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Here’s why you really need to plan ahead for COVID-19 testing

Sept. 29, 2021
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3 min read
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Here’s why you really need to plan ahead for COVID-19 testing
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More and more people are getting COVID-19 tested for work, vacation, to see family members or for a general sense of peace of mind.

But if you have travel planned soon, it might be more important than ever to arrange a COVID-19 test in advance or buy an over-the-counter rapid test, as there’s reportedly a shortage of COVID-19 tests.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month warned that there was a shortage of the popular rapid COVID-19 tests, which could increase the demand for laboratory tests.

“There is currently a temporary shortage in point-of-care (POC) and over-the-counter (OTC) test supplies. To help preserve rapid test kits and supplies and meet the current test demand, [the] CDC recommends the use of laboratory-based testing whenever possible,” the CDC said on Sept. 2.

States such as California are also reporting shortages, with less than 10% of testing locations across the state offering rapid antigen tests, according to local news station ABC 10. Several jurisdictions around the country in places like Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio have reported shortages in recent weeks, too.

Reports attribute the shortage to the highly transmissible delta variant, which has fueled a surge in positive cases in the U.S. and abroad. And Travel Weekly reported that shortages are partly the result of the Biden administration’s mandate that companies with more than 100 employees require employees to be vaccinated or face weekly COVID-19 testing.

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A testing shortage can significantly complicate your travel plans. Not only is COVID-19 testing required for many international destinations, but U.S.-bound air travelers are still required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before departure.

Americans flying abroad for fewer than three days often take a COVID-19 test before leaving the U.S., which is acceptable for reentry. With a testing shortage, travelers would have to take a test outside of the U.S., and several countries are also experiencing shortages.

That's why you want to solidify your testing strategy in advance of travel -- especially as the busy holiday travel season approaches and as the U.S. prepares to open to fully vaccinated international travelers. Several companies, including Abbott, Ellume and Amazon, offer proctored take-home or mail-in COVID-19 testing and generally have quick turnaround times.

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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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.