When it comes to choosing a rewards card, the American Express® Gold Card should not be ignored. Despite its $250 annual fee, the card offers a range of benefits that make it worth considering.
One of the key benefits of the Amex Gold Card is the annual credits it offers. Cardholders can receive up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select restaurants such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, and Shake Shack. Additionally, they can enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually, which can be used for Uber Eats orders or rides in the U.S. When fully utilized, these credits effectively lower the annual fee to just $10.
The card also offers generous earning categories. Cardholders earn 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, as well as U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). They also earn 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Currently, the Amex Gold Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. However, some individuals may be targeted for a higher welcome offer through CardMatch or a referral link.
The Amex Gold Card is particularly well-suited for individuals who spend a significant amount on dining and at U.S. supermarkets. The 4 points per dollar earned in these categories can provide a high return on spending. Additionally, the card can be a great addition to the Amex trifecta, when combined with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, allowing cardholders to earn even more points on their purchases.
Another group of individuals who can benefit from the Amex Gold Card are those who can maximize the $240 in annual statement credits. By fully utilizing the dining and Uber credits, cardholders can effectively bring down the annual fee to just $10. This makes the card a great option for frequent travelers who regularly use Uber.
For those who have maxed out their five slots with Chase due to the 5/24 rule, the Amex Gold Card can be a good alternative. It allows individuals to continue earning valuable transferable points currency, while also offering bonus categories that can help them earn rewards faster.
Individuals who are targeted for a higher welcome offer on the Amex Gold Card should also consider applying for it. The increased bonus can provide even more value and make the card worth considering.
However, there are also groups of people who may not find the Amex Gold Card as beneficial. Those who are under 5/24 and want more Chase cards should prioritize applying for Chase credit cards first, as the 5/24 rule can limit their options. Individuals who live outside the U.S. may also find the card less valuable, as some of its benefits are limited to U.S. residents. Additionally, those who won’t be able to fully maximize the statement credits may be better off with a card that offers benefits that align more with their spending habits. Finally, individuals who have previously had an Amex Gold Card may not be eligible for the welcome bonus again.
In conclusion, the American Express Gold Card offers a range of benefits and bonus categories that make it a great option for individuals who spend heavily on dining and at U.S. supermarkets, as well as those who can maximize the statement credits. However, it may not be as beneficial for those who are under 5/24 and want more Chase cards, individuals who live outside the U.S., or those who won’t be able to fully utilize the statement credits.