American Express Gold Card review: a premier option with remarkable benefits for 2024

This series on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

Advertiser Disclosure:This article includes references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may earn compensation if you click on links to these products. Terms apply to the offers presented here. This relationship may influence how and where links appear on this site. Not all financial companies or offers are included. All information regarding the Citi Premier® Card has been gathered independently by Dinogo Planet and is not available through Dinogo Planet.Terms apply for American Express benefits and offers, and enrollment may be necessary for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com for further details.

If your aim is to travel more this year, start now with a credit card designed to help you go further, faster.

The American Express® Gold Card is a superb option with impressive benefits and earning potential. Focusing on dining and travel, this card provides significant rewards in common spending categories along with perks that enhance your travel experience and daily life. The flexibility of Amex Membership Rewards points is unmatched, granting access to some of the best award tickets to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers generous rewards, the Amex Gold Card is definitely worth considering. Here’s a breakdown of its standout features, along with our detailed review:

• Exceptional rewards on dining, groceries, and travel: The Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants globally (for up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter) and at U.S. supermarkets (for up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter). You’ll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel, and 1 point on all other purchases.

• Dining credits and Uber Cash: Enjoy up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select restaurants and $10 in monthly Uber Cash. (You must have the latest version of the Uber App, and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a payment method in your Uber account. This benefit is valid only in the United States.)

• $100 Resy Credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year when you use the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits every six months. Enrollment is required.

• Hotel Collection Benefits: Discover over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with each booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.

• Travel protections: Secondary rental car and baggage insurance are available when you use your Amex Gold to make travel reservations.*

Getting started with travel points and airline miles

Overview of the American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card differentiates itself from others by appealing to those eager to earn valuable rewards on their everyday expenses. Key features and benefits include a robust rewards program, statement credits, and some travel protections.

What makes this card stand out is its impressive 4X rewards rate on dining worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, making it an ideal choice for food enthusiasts. Cardholders can also benefit from up to $120 in annual dining credits and another $120 in Uber Cash. However, the $325 annual fee may be seen as a downside by some.

The top travel credit cards

Advantages

• Robust Rewards Program: The Amex Gold Card provides exceptional rewards for dining, U.S. supermarkets, and airfare. Cardholders earn Membership Rewards points that are highly valuable and can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more.

• Travel Advantages: Cardholders benefit from baggage and rental car insurance, plus a $100 credit on select hotel bookings through The Hotel Collection.

• Dining Credits: The combined annual dining and Uber Cash credits can help offset the $325 annual fee. Check rates and fees.

Creating a travel budget with points and miles

Disadvantages

• $325 annual fee: The Amex Gold’s annual fee is above average for a travel rewards card, and it doesn’t offer premium travel benefits.

• Limited Travel Protections: While the card provides baggage insurance, it lacks comprehensive travel insurance, and the rental car coverage is secondary.

• Subject to Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule: If you’ve previously received a welcome bonus for this card, you are unlikely to qualify for another.

Top travel credit cards for hotels

Advantages of the American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card offers a range of benefits that can enhance your financial toolkit. These include generous rewards, travel protections, and statement credits that can help you save money and expand your travel budget. Here’s a comprehensive overview of all the perks associated with the Amex Gold Card:

Top credit cards for international travel

Introductory Bonus

Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on qualifying purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of membership. Additionally, earn 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide during the first 6 months, up to $100. This is a limited-time offer, valid until 11/6/24.

Be aware that Amex has a once-per-lifetime rule regarding welcome bonuses. If you have previously received a welcome bonus for this card, you may not be eligible for another unless you are specifically targeted for one.

Is it better to pay for travel with cash or points?

Accumulating Points

The Amex Gold Card truly excels in generating rewards from everyday spending. It offers 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar for dining at restaurants globally and for delivery services within the US (you can earn 4X points on up to $50,000 spent annually at restaurants, after which it’s 1X). Additionally, you earn 4X points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and 1X on all other transactions.

Strategies to leverage points and miles for travel savings

Travel Advantages

Although the Amex Gold Card may not boast the extensive travel perks found in some premium cards, it does offer no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and provides access to The Hotel Collection, which includes a $100 experience credit on minimum two-night hotel bookings. This card eliminates foreign transaction fees, ensuring you avoid up to a 3% charge when using it overseas.

The Amex Gold Card includes baggage insurance covering $500 for checked bags and $1,250 for carry-on luggage. Cardholders also benefit from secondary rental car insurance, which kicks in if you're in an accident not covered by your personal insurance. For primary coverage, you can enroll in Amex’s Premium Car Rental Protection program, costing between $12.25 and $24.95 per rental.

Top credit cards for airport lounge access

Annual Credits

The Amex Gold Card offers valuable annual credits that help mitigate its high annual fee. Cardholders can earn up to $120 in dining credits each year for use at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, requiring enrollment. Additionally, there's a $10 monthly Uber Cash benefit for rides or Uber Eats deliveries. The card also includes the $84 Dunkin' Credit, which provides up to $7 in monthly statement credits after enrollment and payment at Dunkin' locations. These recurring credits significantly enhance the card’s value, offsetting its $325 annual fee.

Top credit cards that incur no international fees

How to use Membership Rewards points

American Express Membership Rewards are among the most valuable points available. Amex boasts a comprehensive rewards program, collaborating with 21 airline and hotel loyalty programs for point transfers. For those seeking simplicity, you can redeem points at a standard rate for travel bookings, gift cards, or statement credits. These options offer flexibility and value, whether you're looking to save money or enhance your travel experience. Here’s a complete guide on redeeming Membership Rewards points:

Best credit cards for scenic road trips

Transfer points to Membership Rewards travel partners

American Express Membership Rewards features 21 airline and hotel partners, enabling you to get the most out of your points. Most transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio, with occasional promotions that offer bonus points for transferring to select partners.

These transfer partnerships allow you to select the program that aligns best with your needs, enhancing the value of your rewards. Whether you aim to book flights or secure hotel reservations, these partners can deliver significant value for your points:

• Aer Lingus AerClub

• AeroMexico Rewards

• Air Canada Aeroplan

• Air France-KLM Flying Blue

• All Nippon Airways Mileage Club

• Avianca Lifemiles

• British Airways Executive Club

• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

• Choice Privileges

• Delta SkyMiles

• Emirates Skywards

• Etihad Guest

• Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles

• Hilton Honors

• Iberia Plus

• JetBlue TrueBlue

• Marriott Bonvoy

• Qantas Frequent Flyer

• Qatar Airways Privilege Club

• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Top travel credit cards for culinary enthusiasts

Arrange or enhance your travel plans

You can utilize Membership Rewards points to reserve flights, accommodations, and car rentals through the American Express travel portal. Although the redemption rate is 1 cent per point, which isn't the most optimal, it's a suitable option when you can't find award space and want to use points to lower your travel costs.

10 incredible hotels worldwide you can book using points

Statement reimbursements

Using Amex points for statement credits offers a poor value, yielding only 0.6 cents per point. This is roughly one-third of what you could earn from most airline partners. If you plan to redeem your Amex points mainly for statement credits, consider opting for a no-annual-fee cash-back card instead.

Traveling to Japan using points and miles

Gift cards

Amex points can be exchanged for gift cards at a rate of 1 cent each. Participating retailers include Panera, Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, and others. While this isn't the most effective use of Amex points, it is an option. Many consumers found value in redeeming points for gift cards during the pandemic when travel was limited. However, this should be considered a last resort.

10 incredible US hotels you can book with points

Shop with points

American Express allows you to shop with points at popular retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Grubhub, and PayPal. You can apply your points at checkout when using your Amex Gold Card. However, at a rate of 0.5 cents per point, this is among the least favorable ways to use your Amex points.

How to access exclusive perks at major events and concerts using your credit card

Comparison to other cards

The American Express Gold Card provides numerous valuable benefits and allows you to earn significant rewards on daily spending. In comparison to cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Amex Gold Card excels in offering bonuses for dining and groceries but falls short in travel perks. Here’s how the Amex Gold Card stacks up against other credit cards:

The top credit cards for Global Entry

Amex Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ranks among the most sought-after travel rewards credit cards, offering attractive rewards for travel and dining, alongside valuable perks like primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation/interruption protection. With a lower annual fee of $95, it appeals to budget-conscious individuals compared to the Amex Gold. Cardholders can earn up to 5 points per dollar on Chase Travel℠ bookings and 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases.

This card offers generous rewards on everyday spending, earning 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services. When it's time to redeem your points, they hold a value of 1.25 cents each when booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal. Additionally, you can transfer points to 14 different airline and hotel partners, 10 of which also partner with Amex Membership Rewards.

For those who prefer a lower annual fee in exchange for reduced rewards on dining and travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative. It also provides superior travel protections.

The top credit cards for adventure seekers

Amex Gold Card versus Citi Premier® Card

Like the Amex Gold Card, the Citi Premier® Card is ideal for those looking to earn excellent rewards on everyday spending. This card offers 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and on air travel. The welcome bonus is also attractive, providing 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. Additionally, the Amex Gold Card currently includes a promotion of 20% back in statement credits for eligible restaurant purchases made worldwide in the first 6 months, up to $100. This limited-time offer ends on 11/6/24.

With a $95 annual fee, the Citi Premier is more affordable than the Amex Gold Card and is effectively balanced out by a $100 annual hotel savings benefit. This benefit applies to hotel bookings of $500 or more through the Citi ThankYou Travel portal, potentially leading to significant savings. Citi also has 17 hotel and airline transfer partners, including 12 shared with Amex Membership Rewards.

The main drawback of the Citi Premier is its lack of purchase and travel protections. Whether you're traveling or treating yourself, credit card coverage is crucial for protecting your purchases, and unfortunately, the Citi Premier does not offer this.

The best credit cards for family travel

Comparing Amex Gold Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Both the Amex Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provide substantial rewards but target different spending habits. The Amex Gold Card excels in offering high rewards on dining and US supermarkets, making it a prime choice for those who frequently spend in these areas. Conversely, the Capital One Venture Card is more advantageous for individuals who wish to earn above-average rewards on every purchase, offering 2X miles on all transactions and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, the Venture Card has a $95 annual fee, which is significantly lower than the Amex Gold's $325 fee.

Frequent travelers may find the Capital One Venture Card more appealing, as it includes two annual lounge club passes, travel accident insurance, and greater flexibility in earning rewards. Its welcome bonus is also more attractive, providing 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. These miles can be worth up to $1,000 toward travel expenses or transferred to 18 airline and hotel partners, 12 of which also participate in the Amex Membership Rewards program.

Choosing the best card ultimately depends on your spending habits and whether you're okay with a higher annual fee for some dining benefits. If that's not appealing, the travel-focused perks of the Venture Card may suit you better.

Using points and miles for travel to Europe

Is the American Express Gold Card a good choice?

The value of the Amex Gold Card hinges on your spending patterns and travel aspirations. If you often eat out and spend heavily on groceries, the rewards and perks may justify the annual fee. With enhanced rewards in these categories and dining credits, this card can offer significant value.

The Amex Membership Rewards program stands out as one of the top options for rewards travel. With partnerships spanning 21 airlines and hotels, you can save substantially on both domestic and international travel.

If you're seeking a card with a lower annual fee and stronger travel protections, consider options like the Capital One Venture or Chase Sapphire Preferred, which may better suit your needs.

Though the high annual fee may be off-putting for some, the Amex Gold Card offers substantial rewards potential and exclusive benefits, making it ideal for frequent travelers and those who often spend in the 4X bonus categories. Keep in mind that Amex's once-per-lifetime policy might prompt you to wait for a higher welcome bonus than 60,000 points before applying.

Traveling to Italy using points and miles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I make the most of the dining credits on the Amex Gold Card?

To get the most out of the dining credits on the Amex Gold Card, use it for qualifying dining expenses and take full advantage of the $10 monthly dining credits at participating restaurants and food delivery services. Additionally, you’ll receive $10 in monthly Uber Cash and $7 in credits for Dunkin' Donuts, so don’t forget to redeem those. You can also earn up to $100 in statement credits each year when you use the American Express® Gold Card for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or other eligible Resy purchases, which amounts to $50 in credits every six months. Enrollment is necessary.

How to get the best value from Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners

Is it possible to transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to airline partners?

Yes, you can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to 21 airline and hotel loyalty programs, enabling you to use them for flights and various travel rewards.

How to use points and miles for travel to Australia

Does the Amex Gold Card include rental car insurance?

While the Amex Gold Card doesn’t offer primary rental car insurance, it does provide secondary coverage, which can be beneficial if your personal car insurance doesn’t cover a loss. Additionally, you can opt for Premium Car Rental Protection through Amex, starting at $12.25 per rental.

How to use points and miles for travel to New Zealand

How does the annual fee of the Amex Gold compare to other premium cards?

The Amex Gold Card’s annual fee of $325 is relatively lower compared to other premium credit cards, although it is higher than most travel rewards cards. However, the numerous benefits offered can justify this fee.

How to use points and miles for travel to Hawaii

What advantages does Amex's The Hotel Collection offer?

Discover over 1,000 premium hotels globally with The Hotel Collection and earn a $100 credit on eligible expenses for every booking of two nights or more made through AmexTravel.com. Eligible expenses differ by property.

How to use points and miles for travel to Bali

* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations apply. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities.