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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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How I maximize the dining credit on the Amex Gold card
Chris was a reporter at The Points Guy, where he covered the intersection of credit card rewards and travel. At TPG, he wrote a broad array of stories ranging from in-depth features and reports to trending travel news as it related to loyalty, card benefits and consumer behavior.
February 12, 2021 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
One mid-tier rewards card stands out for its ongoing dining and food delivery benefits, even without temporary pandemic-era perks.
Cardholders can access up to $120 in annual dining credits and up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, both distributed as $10 monthly credits, after enrollment.
Maximizing these credits is possible by leveraging app-based restaurant discounts and rewards programs, especially in cities with robust food delivery options.
The card also provides elevated rewards at restaurants and supermarkets, appealing to frequent diners and grocery shoppers.
What to consider
Dining credits require enrollment and are limited to specific partners and merchants, with monthly caps on usage.
Uber Cash benefits also require enrollment and are only available after linking the card in the app, with credits expiring monthly if unused.
Some offers and promotions mentioned in the article may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step strategies for stacking app-based discounts with monthly credits to maximize value on everyday meals.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Now that I’m covering the COVID-19 card benefits beat at TPG, I’ve noticed one card that has quietly stood out among the rest. In fact, this card has zero temporary bonuses, credits or annual fee reductions.
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The American Express® Gold Card has proven to be a card that is just as useful to me now as it was before the pandemic. The rich 4x bonus points for dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets are extremely valuable, especially at a time when I’m making more of these purchases.
One of the biggest perks of the Amex Gold is up to $120 in annual dining credit, broken down into $10 monthly statement credits. And now with the popular Rose Gold variant of the card returning, and a new benefit of up to $120 in annual Uber Cash (also in $10 per month increments), this card is almost a no-brainer. The Uber Cash can be used for rides or Uber Eats (yes, more food) in the U.S. after adding your Gold card to the Uber app. Enrollment required.
Here is how I maximize the dining credit on the Amex Gold, earning a couple of meals per month. Enrollment required
Amex Gold benefits
As a quick overview, the Amex Gold is a relatively unique card that straddles the line between premium and entry-level. It has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees) which is significantly offset by two credits, one of which I’ll explain how I am able to maximize.
(Photo by The Points Guy)
Up to $120 annual dining credit. Once you enroll, you’ll earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at participating dining partners including through Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Up to $120 annual in Uber Cash for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. You must add your Gold card through the Uber app and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash per month. Enrollment required for select benefits.
The card is currently offering a welcome offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards points (worth $1,200 based on TPG’s latest valuations) after spending $4,000 in the first six months of card membership.
In order to have two lunches using my Amex Gold (in New York City, where I live), each meal would have to be $5.
Sure, it’s certainly not the norm, but a $5 lunch in an expensive city is actually possible. How do I get two lunches a month from maximizing my card’s dining credit? Well, my (not-so-secret) secret is Grubhub “Perks.” (enrollment required).
(Photo courtesy of GrubHub)
Here in New York, food delivery and pickup are heavily utilized, especially during a time when indoor dining has been unavailable during COVID-19. Grubhub is a major player across the country, including where I am. When I’m not maximizing the Amex Gold dining benefit, I try to order from restaurants directly when I can (since delivery services take a significant cut).
The Grubhub Perks program is essentially couponing and a rewards program for the digital age. Restaurants can opt into discounts based on how many times you’ve previously dined, the time of the day you’re ordering and other criteria.
Screen shot courtesy of Grubhub
For instance, many restaurants will offer first-timer promotions or discounts at off-peak hours. Merchants can also include ongoing earned rewards as part of the offering.
The “Perks” tab is easy to find on the Grubhub app -- and yes, it’s only available through their respective apps. “Perks” isn’t accessible on the desktop or mobile website.
First, to preface, lunch is typically not a big affair for me. Give me a solid sandwich or salad and I’ll be set. To use my $10 Amex Gold dining credit, I’ll typically look at the Grubhub “Perks” tab for any local establishments that have a decent lunch option. (enrollment required).
(Screenshot courtesy of Grubhub)
I don’t find it difficult to find two “Perks” options per month that will satisfy a lunch craving for about $5. That’s because many restaurants (at least in my neck of the woods) will offer a $5 first-timer discount with no minimum purchase, whether for pickup or delivery. Going for a walk to pick up is my preferred choice anyway, and saves on delivery fees.
Sometimes, Grubhub offer direct promo codes or have Amex Offers or Chase offers for bonus points. All of this can make your lunch even more lucrative, all while still using your Amex Gold dining credit. (enrollment required)
The dining credit on the Amex Gold is something I easily max out within the first few days of each month. Getting a few “free” lunches per year is a great perk, and I am able to make use of the 4x points at supermarkets and restaurants too.
And now with the Uber Cash benefit (which I can use towards another meal at $10 per month, up to $120 annually), the Amex Gold is cementing its status as the ultimate card for people that like to eat.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, please click here.
Comments
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.
