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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Don’t let fake travel agents scam you out of your cruise vacation dollars
Michelle Couch-Friedman is an ombudsman columnist at The Points Guy. Michelle is the founder of Consumer Rescue, an organization dedicated to helping consumers navigate and avoid problems with companies, including major travel providers. Previously, Michelle served as the executive director of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy, where she resolved thousands of problems for troubled travelers. Her guidance has been featured in notable outlets, including CNBC, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, CNN and Newsweek. She also makes regular television appearances to discuss issues that impact consumers. If you have experienced a problem with an airline, hotel, rental car company, cruise line or credit card during your trip and you have not been able to resolve it, email our tips inbox and Michelle will investigate. Favorite cities: Paris, MoabNext Up: A cross-country road trip alone with four feisty teenagers!
April 2, 2025 • 15 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
A traveler lost $3,500 after unknowingly booking a cruise through a scammer posing as a travel agent, resulting in a ban from the cruise line.
The scam involved payment via a money transfer app, which offers no purchase protection, and the use of a stolen credit card to pay the cruise line.
The traveler only discovered the fraud years later when attempting to book another cruise and was informed of her status on the cruise line's "Do Not Sail" list.
Key lessons include thoroughly vetting travel agents and always using a credit card for cruise payments to ensure consumer protections.
What to consider
Payments made through instant transfer apps like Zelle are irreversible and lack consumer protections, making them risky for large purchases.
Anyone can claim to be a travel agent; always research agents and agencies through reputable sources and look for professional memberships or insurance.
Official cruise line contact information should be obtained directly from the company's website to avoid fake customer service numbers.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed steps to verify travel agents, guidance on safe payment methods and resources for finding reputable cruise specialists.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
When L. Williams chose to take a Caribbean cruise, she booked it with a travel agent employed by Carnival Cruise Line. Well, at least she thought she was booking with Carnival. It turns out the person who made her reservation wasn’t a cruise consultant at all — he was a scammer.
Unfortunately, it would be five years before Williams discovered she’d lost $3,500 to that crook posing as a travel agent.
You read that right. Five years.
Williams took that cruise aboard Carnival Freedom back in December 2019. She says her family had a wonderful weeklong trip sailing through the Western Caribbean.
They returned home with beautiful photographs, fond memories and no inkling of the trouble looming on the horizon.
Fast forward to 2024. The family decided to cruise again with Carnival Cruise Line.
“My extended family wanted to book a Carnival cruise, so I decided we should join them,” Williams told me. “We booked two cabins, and Carnival sent me a confirmation. We were really looking forward to the trip.”
Williams didn’t know it at the time, but she wouldn’t be taking that cruise or any other Carnival cruise any time soon.
She was about to find out what the worst-case scenario is if you unknowingly book a cruise with a fraudster. Learn from her mistakes so you can avoid being scammed out of your cruise vacation dollars.
Carnival: Your last cruise was paid for with a stolen credit card
JUSTIN PAGET/GETTY IMAGES
A few months after booking the new cruise, Williams says she signed in to her Carnival account to make the final payment.
“I noticed right away that my information wasn’t visible,” she recalled. “No one else’s cruise reservation was missing. Only mine was gone.”
Assuming there was a glitch in the system, Williams called the cruise line.
A Carnival agent soon gave her startling news: The deleted cruise reservation wasn’t a mistake. Williams was not welcome to take the currently planned cruise. According to the employee, Carnival had permanently added Williams’ name to its “Do Not Sail” list back in 2020.
“I was stunned," she said. "He [the Carnival agent] told me that our last cruise had never been paid for. He said the credit card that was used to pay for the trip was reported stolen after we returned. The cruise payment was reversed by the bank. I have no idea how the travel agent I used paid for the cruise. But I paid him $3,500 for that trip.”
The Carnival representative went on to tell Williams she owed the cruise line $3,500. But even if she paid it back, there was no promise she’d be unbanned from the cruise line. The representative didn’t explain why the cruise line hadn’t informed her of her status on the Do Not Sail list.
Thoroughly confused by the awful turn of events, she contacted me to see if I could help straighten out this bizarre situation.
Cruiser mistake No. 1: She didn’t vet her travel agent
SOUTH_AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES
As a consumer reporter and mediator, I receive hundreds of requests for help from cruise passengers every year who have all types of problems. Many of the expensive predicaments are the result of the cruisers’ own mistakes and could have easily been avoided.
I do my best to correct the issues, but unfortunately, a number of the cruise complaints that land in my inbox can’t be fixed. Williams’ request for help was one of them.
She had made several disastrous mistakes along the way when she booked the 2019 cruise. Those errors put her $3,500 in the hands of a scammer pretending to be a travel agent instead of where it belonged — with Carnival Cruise Line.
Her first mistake? She didn’t vet the person who claimed to be a Carnival cruise consultant. He was not employed by the cruise line, and that could have been determined with just a bit of sleuthing on Williams’ part.
Cruise passengers beware: If you intend to allow someone to make payments to the cruise line on your behalf, you must do some research to vet that person before handing over your vacation dollars. If you don’t, you’re putting your money and possibly your reputation at risk.
When I asked Williams how she met this “travel agent,” she said someone who had used him previously referred him to her. Looking back, she admits it was not an enthusiastic recommendation nor a real-life connection. She never met this agent, nor did the person who referred her to him.
“It was bad judgment on my part. I should have done my research,” Williams told me. “I feel awful because I even recommended him to more people later. I don’t know if he scammed others.”
Cruiser mistake No. 2: She paid for the cruise in cash
Not vetting the person she thought was a professional travel agent was a mistake. But it wasn’t the worst mistake Williams made in this cruise fiasco.
The most significant error that Williams made was not paying for her cruise with her own credit card and instead sending $3,500 to this fraudster via Zelle.
The Fair Credit Billing Act provides purchase protection to consumers who use their credit cards to pay for goods and services. It is always the safest way to pay for a cruise or excursion because if you don’t get what you paid for, you can file a credit card dispute with your bank and, if the facts are on your side, get your money back.
This protection is not extended to consumers who use cash, checks, wire transfers, gift cards or money transfer apps like Zelle.
Zelle transactions are instant and irreversible bank-to-bank transfers. These transactions are also anonymous, with Zelle users sending money through phone numbers or email addresses. If you accidentally send your money to the wrong person or a scammer, your bank will not tell you where your money landed, and you likely will not get your cash back.
Zelle’s instant nature and anonymity make it highly appealing to scammers.
In fact, Zelle has surpassed wire transfers as the No. 1 preferred payment method of crooks. That’s why it’s critical to only use Zelle as it was intended: to send money to friends and family (i.e., people you know and trust in real life).
Zelle should never be used to pay for a cruise or excursion because these transactions come with zero purchase protection for consumers. If you hand over a large sum of money to someone you don’t really know, you’re putting your cash at risk.
A real travel agent will let you pay with a credit card
IZUSEK/GETTY IMAGES
Williams didn’t know anything about Zelle, which made her an easy target for this scammer.
“I wanted to pay with my American Express card, but he [the scammer] said he could only accept Zelle,” she told me. “I didn’t think much about it. So I sent him the money.”
Instantly, the con artist had Williams’ $3,500, then used a stolen credit card to book the cruise. Later, the owner of that stolen credit card noticed the cruise charges on their account and filed a dispute.
The entire time the family was sailing around the Caribbean enjoying their time together, they had no idea that the cruise had been paid for with a stranger’s stolen credit card.
“I feel sick about this, but I don’t understand why Carnival never contacted me,” Williams complained. “Maybe I could have had a chance to get my money back if I’d known sooner. Then I could have paid the cruise line directly.”
That’s unlikely. Bad actors who use stolen credit cards and Zelle to conduct their business typically vanish without a trace after they snag a victim. And that is exactly what happened here. Williams never heard from this fake travel agent again, and the phone number she used to reach him is now out of service.
Instead of planning a new cruise, Williams is figuring out how to pay $3,500 for the one that she took five years ago. It remains to be seen if Carnival will take her off the Do Not Sail list after she pays that bill.
She realized far too late that she should not have trusted the virtual stranger with her vacation dollars. Had she used her own credit card to pay for her cruise, none of this would have happened.
“It’s been an embarrassing nightmare,” she said.
Carnival declined to comment on Williams’ situation, but it’s important to note that no cruise consultant employed by Carnival would ever ask a customer to pay with a cash app like Zelle. That request alone should have raised a glaring red flag for Williams.
Fact: The cruise line is not responsible for investigating the person you allow to book your trip.
Had Williams’ case involved an actual cruise consultant employed by Carnival, her story could have had a different ending. The cruise line would have investigated the agent’s actions and protected its customer.
Passengers walk near Anthem of the Seas in Portland, Maine. CARL D. WALSH/PORTLAND PRESS HERALD/GETTY IMAGES
Unfortunately, the world has no shortage of ethically challenged predators trolling the internet and looking for ways to take your money. Scams are lurking everywhere, and I read about new ones every day.
The good news is that cruise passengers can take simple steps to greatly reduce their chances of being scammed.
Don’t be fooled by Facebook ads and groups, flashy websites or self-declared titles
Cruise ship passengers should never be lulled into a false sense of security just because someone calls themselves a travel agent, has an official-looking website or advertises on Facebook. In fact, scammers and disreputable quasi-businesses do all of the above. Keep in mind:
Facebook doesn’t vet the people and entities that place ads in your newsfeed. Nearly anyone with a few bucks can create and post an advertisement targeted to a specific audience.
Facebook groups are free to create, and the social media giant’s community is filled with groups designed to scam members.
It’s easy for bad actors to create professional-looking websites to phish for victims. Those sites disappear after their mission is accomplished, and the predators start again with a new name and website.
The term “travel agent” is not a protected title. Anyone can use that term to describe who they are and what they do — including a scammer.
Always research the travel agent or agency you intend to use
Before booking a cruise with any third-party seller, it’s critical to do some research. Put the person’s name and business into an internet search and see what pops up.
In today’s digital world, it is nearly impossible for a reputable business or travel adviser not to have an internet footprint. If you’re unable to find any information about the person or agency you’re researching, take it as a warning sign. Either the agency is brand-new, or you might not be dealing with a reputable business.
Look for reviews of the company or agent on sites like Yelp and Trustpilot.
You might be tempted to check the Better Business Bureau to determine if a travel seller is trustworthy. If you do, focus on the complaints and reviews rather than the specific rating or accreditation status. In my experience, I’ve observed companies on the verge of collapse with A ratings and reputable businesses listed without accreditation.
That’s because the BBB bestows accreditation on businesses that pay an annual fee, and many reputable companies — especially small businesses — do not choose to participate. However, the BBB can add a business to its public database without accreditation, a practice that can be misleading to folks doing online research.
Unfortunately, these bad actors have now expanded their fake customer service operations to cover cruise lines as well. If you are trying to reach a cruise line to book a cruise, only call the number that appears on the company’s official website.
Never pay for your cruise with cash or an instant money transfer
Always insist on using a credit card to pay for your cruise (or other affiliated purchases, such as excursions). Remember, consumers who use instant bank-to-bank cash transfers have zero purchase protection should things go wrong.
If the provider doesn’t allow you to pay with a credit card, it’s best to move on. Reputable businesses accept credit cards; scammers and quasi-businesses prefer cash or bank transfers.
Plus, with the right credit card, you can also earn points and miles for what could be a large vacation payment. A cruise purchase might even be enough to satisfy the minimum spending requirement for the bonus offer on a new credit card. The right card might also give you some travel protection if something goes wrong during your trip.
Ask if the travel agent carries Errors and Omissions insurance
Anyone can make a mistake. Professional travel agents carry Errors and Omissions insurance to protect themselves from the financial repercussions of a mistake.
A good way to weed out scammers and unprofessional agents is to ask for proof that they carry Errors and Omissions insurance.
Better yet — stick with the cruise line and professional travel agents
I’m an enthusiastic cheerleader of professional travel advisers. A significant number of the cases I mediate every year could have been avoided entirely had the traveler engaged a professional travel adviser.
A great way to find a reputable travel adviser is through the American Society of Travel Advisors’ website. ASTA members are required to uphold a level of integrity and professionalism.
In fact, you can use the ASTA website to find qualified travel advisers who specialize in cruise travel or other vacation types. As an added bonus, if something goes wrong, you can bring your complaint to the ASTA.
The Cruise Lines International Association also has a professional membership program for individual travel agents and agencies that specialize in cruise vacations. You can check if a member is in good standing on the CLIA website.
If you’re a member of AAA, your local branch can connect you with a reputable travel professional who has been vetted by the association. Although that person might not specialize in cruise travel, AAA books a lot of cruises, and many of its agents are knowledgeable about the options.
Bottom line
Your cruise vacation dollars are precious. Don’t let someone bamboozle you out of yours. If you’re careful, do your research and always use a credit card as payment, you’ll likely have a smooth sailing.
But if you run into some rough waters and need help navigating your problem, TPG is here to help. Send your request for assistance to ombudsman@thepointsguy.com, and I’ll be happy to investigate and help you if I can.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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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 $8,000 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.
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Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
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American Express® Gold Card
TPG editor's rating4
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at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
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.
4X
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.
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Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
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Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
American Express® Gold Card
TPG editor's rating4
TPG editor's rating4
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
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.
4X
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.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4X
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.
4X
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.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
More details
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
