Alright, let's cut to the chase. The American Express® Gold Card has upped its game with an annual fee of $325 . But before you balk at the price, let's break down why this card might still be a heavyweight contender in your wallet.
💳 Key Features That Pack a Punch
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Dining: Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., on up to $50,000 in purchases each year . If you're someone who enjoys dining out or ordering in, these points can accumulate rapidly.Condé Nast Traveler+5American Express+5American Express+5
- 4X Points at U.S. Supermarkets: Earn 4X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases each year . For those who cook at home, this is a significant benefit.American Express+4American Express+4American Express+4
- 3X Points on Flights: When you book flights directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, you earn 3X points . Frequent flyers can benefit from this feature.American Express+4American Express+4American Express+4
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel internationally without worrying about extra charges on purchases abroad .
💰 Annual Fee Breakdown
Yes, the $325 annual fee is a consideration . But let's see how the card's benefits can offset this cost:
- $120 Uber Cash: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account, and you'll automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash monthly, usable for Uber Eats orders or rides in the U.S. Enrollment required .American Express+2American Express+2American Express+2
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use your Gold Card at participating partners like Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required .Condé Nast Traveler+3American Express+3American Express+3
- $100 Resy Credit: After enrolling, get up to $100 back annually when you pay with the Gold Card at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases .American Express+3American Express+3American Express+3
- $84 Dunkin’ Credit: Enjoy up to $7 in monthly statement credits after using your Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required .American Express+2American Express+2American Express+2
When utilized fully, these credits can provide $424 in annual value, effectively covering the annual fee and then some.
🛠 How to Maximize This Card
- Use for All Dining and Supermarket Purchases: To capitalize on the 4X points, make this your go-to card for food-related expenses.
- Book Flights Strategically: Utilize the 3X points on airfare by booking directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- Enroll and Use Monthly Credits: Ensure you're enrolled in all available credits and use them monthly to offset the annual fee.
- Combine with Other Cards: Pair the Amex Gold with a flat-rate cash back card for non-bonus categories to maximize rewards.
⚠️ Considerations
- Annual Fee: At $325, it's higher than some competitors. Ensure you'll use the benefits to justify the cost.American Express+5American Express+5American Express+5
- Amex Acceptance: While improving, American Express isn't as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, especially internationally.
- Monthly Credit Management: The dining and Uber credits are monthly, not annual. Missing a month means forfeiting that month's credit.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Amex Gold Card is a powerhouse for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. The rewards structure and credits can easily outweigh the annual fee if leveraged correctly. However, it requires active management to maximize benefits. If you're a set-it-and-forget-it type, this might not be the card for you. But for the savvy spender who doesn't mind a bit of strategizing, the Amex Gold can be a goldmine.Condé Nast Traveler
— Amir Khan
