Michaela is a news intern with TPG and a rising senior at Wake Forest University. She's lived in three countries and loves traveling, but she will always call Cape Town home. Some of her favorite travel destinations include Japan, the Netherlands and Botswana. Next up on her bucket list is somewhere in South America.
Halle is TPG's travel intern, and she's thrilled to be taking on a new city for the summer: New York. Halle is a rising senior at Wesleyan University, where she majors in Dance and History and studies journalism through the Writing Certificate program. Halle works as a Senior Interviewer for the Wesleyan Office of Admissions and writes for the Wesleyan Argus.
Originally from Burlington, Vermont, Halle grew up skiing, hiking and exploring the Green Mountains with her family. Although she has plenty of fond travel memories -- like sauntering through the streets of London or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef-- her favorite moment on a trip is always the plane's takeoff. Window seat or bust.
Favorite city: London
Where to next: Greece, Spain, Morocco
also contributed to this story
August 3, 2022 • 13 min read
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Quick summary
The article compares the speed and experience of traveling from New York City to Washington, D.C. by two different trains and two different flights, simulating a typical business traveler scenario.
Flights proved to be the fastest but also the most expensive, while trains offered more consistent productivity and reliability, especially in the face of unpredictable weather or airport delays.
The Acela train provided a more comfortable and productive journey compared to the Northeast Regional, though at a higher cost.
Travel times and experiences varied due to factors like rush hour traffic, security lines, and Wi-Fi quality, highlighting the importance of matching transportation choice to personal priorities.
What to consider
Weather and airport delays can significantly impact flight times, sometimes making trains a faster option.
Train Wi-Fi and seating can enhance productivity, but quality and comfort vary between services.
Departure timing, ground transportation, and onboard amenities should be factored into travel decisions.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of each traveler's journey, including real-time obstacles, comfort comparisons, and tips for choosing the best route based on your needs.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Some people run marathons. Others speed around NASCAR tracks. At TPG, we race each other on various forms of public transportation.
What's really the fastest way to get from New York to D.C.?
We decided to focus on speed rather than cost, targeting routes that business travelers may take between the two cities. So, we left New York during the morning rush hour on a weekday to simulate a realistic trip. Racers split up between two trains — the Amtrak Northeast Regional and the Amtrak Acela, both departing from New York's Penn Station — and two planes — United and Delta flights, departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), respectively.
As we started our race, we couldn't help but wonder: Is taking a plane faster than a train when there are so many delays due to East Coast thunderstorms? Can the Amtrak Acela beat the Amtrak Northeast Regional if it departs New York significantly later? And what are the major differences among these forms of transportation?
With these questions in mind, we sent four fearless teammates off to the races. TPG's summer interns, Michaela Barrett and Halle Newman, were joined by senior reporter Zach Griff and executive editor Scott Mayerowitz, respectively. (After all, the best way to learn the tricks of the trade is from an experienced mentor.) Meanwhile, TPG's features writer Lynn Brown and SEO senior associate Hannah Streck traveled alone.
May the best woman win.
(Photo courtesy of Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
Racers: Hannah Streck (Amtrak Northeast Regional), Lynn Brown (Amtrak Acela), Halle Newman (United Airlines from Newark) and Michaela Barrett (Delta Air Lines from LaGuardia).
Starting point: Lincoln Center on New York's Upper West Side at 9 a.m. on a Tuesday. This spot is in a largely residential neighborhood that is equidistant from LGA in Queens and EWR across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
Finish line: Washington Monument.
9 am
Amtrak Regional: Hannah dashed to the subway station at 66th Street and Lincoln Center, where she encountered a major roadblock right off the bat: The MetroCard scanners were out of order. The 1 train was just two minutes away, so Hannah did what she had to do and jumped the turnstile. She rode the train to 34th Street and Penn Station and walked through the underground tunnel to the beautiful Moynihan Train Hall with time to spare.
Amtrak Acela: Lynn ordered an Uber to Penn Station, where she'd board a 10 a.m. Acela in business class. The Uber ride should have been about 15 minutes, but in the throes of rush hour, it took Lynn 25 minutes to reach Penn Station. Upon reflection, Lynn should have opted for the subway.
United Airlines: Halle raced down Columbus Avenue to her preordered Blacklane car. She was not going to get behind in the race waiting for an Uber and paid nearly twice the price to guarantee a ride. The sleek black Mercedes E-class was a splurge, but it came with free bottles of water and an experienced chauffeur.
Delta Air Lines: Michaela checked to see whether an Uber or Lyft would be the fastest (and most affordable). UberX won out, and by 9:04 a.m., the driver pulled up to the Lincoln Center steps. There was heavy traffic, but the 9:38 a.m. arrival estimate made her hopeful.
9:30 am
Amtrak Regional: Hannah hoped her train's five-minute delay wouldn't affect her chances in the race. She hustled to the track and boarded the regional train, scoring a seat without a neighbor — a saving grace for elbow space on the closely configured seats.
Amtrak Acela: Upon arrival at Moynihan Train Hall, Lynn explored the selection of restaurants and cafes, wishing she had access to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge; it's only Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members who get unlimited access to the lounge, as well as first-class Acela passengers. Lynn could have paid $50 to enter but felt she didn't have sufficient time to make it a worthwhile splurge.
United Airlines: After a scenic ride through New Jersey, Halle arrived at Terminal A at EWR with time to spare. Four days prior, she applied for TSA PreCheck and received her known traveler number in time for the trip. She breezed through expedited security and made it to her gate in just six minutes. Even though the regular line wasn't that long, the green check mark on her boarding pass allowed her to keep her shoes on. Once a PreCheck skeptic, Halle was converted.
Delta Air Lines: At 9:40 a.m. Michaela arrived at LaGuardia's beautiful new Delta terminal. By 9:50 a.m., she was through the short security line, pleased to have (so far) escaped the airport chaos afflicting summer travelers.
10 am
Amtrak Regional: Hannah whizzed by Newark, hard at work typing on her laptop. There was a plug right next to her tray table, making it easy to work on the go. She was happy to be on the ground where Wi-Fi was available for the entire trip, and she didn't have to pack up her laptop to run between security checkpoints and boarding gates.
Amtrak Acela: By 9:54 a.m., Lynn boarded her train, pleased with the Acela's business-class car. The cabin was far from crowded, so she didn't have to worry about sharing the seat next to her with a stranger.
Delta Air Lines: The new Delta terminal at LGA requires a little more walking than some people may be used to, but by 10 a.m., Michaela was at the gate. Shortly following her arrival at the gate she boarded her third-row seat (a free upgrade thanks to her travel companion's Diamond Medallion status).
United Airlines: The airport's workstations were too crowded to allow for much productivity. So, pressed for choice, Halle grabbed an overpriced bottled ice tea to sip on while she indulged in some quality plane-watching. She wished she'd brought a snack from home.
Amtrak Regional: Hannah's train stopped at Princeton, New Jersey. As the train began to fill up, and she lost the prized empty seat next to her, she started to wonder if that ticket price of $137 had been a false economy.
Amtrak Acela: Meanwhile, Lynn's internet speed was going in and out, hovering between 2 and 3 Mbps on her laptop and 3 and 4 Mbps on her phone. This slowed down her productivity — she'd counted on working on the train. But the comfy and spacious business-class seat, with a charging port, was a major step up from her experiences on the regional train and well worth the $48 extra.
Delta Air Lines: Michaela's flight was the most expensive option ($273). It was a little over half full, allowing for a quick, calm and uneventful boarding process. At 10:46 a.m., the Embraer E170 took off. She soared over Newark and couldn't help but think that somewhere down there, Halle was still on the ground.
United Airlines: Halle boarded her flight at 10:30 a.m. sharp. She sank into her first-class seat (a free upgrade courtesy of Scott's status) and hoped it would be a flight worthy of the $257 expenditure. Certainly, a CRJ-550 would not be considered luxurious by the standards of most frequent flyers, but this was Halle's first time not in coach.
11 am
Delta Air Lines: Michaela enjoyed an inflight ice water but didn't get offered a snack. With just over 15 minutes of Wi-Fi activity — too slow to even register on a speed tracker — she began descending into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Suffice to say, she didn't bother taking her computer out to catch up on work.
Amtrak Acela: A few miles north of Philadelphia, Lynn's train passed Hannah's. At 11:01 a.m., she pulled into the station, eight minutes ahead of Hannah. Lynn contemplated all the times she'd taken the regional train for the lower price tag — now an Acela convert, she knew those days were over.
Amtrak Regional: By the time the Northeast Regional stopped in Philadelphia, there was not an empty seat on Hannah's train. Eager to escape the confines of her cramped window seat, she ventured to the cafe car and scored a free seltzer from a friendly attendant. Nervous about her unattended bags and laptop, she hurried back to her seat.
United Airlines: After a quick taxi to the runway, the CRJ-550 climbed into the sky at 11:11 a.m. Halle watched New York shrink below her as she sailed through a (thankfully) thunderstorm-free sky.
Delta Air Lines: The wheels of Michaela's plane touched down at 11:32 a.m., and four minutes later, the doors opened. With time to take photos, she strolled to the pickup area and ordered an Uber.
United Airlines: Halle's complimentary first-class snack was a cup of apple juice and a bag of Pirate's Booty. While the Wi-Fi was working, it was too slow to do anything more than check emails and send text messages.
Amtrak Acela: Lynn hit Wilmington, Delaware, around 11:25 a.m. and went to the cafe car. While there was a large selection, the food was overpriced and, $19 later, Lynn was unimpressed with her wrap and iced tea.
Amtrak Regional: Hannah passed Wilmington at 11:33 a.m. She had packed a ham-and-cheese scone for lunch, knowing from experience she'd be dissatisfied with the onboard options.
12 pm
Delta Air Lines: Michaela hopped in her Uber at 11:48 a.m., and eight minutes later, with the sweet taste of victory in her mouth, she arrived at the Washington Monument.
United Airlines: Halle's plane touched down at DCA at 11:58 a.m. She ordered a Lyft and sped off to the Washington Monument.
Amtrak Acela: Lynn reached Baltimore. She noticed that while the bathroom on board was pretty spacious (especially in comparison to a plane bathroom), it was also pretty gross.
Amtrak Regional: Hannah watched Maryland zip by outside her window, once again wondering how she drew the short straw with the regional train.
12:30 pm
Delta Air Lines: At the Washington Monument, Michaela wondered if her victory was simply due to Halle's flight taking off later.
United Airlines: With "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis playing in her head, Halle arrived at the Washington Monument at 12:20 p.m., claiming silver.
Amtrak Acela: Lynn's Acela pulled into D.C.'s Union Station at 12:47 p.m. She packed away her laptop, satisfied that she had achieved her work goals during the train journey.
Amtrak Acela: Lynn caught a taxi to the Washington Monument and sped through the busy streets of the capital. She reached the finish line at 1:18 p.m., claiming third place.
Amtrak Regional: Hannah arrived in D.C. at 1:09 p.m. and took a cab from Union Station. She got to the finish line at 1:21 p.m., the last to arrive.
Cost and time breakdown
(Image by The Points Guy)
Pros and cons
Key takeaways
Trains: Trains might take an hour or two longer than planes, but they have the potential to be more relaxing and productive, with operational Wi-Fi.Trains are generally more reliable than flights, as they aren’t subject to air-traffic delays, inclement weather and the airport chaos that has been especially disruptive in 2022.
Lynn’s train arrived an hour and 46 minutes later than Michaela’s flight, but Lynn felt confident that her train would get to D.C. around 1 p.m. and she’d be able to work consistently in the process.
Planes: Flying was the fastest and most expensive option. Luckily for Halle and Michaela, there were no air traffic control delays or ground stops. But, for business travelers hoping to work, it's not the most productive option. While the lack of crowds traveling on a Tuesday at midmorning might be a fair simulation for business travelers, weather and other airport-related delays are completely unpredictable.
Bottom line
While we tried to make our race as real --and fair-- as possible, there were several variables in our experiment that might play out differently in real life. We started from the same place at the same time for the sake of the race, but Lynn, for example, might have realistically left her house fifteen minutes later to catch her 10 a.m. Acela, and Halle might have left thirty minutes later to avoid waiting around for her plane in the crowded terminal. And some variables were just out of our control, like traffic, weather, security lines and transportation delays. If we had done our race in the afternoon (of the same day) instead of the morning, a series of thunderstorms over Washington and New York would have delayed or canceled our flights, making the train a faster option.
Assess your travel needs when deciding which method is best for you. If you prioritize comfort, amenities, reliability and consistency, the Acela might be your best bet. Trying to save money? The regional train may be the solution for you. And if you're willing to spend up and gamble on the chance to get to D.C. as fast as possible, planes are the way to go.
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
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Category
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 Rating4/5
TPG Editor's Rating4/5
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.
