Amex Gold: Worth the $250 a Year?
The American Express Gold Card is a powerhouse for foodies and travelers. But is it worth the hefty $250 annual fee?
The Quick Version
If dining out and grocery shopping are your thing, the American Express Gold Card's 4x points on these categories might be a game-changer. With a $250 annual fee, though, you'll need to leverage its benefits to make it worthwhile. Not a traveler? You might want to look elsewhere.
Key features and benefits of the Amex Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
What's Inside
The American Express Gold Card dishes out 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). You also get 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Add in a 60,000 points sign-up bonus after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months, and annual credits of $120 dining and $120 in Uber Cash, and you've got a lot of perks to play with.
What's Actually Good
The standout here is the 4x on dining and groceries. If you spend a lot in these areas, you'll rack up rewards quickly. The $120 dining credit at select restaurants and $120 Uber Cash annually can offset the fee. Plus, no foreign transaction fees makes it a solid choice for travelers.
- ✅ 4x points on dining and supermarkets
- ✅ $120 annual dining credit
- ✅ No foreign transaction fees
The Catch
Let's be real: the $250 annual fee isn't pocket change. If you're not using the dining and Uber credits effectively, it's hard to justify. Also, the card's a charge card, meaning there's no preset spending limit, which can lead to unexpected high balances. And if you don't dine out often, the perks might not outweigh the cost.
- ❌ $250 annual fee
- ❌ Charge card with no preset limit
- ❌ Limited benefits for non-diners
Who It's For
This card is best for frequent diners and grocery shoppers. If you travel abroad frequently, the lack of foreign transaction fees is a big plus. But if you're more of a homebody or prefer cash back to points, you might want to consider other options like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from Amex.
The Bottom Line
If you're ready to maximize the dining and travel rewards, the Amex Gold is a solid pick. Otherwise, save your cash and look at other cards. Want more options? Check out our guide on Finding the Perfect Credit Card: Best Picks for March.
