American Express · American Express · travel
Gold Card
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Terms read from American Express's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$416
Year 2+, after fees
$416
every year after
3 years, after fees
$1,249
Break-even
Month 6
Earn rate by category
Points at 0.60¢ each (cash or statement credit); published range 0.6¢ to 2¢. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $56 | $56 | $168 | Month 11 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $298 | $298 | $893 | Month 7 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $416 | $416 | $1,249 | Month 6 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $498 | $498 | $1,493 | Month 5 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $1,036 | $1,036 | $3,108 | Month 3 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on groceries and dining, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
- Spending abroad: no foreign transaction fee.
Who should skip it
- Nothing stands out on the presets; check it against your own spending.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $325
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 28.74% (variable)
Rewards
- 5x on prepaid hotels on Amex Travel
- 4x on restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 a year
- 4x on US supermarkets, up to $25,000 a year
- 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel
- 1x on everything else
Credits, as counted
- Dining credit: $10 a month60% used
- Uber Cash: $10 a month60% used
- Resy credit ($50 twice a year): $100 a year50% used
- Dunkin' credit: $7 a month30% used
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Point value: American Express Membership Rewards (US) points at 0.60 cents each: no redemption style chosen, so cash or statement credit. Source: The Points Guy monthly valuations, October 2026.
- Welcome bonus: Not counted: the full offer isn't published (American Express shows the welcome offer only after you apply).
- Credits: Each credit counts at the share a typical cardholder uses (listed on the card's page).
- Travel portal: Portal-only rates aren't counted, since you book directly.
- Note: The welcome offer is personalized when you apply, so it isn't counted. The spend requirement is $8,000 in 6 months.
- Note: 2x on prepaid car rentals through Amex Travel isn't modelled.
Not counted or not confirmed
- Rates & Fees page URL not confirmed (American Express product pages don't render outside a browser); needed before any Amex affiliate link goes live.
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $416.
Chase IHG One Rewards PremierYear 2+ ~$1,243
Wells Fargo One Key CardYear 2+ $864
Chase Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessYear 2+ ~$809
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Gold Card worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $416 in year 1 and $416 a year after that, after a $325 annual fee. It covers its fee by month 6.
What is the American Express Gold Card welcome offer?
American Express shows the welcome offer only after you apply, so it isn't counted in the values here.
Does the American Express Gold Card charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The issuer states no foreign transaction fee.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 59 other cards on the US card comparison or read how cards are valued.