The American Express® Gold Card offers considerable value, as it earns 4x points at U.S. supermarkets ($25,000 annual spending cap) and restaurants, plus bonus points for qualifying travel purchases (terms apply). But this premium rewards card isn't cheap, either. Find out whether it's the card for you in our detailed American Express® Gold Card review.
Ratings Methodology
2024 Award Winner
American Express® Gold Card
Great for: Restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Credit ScoreFalling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: n/a
Balance Transfers: n/a
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
RewardsEarn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
1X-4X Membership Rewards® Points
Annual Fee
$250
Welcome OfferEarn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000
This card offers considerable value, as it earns 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X) and 4X points at restaurants. Plus, earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel. Meanwhile, $120 in annual dining credits and $120 in Uber cash can offset almost the entire $250 annual fee. (Terms apply.) Overall, it’s an incredibly lucrative card for those who spend a lot in those categories.
- Impressive welcome offer
- Restaurant rewards
- U.S. supermarket rewards
- Travel and dining credits
- High-value rewards points
- Annual fee
- Inflexible spending credits
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
Credit card comparison
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
| Offer | Our Rating | Welcome Offer | Rewards Program | APR | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card Apply Now for Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card OnBank of America'sSecure Website. | Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | $200 cash rewards$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening | 1.5% cash back | Intro:0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. Balance transfers include a fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%. Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days Regular:18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) | Apply Now for Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card OnBank of America'sSecure Website. |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card OnChase'sSecure Website. | Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars. 4.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | 60,000 bonus pointsEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchasesEnjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | Intro:N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A Regular:21.49%-28.49% Variable | Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card OnChase'sSecure Website. |
Discover it® Cash Back | Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars. 5.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.N/A | 1% - 5% CashbackEarn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. | Intro: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months Regular:17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
Full Amex Gold Card review
This card is a good fit for: Consumers looking for bonus rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Occasional and frequent travelers will also like this card's versatile rewards points and travel benefits.
Top perks
American Express has put together a deep lineup of benefits for one of its most popular cards.
Earn up to 4 points per $1
The American Express® Gold Card earns:
- 4 points per $1 at restaurants
- 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year
- 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases
- terms apply.
There's no denying it, 4 points per $1 is an incredible rate and makes the card one of the best choices for dining and grocery cards. If you spend a lot in those areas, this rewards card can help you dramatically boost your rewards.
Welcome offer
You earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months (terms apply).
SEE MORE: Best Sign-Up Bonus Credit Cards
$120 in annual dining credits
You receive dining statement credits of $10 per month when you use your American Express® Gold Card at select participating restaurants and food delivery services. The lineup of providers, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations, is sure to please varying tastes (terms apply).
$120 in annual Uber Cash
When you add your American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account, you automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash each month. You can use this for Uber Eats orders and Uber rides in the United States (terms apply).
Flexible rewards points
The American Express Membership Rewards program has a deep roster of airline and hotel partners. You can transfer your points to the loyalty programs of any partner to make an award booking with that travel provider. Transfers are widely known as the best way to maximize American Express Membership Rewards points because they could lead to bookings that get you $0.02 per point or much more.
Another solid redemption option is the Pay with Points feature to book airfare through American Express Travel. You'll get a value of $0.01 per point this way, and you can apply your points towards a cash airfare purchase (terms apply).
LEARN MORE: A Complete Guide to American Express Membership Rewards Points
No foreign transaction fee
The American Express® Gold Card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees).
$100 hotel credit
When you book The Hotel Collection properties with American Express Travel for stays of at least two nights, you receive a $100 onsite experience credit. This statement credit applies to qualifying activities, such as dining or spa treatments. Qualifying activities vary by property (terms apply).
RELATED: Best Hotel Credit Cards
Travel and purchase protections
American Express cards are known for having excellent complimentary protections. The American Express® Gold Card is no exception, as it offers the following types of coverage on eligible purchases:
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Baggage insurance plan
- terms apply.
These kinds of protections can come in handy when you need them. Make sure to read the guide to benefits that comes with your card (it's also available online) to understand what's covered and what isn't.
RELATED: The Ascent's Travel Credit Cards Hub
What could be improved
While this card offers quite a few features, it still has a couple minor issues.
Annual fee
The American Express® Gold Card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). While the fee is justifiable for many, it's a high annual fee, and something potential applicants should consider. If you're looking for something more affordable, continue checking out credit card reviews, as there are plenty of cheaper travel cards available.
Inflexible spending credits
Although the American Express® Gold Card offers valuable spending credits, they aren't entirely easy to use. Dining credits are doled out in $10-per-month increments, so you need to dine with a participating restaurant every month to maximize this benefit (terms apply).
MORE OPTIONS: Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants
Find the best credit card for your needs
Compare credit card rewards, fees, APRs, and more using our side-by-side comparison tool.
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How Amex Gold Card works
The American Express® Gold Card works differently than a standard credit card. You're supposed to pay the full balance by the due date. But it also has two options to finance certain purchases: Plan It® and Pay Over Time.
Plan It® allows you to follow a payment plan with a set payment amount for eligible purchases. Pay Over Time lets you pay off a purchase over time with interest.
LEARN MORE: What's the Difference Between a Credit Card and a Charge Card?
Suggested credit score
It's recommended that you only apply for the American Express® Gold Card if you have a FICO® Score of 670 or higher. Like just about all the best travel rewards cards, this card is for consumers with good or excellent credit.
Keep in mind that card applications aren't decided entirely by your credit score. A high credit score always helps, but American Express looks at many factors, including your income and overall credit history. Your credit score alone doesn't guarantee an approval or a denial.
Is the annual fee worth it?
The annual fee is well worth it if you're planning to use your American Express® Gold Card regularly for dining, U.S. supermarkets, and travel purchases, and you can take advantage of the credits it offers.
Between the $120 in annual dining credits and up to $120 in Uber cash for U.S. Uber and Uber Eats orders, its $250 annual fee would cost you $10 per year after you take the credits into account (terms apply). For a card with such a high rewards rate, $10 per year isn't much.
SEE MORE OPTIONS: Best Credit Cards
The Amex Gold Card is right for you if:
You can take advantage of the high rewards rate and spending credits it offers.
Since the American Express® Gold Card has so many benefits, it can work well for many different types of consumers. If any of the following are true, you should think about applying:
- You're a foodie. Whether you like going to restaurants or picking up your ingredients at the grocery store, you'll have the opportunity to earn lots of bonus rewards.
- You like to travel. This card has useful travel perks and flexible points you can transfer to several airlines and hotels.
- You find the variety of credits valuable. The Uber, hotel, and dining credits can add up if you spend in these categories.
Our credit card methodology
At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how The Ascent rates credit cards.
FAQs
There is no credit limit or preset spending limit for the American Express® Gold Card. The spending limit is determined on a month-to-month basis and is based on your payment history, income, credit history, and other habits.
No, the American Express® Gold Card doesn't include airport lounge access. If you're looking for a card with that benefit, check out The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Yes, the American Express® Gold Card is made of metal.
Our Credit Cards Experts
By:Lyle Daly
Writer
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Fact CheckedNathan Alderman
Fact checker
Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.
