This American Express® Gold Card Attracts a lot of attention for its aesthetic, topping our list of the most beautiful cards available. It is also known as the ideal dining card for its dining-related bonus-earning categories and statement credits.
At first glance, Amex Gold’s $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) seems steep. However, this card has some impressive bonus categories, credit and insurance benefits that make it worth paying the fee for many.
The card was refreshed in late July with some new changes, including an annual fee increase, additional statement credits and a new limited-edition color.
Here’s what you need to know to determine if this card is a good choice for you.
Welcome bonus
Currently, the Amex Gold The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of membership. Plus, new card members will earn 20% back as a statement credit on eligible restaurant purchases (up to $100).
As of TPG’s July 2024 valuation, this bonus is worth up to $1,300.
You should also check the CardMatch tool to see if you are targeted for a higher offer. Note that these offers are subject to change at any time.
This welcome bonus adds a lot to the card’s first-year value because you can get great value from your points by transferring to one of American Express’ travel partners. A welcome bonus on the Amex Gold Card is a great start to your membership rewards station.
That said, with American Express’s one bonus per lifetime policy, it’s important to make sure you get the best deal available for Amex Gold.
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Related: How to Redeem American Express Membership Rewards for Maximum Value
Earning points
Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, this card will earn you some serious rewards on your food purchases. Earn 4 points per dollar at 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point).
At TPG’s July 2024 valuation, Amex points are 2 cents each, so you’ll essentially get 8% back on dining and supermarket spend.
You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or the Amex travel portal. You’ll get better returns on flights with some other cards, but this is a decent bonus if you don’t already have another card that earns more.
Related: When you should (and shouldn’t) use your Amex Gold.
Statement credits
In addition to its dining earning structure, this card comes with two different types of rewards Credits you can use to order.
First, you’ll get up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use yours Amex Gold Paying participating dining partners including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (up to $120 per calendar year). Registration is required, and terms apply.
You’ll also get up to $10 monthly in Uber Cash, which you can use for Uber Eats or Uber rides (up to $120 per calendar year).
Add your Amex Gold as a payment method in the Uber app to avail this benefit. Credit is then credited to your account as Uber Cash every month. You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber app and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be the payment method in your Uber account. Registration is required, and terms apply.
Additionally, you’ll earn up to $100 each calendar year in annual Receipt credits, split into two bi-annual $50 credits. To use these credits, all you have to do is pay your bill with your Amex Gold at a restaurant registered with Receipt—no reservation required. Registration is required, and terms apply.
Finally, you’ll receive up to $7 in monthly statements when you use your Amex Gold Card at Dunkin’ Donuts (up to $84 per calendar year). Registration is required, and terms apply.
None of these credits roll over and must be used within the allotted monthly or bi-annual time frame. If you take full advantage of these credits, you’ll get $424 worth of annual value. This easily covers the annual fee, and you’ll earn generous rewards in the process.
Related: What to do when you get your Amex Gold
Other benefits
This Amex Gold An impressive earnings structure and statement credits aren’t the only way to get value out of it. This card also has a handful of benefits that can make your travel easier.
When you use your card to book a stay of two nights or more through Amex’s The Hotel Collection, you’ll get up to $100 in on-site credit toward qualifying activities. Qualifying activities depend on the property but may include benefits such as spa treatments or dining.
Even if something goes awry on your journey, you’ll be covered as this card comes with lost baggage insurance*, trip delay insurance** and rental car insurance** when you use it to pay for your travel expenses.
In addition to these travel benefits, you will also get purchase protection and an extended warranty for purchases made with this card. Terms and conditions apply.*
Hopefully, you won’t need to take advantage of any of the protections included with your Amex Gold, but you’ll have valuable peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong.
*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AIG Company New Hampshire Insurance Company.
***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Not all types of vehicles or rentals are covered and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage provided by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: 4 of our favorite under-the-radar Amex Gold benefits
Bottom line
This Amex Gold The $325 annual fee more than pays for itself if you take advantage of all the credit and benefits this card offers.
If you rarely dine out or travel, we recommend calculating what you could potentially earn using Amex Gold to determine if it’s worth adding to your wallet. If your lifestyle includes a fair amount of dining out, ordering out, and cooking at home, you’ll get enough value from this card to easily justify its annual fee.
To learn more, check out our full Amex Gold review.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Related: Amex Gold Vs. Amex Green: A popular product versus an underrated choice
For Amex Gold Card rates and fees, click here.