Rewards Well Above Its Paygrade
I also love the Amex Gold Card for its incredibly generous rewards structure. Frankly, if you’re more concerned with earning points than you are with luxury travel perks, you might even find that the Amex Gold Card offers a better value proposition than the ultra-premium Platinum Card.
So how does it work? You’ll earn points at the following rates:
- 4x points at restaurants and on up to $25,000 in spending at US supermarkets per year
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Those are among the best earning rates you’ll find from any card in those categories, and make the Amex Gold Card my go-to any time I’m eating out or buying groceries. Food is the most universal language we know, and even if you aren’t the most frequent traveler you should have no problem racking up thousands and thousands of bonus points this way.
Does The American Express Gold Card Have Lounge Access
You won’t get any lounge access with the American Express® Gold Card. The Platinum Card® from American Express, which comes with a steeper annual fee and additional benefits, comes with complimentary airport lounge access.
For rates and fees of American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
The information related to Citi Prestige® Credit Card and American Express® Green Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply to American Express credit card offers. See americanexpress.com for more information.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Advertiser Disclosure: The products that appear on this site may be from companies from which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site . ValuePenguin does not include all financial institutions or all products offered available in the marketplace.
Alternatives To The American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card really shines when it comes to earning extra rewards for dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. However, some readers may balk at the $250 annual fee.
One alternative credit card that I really like for getting bonuses on dining, groceries, and entertainment is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. This credit card earns an unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, plus an unlimited 2% cash back on groceries. When you apply, youll also receive a $300 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in your first three months after approval.
The first years annual fee is waived, after which it costs $95 per year. There are no foreign transaction fees and your rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. The major downside, however, is that you cannot transfer your rewards to airline and hotel transfer partners the way you can with the Amex Gold Card.
Don’t Miss: Firstpremier Credit Card
Who Is This Card For
If youre a foodie and eat out frequently, this card is a no-brainer. Thats because it earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants, including takeout and delivery with services like Grubhub or Seamless. If youre a home cook, though, this card also earns 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year . Thats potentially a lot of bonus Amex Membership Rewards points that you can maximize for travel and other redemptions.
Cardholders also receive up to $120 in annual statement credits toward dining and up to another $120 per year in Uber Cash toward U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats orders after enrolling their card. Added together, that brings the out-of-pocket cost of the cards $250 annual fee closer to a mere $10.
In short, the Amex Gold is great for anyone looking to leverage their everyday spending for excellent rewards while also enjoying useful statement credits for things like dining and rideshares.
American Express Gold Card Vs The Platinum Card From American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most prestigious cards on the market, with a $695 annual fee to match . The card earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point thereafter. It also earns 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. All other purchases on the card earn 1 point per dollar.
Although the Amex Gold offers elevated rewards across a wider swath of spending categories than the Amex Platinum, it cant match the swank perks that Platinum cardholders receive. Premium lounge access, Gold status with Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy hotels with enrollment, Uber Cash for eligible spending when your card is linked to your account, Saks Fifth Avenue credits and credits on airline incidental expenses on an eligible airline you select each year and other perks all come with card ownership.
Recommended Reading: Mymacyscard.com
Here Are Some Of The Types Of Requests You Can Make:
- Restaurant reservations
To get the Rose Gold card, you have to apply for the American Express® Gold Card and request a Rose Gold version. If you are already a Gold cardholder, you just have to request a new card be sent to you in the Rose Gold shade. Requesting the color is quick and easy you just have to use the online chat function of the American Express credit cards website and ask the agent assigned to you.
No matter what shade you choose, you can get all of American Express® Gold Card’s incredible benefits, from high earning rates to a huge signup bonus of 60,000 points once you spend $4,000 in the first 6 months. You also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash per year, as well as monthly statement credits when you dine at certain restaurants.
All of those excellent rewards do come at the cost of a $250 annual fee, so it’s important to weigh the worth of those rewards against the cost of the card.
Amex Rose Gold was released in October 2018 as a limited-edition, which ended on January 9, 2019. But now it is back for good.
The American Express Platinum card benefits at Hertz include reduced rates and other privileges on Hertz car rentals, like free one-car-class upgrades and expedited service. You can also return your rental up to 4 hours late with no penalty. To get the benefits, just pay for a Hertz rental with your American Express Platinum cardand include CDP #211762 in your reservation.
Maximize Bonus Spending Categories
Make sure youre using your card for purchases at U.S. supermarkets, and that youre paying with your Amex Gold Card any time you dine out or order in.
Whether youre a frequent flyer or occasional traveler, youll also want to use your Amex Gold Card for flights booked direct or through AmexTravel.com. These purchases will earn you 3X points.
Also Check: How To Pay Best Buy Credit Card On App
Two Airport Lounge Passes:
You receive two free airport lounge passes each membership year with Amex Gold, valid at any airport lounge in the Priority Pass network. Heathrow , Gatwick, Luton and Stansted amongst many others have participating lounges as do most major airports worldwide. After your two free visits, you can make further lounge visits for a £20 charge.
Amex Gold Card Vs Other Rewards Cards
*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 2022.
****the Amex Gold offers up to $10 in dining credits each month when you use your card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations.
Also Check: Sear Credit Card.com
The Biggest Bonuses Weve Ever Seen
Earning bonus points year in, year out is one thing. But American Express has sweetened the deal throughout the pandemic to make the Amex Gold card even more alluring with a massive bonus.
In normal times, youd earn 35,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. Now, you can earn at least 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first six months on the card. Yes, thats right: Nearly twice the points with double the time to spend $4,000 to earn them. Arguably, theres never been a better time to get the Gold card.
But it can get even better. Check with CardMatch to see if youre eligible for a 75,000-point welcome bonus with the same spending requirement.
Still, 60,000 points is nothing to sneeze at. Combine that big welcome bonus with the ongoing points you can earn on groceries and at restaurants, and that can add up fast.
to learn more about the American Express Gold Card.
You asked, and American Express answered: The Amex Rose Gold Card has officially returned.
For reasons we cant quite explain, the internet has gone crazy for this rosy-hued card. It disappeared for years after American Express briefly made it available when relaunching the Amex Gold Card back in 2018.
Now its back and back for good. New cardholders can choose between the traditional Gold finish and Rose Gold when applying for the card. Already have a Gold Card and want to go Rose? Just message American Express and ask for a replacement.
Review: American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Links on Head for Points may pay us an affiliate commission. A list of partners is here.
This is our review of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold credit card.
It is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the area in the menu bar. Our other UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here.
The sign-up bonus onthe card is increased to 30,000 points until 9th November 2021. If you were thinking of applying, there has never been a better time.
This article was updated on 1st October 2021, and all of the information is correct as of that date. Ignore the original publication date shown.
Key link:American Express Preferred Rewards Gold application page
Key facts: No annual fee in year 1 and £140 thereafter. You can cancel at any point.
Interest rate:Representative APR 59.9% variable including the annual fee based on a notional £1,200 credit limit. Interest rate on purchases 24.5% APR variable.
Also Check: Best Buy Credit Card Options
Comparison: American Express Gold Card Vs Other Amex Cards
*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, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
****up to $10 in Uber Cash per month
*****Eligible digital subscriptions include Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and Peacock
Should You Upgrade Your Amex Card Read This First
Offers contained within this article maybe expired.
American Express offers some of the most valuable credit cards on the market no doubt. They have a wide selection of cards that come with great welcome bonuses so typically to get the most value you want to apply for a new card offering you a sweet new bonus.
But on occasion American Express may offer you the opportunity to upgrade to a new card and earn a bonus while doing so. When this happens, there often is one easy strategic move that you can utilize to optimize your earnings.
Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. Its free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!
You May Like: How Do I Check My Cabela’s Credit Card Balance
Potential Earnings In Years One And Two
Here’s a look how your points can add up with the Amex Gold Card. To calculate these values, we used a point valuation of 1 cent per point.
Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.
Year one earnings: $1,244
Year two earnings: $644
These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee.
In our calculations, we also assigned all travel spending to the 3X for flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com. So if some of your travel budget is allocated to hotels and other travel purchases, as opposed to airfare, then you will see lower earnings. That said, the value of this card is potentially boosted by hundreds of dollars each over what is indicated here if you take advantage of the annual dining credit.
Is The Amex Gold Card Worth It
For the right cardholder, the Amex Gold is absolutely worth it. The card offers the highest combined rewards rate you can find on both U.S. supermarket and restaurant purchases making it ideal for foodies. Plus, it comes with several travel protections and credits that can help offset its high annual fee.
If you take full advantage of the Amex Gold cards rewards and benefits, the cards value should easily eclipse the annual fee. Indeed, these perks could add up to over $500 in value, more than covering the fee.
Evaluating the Amex Golds value relative to its annual fee, personal finance writer Nicole Dieker put it like this: What you might not realize is that the credits, points and benefits offered by the American Express Gold Card can more than offset the annual fee especially if you use your Amex Gold Card wisely.
Heres a quick look at just how much value the cards perks alone can offer the ideal user:
| Perk |
|---|
Also Check: How To Add Credit Card To Google Play Store
People Targeted For A 75000
The public welcome offer on the Amex Gold is currently 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months, but theres now a higher 75,000-point offer through CardMatch after meeting minimum spend requirements. Note: The targeted offer is subject to change at any time.
Since Amex has a once per lifetime policy with welcome offers, it always makes sense to see if you can get a higher offer. If you get the full 75,000 bonus points, they would be worth $1,500, according to TPG valuations.
Redeeming Membership Rewards Points
The Amex Gold Card earns Membership Rewards points. This is one of the four major transferable points currencies and is a favorite points currency for many. While I love Membership Rewards, Id say that not everyone should be earning these points. Let me explain who should and shouldnt earn Membership Rewards points.
You May Like: No International Transaction Fee Credit Card
Free Access To Expense Management Tools
Business Gold members get free access to the American Express Business App and a free year-end summary to help them organize their expenses. To further help with taxes, cardholders can also have their purchases automatically loaded into QuickBooks.
Furthermore, cardholders get:
- Vendor pay by Bill.com
Does The American Express Gold Card Help Build Your Credit
Like any other card issuer, American Express will report your payments and other activity to the credit bureaus. This means that the American Express® Gold Card can help you build credit, but only if you use it responsibly and pay it off on time. Try to keep your balance relatively low and make sure to always make your monthly minimum payment on time.
Read Also: Sears Credut Card
People Looking To Complete The Amex Trifecta
The two biggest weak spots in the Amex Gold Cards bonus categories can be easily fixed by pairing it with one of two other strong Amex cards: The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
No matter how much money you spend on dining and groceries a year, youll likely want to combine multiple cards into the Amex trifecta to maximize your bonus-category earning.
If you combine these three cards and use each one for its bonus categories, youll end up earning anywhere from 2-5x points, or 4-10% back on nearly all of your purchases. And these cards really fit together like puzzle pieces, with the Amex Platinum providing luxury perks, such as lounge access and hotel elite status, that the Gold Card doesnt, and the Blue Business Plus elevating your base earning rate on non-bonus spending from 1x to 2x without costing you a penny in annual fees .
Amex Gold 4x Points At Restaurants
Youll earn 4x points at restaurants with no limit to how many bonus points you can earn.
Generally speaking, restaurants are defined pretty broadly, and the category includes everything from fast food to cafes to fine dining. This even includes delivery and takeout, which are increasingly popular ways to get food from restaurants in this era.
Just note that convenience stores, nightclubs, and restaurants located within other establishments wont typically qualify for bonus points.
Furthermore, eligibility for bonus points is determined based on how the merchant chooses to be categorized. Theres a chance that some merchants may not be categorized as a restaurant, even though you might consider them a restaurant.
Recommended Reading: How To Settle Credit Card Debt With Chase