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American Express® Gold Card Review: A Premium Card for Dining and Travel Enthusiasts
February 6, 2025
What Is The American Express® Gold Card?
The American Express® Gold Card is a premium rewards card that stands out for its exceptional earning rates on dining and travel purchases. Currently, new cardmembers can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. With an annual fee of $325 (see rates and fees), this card offers a compelling mix of rewards and benefits for food and travel enthusiasts.
American Express® Gold Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, 1x after maximum spending amount is met)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com
- Up to $120 in annual dining credits
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually
- No foreign transaction fees
- Choice of classic gold or rose gold design
- Comprehensive travel perks and protection
Cons:
- $325 annual fee
- Dining credits are divided into monthly increments
- Some benefits require enrollment
- Limited acceptance compared to Visa/Mastercard
Who Is the American Express® Gold Card For?
The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for:
- Frequent diners who regularly eat at restaurants worldwide
- Home cooks who spend significantly at U.S. supermarkets
- Travel enthusiasts who book flights directly with airlines
- Consumers who can maximize statement credits and benefits
- Those who value flexible points redemption options
Comparing The American Express® Gold Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the American Express® Gold Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on vacation rentals and flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- [Main Card Name] excels in offering exceptional earning rates on dining and travel purchases
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
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Consider Using Kudos
To maximize your rewards with the American Express® Gold Card, consider downloading Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension. Kudos helps ensure you're always using the right card for your purchases, potentially multiplying your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events. Currently, they're offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The American Express® Gold Card presents exceptional value for food and travel enthusiasts who can maximize its benefits. While the $325 annual fee is significant, the combination of generous rewards rates, statement credits, and current welcome bonus makes it a worthwhile consideration for the right cardholder.
American Express® Gold Card FAQ
What is the current welcome bonus?
New cardmembers can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.
How do the dining credits work?
The $120 annual dining credit is distributed as $10 monthly statement credits when you pay at participating partners, including The Cheesecake Factory, Grubhub, and select Resy restaurants.
How is the Uber Cash benefit applied?
Cardmembers receive $10 in Uber Cash monthly ($120 annually) for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S.
Can I get both gold and rose gold designs?
You can choose either the classic gold or rose gold design when applying, and can request a metal color change once approved.
How do Membership Rewards points work?
Points can be transferred to participating airline and hotel partners, used for travel through AmexTravel.com, or redeemed for statement credits and other rewards.
Is there a limit on grocery rewards?
The 4X points at U.S. supermarkets applies to the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X.
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
No, the American Express® Gold Card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Does the card require excellent credit?
While American Express doesn't publish minimum score requirements, excellent credit (740+) typically yields the best approval odds.
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. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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