transferable points currencies and a favorite of rewards credit card enthusiasts.
There are lots of Amex Membership Rewards redemption options for those who aren't traveling, but you'll typically get the most value when you use points for travel. You can transfer points to 20 American Express airline and hotel partners for award flights and stays, and depending on what you book, you could get a value of 2 or more cents for each point. This can be an especially good deal for international first-class and business-class flights.
If you don't want to worry about award charts or blackout dates, you can also redeem points at a rate of 1 cent apiece for flights, and at a slightly lower rate for hotels, rental cars, and more through American Express Travel.
Other options for redeeming Amex Membership Rewards points include:
- Use points to buy gift cards (usually 1 cent per point)
- Cash in points for statement credits toward purchases made on your card (0.6 cents per point)
- Pay with points at checkout at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Saks Fifth Avenue, Boxed.com, Dell.com, Staples, and more (0.7 cents per point)
- Redeem points for food delivery with GrubHub and Seamless (0.7 cents per point)
- Use points to pay for New York City taxi fare in vehicles using enabled point-of-sale devices (1 cent per point)
- Shop with points for merchandise and gifts through Amex (usually 0.5 cents per point)
Whatever your plans are, earning flexible points like Amex Membership Rewards is a smart move. Instead of locking yourself into a specific airline or hotel program, you'll have the option to turn rewards into travel when you're ready, or statement credits, merchandise, and gifts if you'd rather stay close to home.
Benefits and features
The Amex Gold Card comes with valuable perks for shopping, dining, and travel that can help you save money, including monthly credits that can put a big dent in the card's annual fee.
Up to $10 in monthly dining credits (up to $120 per year)
Amex Gold Cardholders receive up to $10 per month back in statement credits, worth up to $120 per year**, toward purchases with Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Milk Bar, and participating Shake Shack locations.
Even if you don't visit the participating restaurants, getting the credits for Grubhub and Seamless food deliveries makes it easy to max out the credit each month, since you'll have so many restaurants to choose from. After you use your Amex Gold Card for the purchase, you'll receive the statement credit — but keep in mind, if you don't use the full credit one month, it won't roll over to the next.
Up to $10 per month in Uber Cash credits
The Amex Gold Card also offers up to $10 per month in Uber Cash credit, again up to a maximum of $120 per year. Once you add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method to your Uber account, it works just like the Uber credits on the Amex Platinum card. These Uber Cash credits can be used toward eligible US Uber rides or Uber Eats purchases
You can redeem Uber Cash toward Uber rides or Uber Eats food delivery in the US, but it won't roll over to the next if you don't use up the entire credit each month.
Car rental insurance
The Amex Gold Card offers secondary car rental insurance when you use the card to pay for your rental in full and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. Coverage is for theft or damage only (not liability) and some rentals, vehicle types, and countries are excluded, so be sure to read the terms.
Baggage insurance
When you pay for a covered trip with your Amex Gold Card, you can be covered for baggage loss or damage, up to $500 per person for checked bags, and $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage.
There are exclusions for high-risk items and some states have different limits, so check the terms and conditions for specific details.
Trip delay insurance
You can get reimbursed up to $300 for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items if you've paid for a covered trip with your Amex Gold Card and it's delayed by 12 hours or more, up to two times per consecutive 12-month period.
Purchase protection
When you pay for an eligible item with the Amex Gold Card, you can be covered for loss or damage up to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to a maximum of $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.
Extended warranty
Cardholders can also get an extended warranty on eligible items when they use their Amex Gold Card to pay — up to one additional year added to eligible US manufacturers' warranties of five years or less.
Global Assist Hotline
The Amex Gold Card comes with an underrated perk that can be a lifesaver if you have an emergency while you're away from home. Cardholders get access to Amex's Global Assist Hotline, which can help arrange things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services.
The service itself is complimentary, but you'll be responsible for any third-party costs.
Amex Offers
Like other American Express cards, the Amex Gold Card includes targeted discounts and bonus rewards at participating merchants through Amex Offers.**
The Hotel Collection
When you have the Amex Gold Card, you'll have access to The Hotel Collection, one of American Express' luxury hotel booking programs. Booking a minimum two-night stay through The Hotel Collection gets you a $100 hotel credit toward qualifying dining, spa, and other activities (room rates, taxes, gratuities, or fees aren't included). Plus, you'll receive a room upgrade at check-in, when available.
Fees and costs
Although the Amex Gold Card charges a $250 annual fee, it's possible to get much more value than that each year between statement credits, perks, and bonus points. It's also a good choice for international purchases, because you won't pay foreign transaction fees.
There are fees for late and returned payments and cash advances as with most other cards.
Compare American Express Gold Card with other Amex cards
American Express® Gold Card | The Platinum Card® from American Express | American Express® Green Card | |
Annual fee | $250 | $695 | $150 |
Rewards rate | 4x points at restaurants and at US supermarkets* 3x points on flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 5x points on flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel (starting January 1, 2021, earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
| 3x points on travel, transit and restaurants 1 point per dollar on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus offer | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership | 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership | 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership and earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases, up to a total of $200 back, made during your first six months of card membership |
Statement credits | Up to $10 in dining credits each month (up to $120 per year)*** | Up to $200 in airline fee credits each calendar year** Up to $200 in Uber Cash each calendar year** Up to $100 in Saks credits each calendar year** Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit Up to $300 annually in Equinox credits** $189 per year in credits for CLEAR® Plus membership** Up to $200 in credits per year toward prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay) Up to $240 in annual credits (up to $20 per month) toward eligible digital subscriptions***** $12.95 in credits each month toward Walmart+ membership** $300 statement credit toward a purchase of SoulCycle At-Home Bike online | Up to $189 in CLEAR® Plus credit per year** Up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credit per year** |
Other benefits | The Hotel Collection (property credits and upgrades) Secondary car rental insurance Baggage insurance Trip delay insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Global Assist Hotline Discounts and bonuses through Amex Offers** No foreign transaction fees | Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott** Airport lounge access (Priority Pass**, Centurion lounges, and more) Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts (benefits at exclusive luxury properties) The Hotel Collection (property credits and upgrades) Secondary car rental insurance Trip cancellation insurance Baggage insurance Trip delay insurance Return protection Purchase protection Extended warranty Premium Global Assist Hotline Discounts and bonuses through Amex Offers** No foreign transaction fees | Secondary car rental insurance Trip delay insurance Baggage insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Global Assist Hotline Discounts and bonuses through Amex Offers** No foreign transaction fees |
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*on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 1x
***up to $10 in statement credits per month when you use the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Milk Bar, and participating Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
****up to $10 in Uber Cash per month (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and Rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
*****Eligible digital subscriptions include Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+, SiriusXM, Peacock, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal
Amex Gold card vs other rewards cards
American Express® Gold Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Citi Premier® Card | |
Annual fee | $250 | $95
| $95 |
Rewards rate | 4x points at restaurants and at US supermarkets* 3x points on flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards 5x points on Lyft rides*** 3x points on dining 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs) 3x points on select streaming services 2x points on all other travel purchases 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 3x points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and on air travel and hotels 1 point per dollar on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus offer | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 on purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership | 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening | 60,000 bonus ThankYou® points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per dollar on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2024 |
Statement credits | Up to $10 in dining credits each month (up to $120 per year)**** | Up to $50 in annual statement credits toward hotel stays booked through Chase $10 per month in Gopuff credit through December 2023 Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership through December 31, 2024
| $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year
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Other benefits | The Hotel Collection (property credits and upgrades) Secondary car rental insurance Baggage insurance Trip delay insurance Purchase protection Extended warranty Global Assist Hotline Discounts and bonuses through Amex Offers** No foreign transaction fees | Primary car rental insurance Trip interruption/cancellation Trip delay insurance Baggage delay insurance Lost luggage reimbursement Extended warranty No foreign transaction fees | Purchase protection Extended warranty Access to Citi Entertainment No foreign transaction fees |
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*the Amex Gold card earns 4x points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year, then 1 point per dollar.
***the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025.
****the Amex Gold offers up to $10 in dining credits each month when you use your card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Milk Bar, and participating Shake Shack locations.
Amex Gold Card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Amex Gold Card is a premium card, so it's harder to get than some other rewards cards. Amex will look at your credit score, income, account history, and other factors when it looks at your application.
You also won't be eligible for the bonus if you have or have had, the Amex Gold Card. Amex has a once-per-lifetime rule which means you're only eligible for the bonus once, per card, per lifetime. However, if you have/had the business version of the card — the American Express® Business Gold Card — you're still eligible for the Amex Gold Card.
To be considered for the Amex Gold Card, you'll typically need at least a good credit score, or even better, an excellent credit score. This means a FICO score of at least 670.
If you're still working on building your credit history, be sure to read our guides on improving your credit score and how using credit cards can help boost your score.
The Amex Gold Card is very much worth it if your spending habits line up with the card's bonus categories and you're able to maximize its benefits. For example, if you make the most of the monthly Uber Cash** (up to $120 per year) and dining credits** (also up to $120 per year), you would effectively receive $240 in credits and offset nearly all of the $250 annual fee. Essentially, your net out-of-pocket cost would be just $10 per year.
You'll also have the opportunity to earn a huge amount of points if you spend a lot on dining, US supermarkets, and flights, all of which earn bonus rewards. That said, if you don't typically spend a lot in these categories, or you're not sure you'd be able to use the monthly credits, another card may be a better pick for you.
The Amex Gold Card does not come with a CLEAR® Plus credit. If that's something you're looking for, both the Amex Platinum Card and Amex Green Card offer credits for CLEAR® Plus**. If your home airport has CLEAR® Plus (or you often fly through airports that offer it), becoming a member is a great way to save a ton of time getting through security. Here's more about the CLEAR® Plus expedited security program.
Some Amex cards, including the Amex Gold Card, don't have a preset spending limit. Instead, the amount you can spend is flexible and can change based on factors like purchase and credit history, and payment habits. If you're ever unsure of whether or not a big purchase will be approved, you can use Amex's "Check Spending Power" tool in your online account or app to find out.
Because the Amex Gold Card isn't like a traditional credit card, you're required to pay your balance in full each month, otherwise, you'll be charged hefty late fees. However, Amex offers a "Pay Over Time" feature that you can activate. It allows you to pay off eligible charges of $100 or more, with interest, over a longer period.
Yes, the Amex Gold Card is a metal card. It's made of stainless steel and other materials, and weighs about 15 grams.
When you apply for the Amex Gold Card, you'll be given a choice of colors — either traditional gold or the popular rose gold design. Rose gold was originally a limited-edition color, but it was brought back in 2021 as a permanent option for cardholders.
If you already have the Amex Gold Card and want to switch your color, you can do so by ordering a replacement card through the "Account Services" section of your online account.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
*All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Business Insider.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.