When you should (or shouldn’t) use the Amex Gold Card

10.05.2024 - 16:57 / thepointsguy.com

It's no secret that we're huge fans of the American Express® Gold Card at TPG.

It's in a Goldilocks sweet spot between premium and beginner cards, with strong earnings on dining and grocery purchases and up to $240 in annual statement credits that can help offset its $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Enrollment is required.

But to get the most out of this card, you should use it to maximize your earnings on certain purchases but leave it in your wallet for others. In this guide, we'll highlight strategies that can help you earn thousands of bonus points each year by knowing when you should — and shouldn't — use the Amex Gold Card.

The Amex Gold is the perfect "in-between" card: it has some serious benefits and earning potential but a reasonable $250 annual fee.

With this card, you'll earn an impressive 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and restaurants, as well as 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel.

And beyond this earning potential, this card comes with some serious benefits. You'll get up to $240 in annual credits for dining and Uber, travel perks like baggage insurance*, and up to $100 in hotel credits. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: Why the Amex Gold is the perfect in-between card

New Amex Gold cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. According to TPG valuations, that's worth up to $1,200.

The Amex Gold isn't the only card to offer a bonus category on dining, but it might just be one of the most valuable. Cardmembers earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, which equates to an 8% return on spending, according to the latest TPG valuation. For that reason, it tops our list of best cards for dining out.

As part of the restaurant category, cardmembers can earn 4 points per dollar on takeout and delivery purchases in the U.S., both directly at restaurants and with services such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.

When it comes to the up to $120 annual dining statement credit, cardmembers can earn up to $10 per month when paying with the Amex Gold Card at participating dining partners.

Finally, with up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, you can not only use that on U.S. Uber rides but also on Uber Eats, so be sure to link your Amex Gold Card to your Uber account. Enrollment required.

Food is the name of the game with the