The American Express® Gold Card has gained a lot of attention for its stunning design, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards available. However, its appeal goes beyond its appearance. This card is also highly regarded as the ideal choice for foodies due to its bonus-earning categories and statement credits related to dining. While the $250 annual fee may seem steep at first glance, the Amex Gold Card offers impressive bonus categories, credits, and insurance perks that make the fee worthwhile for many cardholders.
One of the standout features of the Amex Gold Card is its welcome bonus. Currently, new cardmembers can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations, this bonus is worth $1,200. It’s worth noting that these offers are subject to change at any time, so it’s always a good idea to check for any updated offers.
The welcome bonus significantly adds to the card’s first-year value, as you can obtain excellent value from your points by transferring them to one of American Express’s travel partners. This welcome bonus is a fantastic way to kick-start your Membership Rewards stash.
In terms of earning points, the Amex Gold Card excels in rewarding food purchases. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, you’ll earn substantial rewards with this card. It earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter). With TPG valuing Amex points at 2 cents each, this essentially translates to an 8% return on dining and supermarket spending.
Additionally, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or through the Amex travel portal. While other cards may offer better returns on flights, this bonus is still decent if you don’t already have a card that earns more in this category.
In addition to its impressive earning structure, the Amex Gold Card provides two valuable statement credits that can be used for ordering in. Cardholders can receive up to $10 in monthly statement credits when using the card at participating dining partners such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required). Additionally, cardholders can receive up to $10 in Uber cash each month, which can be used for Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. By fully utilizing these credits, you can effectively offset $240 worth of credits annually, making the annual fee for the Amex Gold Card just $10.
Apart from its earning structure and statement credits, the Amex Gold Card offers several other benefits that make it an attractive choice for travelers. When booking a stay of two nights or more through Amex’s The Hotel Collection, cardholders can receive a $100 on-site credit for qualifying activities such as spa treatments or dining. The card also provides lost baggage insurance, trip delay insurance, and rental car insurance when used to pay for travel expenses. Additionally, it offers purchase protection and an extended warranty for purchases made with the card.
In conclusion, the $250 annual fee for the Amex Gold Card is more than justified when considering all the benefits it offers. If your lifestyle involves a significant amount of dining out, ordering in, and cooking at home, you’ll likely find great value in this card that easily offsets its annual fee. However, if you rarely dine out or travel, it’s recommended to calculate the potential earnings you can generate with the Amex Gold Card to determine if it’s worth adding to your wallet. For more detailed information, you can refer to a full review of the Amex Gold Card.