Credit Cards

The American Express® Gold Card standard

a stuffed animal with a card

We may receive a commission when you use our links. Monkey Miles is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com and CardRatings. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Monkey Miles is also a Senior Advisor to Bilt Rewards. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.


The American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card gets more swipes than almost any other card in our wallet. Why? I’m pretty much like any other American. Take away housing and transportation, Americans just like me spend more money on food than anything else.  If only there was a card that aligned to those spend categories?

The American Express Gold card that earns 4x points on restaurants, 4x points U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x ), and a $120 annual dining credit (enrollment required), and $120 annual Uber Cash credit (enrollment required).

In terms of premium cards on the market – I’m not sure you could convince me there is anything better. Add in an amazing 60k Membership Rewards after $4k spend in 3 months offer and this card is a must have. (Rates and fees)

Amex didn’t stop at food either – Amex Gold will earn you 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex travel. Like swanky hotels? Use your Amex Gold to gain access to The Hotel Collection for upgrade opportunities and resort credits just booking via the portal

When this card debuted in 2018, I named it the most compelling card of the year. It still continues to get more swipes than any other card in my wallet, and my wallet has a lot of them.

Let’s take a deep dive into the American Express® Gold Card

a credit card with a picture of a man

Learn More

Reader Referral Link: up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )  

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

Learn More

Resy Link 75k after $6k in 6 months + up to $250 dining credit

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

American Express® Gold Card

4.8
4.8/5

This is point earning powerhouse. American Express® Gold Card Earns 4x on dining and U.S. Supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ) making it one of the best for those categories on the market. 

I’ve had this card since 2018 and it gets a ton of swipes 

Welcome Offer

Up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )

Annual Fee

$250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards 

American Express revamped their Gold card in 2018 and we named it THE MOST compelling card of the year

I’d argue it’s still one the most compelling card in 2023 as well. Earning 4x points on restaurants, 4x on U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ), 3x points on airfare purchased via Amex Travel and directly with airlines, 

up to $10 monthly dining credit at select restaurants (enrollment required), up to $10 monthly credit on Uber/Uber Eats (enrollment required), let’s just say my Amex Gold card gets a ton of swipes every month. 

The Amex Gold card also earns Membership Rewards and I love using their points to transfer to programs like Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Avianca, Qantas, and many, many more to access those super fancy cabins everyone loves. This is one of the absolute workhorses of my wallet.

  • Annual Fee is $250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • 4x points at restaurants
  • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x )
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex Travel
  • up to $10 per month Uber Cash credit valid in US only (enrollment required)
  • up to $120 Dining Credit at select restaurants (enrollment required)
    •  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • 1x everywhere else
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 The best ever public has been 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + the $250 dining credit ( this was on Resy ); however, some people have gotten targeted 100k offers, but those are extremely rare.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

 

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

Is this the highest public offer we’ve ever seen

When this card debuted back in 2018 the public offer was 35k. It popped to 40k for most of 2019, and now referrals are offering up to 90k. The annual fee Is $250 (Rates and fees)

 

a stuffed animal with a card
Miles with Amex Rose Gold

Amex Gold Benefits are truly incredible:

  • Annual Fee is $250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • 4x points at restaurants
  • 4x points at US supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x) )
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex Travel
  • up to $10 per month Uber Cash credit valid in US only (enrollment required)
  • up to $120 Dining Credit at select restaurants (enrollment required)
    •  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • 1x everywhere else
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

That Sexy Rose Gold is back!

As you can see in our picture up above, we chose a Rose Gold Amex back in 2018. It doesn’t carry any additional benefits aside from the fact that it’s dope, a conversation starter, and even manages to make you feel sexy behind a mask wreaking of hand sanitizer.

a credit card with a picture of a man

Learn More

Reader Referral Link: up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )  

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

Learn More

Resy Link 75k after $6k in 6 months + up to $250 dining credit

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

American Express® Gold Card

4.8
4.8/5

This is point earning powerhouse. American Express® Gold Card Earns 4x on dining and U.S. Supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ) making it one of the best for those categories on the market. 

I’ve had this card since 2018 and it gets a ton of swipes 

Welcome Offer

Up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )

Annual Fee

$250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards 

American Express revamped their Gold card in 2018 and we named it THE MOST compelling card of the year

I’d argue it’s still one the most compelling card in 2023 as well. Earning 4x points on restaurants, 4x on U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ), 3x points on airfare purchased via Amex Travel and directly with airlines, 

up to $10 monthly dining credit at select restaurants (enrollment required), up to $10 monthly credit on Uber/Uber Eats (enrollment required), let’s just say my Amex Gold card gets a ton of swipes every month. 

The Amex Gold card also earns Membership Rewards and I love using their points to transfer to programs like Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Avianca, Qantas, and many, many more to access those super fancy cabins everyone loves. This is one of the absolute workhorses of my wallet.

  • Annual Fee is $250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • 4x points at restaurants
  • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x )
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex Travel
  • up to $10 per month Uber Cash credit valid in US only (enrollment required)
  • up to $120 Dining Credit at select restaurants (enrollment required)
    •  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • 1x everywhere else
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 The best ever public has been 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + the $250 dining credit ( this was on Resy ); however, some people have gotten targeted 100k offers, but those are extremely rare.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

 

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

If it’s something you’d prefer…you simply choose it

a close-up of a button

4x on US Supermarkets up to $25k a year – US Only

An average family of 4 spends $547.80 a month at supermarkets.

That’s almost 2200 points a month or over 25k points a year simply by spending what you’d normally spend a month at the supermarket.

I know quite a few people that when you combine dining out and supermarkets are easily spending a $1k a month. You’re talking about 50k a year just in those categories.

4x on dining – Worldwide

If you’re like me, dining out is one of the purchases that hits the top of your monthly spend and Amex Gold rewards you with 4x points on those purchases. That is incredible. You’ll also earn 4x on qualifying takeout and delivery.

$120 Dining credit – don’t forget to enroll!

Once you’ve enrolled your Amex Gold it’s time to save some buckaroos! I’ve found that on months where I’m not going to hit one of the listed restaurants I can simply buy a gift card for that restaurant, in store, and use it down the road. These have been crediting, and after a few months I can go in and enjoy $20 or $30 all at one time. Or…I just have GrubHub deliver and enjoy $10 off my food. Win-win.

a screenshot of a phone

$120 Uber Cash Credit

This is a $10 a month credit and can be applied to Uber. Note that you need to add your card to enroll and receive a credit. Valid in the US only.

Annual fee is $250

This is a premium card and the fee should definitely be considered, but if you’re making use of the dining and uber credits, you’re wiping $240 of that annual fee off without even factoring in the welcome offer or the bonus spend categories. Personally, I think it’s the most bang for buck

3x points on airfare

Sure there are Platinum variants that offer 5x, but this card offers you a great 3x earn rate on airfare purchased directly from airlines or Amex Travel and is $300 less than an Amex Platinum.

a seat in an airplane
American Airlines A321T Business Class

Access to The Hotel Collection properties

The Hotel Collection is a VIP hotel booking program, and is listed in our “Secret List of Hotel VIP programs.”

Amex Gold along with Platinum and Centurion cardmembers get access to The Hotel Collection program. This is a group of hotels that Amex has deals with to get guaranteed benefits just by booking via the portal.

It’s always worth checking rates and included benefits to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

a screenshot of a hotel

Here’s a peek at the benefits you can expect to receive when booking via The Hotel Collection program.

a close-up of a card

The best part….Access to Membership Rewards!

The Transfer partners are amazing – and we included some aspirational redemptions

a group of logos

Lufthansa First Class for 87k points when transferred to Avianca.

87k points to fly in a cabin that would set you back 5 figures?! Avianca is also an instant transfer partner, meaning once you see the space, wham, bam, transfer your points and book your ticket.

 

Emirates First Class for 85k points when transferred to Emirates

One little “suite” spot of the Emirates chart is flying from Milan to New York on their A380, or Athens to Newark on their 777-300ER for 85k points. You’ll enjoy a suite with doors that close, top shelf champers, pjs, a vanity, and if your heart desires…a shower at 7 miles in the sky ( on the A380 ).

ANA First Class ROUNDTRIP for 170k when transferred to Virgin Atlantic.

One of the best bargains out there, and when you’re earning points in multiple programs that are partners with Virgin Atlantic, it makes access that much easier.

an airplane seat with seats and windows
ANA First Class “The Suite”
a credit card with a picture of a man

Learn More

Reader Referral Link: up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )  

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy

Learn More

Resy Link 75k after $6k in 6 months + up to $250 dining credit

Information about this card has been collected independently by Monkey Miles. Card issuer is not responsible for the information or accuracy.

American Express® Gold Card

4.8
4.8/5

This is point earning powerhouse. American Express® Gold Card Earns 4x on dining and U.S. Supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ) making it one of the best for those categories on the market. 

I’ve had this card since 2018 and it gets a ton of swipes 

Welcome Offer

Up to 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + 20% back on dining ( $50 max )

Annual Fee

$250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 

Points Earned

Transferrable American Express Membership Rewards 

American Express revamped their Gold card in 2018 and we named it THE MOST compelling card of the year

I’d argue it’s still one the most compelling card in 2023 as well. Earning 4x points on restaurants, 4x on U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k, then 1x ), 3x points on airfare purchased via Amex Travel and directly with airlines, 

up to $10 monthly dining credit at select restaurants (enrollment required), up to $10 monthly credit on Uber/Uber Eats (enrollment required), let’s just say my Amex Gold card gets a ton of swipes every month. 

The Amex Gold card also earns Membership Rewards and I love using their points to transfer to programs like Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Avianca, Qantas, and many, many more to access those super fancy cabins everyone loves. This is one of the absolute workhorses of my wallet.

  • Annual Fee is $250 *Rates and Fees; terms apply
  • 4x points at restaurants
  • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets ( up to $25k a year, then 1x )
  • 3x points on flights purchased directly with the airline or Amex Travel
  • up to $10 per month Uber Cash credit valid in US only (enrollment required)
  • up to $120 Dining Credit at select restaurants (enrollment required)
    •  Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. 
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • 1x everywhere else
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • *Rates and Fees; terms apply

 The best ever public has been 90k after $4k spend in 6 months + the $250 dining credit ( this was on Resy ); however, some people have gotten targeted 100k offers, but those are extremely rare.

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists what the highest offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

 

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

Singapore Suites for 53k when transferred to Singapore Airlines

Again, a mutual transfer partner of both Chase and Amex, and a great opportunity to fly in one of the world’s best first class products: Singapore Suites. For just 53k points you can fly between Singapore and India sipping Krug and feasting on lobster Thermidor. Better yet…Singapore eliminated taxes and fees on their own metal. BYAH!

a stuffed animal on a seat

Fly up to 14k Miles in Business Class for 115k points when transferring to Asia Miles

Asia Miles is a transfer partner of Amex and has many hidden sweet spots. One of which is their multi-partner award chart. Check out the link above if you want to read all the ins and outs, but you can fly A LOT for just 115k miles when you use Asia miles and fly on 2 or more One World partners of Cathay Pacific.

a stuffed animal sitting on a seat in an airplane
AA 772 Zodiac and 787-8

Overall

Since it debuted in 2018, Amex Gold has been a staple in my wallet, and continues to be one of my most recommended cards for people looking to earn a bunch of points where they spend the most, and enjoy fringe benefits they will actually use.

To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured, please visit the following links: American Express Gold Card: See Rates and Fees

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

a blue credit card with lines and symbols

Learn More

 Affiliate link 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card


4.8
4.8/5
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is a great starter card that earns Premium Ultimate Rewards that can be transferred into over a dozen partners many of which are US based including Hyatt, Southwest, United, IHG, and Marriott.

Welcome Offer

60k Points after $4k spend in 3 months

Annual Fee

$95

Points Earned

Transferrable Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • 3x on dining
    •  including eligible delivery services for takeout
  • 3x on select streaming services
  • 3x on online grocery purchases
    • (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
  • 5x on all travel purchased through Chase Travel Portal
  • 2x on all other travel
  • $50 Annual Credit on hotel stays purchased via Chase Travel
    • The begins immediately for new cardmembers and after your account anniversary for existing cardmembers
  • 10% Anniversary Bonus
    • Every year you keep the card, your total spend will yield a 10% points bonus. If you spend $10k in a year, you’ll get 1k bonus points
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® continues to redeem at 1.25c in the Chase Travel Portal and the slew of other benefits remain in tact including primary rental car insurance, purchase protections, etc.
  • Points are transferrable to 13 Ultimate Rewards partners
  • Redeem in the Chase Travel center for 1.25 cents per point
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Suite of Travel and Purchase Coverage
    • Primary rental car coverage is my favorite

We keep an up to date spreadsheet that lists the best ever offers: You can find that spreadsheet here.

Historically 80k is a very, very good offer and hit in both 2022 and 2023. In 2021, we saw the offer hit an all time high of 100k. Who knows if that will ever come back.

Main Cast: 

Cards that earn flexible points and should be used on the bulk of your purchases.

Supporting Cast:

Cards that earn fixed points in the currency of the airline/hotel and can not be transferred at attractive rates. These cards yield benefits that make it worth keeping, but not necessarily worth putting a lot of your everyday spend on. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is exceptional starter card and offers transferrable Ultimate Rewards, and pairs well with other Chase cards.

If you carry this card alongside Chase’s cashback cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠and Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the business versions: Ink Business Cash® , Ink Business Unlimited® you can combine the points into Preferred account and transfer into hotel and airline partners

Annual fee is quite low at $95 a year + you get a 10% anniversary bonus on points + $50 hotel credit in Chase travel.

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

164 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.