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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.
News
This is what it's like to fly across the Pacific during COVID
Brian writes aviation- and travel-related news for TPG.
August 4, 2020 • 18 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.
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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
International air travel has changed significantly due to the pandemic, with new health and safety protocols at every stage of the journey.
Travelers can expect enhanced cleaning, social distancing measures, and mandatory mask usage throughout airports and flights.
Procedures such as temperature checks, document verification, and the use of health apps are now common for international departures and arrivals.
Entry into countries like South Korea may require government-mandated quarantine and additional compliance steps.
What to consider
Quarantine requirements and associated costs can be substantial for international arrivals, especially for those without local residency or citizenship.
Airports and airlines may have reduced amenities, closed lounges, and altered boarding or in-flight service to minimize contact.
Travelers should check for evolving local restrictions, health requirements, and airline-specific policies before booking.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed first-person account of each stage of a transpacific journey, including practical tips and observations on navigating pandemic-era travel.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
The flying experience has been turned upside down since the coronavirus pandemic began affecting travel earlier this year. Perhaps nowhere is the disruption to air travel more pronounced than on international flights, which have borne the worst fallout of the pandemic.
So, what is it like to fly overseas right now? I took a transpacific trip in mid-July, a trip I needed to take now for personal reasons. While TPG recommends you give careful consideration as to whether now is the right time to travel, we thought sharing this flight experience would offer a glimpse into how long-haul flying has changed amid the current and ongoing health crisis.
As expected, my journey was a lot different than what I was used to in the pre-pandemic days. From the check-in process to stepping on that jet bridge upon arrival, everything felt a little bit different as airlines enact new procedures to protect both passengers and their own crews. Based on my journey from Phoenix (PHX) to Seoul (ICN) with a connection in Seattle (SEA), here’s my glimpse into how long-distance international flights have changed.
Please note — while Americans can technically visit Seoul without a Korean visa, you will not be automatically welcomed into the country. Most international arrivals will be required to quarantine at a government facility at a cost of about $1,760 (2.1 million South Korean won) for 14 days. Visitors with either Korean passports or long-term resident visas with a local Korean address, which is how I entered, are able to self-quarantine upon arrival.
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Check-in Process and Pre-Departure (Domestic)
I flew with Delta in the Comfort+ cabin for both my domestic and international legs. Normally when I'd make trips like this, I would be able to check in advance on the Fly Delta app and issue mobile boarding passes even when I had documents for verification. However, I was forced to check in at the airport for the purposes of a "staff member checking [my] documents."
When I got to Phoenix Sky Harbor, facilities were eerily quiet. This might have been because Delta doesn't have a large presence at PHX, but Arizona after all was one of the leading states in new coronavirus cases — which could explain the emptiness at the airport.
The check-in counters had plexiglass shields, with social-distancing decals and hand-sanitizing stations everywhere. While I knew that these were some of the initiatives Delta was pursuing in its new CareStandard program, it was reassuring to see them in action as a customer.
Delta check-in during coronavirus at Phoenix. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Once I got through security using TSA PreCheck, I saw a terminal nothing like I had seen before. I went to the newly rebuilt North Concourse in Terminal 3 of PHX, which houses operations for United, Alaska, Air Canada and several other airlines. It still seemed to be fresh and new from its opening back in February. Delta's operations in the South Concourse were a bit livelier than those of its competitors in the terminal, but the gates felt a lot more deserted than I would have imagined on a normal day.
Newly constructed North Concourse in Phoenix Terminal 3. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Social distancing decals were placed on boarding lanes, Delta staff members consistently reminded passengers to wear their masks, and the kids play area was closed as a safety precaution. In the pre-boarding announcements, the Delta staff member even encouraged us to purchase any snacks and beverages we might want on our flight (as long as we didn't purchase alcohol).
Delta gate area during the pandemic in Phoenix. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
As expected, boarding took place from back to front — and everyone tried to observe social distancing when possible. Customers who needed assistance were invited to board first, and anyone with priority status could go through the gates anytime they wished. Even with the seating caps Delta had instituted for all its cabins, I thought that the boarding process went a lot quicker than expected.
Boarding and In-Flight Service (Domestic)
Thanks to social distancing and efforts to board in smaller groups, the jet bridge was a lot emptier than what it would be normally. Upon boarding, a flight attendant handed me a complimentary Purell wipe which I gladly took to my seat to wipe my surroundings.
Contrary to reports of full flights on other airlines, I felt like I was actually able to somewhat distance myself on my flight to Seattle with Delta. I did have the luxury of sitting in Comfort+, but Delta's main cabin seemed to be more spaced out than what it could have been with other airlines.
Delta in-cabin experience from Phoenix to Seattle. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
As we were preparing to leave the desert sunrise behind, I noticed an interesting change with Delta's in-flight safety video. Normally, CEO Ed Bastian would come on the video monitors to emphasize Delta's mission of "connecting the world." Instead, the coronavirus-special safety video featured Delta's Chief Customer Experience Officer Bill Lentsch talking about Delta's safety measures and some tips for in-flight personal safety.
After we took off, flight attendants gave us snack bags which included two snacks, a water bottle, hand sanitizer and napkins. I really wanted a Biscoff cookie, which I didn't get with my own bag — so I decided to use this opportunity to do my own "call button test," which our TPG staff do on each flight review to test the amount of time it takes for service from the flight attendants.
The result? Fifteen seconds on the dot, and this was the flight attendant coming from all the way in the back of a 737-800 — which I thought was quite impressive. I asked to see if they had any Biscoffs, and the flight attendant just brought a whole snack bag which had one in it. It seemed like the policy going forward for domestic flights was to just give entire snack bags to minimize contact with the passenger, which I greatly appreciated.
Sample Delta snack bag for a domestic flight during the pandemic. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
When the flight finally landed at Seattle, it seemed like the urge to deplane right away is something that even the new policies could not fix. Passengers rushed to get their bags and stood in the aisle, which ended the streak of everyone socially distancing. Perhaps Delta and other airlines can think of policies to make sure that customers are safe even when getting out.
Connection in Seattle
At first glance, it seemed like Seattle had returned to business as usual. That is, if you don't consider the part about wearing a mask.
Seattle's central terminal area. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Security at the main terminal was bustling as it would be on a typical summer day, and passengers were walking around the building trying to grab some quick eats. What I found most surprising was the gate areas for certain domestic destinations that required some form of quarantine, such as Anchorage and Honolulu, were the busiest ones that I saw.
There were some areas of the airport that hadn't come back to normalcy just yet, for whatever reason that may be. For example, the B Concourse station for the South Train Loop appeared to be closed — perhaps part of the evolving precautions taken by the airport since the pandemic began. The American Express Centurion Lounge across gate B3 was also closed indefinitely, with no word of reopening when I passed through in mid-July.
American Express Centurion Lounge closure in Seattle. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Other than those two exceptions, however, airport traffic seemed to me mostly humming along in the areas of the airport that catered to domestic flights.
Pre-Departure (International)
As I got to the South Satellite gates in Seattle, where nearly all the international traffic is handled, I got a truer sense of how the pandemic has been affecting travel. Seoul is typically a popular international destination from Seattle, but the relatively empty gate area snapped me into the somber reality of shut-down borders.
Gate area in Seattle, South Satellite Terminal. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Other than the aforementioned boarding procedure — which was the same for my Incheon-bound flight — Delta instituted a separate temperature-check station to adhere to recently enacted requirements for all inbound international flights into Korea. Per regulations, passengers who show fevers higher than 37.5 degrees C (99.5 F) or higher are turned away (and are supposed to be given the option of a refund).
Temperature checks being conducted at Seattle for Incheon-bound flight on Delta. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
A relatively short socially distanced line snaked around the gate area to get temperatures checked by an agent who was wearing a face shield and other protective gear. After passing the temperature check, another agent puts a red "Delta Security" sticker on your passport to indicate your clearance.
Delta passport security sticker after temperature check. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Another new procedure required passengers to download either a self-diagnosis app or a self-quarantine app. A handy flowchart was shown to passengers before boarding to suggest compliance. While the app wasn't necessarily a requirement to board, gate agents highly encouraged passengers to download in advance as immigration and health officials were going to check for it anyways upon arrival.
Flowchart of the necessary app for arrival in Korea. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Boarding and In-Flight Service (International)
Upon boarding the Airbus A330-900, a Purell wipe again welcomed me to start my journey. My fellow passengers also were busy wiping their seats and their surroundings. As I was looking around the plane — and after I had done my duty to clean my seat — I noticed that the Comfort+ and main cabins were extraordinarily empty. So much so that I couldn't help but think about the fact that both Delta and joint-venture partner Korean Air have Seattle-Seoul nonstops that depart within in minutes of each other.
International Comfort+ cabin for Delta during the pandemic. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
While my seating area had many empty seats, I noticed that the Premium Select and Delta One cabins were much fuller than their cheaper counterparts — something to consider if you need to take a lengthy journey like mine.
One minor part of my in-flight service that felt disappointing was that flight attendants handed out main cabin travel kits in the Comfort+ cabin, presumably part of the shake-up of inflight service during the pandemic. In my previous transatlantic experiences with Delta, Comfort+ had its dedicated travel kit for long international flights. I acknowledge the kits aren't much of a difference when it comes down to what's actually in them, I would have appreciated some extra recognition from Delta for having paid a little bit more to be in that cabin.
Delta Main Cabin travel kit for international travel during the pandemic. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
An interesting difference that I had noticed between my international and domestic flights — putting the other inflight service elements aside — was the difference in coronavirus safety videos. I had mentioned earlier that the domestic safety video seemed to offer tips to protect oneself onboard; the international version seemed to have focused more heavily on trying to reassure passengers of their safety in the cabin, including visual graphics of how some of the aircraft features like HEPA filters worked.
Delta's safety video showing how air filters work during the pandemic. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Once we departed, everything else seemed relatively normal. Flight attendants gave us immigration forms, served us meals and beverages (including alcohol!) and eventually dimmed the lights as we headed toward Incheon. While we could not get them ourselves, we were able to ask for snacks anytime during the flight. Inflight Wi-Fi and the entertainment systems all worked perfectly.
Delta's in-flight meal with marinated beef and rice during the pandemic for international trip, with other options being chicken and pasta. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
One pandemic-related observation from the flight: It was remarkable to see how all the passengers that I could see kept their face coverings on at all times — even while sleeping. Anyone could have easily taken them off for a prolonged period of time as the flight attendants weren't always walking down the aisle, but my fellow passengers all seemed to be abiding by Delta's mask rules. It seemed like a new normal that will be with us for quite a while.
As I was walking down the jet bridge in Seoul, I had noticed Delta's cleaning crew already waiting to board the plane with what appeared to be fresh new bedding material — not surprising given how vocal Delta has been with its cleanliness and hygiene initiatives rolled out since the beginning of the pandemic.
Ground crew at ICN with fresh new bedding for the next Delta flight. Photo by Brian Kim / The Points Guy
Overall, I was content with almost every level of my journey — except maybe the inflight food, which I found bland and unappealing compared to what I had on past international flights. Delta's marketing strategy of restoring consumer confidence was not just something it talks about on paper — the carrier seemed to take it to heart, and I felt like I could really see and feel it for myself.
This all comes as airline employees face an uncertainty, with the potential for layoffs looming for nearly all big U.S. carriers. Despite that, the Delta employees I had encountered on my trip — from the check-in agent at Phoenix laughing at my terrible morning joke to the pilot who thanked me for my business upon landing in Seoul — were personable and came across as genuine in their commitment to serving their customers. Perhaps there's a reason why Delta was ranked the winner among the U.S.-based airlines during this pandemic.
Again, I would not have taken this journey if I hadno reason to do so. I would have been perfectly content staying inside, going through Zoom calls and daydreaming about a possible first-class flight, rather than to expose myself in a populated space like an airport.
But to feel it for myself, the somber realities of air travel amidst the pandemic was a refreshing check on the privilege to fly that I had taken for granted. All I can do, as I complete my self-quarantine in Seoul, is to just pray that aviation will come back to what it once was before — and take seriously my civic responsibilities, like wearing a mask, to help contain the spread and return to life as we knew it before.
Stay tuned for another story on what it's like to quarantine in a different country — and how you might be treated if you're suspected as symptomatic of the coronavirus.
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.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
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.
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.
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.
