The American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, rates & fees) and The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) are two popular rewards cards offered by American Express. Both cards can have a place in your wallet, but should be used in different ways. The Platinum Card earns more points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or American Express Travel and prepaid hotel stays booked via American Express Travel than the Gold Card, but the Gold Card earns more at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, so you’ll want to strategize where you spend with each card.
The Platinum Card offers over $1,500 worth of annual statement credits that can easily offset its high annual fee. There are also numerous benefits across travel, dining and entertainment. Plus, cardholders gain access to the Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select airport lounges), which can significantly enhance your travel experience. Similarly, the Platinum Card will be the best bet for someone looking for comprehensive travel protections and insurance. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
However, if you can’t justify the $695 annual fee on Amex Platinum card and still want a card that offers some travel protections and statement credits, you can go with the Gold Card. Let’s take a deep dive into the most significant differences with the Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum cards.
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
Partner Offer
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On American Express’s Secure Website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome Bonus
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 80,000 points
Annual Fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.
Editor’s Take
Pros
- Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
- Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
- Generous travel and purchase protections.
Cons
- High annual fee and spending requirements.
- Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
- Annual statement credits have limited use.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with unparalleled luxury travel perks. Cardmembers have access to a wide range of airport lounges, mid-tier hotel elite status and a comprehensive set of travel protections.
Card Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peaco*ck, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum
| ANNUAL FEE AND AUTHORIZED USER FEE | REWARD | WELCOME OFFER | TRAVEL PERKS | OTHER BENEFITS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Express® Gold Card | $250 $0 per authorized user up to 5, then $35 per card | 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases | 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership | Monthly Uber Cash (up to $120 per calendar year; must add card to Uber account to receive benefit, baggage insurance plan¹, secondary car rental loss and damage insurance². | $10 monthly dining statement credit at select merchants (up to $120 in statement credits per calendar year). Enrollment required. |
The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 $195 per authorized user | 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases | 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership | Numerous travel-related statement credits, access to the Global Lounge Collection, Platinum Travel Service, Gold status with Marriott and Hilton. Enrollment is required for select benefits. | Digital entertainment and shopping statement credits, access to exclusive reservations through Resy, purchase¹ and return protection³. |
Earning rewards
The Amex Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
If you have the Platinum Card, you can earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Winner for rewards: Tie
Redeeming rewards
With both cards, you can redeem your Membership® Rewards points when shopping at Amazon.com and other popular brands, for Airbnb gift cards, as a credit to cover a charge made on your card, as a deposit into an American Express® Rewards Checking account, for travel on American Express Travel, or transfer your points to several different travel partners. The exact value of a point will vary depending on your redemption method.
Winner for reward redemption: Tie
Transfer partners
American Express has 11 airline partners and three hotel partners. You can transfer your Membership Rewards at a 1:1 ratio to Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club, Delta SkyMiles, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue, Iberia Plus, Qantas Frequent Flyer, SAS EuroBonus and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
The following transfer partners have a different transfer ratio:
- Singapore KrisFlyer: 3 Membership Rewards points = 2 KrisFlyer mile
- Marriott Bonvoy: 2 Membership Rewards points = 3 Marriott points
- Hilton Honors: 1 Membership Rewards point = 2 Hilton Honors points
- Radisson Rewards: 1 Membership Rewards point = 3 points
Note that some partners have a minimum transfer amount, and the transfer time can vary from one business day to 15 business days. Transferring your points is typically the best way to maximize your redemption value. Consider the transfer partners before applying for either card to see if you regularly fly with these airlines or stay at these hotels.
Winner for transfer partners: Tie
Welcome offers
The Amex Gold Card currently offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
The Platinum Card offers 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
As long as you can reach the spending threshold, either amount of points can undoubtedly take you places.
Winner for welcome offer: The Platinum Card
Travel benefits
The Amex Gold Card
When you book a two-night minimum stay with The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel, you can receive a $100 experience credit to use during your stay. The Gold Card also offers a baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance as secondary coverage. Note that the baggage insurance plan only covers lost luggage, not delayed.
The Platinum Card
The Platinum Card outshines the Amex Gold Card in terms of travel benefits. First, you can receive up to $200 as a statement credit each calendar year on select prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel. Plus, you receive complimentary room upgrades and a $100 experience credit for select activities during your stay.
When flying, cardholders can access the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1,400 lounges in 140 countries. These are high-end lounges, like the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select (enrollment required).
One of the other travel benefits of the Platinum Card is the airline fee statement credit, which allows you to select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when you are charged incidental fees.
Cardholders can also quickly make it through the airport with a $189 CLEAR® Plus credit each calendar year and an enrollment fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100). Platinum cardholders receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, Hilton Honors Gold Status and premium status with popular car rental companies Avis, Hertz and National. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
In terms of insurance coverage, the Platinum Card includes secondary car rental loss and damage insurance², trip delay insurance⁴ and trip cancellation and interruption insurance⁴. You’ll also have access to the Platinum Travel Service to help plan your trips.
Winner for travel benefits: The Platinum Card
Dining and entertainment rewards
The Amex Gold Card offers up to $10 in monthly statement credits for purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations, up to $120 per calendar year (enrollment required). Cardholders also receive $10 in Uber Cash each month, up to another $120 annually (card must be added to Uber account to receive this benefit). Taking full advantage of these statement credits almost entirely covers the card’s annual fee.
The Platinum Card offers numerous dining and entertainment benefits that can provide substantial value. Cardholders can receive up to a $20 monthly statement credit for eligible purchases from the following digital entertainment providers: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peaco*ck, and The Wall Street Journal. Similarly, cardholders receive $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December, for rides or UberEats orders in the U.S. Cardholders also have exclusive access to reservations on Resy. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Winner for dining and entertainment rewards: Tie
Shopping perks
You’ll get access to Amex Offers with both the Amex Gold and Platinum Card.
In addition, the Amex Gold offers purchase protection¹ and extended warranty coverage¹, which can be very useful coverages, but doesn’t offer much else in terms of shopping perks.
The Platinum Card offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage¹, as well as cellphone protection⁴ and return protection. It also comes with a slew of other shopping benefits such as a $155 Walmart credit to cover the cost of a Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal), plus up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue (up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually). Cardholders also receive up to $300 in statement credits each year for an Equinox+ digital subscription or Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal), as well as a $300 statement credit towards the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike. (An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Cardholder must charge the full price of the bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment required).
Winner for shopping perks: The Platinum Card
Fees
There’s a noticeable difference in the annual fees for these cards. The Amex Gold Card has an annual fee of $250, while the Platinum Card will cost you $695 each year. That’s more than double the cost just to hold the card.
You can easily offset the annual fee of either card by making the most of available statement credits and cardholder perks.
Additional cardholders on the Amex Gold are complimentary up to 5 authorized users, then $35 for additional cardholders, while every authorized user you add to the Platinum Card will cost $195.
Neither card charges foreign transaction fees.
Winner for fees: Amex Gold Card
Who should choose Amex Gold?
The Amex Gold Card may be a good fit for you if:
- You are looking for a mid-tier rewards card and want to avoid a high annual fee.
- You regularly ride with Uber or order UberEats and dine at eligible restaurants for the dining credit and can utilize the annual statement credits.
- You spend big on restaurants, groceries at U.S. supermarkets and travel-related expenses so you’ll benefit from the high earning rates in these categories.
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Ad Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.
American Express® Gold Card
Partner Offer
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
On American Express’s Secure Website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circ*mstances.
Welcome Bonus
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 60,000 points
Annual Fee
$250
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.; Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases
Editor’s Take
Pros
- Up to $240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and on select dining.
- High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
- Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
- $250 annual fee.
- Minimal travel perks.
- Complex rewards structure.
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express® Gold Card could be ideal for you for its generous rewards on spending in those areas. Plus it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee, if fully maximized.
Card Details
- 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.
Who should choose Amex Platinum?
The Platinum Card could be the best choice for you if:
- You will actually use all of the annual statement credits — if you take the time to enroll and maximize your credits, you can get more than $1,500 in value from credits alone.
- You regularly book flights, hotels and car rentals and would benefit from high rewards rates in these categories.
- You’re a regular guest at Marriott, Hilton or other luxury properties where you’ll receive status and other benefits.
Which card should you get?
Both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards are fantastic options for frequent travelers and they’re two of the most popular reward cards for different reasons. One isn’t automatically better than the other for everyone. To pick the right one for you, consider the cards you currently have in your wallet. Look for potential gaps in your points and miles strategy to see which card makes more sense.
You should also analyze your monthly spending and your travel and financial goals. While the Platinum Card offers many more benefits than the Amex Gold Card, it also comes with more than double the annual fee. While long lists of perks can be very enticing, it’s essential to make sure you’ll actually use them in order to offset the higher cost.
Of course, you don’t have to choose between them. These cards also pair very well together to deliver the best of both worlds. Plus, you can combine points earned from each card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
One card is not better than the other. The best card for you will depend on your spending habits and travel needs. While the Gold Card offers bonus categories for restaurants and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, the Platinum Card is more travel-focused and offers more annual statement credits for a much higher annual fee.
No, the Amex Gold Card does not provide any lounge access.
American Express will consider many factors when reviewing your application. However, you should have a good to excellent credit score to improve your chances of getting approved. On the FICO model, this is a credit score of 670 or more.
The Amex Gold Card does not have a preset spending limit, nor does the Platinum. This means the amount you can spend will adapt based on multiple factors, like your purchase, payment and credit history.
Whether the $695 annual fee for the Amex Platinum is worth it will depend on your spending habits. If you can take advantage of the statement credits, you can likely wholly offset the annual fee. However, you might be better off with a different card if you don’t purchase many flights and hotel stays throughout the year.
For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
²Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
³Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
⁴Eligibility 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.
