When you should (or shouldn’t) use the Amex Gold Card
It's no secret that we're huge fans of the American Express® Gold Card at TPG.
While the card was refreshed in late July 2024, it's still in a Goldilocks sweet spot between premium and beginner cards, with strong earnings at restaurants and at U.S. supermarket purchases and over $400 in annual value that can help offset its $325 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
In this guide, we'll highlight strategies that can help you earn thousands of bonus points each year by knowing when you should — and shouldn't — use the Amex Gold Card.
Overview of the Amex Gold
The Amex Gold is the perfect "in-between" card, especially since it offers some serious benefits and earning potential for its $325 annual fee.
With this card, you'll earn an impressive 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), as well as 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or through amextravel.com.
And beyond this earning potential, this card comes with some serious benefits. You'll get up to $424 in annual value through Uber Cash and statement credits for dining, U.S Dunkin' locations, Resy as well as travel perks like baggage insurance* and up to $100 in hotel credits for stays at The Hotel Collection properties*(minimum two-night stay required). Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit in the US. *Eligible charges vary by property.
New Amex Gold cardmembers can find out your offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
According to TPG's March 2025 valuations, this welcome offer is worth $2,000.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
When should you use the Amex Gold?
For dining
The Amex Gold isn't the only card to offer a bonus category on dining at restaurants, but it might just be one of the most valuable.
Cardmembers earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter). According to TPG's March 2025 valuations, this equates to an 8% return on spending.
For that reason, it tops our list of the best cards for dining out at restaurants.
To get the most out of your Amex Gold for this category, you must maximize its dining statement credits.
Cardmembers can earn up to $10 per month (up to $120 per calendar year) in statement credits when paying with the Amex Gold at the following dining partners:
- Grubhub
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Goldbelly
- Wine.com
- Five Guys
Additionally, cardmembers can receive up to $120 per calendar year in Uber Cash (up to $10 each month) to use on Uber rides or Uber Eats orders when they pay with an Amex, so be sure to link your Amex Gold or any Amex card to your Uber account as a payment method.
The Amex Gold also offers up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for purchases made at U.S. restaurants affiliated with Resy. These statement credits are split into bi-annual, up-to-$50 credits. Simply use your Amex Gold to pay at participating Resy restaurants; no reservation is required.
Finally, an annual Dunkin' Donuts credit of up to $84 per calendar year is allotted in up to $7 monthly increments. Just use your Amex Gold to pay at U.S. Dunkin' Donuts.
Here's how to maximize the credits when you're traveling abroad.
Related: 5 under-the-radar ways to maximize the Amex Gold's dining credits
For groceries
Food is the name of the game with the Amex Gold. Aside from dining at restaurants worldwide, the card earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter).
Therefore, you should definitely use the card for your next supermarket run, as it tops our list of the best cards for groceries.
Related: 7 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold
For flights
While not as strong as some of our other favorite travel cards, the Amex Gold is a great card to use for flights if you don't have a more premium travel card in your wallet. Its 3-point-per-dollar earning rate on flights booked directly through the airline or on Amex Travel is substantial.
Just keep in mind that if you were to use The Platinum Card® from American Express instead, you could earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked through American Express Travel® or directly with airlines, on up to $500,000 of such purchases per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter).
That said, the Amex Gold costs over $500 less per year versus the Amex Platinum (see Amex Platinum rates and fees), so I don't recommend opening the Amex Platinum just for the extra two points per dollar on flights.
Related: Does it make sense to hold an Amex Platinum and Amex Gold card?
When shouldn't you use the Amex Gold?
For everyday spending
The Amex Gold earns a mere 1 point per dollar on spending outside its specific bonus categories. Other cards issued by Amex and other banks can offer better earning rates.
For instance, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express might be a better option if you have a business. It has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year (then 1 point per dollar).
Alternatively, a card such as the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 1% back when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay your statement. This means you can effectively earn 2% back.
If you also have the Citi Strata Premier® Card, (see rates and fees) you can combine your points into fully transferable ThankYou points. Based on TPG's March 2025 valuation of Citi ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, this means you can earn an effective 3.6% return when you buy and pay with your Citi Double Cash Card.
Related: Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet
For non-flight travel, such as hotels or rental cars
While the Amex Gold earns 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or through amextravel.com, you don't earn such a bonus on other travel expenses, and it doesn't offer the same travel protections as some other cards out there.
Given that, using an alternative card for your non-flight bookings makes more sense.
One of the most popular travel rewards cards on the market is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, with a $95 annual fee. On the travel front, these are the current earning rates:
- 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 2 points per dollar on other travel
In addition, you'll also receive the following non-travel bonuses:
- 3 points per dollar on dining
- 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar on online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
Bottom line
The Amex Gold is among the most rewarding cards on the market. But to truly maximize the Amex Gold's earnings, you'll have to be selective about where you're using it.
Between the Uber Cash and dining, U.S Dunkin' locations, and Resy statement credits, the card's annual fee is fully covered, and you net positive value. Add in its bonus categories and you'll be maximizing earnings like a pro in no time.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express® Gold Card
Related: This might be the best Amex card combo: Amex Gold and Amex Business Platinum
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus Amex Card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 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 | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 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 | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 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.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.