Amex Gold Card overview
The American Express® Gold Card has long been a favorite among food enthusiasts, thanks to its generous rewards on eligible supermarket and restaurant purchases, along with dining perks that help offset the annual fee.
However, recent updates to the Gold Card have brought a significant change—an increase in the annual fee from $250 to $325. Whether you’re already a cardholder or considering applying, it’s essential to assess if this higher fee aligns with your spending habits and rewards goals.
In the next sections, I’ll guide you through the card’s updated benefits and help you determine whether the new fee structure still makes the Gold Card a worthwhile addition to your wallet.
Amex Gold Card welcome bonus
My adventure into the world of points and rewards began with the Amex Gold Card. At the time, the welcome bonus was a modest 35,000 points for a $4,000 spend, but it was enough to ignite my passion for maximizing every opportunity.
The Amex Gold Card offers a range of welcome bonuses, typically between 35,000 and 60,000 points, depending on when and how you apply. Each offer comes with its own spending requirements, providing flexibility and potential for both new and seasoned cardholders.
In the sections ahead, I’ll share how I leveraged the Gold Card to its full potential and how you can do the same, regardless of the bonus offer you start with.
Amex Gold Card benefits
The American Express® Gold Card is packed with perks that help me conquer points and savings effortlessly. Here are the top benefits I rely on to make the most of my card:
1. $84 Dunkin’ Credit
Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits when you pay with your Amex Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations, adding up to $84 in annual savings. (Enrollment required)
2. $100 Resy Credit
Get up to $100 in statement credits each year for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants or making eligible Resy purchases. You’ll receive up to $50 in credits from January to June and another $50 from July to December. (Enrollment required)
3. $120 Annual Dining Credits
Enjoy $10 monthly credits at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys, totaling $120 annually. (Enrollment required)
4. $120 Uber Cash
Earn up to $120 in annual Uber Cash for Uber Eats and rides. Just add your Amex Gold Card to the Uber app and receive monthly statement credits.
5. The Hotel Collection
Book a two-night stay at The Hotel Collection with your Amex Gold and receive a $100 on-site credit for dining, spa treatments, or other services.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Travel the world without worrying about extra charges. Plus, earn 4x points on global restaurant purchases.
7. Baggage Insurance
Enjoy peace of mind with coverage up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked baggage when you purchase your ticket with the Amex Gold.
8. Trip Delay Insurance
If your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours due to a covered reason, get reimbursed up to $300 for meals, lodging, and toiletries, up to two claims per year.
9. Car Rental Coverage
Decline the rental car agency’s collision damage waiver and benefit from secondary coverage for damage or theft when you pay with your Amex Gold.
These game-changing perks not only enhance my everyday spending but also provide peace of mind during travels.
Earning rewards
The American Express® Gold Card stands out with its incredible bonus categories and impressive long-term earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it such a rewards powerhouse:
Dining:
Earn 4x points on every meal, whether you’re dining at a fine restaurant or picking up takeout. Even delivery orders are covered, so no matter how you fuel your cravings, you’re stacking up points.
Groceries:
Score 4x points on up to $25,000 spent each year at supermarkets, making your grocery trips feel like a rewarding treasure hunt. This is practically an 8% return on your grocery spending! Once you hit the $25,000 mark, you’ll still earn 1 point per dollar.
Airline Purchases:
Take off with 3x points on airfare when booking directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. Whether you’re flying for business or planning your next adventure, the points are stacking up.
Everyday Extras:
Every purchase earns you 1 point per dollar, so your day-to-day spending adds up, too. It’s an easy way to keep collecting rewards, even for the little things.
With these generous earning rates, the Amex Gold Card consistently ranks at the top of the rewards game. From foodie favorites to your next getaway, this card helps you fuel your passions with points every step of the way.
Redeeming rewards
Amex Gold’s Membership Rewards points: they’re not just plastic, they’re a passport to travel paradise. And while you can use them for everyday purchases like gift cards and statement credits, the golden ticket to maximizing their value lies in transferring them to travel partners.
Think of it as unlocking a secret currency with a 2 cents-per-point valuation. That means you can turn your points into premium flights, luxurious hotel stays, or unforgettable experiences. My personal favorite? Transferring points to Air Canada’s Aeroplan during a bonus promotion. Remember that epic Hawaii trip for our family of 6? Cost me a cool 300,000 points – a steal compared to regular fares!
Of course, other options exist. Booking travel directly through Amex Travel can be convenient, but you’ll miss out on that sweet 2-cent value. So, if you’re looking to unleash the full potential of your Amex Gold points, partner up with a travel program and watch your wanderlust take flight!
Is the Amex Gold Card card worth having?
The Amex Gold isn’t just a pretty card, it’s a culinary gold mine. The 4x points on dining and groceries, coupled with up to $120 in annual statement credits, make it a foodie’s dream. For families like mine, the grocery bonus is a game-changer. But if your lifestyle leans more towards restaurants, the Chase Sapphire Preferred‘s 3x points and lower annual fee might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best card depends on your dining habits, but for those who love to savor every bite and every budget-friendly credit, the Amex Gold is hard to beat.
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