Many of us at TPG love the American Express® Gold Card, as it is one of the best rewards cards for dining and spending at U.S. supermarkets.
The recently refreshed card also features multiple statement credits related to dining services and restaurants for a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Let’s take a look at why you should consider adding the Amex Gold to your wallet.
American Express Gold welcome offer
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
While not everyone will be targeted for the Amex Gold's top welcome offer of 100,000 points, it's the highest welcome offer we've ever seen on the card. Previously, the highest number of points you could earn on this card was 60,000 points (offer no longer available).
What is the Amex Gold's welcome offer worth?
This offer is worth up to $2,000, based on TPG’s August 2026 valuations. To get maximum value of your welcome-offer points, you'll want to take advantage of Amex's 20 transfer partners, including standout options like Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and ANA Mileage Club.
TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak previously saved thousands by transferring 60,000 points to Air Canada Aeroplan to book a lie-flat United Polaris business-class seat from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), paying roughly $58 in taxes and fees.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
Should you apply for the Amex Gold Card?
The American Express Gold Card is one of the best cards for dining and grocery purchases, but it also offers ongoing perks that can easily justify and cover the card’s annual fee.
The Amex Gold has many lucrative bonus-earning categories:
- 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App™^
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)
- 4 points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly from the airline or through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App
- 2 points per dollar spent on car rentals booked through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App
- 2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked through amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Additionally, Amex Membership Rewards points can transfer to multiple loyalty program partners, including valuable programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
You can maximize your rewards by booking aspirational business-class tickets or picturesque stays at island resorts for far less than their cash equivalent.
Cardmembers get up to $10 a month (up to $120 a year) in dining statement credits at participating merchants, including Buffalo Wild Wings^, Five Guys, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory and Wonder^*.
Cardmembers also receive up to $10 in Uber Cash monthly (up to $120 a year) for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. (You must add the Amex Gold Card to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit, and you can redeem with any Amex card.)
Additionally, cardmembers receive up to $100 in Resy statement credits annually, which are divided into two credits of up to $50 each, issued semiannually. To use them, dine at a participating Resy restaurant in the U.S. and pay your bill with the Amex Gold Card.*
Finally, cardmembers receive up to $7 a month (up to $84 annually) in Dunkin’ statement credits. Use your Amex Gold Card when paying at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.*
In addition to the statement credits, cardmembers also receive Hertz Five Star status, which provides space-available upgrades (when available) and bonus points. (Registration in Hertz Gold+ is required.)^*
And in celebration of the Amex Gold's 60th anniversary, American Express is giving cardmembers a one-time statement credit of up to $96 for an annual Uber One membership (through Oct. 30).*
^New benefit
*Enrollment required
Related: 5 under-the-radar ways to maximize the Amex Gold’s dining credits
Bottom line
Earning so many bonus points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets is compelling. Amex Membership Rewards points are highly valuable, and there are many great redemption options. If you fully use all of the card's ongoing statement credits, you can get $424 in value each year, which easily covers the $325 annual fee.
TPG staffers continue to carry the Amex Gold year after year. Given its food-geared statement credits, strong earning rates on dining and groceries and ability to earn transferable points, it deserves a place in many frequent travelers' wallets.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here.
