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9 mistakes travelers make when visiting Machu Picchu
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Quick summary
Machu Picchu's popularity means tickets often sell out well in advance, especially for peak season and popular hiking trails.
Entry tickets are timed and strictly enforced, requiring advance purchase online or at designated offices, with no sales at the entrance gate.
A guide is mandatory for all visitors, and both a valid passport and printed ticket are required for entry.
Travelers should plan transportation, accommodations and bus logistics ahead of time, and follow site rules regarding clothing, prohibited items and respectful behavior.
What to consider
Tickets are limited daily and tied to specific entry times, expiring one hour after the assigned slot.
Bus lines to the entrance can be long during peak periods, and tickets should be purchased in advance to avoid delays.
Certain items like plastic bottles, large backpacks, food and drones are not permitted inside the site.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed advice on alternative treks, packing tips and strategies to avoid common mistakes during your Machu Picchu visit.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of the world -- and tourists are visiting the spectacular Inca citadel in increasing numbers. But a trip to see this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site nestled deep within the Andes mountains can be complicated, thanks in part to ever-changing rules and regulations provoked on by the steady rise in tourism.
With so much to keep in mind, many visitors will make at least one mistake (or two) during their first trip to Machu Picchu. Here's how to avoid the most common mishaps and blunders.
Buying last-minute tickets
You may occasionally get lucky during low season, but tickets to Machu Picchu can sell out weeks (or even months) in advance during peak season. Tickets are limited to 2,500 per day and, as of changes initiated in early 2019, they are sold for specific entry times at nine hourly slots from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your ticket expires one hour after your assigned entry time, so arrive early. And, if you plan to hike the popular Huayna Picchu, one of two main trails within Machu Picchu, tickets are limited to 400 per day, so it's essential to book in advance.
If you decide to leave your Machu Picchu tickets to fate and purchase at the last minute, just know you can't buy tickets at the entrance gate. You must buy them online, through a tour company, ticket reseller or at the Ministry of Culture offices in Cusco or Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu pueblo).
Tickets are available three months in advance on the official Peruvian Ministry of Culture website. Currently, adult prices for an entrance ticket are 152 soles (about $45) or 200 soles (about $60) for an entrance ticket plus entrance to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain trails. There are special ticket prices for children and for students with a valid ID. Remember, it's mandatory to enter Machu Picchu with a guide -- you can find one through a tour agency online, through your hotel in Aguas Calientes or Cusco, or even at the entrance to the site.
Advance preparation can help you have a memorable and hassle-free visit to Machu Picchu. (Photo by dimarik/Getty Images.)
You'll need to include your passport info when purchasing your ticket -- and make sure to enter the data correctly or you could later be denied entrance. Once you purchase your ticket online and get the reservation code, you can enter the code in the check-in section, which will bring up your ticket to print and save.
When purchasing, consider an afternoon visit. Although the mornings are popular, especially to see the sunrise, the fog often clears later in the day. There are also new incentives for travelers who enter in the afternoon, such as free access to the onsite museum. If you choose to book your Machu Picchu experience through a tour or travel agency, you'll pay more but won't have to deal with buying the tickets on your own and figuring out a guide and transportation.
Not arranging transportation or a hotel
There are a number of ways to get to Machu Picchu, and it can be hard to decide how to get there. If you prefer to organize the trip on your own, start by purchasing your Machu Picchu entrance ticket and then build your travel plans around the date and time you'll be entering. If you want to do a group trek or organized tour, consult an agency that can help you organize and plan.
If you want to hike, know that only 500 permits are allowed per day on the Inca Trail -- this includes guides, porters and trekking staff. If you really want to do this route, plan in advance. Consider alternative treks that include Macchu Picchu, like the Lares, Inca Jungle or the Salkantay treks, if the Inca Trail is sold out on your dates or if you simply want to try something less popular.
Travelers who would rather take the train to reach Machu Picchu will depart from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. It's best to purchase your entry ticket for Machu Picchu first and then build your travel around that time slot. Spend one or two nights in Aguas Calientes, or you can even take a really early train to Aguas Calientes and head back to Cusco the same evening after seeing Machu Picchu. Tickets are available on PeruRail and IncaRail.
For travelers on tight a budget, there's a seven-hour minibus from Cusco that drops you off at the start of the Hidroelectrica. Then, you can take an easy, scenic three-hour trek along the river to Aguas Calientes following the train tracks. The road is flat, but remember, you'll be carrying your luggage with you, so pack light.
Walking along the tracks is a unique way to experience the beautiful surroundings. Photo by Lori Zaino for TPG.
When booking accommodations in Aguas Calientes, it's important to remember that Aguas Calientes is a transient tourist town that's limited when it comes to hotel standards. Book in advance and read plenty of reviews — even if your tour operator books for you — making sure whatever they've chosen will be satisfactory.
Showing up late for the bus
Once you're in Aguas Calientes, there are two ways to reach the Machu Picchu entrance gate: A strenuous 1.5- to 2-hour steep uphill walk, or a 30-minute bus ride. Anyone who has mobility issues or who is planning on also hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain may want to take the bus to conserve energy. Depending on your entry time and whether it's peak season or not, bus waits can range from just a few minutes minutes to two whole hours. During my trip in July, we were told to line up at 3:30 a.m. to make it up in time for our 6 a.m. entry time -- and there was already a very long line when I arrived. Speak to your guide or to front desk staff at your hotel about when they suggest lining up for the bus based on your entry time and visiting season. And remember, your ticket is only valid for one hour after your assigned time, so don't be late.
People line up to catch the bus in Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. (Photo by ElOjoTorpe/Getty Images)
You can buy bus tickets at the stand in Aguas Calientes the day of or before your visit to Macchu Picchu (don't forget your passport) or online here. Prices are $24 round-trip when purchased in person, but if you purchase online through a reseller, expect to pay more. Buses drive up to Machu Picchu from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and head back down from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Forgetting your passport
You will need to show your passport and a printout of your ticket to enter Machu Picchu. This is non-negotiable and you will be denied entry if you don't have your passport and a valid ticket, or if the passport information on your ticket doesn't match your actual passport. If your passport expired between the day you booked your trip and the trip itself, bring both the old and new ones with you.
Not using the bathroom
There are no bathrooms inside Machu Picchu, so use the bathroom at the gate before you enter. Bathroom entrance costs 2 soles (about 60 cents).
Wearing the wrong clothing
Although conditions can vary with the weather and the season, Machu Picchu is notorious for tiny mosquito-like insects that feed on the ankles of unsuspecting tourists. Knowing this, I wore leggings, but the bugs still found the inch of skin exposed between my socks and leggings and I ended up with several nasty red bites that didn't go away for almost a month.
The weather is unpredictable at the top so be prepared in case it takes a turn for the worse. (Photo by Sven Elstermann/EyeEm/Getty Images.)
Wear comfortable pants and socks, and don't leave your ankles or legs exposed. Although these mosquito monsters tend to prefer the lower body, if you're sensitive to insect bites, it may be best to cover your arms, too.
The weather can also change quickly and be quite severe in the mountains, so pack a raincoat, put on sunblock and wear layers, especially if you plan to hike. Of course, wearing comfortable sneakers, hiking boots or closed-toed shoes is a must. Avoid heels, sandals or flip-flops, especially if you're hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Packing the wrong items
Don't bring the following items into Machu Picchu:
Plastic water bottles. This rule may not always be strictly enforced, but always bring a reusable water bottle, as Machu Picchu aims to be entirely plastic-free.
Large umbrellas.
Obtrusive selfie sticks.
Food. While they won't search your pockets for an apple or a granola bar, if you do take any food in, make sure to take all your garbage back out and leave the site pristine. Or, bring your food in containers that you can take out with you.
Backpacks over 20 liters or larger than 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters. You can check these into lockers before entering at the front entrance.
Tripods.
Professional camera or video equipment without a permit.
Drones.
Breaking the rules
This should probably go without saying, but the entry rules also ban yelling or making a loud scene; climbing or spraying graffiti on the walls; eating; littering; running; and snapping nude photos. This is an ancient, sacred monument (and a religious sanctuary for some), so it's incredibly important to show respect. And yeah, if you're caught nude (it's honestly not worth doing it for the 'gram), you will be handed over to Peruvian authorities and likely given a large fine -- or worse.
Stressing about the altitude
You may deal with altitude sickness in a number of destinations around Peru such as Cusco (11,150 feet), Colca Canyon (11,500 feet) or Lake Titicaca (12,510), but you probably won't have a problem at Machu Picchu (7,972 feet) -- unless you spend a long time at the top of Machu Picchu Mountain (about 10,000 feet) or Huayna Picchu. If you do hike to the top of these mountains, drink plenty of water and rest when needed.
The author at the top of Machu Picchu Mountain after a strenuous hike. Photo by Lori Zaino for TPG.
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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.
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Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
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Difficult credit redemption
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.
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$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.
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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.
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
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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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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
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Recommended credit
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Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
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.
Difficult credit redemption
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
Points are transferable
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.
Difficult credit redemption
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
Points are transferable
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.
Difficult credit redemption
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
Points are transferable
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.
Difficult credit redemption
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.
