American Express Gold Card
American Express travel card with a $325 annual fee. Earns 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.
Terms read from American Express's page on October 16, 2026. Rates and terms are set by the issuer and may change. We don't estimate approval odds.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $325
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 28.74%
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
Earns American Express Membership Rewards (US), valued at 0.6 cents as cash, 1 through the issuer's travel booking and 2 with transfer partners.
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
Not confirmed
- Welcome bonus amount: Amex shows it only after you apply.
Worked examples
Value on each spending preset, points redeemed as cash, typical use of credits.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student | $56 | $56 | $168 | Month 11 |
| Family | $416 | $416 | $1,249 | Month 6 |
| Frequent traveller | $498 | $498 | $1,493 | Month 5 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Gold Card worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points as cash), it's worth $416 in year 1 and $416 a year after that, after a $325 annual fee. It pays for its fee by month 6.
What is the American Express Gold Card welcome bonus?
Welcome bonus amount: Amex shows it only after you apply.
Does the American Express Gold Card charge foreign transaction fees?
No. It charges no foreign transaction fee.
What isn't counted in its value?
The welcome offer is personalized when you apply, so it isn't counted. The spend requirement is $8,000 in 6 months. 2x on prepaid car rentals through Amex Travel isn't modelled.
Sources
Estimates for information only; not tax, legal or financial advice. See our methodology.