Is the Amex Gold worth the annual fee?
Editor's Note
The American Express® Gold Card gets a lot of attention for its aesthetic, topping our list of the prettiest cards available. It's also heralded as the ideal foodie card for its dining-related bonus-earning categories and statement credits.
At first glance, the Amex Gold's $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) can seem steep. However, this card has some impressive bonus categories, statement credits and insurance perks that make the fee worth paying for many. Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.
Here's what you need to know to determine if this card is a good choice for you.
Welcome bonus
Find out your new Amex Gold offer and see if you are eligible to earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. According to TPG's June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $2,000.
This is the standard offer for the Amex Gold; we recommend waiting for an elevated offer before applying.
This welcome bonus adds a lot to the card's first-year value since you can get excellent value from your points by transferring them to one of American Express's travel partners. The welcome bonus on the Amex Gold card is a great kick-start to your Membership Rewards stash.
That said, with American Express's one bonus per lifetime rule, it's important to ensure you get the best offer available for the Amex Gold.
Related: How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value
Earning points
Whether you're dining out or cooking at home, this card will earn you some serious rewards on your food purchases. It earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point).
Since TPG's February 2025 valuations peg Amex points at 2 cents each, you'll essentially get an 8% return on dining and supermarket spending before hitting the spending caps.
You'll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or Amex Travel and 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and other travel purchases booked through Amex Travel.
You'll get a better return on flights through certain other cards, but this is a decent bonus if you don't already have another card that earns more.
Related: When you should (and shouldn't) use your Amex Gold
Statement credits
In addition to its foodie earning structure, this card comes with two different types of valuable statement credits you can use for ordering in.
First, you'll get up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your Amex Gold to pay at participating dining partners, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (up to $120 per calendar year). Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
You'll also get up to $10 in Uber Cash monthly, which you can use for Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (up to $120 per calendar year).
Add your Amex Gold as a payment method in the Uber app to receive this benefit, and you can then redeem with any Amex card. The credit is then deposited into your account as Uber Cash each month.
Additionally, you'll get up to $100 per calendar year in annual Resy credits, which are broken down into two bi-annual up to $50 statement credits. To use these credits, all you have to do is pay your bill with your Amex Gold at a restaurant in the U.S. registered with Resy—no reservation required. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
Lastly, you'll receive up to $7 in monthly statements when you use your Amex Gold card at U.S. Dunkin' Donuts (up to $84 per calendar year). Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
None of these credits roll over and must be used within the allotted monthly or bi-annual time frame. Here's how to maximize the credits when you're traveling abroad.
If you take full advantage of these credits, you'll get $424 worth of value annually. This easily covers the annual fee, and you'll rack up generous rewards in the process.
Related: What to do when you get your Amex Gold
Other benefits
The Amex Gold's impressive earning structure and statement credits aren't the only ways to get value from it. This card also has a handful of benefits that can make your travels easier.
When you use your card to book a stay of two nights or more through Amex's The Hotel Collection*, you'll get an up to $100 on-site credit for qualifying activities. The qualifying activities depend on the property but could include perks like spa treatments or dining.
You'll also be covered if something goes awry in your travels because this card comes with lost baggage insurance*, trip delay insurance** and rental car insurance*** when you use it to pay for your travel expenses.
*Eligible charges vary by property.
In addition to these travel benefits, you'll also get purchase protection and an extended warranty for purchases made with this card. Terms and conditions apply.*
Hopefully, you won't need to take advantage of any of the protections included with your Amex Gold, but you'll have valuable peace of mind knowing you're covered if something goes wrong.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: 4 of our favorite under-the-radar Amex Gold benefits
Bottom line
The Amex Gold's $325 annual fee more than pays for itself if you can take advantage of all the credits and benefits this card offers.
If you rarely dine out or travel, we recommend calculating what you could potentially earn using the Amex Gold to decide if it's worth adding to your wallet. If your lifestyle includes a decent amount of dining out, ordering in and cooking at home, you'll likely get enough value from this card to easily justify its annual fee.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.