The American Express® Gold Card is a standout option for food enthusiasts and frequent grocery shoppers. Offering premium rewards for dining, groceries, and travel, this card is designed for those who can take advantage of its high-value perks. While its annual fee is significant, the array of benefits—including dining credits, transfer options, and ongoing rewards—can easily justify the cost for frequent spenders.
Key Highlights
- Annual Fee: $325
- Welcome Offer: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- Dining Rewards: 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $50,000 and $25,000 annually, respectively)
- Travel Benefits: 3x points on flights, 2x points on eligible prepaid hotels
- Uber & Dining Credits: Up to $120 in Uber Cash, $120 in dining credits, and additional credits at Dunkin’ and Resy
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- Other Perks: Access to The Hotel Collection, exclusive travel transfers, and no preset spending limit.
Earning Rewards with the American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card provides excellent opportunities to rack up Membership Rewards® points, particularly for dining and grocery purchases.
4x Points on Dining and Groceries
- Restaurants: Earn 4x points per dollar spent on dining worldwide.
- U.S. Supermarkets: Earn 4x points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
- Flights: 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Prepaid Hotels: 2x points on eligible prepaid hotel bookings made through Amex Travel.
- All Other Purchases: 1x point per dollar spent.
This card is ideal for people who dine out frequently and do substantial grocery shopping, as it offers some of the highest points rates in these categories.
Points Transfer to Travel Partners
One of the strongest features of the American Express® Gold Card is the ability to transfer Membership Rewards® points to numerous airline and hotel partners, often at a 1:1 ratio. This includes major frequent flyer programs such as:
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Singapore Airlines
- Emirates
- Virgin Atlantic
By transferring points to travel partners, you can often get much more value than by using them for merchandise or statement credits, making this an excellent option for frequent travelers.
Annual Credits: Maximize Your Benefits
While the $325 annual fee may seem high, the American Express® Gold Card comes with valuable annual credits that can help offset the cost, provided you make use of them.
$120 Dining Credit
- How it works: Get $10 in monthly credits when you use your card at select dining partners like Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, and Wine.com.
- Terms: The credits are available in monthly increments and expire if unused within the month, so you must plan your spending carefully to fully benefit.
$120 Uber Cash
- How it works: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and receive $10 per month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides within the U.S.
- Terms: Credits are available monthly and don’t roll over, so they must be used within the month to be of value.
$100 Resy Credit
- How it works: Earn up to $100 in annual credits ($50 every six months) for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or making eligible Resy purchases.
- Terms: Must be enrolled, and the credit is available twice a year.
$84 Dunkin’ Credit
- How it works: Receive $7 per month in credits at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
- Terms: Must be enrolled, and credits are available monthly.
These credits, combined with the card’s dining rewards, make it a high-value option for frequent restaurant-goers and food delivery enthusiasts.
Redemption Options for Membership Rewards®
Points earned with the American Express Gold Card can be redeemed for a variety of options, including:
- Travel: Book flights, hotels, or car rentals through Amex Travel or transfer points to airline/hotel partners.
- Gift Cards and Merchandise: Use points for shopping at popular retailers or purchase gift cards for everyday spending.
- Statement Credits: Points can be redeemed for statement credits, though this is generally less valuable compared to travel redemptions (0.6 cents per point).
Given the high transfer value to travel partners, this card is particularly useful for those looking to save on flights or hotel stays.
Is the American Express Gold Card Worth the Fee?
If you can maximize the card’s rewards categories and annual credits, the $325 annual fee becomes much more manageable. Here’s a breakdown of when it might be worth it:
- Dining Enthusiasts: If you regularly dine out and shop at U.S. supermarkets, the 4x points categories make this card a great choice for earning rewards.
- Travel Savvy: The ability to transfer points to airlines and hotels is a huge plus for frequent travelers, especially for those looking to get more value out of their points.
- Food Delivery and Restaurant Visitors: The annual credits from dining partners like Grubhub, Uber, and Dunkin’ can quickly cover the cost of the card’s annual fee if you use them regularly.
However, if you don’t spend a lot on dining, groceries, or travel, or if you prefer cash back rewards over points, the American Express® Gold Card might not be the best option.
Drawbacks to Consider
High Annual Fee
The $325 annual fee is a significant cost, especially for those who may not fully utilize the card’s perks. If you don’t spend enough on dining and groceries or use the dining credits effectively, the fee may not be worth it.
Complex Benefits
The annual credits and points categories come with various restrictions, such as caps on spending for dining and groceries. For those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure, the American Express® Gold Card may feel too complicated.
Alternative Cards
If you’re looking for a simpler card with cash-back rewards or lower fees, consider alternatives like the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 3% cash back on dining and groceries without an annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the American Express Gold Card cost?
The card has an annual fee of $325, which is offset by its dining credits, travel rewards, and other perks if used effectively.
2. Does the American Express Gold Card offer travel benefits?
Yes, you can earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, and transfer points to a wide range of travel partners.
3. How can I maximize the $120 dining credit?
Use your card at participating partners like Grubhub, Wine.com, or Five Guys to receive $10 in monthly credits. Make sure to use the credits each month, as they don’t roll over.
4. Is the American Express Gold Card better than the Platinum Card?
The American Express Platinum Card® offers more luxurious travel perks like airport lounge access, $200 airline fee credits, and more, but it comes with a $695 annual fee. If you don’t need those high-end travel benefits, the Gold Card may offer better value for food and grocery rewards.
Conclusion: A Top Choice for Foodies and Travelers
The American Express® Gold Card offers some of the best rewards for dining and grocery shopping, making it a must-have for food lovers and frequent travelers. If you can make full use of its credits and spending categories, the card offers outstanding value for its high annual fee. However, if you don’t spend much in these categories or prefer a simpler rewards structure, it may not be the best fit for you.