Is Amex Gold Worth It? The Pros & Cons

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If you’re not too familiar with The American Express® Gold Card, note that it is one of the best credit cards for foodies, thanks to its dining benefits. Cardholders can earn Membership Rewards® points on dining, at U.S. supermarkets, and on travel while also enjoying exclusive food and transportation credits. You might ask, “Is Amex Gold worth it for travel AND everyday spending?” Asking questions can help you decide if you should apply or not.

Plus, the Amex Gold comes with a bonus of over 50,000 Amex points, so it’s definitely worth looking into more. Currently, the American Express® Gold Card welcome offer is the ability to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

When Is Amex Gold Worth It?

Consider trying for the American Express Gold Card for these reasons:

• You can redeem up to $120 in Uber Cash for rides and eats (eligible for $10 in Uber Cash each month (subject to these terms and conditions; to receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit; benefit may only be used in the United States))
• Are able to use the up to $10 monthly dining credits (up to $120 per year) at participating restaurants
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• Prefer to redeem your points for award flights, 1:1 point transfers, or gift cards
• Enrollment required

You stand to gain the most from this Amex card when using it mostly for dining, groceries, and flight purchases. In most cases, the most valuable point redemption option is for award flights that you book through amextravel.com or transfer to an airline partner.

The American Express® Gold Card earns:

• 4x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year)
• 4x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points for the rest of the year)
• 3x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com
• 2x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1x Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases

When is the Amex Gold Not Worth It?

You should avoid the American Express Gold Card when you want a premium travel credit card that provides more travel benefits and multiple ways to earn bonus points on travel purchases. You also instead go for one of the highest-level American Express cards.

This card also isn’t worth it in these situations:

• Want cash back: While this card earns some of the most points on dining and at supermarkets, your points are only worth the most (1 cent) for flights and gift cards. Cash redemptions are worth less than 1 cent. A cash back credit card is better.
• Desire a lower annual fee: The $325 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) is too high if you don’t redeem the Uber Cash or dining credits. You can enjoy competitive purchase rewards from the best travel credit cards with lower fees and potentially $0 annual fee.

Is the Amex Gold a Charge Card?

Yes, the American Express® Gold Card is a charge card without a preset spending limit. You can have more spending power, but it’s variable and not unlimited.

Previously, being a charge card also wouldn’t hurt your approval odds for new credit cards. For example, Chase 5/24 rule changes now count charge cards like the Amex Gold toward the five credit cards limit.

Here’s our expert post with a comparison of the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Is the Amex Gold Hard to Get?

The Amex Gold Card requires a good or excellent credit score between 670 and 850, although it’s best to apply with a score above 700. Other requirements also apply, such as the number of cards you have recently applied for and if your current accounts are in good standing.

The minimum required credit score is competitive with the best rewards credit cards. With that being said, it can be harder to qualify for than most, as it’s a semi-premium card containing more benefits and a higher annual fee.

You can easily estimate your approval odds without hurting your credit score at CardMatch™. This credit card matching service can also see if you’re eligible for a targeted welcome bonus.

Is the Amex Gold Free for the Military?

Active duty military members, spouses, dependents, and National Guard and Reserve members on Title 10 or Title 32 orders won’t have to pay the $325 annual fee for the American Express Gold Card.

Is the Amex Gold Metal?

Yes, the American Express Gold Card is made out of metal and available in a Gold or Rose Gold card design. It’s one of a handful of American Express metal credit cards.

Is the Amex Gold prestigious?

The Gold Card from American Express is a highly-regarded card for dining and travel rewards. It’s not the most luxurious credit card, but it offers above-average benefits. Being a metal credit card is also unique as most metal cards have a high annual fee or an abundance of benefits.

Is the Amex Gold or Platinum Better?

Luxury travelers will often compare the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express as they are the two most luxurious cards from this issuer. Both cards earn Membership Rewards and have some similarities, but there are distinct differences.

Our Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum review goes into further detail, but here is a summary to help you pick the better option:

• The Amex Gold is better for earning bonus points on dining worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. It also offers up to $120 in dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash per year with a more budget-friendly $325 annual fee and free secondary cards.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express is better for frequent air travelers who want airport lounge access, travel fee credits, and retail shopping benefits. You can also earn more flights and lots of luxury travel benefits that most cards don’t offer. However, its annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees), and the secondary cards also cost money.

Is the Amex Gold Welcome Bonus Worth It?

The American Express® Gold Card welcome offer is the ability to earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

As you can only earn American Express welcome bonuses once per card, waiting for an enhanced offer can be worth it.

Final Thoughts on Is Amex Gold Worth It?

The American Express® Gold Card is good for earning the most points on dining and grocery purchases. It’s also competitive with flight purchases. However, this card isn’t for everyone, as you need to use Uber Cash and annual dining credits to make this card a good fit for the $325 annual fee. You must also be willing to redeem your points for flights or gift cards, which is restricting.

Great for foodies: American Express® Gold Card

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• Cash Back vs Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2024

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please click here.