Rewards cards aren’t guaranteed to earn and keep their stripes, but the American Express® Gold Card endures. Its shiny gold (or rose gold, if you prefer) finish suggests a card that offers attractive perks and appealing rewards rates.
The Amex Gold was the fourth credit card I added to my wallet, and it remains there because it delivers exactly the level of benefits you’d expect at first glance. It’s one of the best rewards cards currently available, but like every other card on the market, it isn’t for everyone.
Here’s a breakdown of every feature on this card, how it plays its role in my wallet and why (or why not) it may be for you. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Amex Gold: The basics
The anatomy of the Amex Gold breaks down into two parts: statement credits and Membership Rewards points. This card has a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), so it’s important to make sure you can recoup that value through its benefits.
You can get up to $424 in value each year from your Amex Gold. Cardmembers will likely find the most value in the up to $10 monthly Uber Cash credit for U.S. Uber and Uber Eats orders*, the up to $10 monthly dining statement credit with select partners and the up to $50 biannual statement credit at U.S. Resy restaurants. (Enrollment is required for select benefits.)
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While the Amex Gold’s lack of lounge access may be disappointing given its price tag, you’ll get access to its impressive roster of 20 transfer partners. We at TPG recommend redeeming points through transfer partners to get maximum value for them.
Earning points with this card is easy, particularly for people like myself who enjoy dining out. The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $50,000 and $25,000 in spending each calendar year, respectively, then 1 point per dollar).
The Amex Gold is at its most powerful in the hands of someone who travels at least a couple of times each year and spends a lot of their budget on food.
