Editors note: this is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers
The American Express® Gold Card is beloved by TPG as it is one of the best rewards cards for dining and U.S. supermarkets.
The card was refreshed on July 25. It added two new statement credits and a new white gold card design, along with an annual fee increase from $250 to $325 (see rates and fees).
Let’s take a look at why you should consider adding this card to your wallet.
American Express Gold welcome offer
For a limited time, new applicants can earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months, plus 20% back as a statement credit for eligible purchases at restaurants in the first six months of card membership (up to $100). Offer ends November 6.
This is, in essence, the standard welcome offer we have seen on the card — plus an up to $100 dining statement credit as a sweetener. This bonus is worth up to $1,300, based on TPG’s July 2024 valuations.
However, the CardMatch tool could allow you to earn a higher targeted bonus, so check that first. (Offers are subject to change at any time.)
Should you apply for the Amex Gold card?
The Amex Gold card is one of the best credit cards for dining and grocery purchases, but it also offers ongoing perks that can easily justify and cover the card’s annual fee.
The Amex Gold has many lucrative bonus-earning categories:
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- 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants on up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
- 4 points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly from the airline or through amextravel.com
- 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Additionally, Amex Membership Rewards can transfer to 18 airline and three hotel partners, including valuable programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue. You can maximize your rewards by booking aspirational business-class tickets or picturesque stays at island resorts for far less than their cash equivalent.
Cardmembers get up to $10 a month (up to $120 a year) in dining credits at participating merchants including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys. (Enrollment is required.)
Cardmembers also receive up to $10 in Uber Cash monthly (up to $120 a year) for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. You must add the Amex Gold card to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit.
In addition, cardmembers receive up to $100 in Resy credits annually, which are divided into two up to $50 credits bi-annually. To use them, simply dine at a participating Resy restaurant and pay your bill with the Amex Gold card. (Enrollment is required.)
Finally, cardmembers receive up to $7 a month (up to $84 annually) in Dunkin’ credits. You simply use your Amex Gold card when paying at Dunkin’. (Enrollment is required.)
Bottom line
Earning so many bonus points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets is huge. Amex Membership Rewards points are highly valuable, and there are many great redemption options. If you fully utilize all the statement credits, you can get $424 in value each year, which easily covers the $325 annual fee.
TPGers continue to carry the Amex Gold year after year. Given its food-geared statement credits, strong earning rates on dining and groceries and ability to earn transferable points, it probably deserves a place in any frequent traveler’s wallet.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here.
