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Here's How You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Aug. 28, 2017
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3 min read
Here's How You Can Help Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
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Hurricane Harvey's devastating deluge on Houston and the Texas Gulf coast area has caused severe damage, leaving many in its path in desperate need of relief. The storm, which the National Weather Service is calling "unprecedented," has left the area in a state of disaster.

Thus far, relief efforts have focused on getting those in danger to safety — rescuing people trapped in their homes and cars from drowning. Several airlines and travel companies have done their part to help, such as Southwest airlifting almost 500 employees and customers from Houston's Hobby Airport (HOU) and Airbnb offering stays at no cost for those in need.

But the area is going to need much more help in order to fully recover — something that will likely take months, if not years to do. So, we're signing up to do our part to help. I'm proud to announce that as a company, The Points Guy is donating $10,000 to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund via GlobalGiving.

Image by Lt. Zachary West/Army National Guard via Getty Images.

Initially, the Fund is using donations to help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter. Then, once the initial relief work is done, the Fund will donate the money it's raised to local organizations, which will know what the affected communities need most urgently.

You can help the survivors of Hurricane Harvey, too. The easiest way to help is to donate. Donate whatever you can — $15 or $5,000. GlobalGiving and other charities desperately need the money to help save those still in danger and to repair the damage down the line. If you're looking to donate cash, remember that American Airlines and United Airlines have also set up donation campaigns, which allow you to earn up to 10 miles per dollar donated. Other ways you can help include donating blood, providing accommodation for evacuees if you live in the area or donating food.

In times of tragedy like this, it's easy to hang our heads and think we can't individually help all of those in need. But, if we all come together and chip in — no matter how big or small — it can make a world of difference. I encourage you to donate or do whatever you can to help the people affected by Hurricane Harvey.

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Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: 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. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.