American Express Gold Card Review: Unbeatable dining rewards and statement credits
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The American Express® Gold Card is one of our favorite cards for anyone who spends money on food. The card offers phenomenal earning rates whether you’re dining out at restaurants globally or making purchases from U.S. supermarkets.
Even after the changes the card underwent in July 2024, this card’s stellar rewards and impressive statement credits can help you save throughout the year. If maximizing value from your everyday spending is a priority, the Amex Gold deserves serious consideration.
I’ve had the American Express Gold Card for three years, and it’s been a staple for my dining and grocery spending. With over 10% back on most dining expenses, the rewards add up quickly and, when combined with the card’s statement credits, easily justify the annual fee. This card has become an essential part of my wallet. For anyone who values exceptional rewards on food purchases, the Amex Gold is hard to beat.
Amex Gold welcome offer
American Express® Gold Card
Experience Dining & Travel Rewards with the American Express® Gold Card
- Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1X)
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X)
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmEx Travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- $120 annual dining credit ($10 monthly) at select partners like Grubhub & The Cheesecake Factory
- Up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for U.S. Uber rides & Uber Eats
- Up to $100 Resy credit ($50 semi‑annually) on eligible restaurant bookings
- Up to $84 Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly) at U.S. Dunkin’ locations
- Transfer points to leading airline & hotel partners for maximum value
Whether you’re indulging in chef‑crafted meals, stocking up on groceries or flying across the globe, the AmEx Gold Card turns everyday spend into premium rewards. Use your monthly credits, earn accelerated points on dining and travel, and redeem points for statement credits or transfer to top loyalty programs—all while enjoying no foreign transaction fees.
Terms apply. Welcome offer and credits require enrollment and qualifying purchases. See issuer for full details.
- Annual fee
- $325
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,900Total$1,900Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,900
- Welcome offerAfter $8,000 in 6 months
- 100,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Amex Gold earning rates
As a cardholder, you earn:
- 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants globally (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
- 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 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 and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com.
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Amex Gold benefits
The Amex Gold Card has notable benefits for foodies and travelers. Here are the key perks (enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply):
Amex Gold statement credits
- Up to $120 annual dining credit: Use Amex Gold at participating dining partners, including Five Guys, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly and Wine.com, to enjoy up to $10 in monthly statement credits.
- Up to $120 in Uber Cash per year: Receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. Simply add your Amex Gold as a payment method to an Uber account to start earning.
- Up to $100 in Resy dining credits: Get $100 in Resy credits each year, split into two $50 biannual credits. Use them at eligible Resy partner restaurants for even more dining value.
- Up to $84 Dunkin’ credit annually: Earn $7 in monthly statement credits when you pay with your Amex Gold at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
You can track your progress toward earning and using statement credits in the benefits tab on the Amex app or website.
If you maximize the Uber, dining, Dunkin’ and Resy credits, these credits can deliver up to $424 in annual value. That’s a great way to effectively offset the $325 annual fee and leave you with a net positive of $99 in value — all for spending on things you may already enjoy. And, of course, you also earn valuable Membership Rewards points for your purchases which we’ll discuss in the next sections.
Other benefits of the Amex Gold
In addition to the statement credits, the Amex Gold includes several other benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most notable:
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged while traveling with a common carrier and you’ve purchased your ticket with the Amex Gold, you’re covered for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage. For New York State residents, coverage is capped at $10,000 per trip for all covered persons.
- Purchase protection & extended warranty: The card offers purchase protection and an extended warranty, though coverage varies by item type, region and other conditions. You can review the benefits guide for full details.
- No foreign transaction fees: With no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), this card is perfect for international travel.
- Send & Split: Link your Amex Gold to your PayPal or Venmo account to send payments or request money from others. While Send & Split transactions don’t earn points, any payments you receive can be directly applied to your Amex balance.
- Amex Offers: Access exclusive deals through Amex Offers, which provide savings or bonus points with a variety of retailers. These offers can save you hundreds of dollars annually, especially if you hold multiple Amex cards to get the most offers. Previous offers have included “spend $180 or more on a qualifying Hilton hotel stay, and you’ll get $40 back” and “spend $180 or more on Delta flights booked through Amex Travel, and you’ll receive $40 back.”
- ShopRunner Membership: Enjoy a complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Amex Gold, which gives you free two-day shipping at 100+ online retailers.
- The Hotel Collection: Book a stay of two or more nights at select luxury hotels through The Hotel Collection to enjoy perks like a $100 property credit for dining or spa services and a room upgrade, when available. This benefit is distinct from Fine Hotels & Resorts, which is exclusive to Platinum Card members.
Amex Membership Rewards points
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for:
- Travel bookings through Amex Travel.
- Transfers to airline and hotel partners (often providing the best value).
- Buy gift cards, ride with Uber, cover charges on your bill or shop at Amazon (typically a lower value).
Transferring Amex points and sweet spots
Amex has 17 airline partners and three hotel partner programs. By strategically transferring your points to airline and hotel partners, you can often greatly increase their value.
While Delta and JetBlue are Amex’s only direct U.S. airline partners, you can still use your Amex points to book award flights on American Airlines and United Airlines through their partner airlines. For example:
- To book American Airlines flights, transfer your points to an AA partner like British Airways Executive Club or Etihad Guest.
- To book United Airlines flights, transfer your points to a United Airlines partner like Air Canada Aeroplan, which allows you to redeem points for United flights. In fact, domestic United flights through Aeroplan start at just 6,000 points — often far less than what United’s own MileagePlus program requires.
Additionally, Amex frequently offers transfer bonuses of 15% to 40% to various partners. That increases the value of your points even further.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use Amex points by using Amex partner program sweet spots:
- Iberia Plus Avios for off-peak transatlantic business class: Award flights from the East Coast to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) start at 34,000 points.
- Book Singapore Airlines premium cabins: These are often only available through their KrisFlyer program. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) starts at 107,000 miles in business class.
- ANA business class to Japan: Round-trip business class flights to Japan start at 75,000 miles with ANA Mileage Club.
- Etihad Guest for short-haul American Airlines: Transfer to Etihad Guest to book American Airlines flights which start at 6,000 miles, often at lower rates than using AAdvantage miles directly.
- Virgin Atlantic miles for Delta flights: Transfer to Virgin Atlantic to book Delta flights, which start at 7,500 points.
Just remember that point transfers are one-way and cannot be reserved. As such, we recommend confirming award space and ideally putting your ticket on hold before transferring your Amex points as you will not be able to send them back to Amex.
Comparable cards to the Amex Gold
If you’re considering alternatives to the Amex Gold, here are two comparable cards with varying annual fees, earning structures and travel benefits that may better suit your preferences:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Unlock Travel Rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
- 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost on prior year’s spend
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
Make every trip count with flexible redemption options—transfer points 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners or boost their value when booking through Chase. Enjoy built‑in travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage and lost luggage reimbursement, plus seamless account management via the Chase mobile app. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next getaway, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® delivers premium perks at an approachable price.
Terms apply. Bonus offer requires minimum spend. Annual fee applies. See Chase for full details.
- Annual fee
- $95
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,538Total$1,538Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,538
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- 75,000 points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Elevate Your Travel at a Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- 10X miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights & vacation rentals through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other purchases
- $395 annual fee, with up to $300 annual travel credit for portal bookings
- 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100) each year
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit up to $100 every four years
- Unlimited lounge access at Capital One & Priority Pass lounges
- No foreign transaction fees
Perfect for frequent explorers, this card’s robust benefits—from statement credits to lounge access—easily offset its annual fee. Book your next adventure, relax in premium lounges and enjoy seamless digital tools, all while earning unlimited rewards on every dollar spent.
Terms apply. See issuer’s website for rates, fees and complete details.
- Annual fee
- $395
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,388Total$1,388Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,388
- Welcome offerAfter $4,000 in 3 months
- 75,000 points
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
Is the Amex Gold worth it?
For those who frequently dine out, order in and travel, the Amex Gold’s rewards and credits can easily offset the annual fee.
Bottom line
The American Express Gold Card offers a strong combination of dining and travel rewards. It’s a great choice for those who can maximize its benefits. While the annual fee is substantial, the card’s credits and earning potential can provide significant value for the right person.
- Annual fee
- $325
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,900Total$1,900Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,900
- Welcome offerAfter $8,000 in 6 months
- 100,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
FAQs – American Express® Gold Card
Is the Amex Gold Card good for dining?
Yes. The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and up to $50,000 annually at U.S. supermarkets — making it ideal for food lovers.
How much is the Amex Gold annual fee?
The annual fee for the Amex Gold Card is $325. However, if you maximize the included statement credits, you can effectively reduce the cost significantly.
What statement credits come with the Amex Gold Card?
You can receive up to $120 per year in dining credits, $120 in Uber Cash, $100 in Resy credits, and $84 in Dunkin’ credits. Terms apply and enrollment is required.
Do Amex Gold points transfer to airlines?
Yes. Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to 17 airline and 3 hotel partners. This is often the best way to maximize their value.
Can I book American Airlines or United flights with Amex points?
Yes, indirectly. You can transfer Amex points to British Airways or Etihad for American Airlines flights, or to Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles for United Airlines flights.
Is the Amex Gold Card worth it?
If you spend regularly on food and travel, the Amex Gold’s rewards and credits can easily outweigh the annual fee, making it a top pick in its category.