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Bucket-list sites, easy travel: Why I loved my first Globus tour in Europe — and you will, too
As TPG's cruise team lead, Gene Sloan oversees the site's cruise content and also writes many of TPG's main cruise guides. He has spent nearly 30 years writing about cruise ships and cruising, and he is one of the world's best-known authorities on the topic.
October 21, 2025 • 16 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: TPG's Gene Sloan accepted a free tour from Globus to experience the company's offerings. The opinions expressed below are entirely his and weren’t subject to review by the line.
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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Quick summary
A guided group tour through Scotland offers a hassle-free way to experience the country's highlights, from Loch Lomond to the Highlands and Edinburgh.
Expert guides provide historical context and manage logistics, allowing travelers to maximize sightseeing and minimize stress.
Tours are carefully structured but allow for meaningful free time and special access to attractions, such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
While the upfront cost may seem high, inclusions like accommodations, meals, transportation and entry fees can provide significant value compared to planning independently.
What to consider
Group tours often require early starts and follow a set itinerary, with limited flexibility on travel days.
Some meals, such as lunches, may not be included, so additional spending is necessary.
Tour options vary in pace and free time, so selecting the right itinerary is important to match your travel style.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed look at how expert planning and local guidance can enhance your experience and save time when touring Scotland.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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.
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Thank goodness I wasn't the one doing the driving.
Our Globus motorcoach was winding along the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Scotland's iconic Loch Lomond, offering me and 40 other vacationers on board stunning views of the mountain-framed, island-dotted waterway.
But if I had been in the driver's seat, I never would have gotten the chance to see it.
The narrow, curvy road along these "bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond," as the famous line in the Scottish ballad goes — "bonnie" being the Scottish word for handsome — was the sort where a driver can't look away for a moment.
As I quickly discovered on the six-night Globus tour of Scotland that I was on, a lot of the country is like that.
From its soaring highlands to its rugged coasts, Scotland is a place where getting around often means navigating fabulously twisty roadways with sharp bends, blind spots and steep inclines — all while driving on the left side of the road.
If you're an American like me, used to driving on the right and on extra-wide interstate highways, it's probably not the sort of motoring that you want to do. At least, that was what kept popping into my head as our impressively steady driver, Kenny, masterfully maneuvered us through the mountainous glens and moors.
It's just one reason that, a bit to my surprise, I soon found myself loving this tour — my first group tour in years, not just with Globus, but any tour company.
A carefully curated exploration
Let's just address the elephant in the room straight away: Group tours have ... a certain reputation. Some people, including me until recently, have thought of them as being too structured or too jam-packed.
But what I found with Globus was different. My guided tour consisted of thoughtfully designed days that let me see more without the stress or exhaustion of going it alone.
After a week of crisscrossing Scotland with Globus, one of the world's biggest tour operators, I have a new appreciation for group tours. In fact, you might just call me a fan. And that's a big switch for me, as until this trip, I was firmly in the camp of group-tour skeptic.
It's not just that I didn't have to do any of the driving.
It had just as much (or even more) to do with how much I got to see.
To be on a modern-day group tour, as I soon learned — at least, one with Globus — is to be on a trip meticulously crafted to maximize every moment of your time in the destination in a way that will let you experience more and learn more than you would touring on your own.
The first full day of the trip, for instance, included a morning tour of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city (where we had spent the night) and a boat ride on Loch Lomond (which is nearly 50 miles to the north), plus several hours exploring Scotland's iconic Stirling Castle (another 40 miles to the east) and a whisky tasting at a nearby distillery before a 30-mile drive back to Glasgow.
The second day of the trip was even more loaded with sites as we headed north into the mountainous splendor that is the Scottish Highlands: the impossibly scenic Glen Coe valley (which famously served as the setting for James Bond's estate in the movie "Skyfall"), the celebrated Isle of Skye and the fairy tale-like Eilean Donan Castle, to name a few.
There's no way I could have done all that in two days of touring on my own.
Honestly, I couldn't even have conceived of doing all that on my own. And that's coming from someone who travels for a living.
Tour guide Gavin (in kilt) poses for pictures with tourgoers in the lovely Glen Coe valley. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
The second day, which ended with an overnight stay in "Outlander" filming location Inverness, involved nearly 260 miles of travel on a winding route that would have taken nearly seven hours to drive with no stops. I definitely would never have planned anything like that on my own ... at least, not now, at the age of 56, with my stamina for long stints behind the wheel starting to wane. It would have been just too much driving.
But with our driver, Kenny, at the wheel and our knowledgeable guide, Gavin, leading the touring, it was one of my favorite days of the trip.
It was one of my favorite days, in no small part, because Globus had seemingly thought through every minute in advance in great detail. It was filled with perfectly timed stops that gave us just enough time to see what we came for without feeling rushed — never too long, never too short.
At times, it was like watching a beautiful ballet. Every moment choreographed to perfection.
That was certainly the case when we pulled up to the ferry to get to the Isle of Skye right as it was about to depart — not 10 minutes early, not 10 minutes late. Or, when we had just enough time on the way to the ferry for a photo stop at Glenfinnan, the lakeside site where "the Young Pretender," Bonnie Prince Charlie, began the great rebellion of Scottish clans in 1745.
Full disclosure: I, and most of my fellow tourgoers, spent most of our time at Glenfinnan snapping selfies at the nearby train viaduct made famous in the film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
When you're in Scotland, there are priorities.
Searching for Nellie at Loch Ness. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Speaking of which, a short stop along the banks of Loch Ness — the lake of Loch Ness Monster fame — was also artfully worked into the schedule that same day. You can't go to Scotland without gazing over Loch Ness.
Alas, there was no Nessie sighting.
Five minutes for that stop was all we needed. There were more sights to see and experience.
Guided by an expert
One of the reasons why we were able to see so much on the tour was that our guide, Gavin, set the scene with stories and history as we moved from place to place, so by the time we arrived at each destination, we could dive right in and connect more deeply with it.
On the road to Loch Lomond, he regaled us with the story of the two Scottish rebels behind the centuries-old ballad that had made the lake so famous — and played the song for us — before we arrived. On the way to Stirling Castle, he recounted the dramatic exploits of William Wallace, who led the Scots to an epic victory over the English in 1297 at the river crossing just below it (if you've seen the first big battle scene in Mel Gibson's "Braveheart," you know what I'm talking about), as well as the castle's most famous resident, Mary Queen of Scots.
To travel through Scotland is to not only experience some of the most beautiful countryside you'll find anywhere in the world — particularly in the little-populated highlands — but to be immersed in history. And Gavin, a self-described lover of history, expertly wove it into his commentary between stops each day in a way that gave us a deeper understanding.
By the time we reached the famous battlefield of Culloden on the third day of the trip, we knew all about the trials and tribulations of not just Bonnie Prince Charlie — whose defeat at the site in 1746 changed the course of British history — but William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce and all the many kings named James whose exploits over the centuries led up to that fateful day.
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Gavin offers an overview of the battle of Culloden. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Scottish clans loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie charged across this moor at Culloden into a hail of fire from British government forces, resulting in a massacre that continued after the battle with a "no quarter" order to kill the wounded. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A marker at the Culloden battlefield. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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More than a thousand Scots were buried in the vicinity of this monument in the aftermath of the battle at Culloden. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
If you're an aficionado of Scottish history — or just an "Outlander" fan who made it to Season 3 — you already know all about Culloden, which is like the Gettysburg of Scotland.
I was especially eager to see the site. Like many millions of Americans — from former President Barack Obama to Taylor Swift — I have Scottish ancestry, including a seventh-great-grandfather who supposedly was at the battle. So, the tale that Gavin wove of the terrible massacre of Scots that took place there was particularly poignant.
And just the right amount. Gavin talked to us about the battle for only a few minutes. But then he let us wander, giving me time to walk across the once blood-soaked moor and contemplate what it would have been like for my ancestor to be there that day.
Easy travel
One of the knocks on group tours, as noted above, is that you sometimes don't have a lot of flexibility in what you do on any given day. The schedule has been set in advance, and you sometimes don't have much choice but to tag along for whatever is planned, whether you want to or not — at least, on the days when your motorcoach will be taking you from site to site on the way to a new hotel in a new location. Skip the tour, and you're skipping your transportation to your next destination.
That's all fair to a point. But there’s an important flip side to that — something you don’t totally get until you try a tour. It’s not limiting; it’s liberating. With everything handled, touring this way can be one of the easiest, most effortless ways to travel.
It's easy because you basically don't have to think of a thing. Somebody else has thought of all the little (and big) details of the trip, from which sites are the must-sees in every place you're going to where you'll stay, where you'll eat and how you'll get in between it all.
A stop at Scone Palace in Scotland. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
I loved that each morning of our trip, I basically just had to get myself up in time for the motorcoach's departure. Gavin would take it from there.
Everything that we did and saw for the rest of the day was in his hands.
When we stopped for lunch breaks — lunches weren't included on the tour — Gavin always had recommendations on where to go. No need for me to scramble to find a place.
When we pulled into a new hotel — something we did four times over six days as we moved from Glasgow to Inverness to Aberdeen to Edinburgh — Gavin had the keys to our rooms waiting on a desk in the lobby. There was no need to check in.
When we had free time, Gavin made sure it was meaningful, pointing us toward the best shops for tartan scarves or whiskies so we didn’t waste a minute.
Among the stops: A driving range in St Andrews, Scotland (the birthplace of golf), with a chance to hit some balls. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Perhaps more importantly, Gavin also handled all the logistics of getting into the sites that we visited, including special access, in some cases. At Scone Palace near Perth, where Scottish kings were crowned for centuries, he led us to a back entrance for a private tea in one of the palace rooms before a guided tour. During a visit to St Andrews, the iconic golf mecca, he took us to the driving range at one of the town's famous courses to whack a few balls. Baskets of balls and drivers were waiting for us along a row of tee boxes.
And it was Gavin — and Globus — that got us easy access to what may have been the highlight of the trip: an evening at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
A military band with bagpipers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
The world-famous extravaganza of military band and drill team performances at the base of Edinburgh Castle — complete with more bagpipers than you could imagine — was every bit as sensational as I was expecting. I mean, who doesn't love bagpipers? But I'm not sure I would have gone through the hassle of getting tickets if I had been on my own.
If I had, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have snagged seats in the eighth row, like the ones that Gavin had for us.
As noted above, our trip was notably packed with lots of activities, and that sometimes required early starts to the day. But that was the trade-off for fitting in Scotland’s big highlights in a short time.
For the record, Globus also offers a lot of trips that unfold at a much slower pace, with more free time in each destination. As a short tour of Scotland, my six-night trip was marked by frequent transfers between cities and hotels. The idea was to see all the country's highlights in just a few days — and on that note, the tour delivered mightily — but the brand also offers longer explorations of Scotland (and other destinations) that bring fewer moves between hotels and more time on your own. Globus offers trips that include more choice in activities, with multiple options for outings on some days, too.
The idea is that you can pick the style of trip that matches how you like to travel.
A mostly inclusive getaway
On the surface, the cost of guided tours with Globus might seem high, but when you look at all that's included in the prices, they can offer a lot of value.
Offseason departures of the six-night "Bonnie Scotland" itinerary that I did start at $2,399 per person, based on two people staying in a room. In other words, you'll pay at least $800 a day per couple.
High-season departures for such trips can be even more. Starting rates for departures of the same itinerary in August, when I did the tour, start at $3,079 per person — or about $1,000 per day, per couple.
But the rates bundle a lot of things that you'd typically pay for separately if you were booking a trip like this on your own. In addition to a hotel room each night, the pricing for my trip folded in quite a few meals (breakfast each day, plus dinner on three of the six nights), transportation from place to place (no need for a rental car or for paying the exorbitant rates for gas in Europe) and, perhaps most notably, an extensive amount of guided touring with all admission costs covered.
Our ride for the week. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
The latter is no small thing, given how much the cost of admission to castles, palaces and shows like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo alone can add up on a trip like this. The seats that we had at the Edinburgh Tattoo that were included in our tour would have cost us about $115 apiece if we had booked them on our own, for instance.
But to me, the value was even deeper than all of that. One of the big savings from signing up for a tour like this, to me, was in the cost of my time. How many hours would I have spent trying to arrange a trip with so many moving parts on my own? What is my time worth? And, given that I'm no expert in the history and sites of Scotland, nor its transportation system or lodging options, what are the odds that I would have gotten it right? There's no hard dollar number on that, but it's something big.
Bottom line
After this Globus tour of Scotland, I can see why so many people become fans of guided group tours.
As I saw on the trip, there is something wonderful about just sitting back and letting someone else take charge of everything related to a trip, from route planning and hotel booking to purchasing timed tickets for sites and arranging transportation and guides.
As regular readers know, I have spent much of my career as a travel writer focused on cruise travel, which, at its core, is group travel in another form. But even as I've traveled the world on ships, I've always prided myself on making my own arrangements when on the land portion of my trips. Much of my personal travel has been on my own.
I will admit to being surprised by how much I enjoyed letting someone else worry about the details on this Scotland trip. And if you sign up for something similar, you just might be, too.
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TPG's Gene Sloan at Stirling Castle in Scotland. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Tourgoers listen to a guide explain the history of Stirling Castle. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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A row of cannons at Stirling Castle. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Globus tourgoers sample whiskies at a distillery in Stirling, Scotland. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Globus tourgoers board a boat for a tour of Scotland's Loch Lomond. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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Globus tourgoers sightsee from the top deck of a tour boat on Loch Lomond. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
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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.
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Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
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Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
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Pros + cons
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Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
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 $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.
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.
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
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 $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.
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.
Pros + cons
Pros
Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
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.
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 $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.
