Is The American Express® Gold Card Right For You?

From time to time, the American Express® Gold Card has been called “the best keeper card on the market.”

Now I know what you’re thinking…that’s quite the title!

And yes, it’s true. Being “the best keeper card” comes with some weight.

But, the Amex Gold proves itself over and over, and I’m going to dive into that right now, so buckle up.

Pros and Cons

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Pros:

• 5X per $1 on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™

• 4X per $1 for purchases at global restaurants (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year then 1x)

• 3X per $1 on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines

• 2X per $1 on on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com

• 1X per $1 on everyday purchases

• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually: 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.

• Up to $100 Resy Credit: $100 annual statement credit ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases.

• Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

Cons:

• The $325 annual fee (Rates and Fees)

• If you don’t use the credits offered naturally, it can be hard to keep track of

Why This Card is Best For Restaurants

With this card, you can earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for every ONE dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.

This is the highest earning rate in these categories among our top cards.

Did you hear me? I said, “ANY CARD.”

You’ll also receive up to $424 in annual credits with your Amex Gold: $120 in dining credits (given as $10 monthly statement credits at participating partners) and $120 in Uber Cash (given as $10 monthly credits when you add your card to your Uber account).

To receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.

Don’t forget about the most recent $100 Resy Credit: $100 annual statement credit ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant, and the Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

Needless to say, that annual fee is looking pretty manageable by now.

If you’re going to eat out (which we all do), this card is a no-brainer.

The average American spends up to $300 per month on eating out. That’s $3,600 a year, which would be 14,400 points straight to your pocket. 😎

Let’s Talk Statement Credits

One of the Amex Gold ’s best features is its statement credits.

If you're new to statement credits, here's how it works:

1. Enroll in the benefit online, through the American Express® App, or by calling the number on the back of your card.

2. Spend $10 in a given month at a participating partner using your Amex Gold.

3. "Participating partners" include a variety of brands, so finding a place to use this benefit should be easy.

4. Receive a statement credit (a reduction in your Gold account balance), usually 6-8 weeks after your purchase.

So now that you’re rocking with several statement credits, earning on restaurants, and gaining extra points with American Express Travel, you should feel set.

Bottom Line

If you plan on eating out… like ever… then this card should have a home in your wallet.

One of the frequent questions we get asked is, “How do you continue earning so many points?”

The American Express® Gold Card is one possible solution. Having a card that earns that many points back on everyday purchases is a surefire way to keep the points rolling in.

If you want an even deeper dive into why this card is straight dope, check out this article.