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I braved the cold on an AmaWaterways' Danube River cruise in February — and it was totally worth it
Featured image by ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Erica Silverstein is the managing editor for TPG's cruise team. She’s covered the cruise industry for nearly 20 years and has sailed on more than 60 ships. Her work has appeared on Cruise Critic and in The Washington Post, Fodor’s and Let’s Go travel guides.
March 31, 2025 • 17 min read
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Editorial note: TPG's Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from AmaWaterways to experience the Danube River in winter. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren’t subject to review by the line.
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
River cruising on the Danube in February or March offers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to peak travel months.
Travelers can expect mild winter temperatures, typically in the 40s and 50s, making outdoor excursions manageable with appropriate clothing.
Many attractions and tours remain available, and cozy indoor activities like visiting historic cafes and sampling local pastries are highlights.
Some drawbacks include limited access to gardens, closed shops in small towns and less colorful scenery compared to spring or fall.
What to consider
Certain outdoor attractions and gardens may be closed or less visually appealing during winter months.
Shops and cafes in smaller villages may have limited hours or be closed outside peak season.
Active excursions and fitness amenities are still offered, but weather may limit some outdoor activities.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of winter versus peak-season river cruising, including firsthand insights on weather, crowds and onboard experiences.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
The parking lot at Melk Abbey — a baroque-style abbey in a former castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was completely empty when our bus pulled in.
The wide-open inner courtyard was not packed with other tour groups. It wasn’t noisy with the babble of multiple guides speaking in various languages to wide-eyed tourists fresh off river cruises, bus tours and private excursions. Our group was the only one there, giving us unobstructed views of the intricate design work and modern frescoes.
Our abbey guide unlocked doors and flipped on lights as we toured through the museum rooms before continuing on to the impressive multistory library featuring a muraled ceiling with historic tomes and eventually the ornate, golden church interior with its hundreds of depictions of angels.
The abbey was gorgeous — and we had it all to ourselves.
Melk Abbey, Austria. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
As we headed back to our bus, the sun was setting, although it was not even 6 p.m., and I pulled on my gloves and hat to brace against the cold air. A few minutes later, back on my river cruise ship, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna, the crew welcomed us inside with hot towels and glasses of apple tea.
And that’s when I started to think there was something smart about cruising the Danube in the doldrums of midwinter.
Until recently, river cruise lines took an extended winter vacation, closing up shop after the Christmas market cruises of November and December and not setting sail on the Rhine or Danube until late March or early April.
But two things made AmaWaterways’ executives start to rethink this plan. The first is that the climate in Europe is slowly getting warmer — with summers getting hotter and winters getting milder, with less snow. The second is that an increasing number of people began traveling to Europe in the peak season, making popular tourist destinations uncomfortably crowded.
Suddenly, the offseason months of February and March looked more like shoulder season. The weather was chilly but not unbearably cold, with sunny days just as common as gray ones. And far fewer tourists were afoot. Why not extend the river cruise season and start earlier to give vacationers access to the best of the Danube and the Rhine during a quieter time of year?
I wanted to see for myself if a February cruise to Eastern Europe was a frigid mistake or the best-kept secret in travel. So, I signed up for AmaWaterways’ seven-night Best of the Danube river cruise, sailing round-trip from Budapest, Hungary, and visiting Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna and Linz, Austria, plus Austria's Wachau Valley. My cruise was the first of the season, departing in late February, and I convinced my mother to join me, arguing that if she were going to be cold in Boston, she might as well be cold in Europe.
As I threw fuzzy sweaters, knit hats and long underwear into my suitcase, I wondered exactly what I had gotten us into. It turns out I had no reason to fear.
The weather was a (mostly) pleasant surprise
The Danube River in winter. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
On our day in Budapest before embarkation later that afternoon, my mom and I wanted to try a local specialty for lunch. A friend had recommended a restaurant that served langos, fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese that you eat like a pizza.
The restaurant was packed, with limited indoor seating. But we found two spots at the outdoor tables to eat our lunch, bundled in our hats and coats. It wasn’t my first choice, but with temperatures in the 40s, it wasn’t unmanageable.
However, when we decided to grab an after-lunch treat of Bratislava’s famous chimney cake stuffed with gelato, we chose the cafe with indoor seating. I’d eat warm dough outside but not ice cream.
The weather on our river cruise varied a lot from day to day, but temperatures typically ranged from the low 40s to the low 50s. I run cold, so most days, I wore my winter coat, warm hat and gloves. Our excursion from Linz to Salzburg, Austria, was gray and drizzly but not so wet we had to flee indoors, and we experienced a brief shower when riding the Wiener Riesenrad (Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel).
Vienna in the rain. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
But in Bratislava, we found bright sun and temperatures passing 50. Mom and I did a complete wardrobe change before heading out on our walking tour, shedding layers and switching to lighter coats. After hoofing it up several sets of steps to Bratislava Castle, we actually felt sweaty.
I might have packed for this trip like I did for Antarctica, but the weather never came close to the near-freezing temperatures and threats of snow that I left behind in the States. I was happy to have my hat and gloves, but I never was uncomfortable walking out of doors, and my long underwear remained in a drawer in my cabin for the entire sailing.
Still, AmaMagna's small gift shop was stocked with hats, gloves, fleece jackets and other warm items should you find yourself unprepared for any wintry weather.
If you come from a hot climate, you will either love the chance to rock your cozy sweaters or need to adjust to the chill, but the weather was never unpleasant on my trip.
The lack of crowds made braving the chill worthwhile
The empty streets of Durnstein, Austria. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
On the day we visited, Durnstein, Austria, was a ghost town.
Our chipper guide explained how the Wachau Valley village is a hot spot for summer bikers and travelers on Austria’s wine trail, but no one was afoot as we gazed up at the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned for months.
Only a few stores were open — mainly because AmaWaterways called ahead — including one enterprising shop owner who lured us to her door with samples of “rabbit shit” (chocolate-covered wine grapes mixed with pieces of candied apricot) and the promise of a free bathroom as the public facilities were closed for the winter.
That might have been an extreme example, but the places we visited along the Danube ranged from completely empty to busy but not jam-packed. After the horror stories I heard of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds in parts of Europe this past summer, I was delighted to move freely and easily through the streets of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary in winter.
Crowds on Budapest's Castle Hill. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
That’s not to say that the major cities were empty. Salzburg’s pedestrian thoroughfare, Getreidegasse, with its shops, museums and restaurants, was bustling, but you didn’t feel like you had to push through the crowds to get places. Budapest’s Castle Hill on a Saturday was full of tour groups, and we saw two bachelorette parties dining alfresco at various cafes and a wedding party waiting outside of Matthias Church.
February is actually Vienna’s ball season, and the opera’s grand gala was scheduled for the evening AmaMagna overnighted in the city. Our Uber into the city for a classical concert got stuck in the ball traffic, and we heard from shipmates that restaurant reservations were hard to come by.
Still, compared to peak summer and holiday travel times, we found the tourist areas we visited to be far less crowded and way more manageable.
Chai tea is served at Konditorei Kormuth in Bratislava, Slovakia. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
You could survive in wintertime Europe on coffee and cake.
Nearly every tour guide we had on our river cruise, before sending us on our way for “free time,” would point out a cafe where we could sit inside and enjoy a coffee and pastries.
In Bratislava, our cruise manager Martina pointed us toward Konditorei Kormuth, a historic building covered in baroque-style frescoes dating to the 16th through 19th centuries. Inside is a cafe that serves pastries and hot drinks on antique porcelain dishes. I ordered a slice of chocolate cake from a selection of pastries baked according to old Austro-Hungarian recipes and a chai tea served in a floral teapot with a delicate tea cup.
Not only did a stop here give us a very local way to warm up and refuel, but it also gave us a free bathroom. And what a bathroom it was! The hallway leading to it had elaborate frescoes, and the antique toilet (with a chain you pull to flush) was beautifully painted.
Hot chocolate in Salzburg, Austria. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
In Budapest, a hot-from-the-oven chimney cake will warm you up and satisfy your sweet tooth in a very local way. In Vienna, you can seek out an apple strudel or Sacher torte and Viennese coffee in the many cafes around town.
Coffee and cake aren’t your only cozy options on a February or March river cruise. AmaWaterways offers a culinary tour in Bratislava, where instead of walking around town, you can hole up in a local eatery and sample regional beers, meats and cheeses. Tours of the Melk Abbey and Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace are indoors. The Vienna city tour also includes a bus ride around the city’s historic central district and a horse-drawn carriage ride where you can cuddle up to your sweetie to keep warm.
If needed, we could take umbrellas and walking sticks from the ship for use in town. And every day, when we returned to the ship after touring, smiling crew members would be waiting for us with hot towels and fruit-flavored teas. We were never cold for long.
AmaWaterways offers lots of active options, even in winter
A hiking trail in the Vienna Woods. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
If you like to beat the cold with a workout, AmaWaterways offers all its active hiking and bike tours, even in late February.
In Vienna, I skipped the palace tour for a hike in the Vienna Woods, once the hunting grounds of the Habsburg royal family. Our group of just four hardy souls was escorted by a local guide and the ship’s wellness host, Damian. Putting amazing views of the entirety of Vienna at our backs, we hiked into the forest and up to a little restaurant, where we cooed at its pet donkey and pig and then continued on our way through a vineyard covering the hillside.
The line also offers biking excursions in Bratislava and Linz and more active versions of city tours for guests who wish to hike up to a city’s hilltop castle.
AmaMagna's pickleball court. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
If you’d rather save your workouts for your time on board, AmaWaterways offers an extensive array of fitness and stretching classes and a small gym for independent exercising. I came on board with every intention of using these facilities — looking forward to the complimentary resistance band, yoga and Pilates classes — but a bad cold prevented me from enjoying them.
A few active guests who didn’t mind a cool-weather workout made use of AmaMagna’s top-deck pickleball court (unique in the river cruise industry) and four outdoor spin bikes. If you’re used to exercising outdoors no matter the weather, make sure to pack your cool-weather fitness gear, and you’ll be ready to take advantage of all of AmaWaterways’ active options.
AmaMagna was my cozy home base after a chilly day of touring
The library on AmaMagna. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Our posttour, predinner destination every evening on AmaMagna was the Sip & Sail cocktail hour in the ship’s main lounge. We’d freshen up for dinner and waltz in fashionably late, and we’d always find friends with a space at their table. Everyone was warm and welcoming, which made the ship feel like home.
If we didn’t wish to order one of the complimentary beverages from the Sip & Sail menu (a mix of standard cocktails, wine, beer and daily specials), we’d visit the ship’s most popular onboard location: the coffee station. Here, I could make a cup of tea, hot chocolate or a variety of coffee drinks to bring with me anywhere on board. Make yourself comfortable at one of the nearby tables, and you could easily meet everyone on board in the course of a morning.
Afternoon tea on AmaMagna. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Guests on board and feeling hungry in the afternoon can enjoy an afternoon tea service with finger sandwiches and sweet treats. It’s a lovely option on a rainy or chilly afternoon on the river.
My favorite spaces on board were the two libraries situated between the lounge and the glass-walled Al Fresco Restaurant. Here, plush couches and a faux fireplace (water vapor, flickering lights and a soundtrack create a realistic effect) made a cozy spot to enjoy a chat with friends, especially when the after-dinner music in the lounge got too loud to carry on a conversation.
Or, if I didn’t feel like being social, I could return to my cozy cabin, hop into bed with the duvet on and watch a movie from a wide list of complimentary films, both relatively recent releases and old favorites.
Early season travel does have its drawbacks
The fountains in Salzburg were all covered up. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
You do sacrifice a few things when taking a European river cruise in the winter. Whether they’re deal breakers depends on your travel preferences.
In Salzburg, every square and plaza has a fountain. In spring, these must be lovely and make for wonderful photos. In winter, they’re not just shut off; they’re boarded up. Some completely disappeared under wooden covers; others had clear pyramids placed over the top.
The gardens behind Bratislava Castle were pretty brown when we visited. The two gardens surrounding Vienna’s Hofburg palace, the Burggarten and the Volksgarten, were not so impressive without blooming trees and colorful flowers; we heard reports of the same from the guests who visited Schonbrunn Palace. The vineyards of the Wachau Valley were all cut back, and the bare trees of the Vienna Woods were not as photogenic as they might be in spring or fall.
The barren vineyards of the Wachau Valley, Austria. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
The winter season is not a heavily traveled time for a reason. If you’re looking for beautiful colors in your scenic photos, you will be disappointed. On the flip side, it’s a great time for uncrowded city shots or bird-spotting in the bare trees.
Also, not every attraction you wish to see might be open at this time. In Durnstein, a few shops opened for our group, but many more shops and cafes were closed. Sections of Salzburg’s Mirabel Gardens (the filming location of the “Do Re Mi” song in “The Sound of Music”) are not open in the winter months.
And if you have dreams of enjoying a glass of wine on your ship’s deck, the sun on your face, as you cruise along the Danube — or even visions of enjoying the ship’s top-deck pool or pickleball court — the weather might not comply with your wishes.
Then again, if you don’t mind donning a hat and jacket and warming up with a steaming cup of coffee, you might be pleasantly surprised that sunny winter days are fine times to be outside watching the world go by.
Bottom line
AmaMagna. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Living in a four-season climate where winters can be cold, I’m no stranger to bundling up and not letting the weather stop me from having fun. I was perfectly content to put on a coat and hat and explore Europe on a river cruise. Walking tours through the city and visits to cathedrals and museums were accomplished as comfortably in the offseason as in the high season. And I didn’t have hordes of tourists to contend with.
On the other hand, as a nature lover who enjoys hikes and outdoor pursuits, I was a bit disappointed to miss out on the blooming gardens, fall foliage or generally colorful landscapes and parks on our gray winter cruise. If wandering the shops of small villages and taking photos of flowers are your favorite travel activities, you might wish to delay your cruise until the spring.
I wasn’t sure what I had signed up for when I agreed to take a river cruise in February. Ultimately, I thought the lower fares and mild temperatures made it totally worth traveling at this time, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to fight the crowds to cross these Eastern European hot spots off my bucket list.
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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Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
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Valuable dining and food-related credits
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
