The American Express® Gold Card has recently sparked considerable interest thanks to its dining credit options. Today, I’ll be doing an Amex Gold Card review so you can see if it’s a good fit for you. This card serves as an excellent product for its target demographic: individuals who appreciate dining experiences (encompassing both takeout and delivery), travel, and shopping at U.S. supermarkets.
Plus, there’s a welcome offer to be excited about. New American Express® Gold Card cardholders can 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. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Plus, get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold, or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
Great for foodies: American Express® Gold Card
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.
Membership Rewards Points Earnings
The headline points earnings are eye-popping. It 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
However, when you read the fine print, you’ll find that Amex’s generosity has limitations.
While this probably won’t affect most people, 4x points earnings are only at U.S. supermarkets. More painfully, supermarket earnings are capped at $25,000 per year; spending beyond this threshold credits just one point per dollar.
The 3x on airfare also has a loophole: travel purchased from online travel agencies (like Expedia, Vayama, or Priceline) is excluded. You must purchase airfare directly from the airlines or from American Express Travel in order to be eligible for the 3x rate. Given that the best fares are often sold by online travel agencies, this is a significant limitation.
Related: Is One Of These Better For You? Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. American Express Gold
American Express Gold Card Welcome Offer
As mentioned above, new American Express® Gold Card cardholders can 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. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Plus, get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold, or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
Amex Gold Card Review: Annual Fee
The American Express Gold Card carries a $325 annual fee (See Rates and Fees). This is expensive compared to a card with similar benefits and no annual fee. However, there are several ways to help offset this fee. If you can use all of the perks and enjoy the rewards that come with this food-friendly card, this card might be perfect for you.
Dining Credit: More Restaurants
Amex offers up to $120 dining credit, but it’s got some limitations. It’s not a $120 lump sum but is instead dribbled out at $10 per month. Miss using the credit in a given month? It’s gone and won’t carry over to subsequent months.
While Amex uses the term “dining credit,” the credit is effectively a discount valid only at the following merchants (enrollment is required):
- Grubhub
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Goldbelly
- Wine.com
- Five Guys
This perk can save you up to $120 annually.
If you frequently order from food delivery services (i.e. GrubHub), you’ll be more likely to maximize this benefit.
Additional Perks to Offset the Annual Fee
In addition to the perks above, cardholders can explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges. These charges can include food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Credit use varies by property.
Other Credits
Cardholders can also get up to an $84 Dunkin’ Credit per year. Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after enrolling and paying with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
There is also a $100 Resy Credit. Cardholders can get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after they pay with their card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. This is equal to up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment is required.
Great for Foodies: American Express® Gold Card
Foreign Transaction Fee
Additionally, there is a $0 foreign transaction fee (See Rates and Fees). However, do note that Amex sets its own exchange rates. Depending upon the currency, these can be more or less favorable than Visa or MasterCard. Additionally, you may find that American Express cards aren’t accepted super widely abroad.
Tip: If you want to/plan to travel and would like to utilize credit card perks, check out our list of the best travel credit cards.
Purchase Protection
If an item you buy is damaged, stolen, or lost within 120 days, you can be reimbursed. The maximum you can get reimbursed is $10k per occurrence and $50k per year.
Note that for residents of New York, Indiana, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands, the coverage duration is 90 days.
American Express Gold Card Return Protection
According to Amex, “If you try to return an eligible item within 90 days from the date of purchase and the merchant won’t take it back, American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.” Terms apply.
Amex Gold Card Review: Car Rental Insurance
Also, Amex offers its standard secondary car rental insurance. This is comparable to MasterCard but is more limited than Visa.
Baggage Insurance
With the American Express® Gold Card, you can get insurance coverage for over $500 in checked bags and $1,250 in carry-on bags.
Roadside Assistance
Additionally, the key benefit of the American Express Gold Card is ten free miles of towing as well as jumpstarts and flat tire assistance. Up to 4 claims a year are allowed.
Final Thoughts of Amex Gold Card Review
In conclusion, the benefits of this card are pretty good, but not as good as they might first seem. However, if you make a lot of purchases each year on dining and at U.S. supermarkets, this card could treat you quite well. But there are other cards out there (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Capital One Venture) that offer returns on spending that are almost as good without as many gotchas to watch out for.
Great for foodies: American Express® Gold Card
Related Articles:
- The Best Metal Credit Cards (Reliable, Durable, Sleek, and Secure)
- Is Having the American Express Gold Card Worth the Annual Fee?
- The Best Rewards Credit Cards
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
