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.

Here’s everything we’ll dive into:

• Pros and Cons

• Why we’ve deemed the Amex Gold the best for restaurants

• Let’s talk statement credits

Pros and Cons

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Pros:

• 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 directly with airlines or on AmEx Travel

• 2X per $1 on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com

• 1X per $1 on everyday purchases

• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.)

• $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 Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.

Cons:

• The $325 annual fee (Rates and Fees)

Why we’ve deemed the American Express® Gold Card the best for restaurants:

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

This is the highest earning rate offered by any of 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 other eligible Resy purchases and the Dunkin’ Credit: $84 annual statement credit ($7/month), redeemable at 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.

To wrap things up:

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.