The American Express Gold Card is a dining- and travel-focused rewards card with flexible spending power and a rich set of monthly statement credits.
This guide walks you through how to get online, benefits, current interest rates and fees, requirements, contact details, and a clear look at rewards.
American Express Gold Card Benefits & Rewards
These American Express Gold Card rewards are strongest for people who regularly dine out, order in, and buy groceries in the U.S.
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1X).
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year (then 1X).
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2X on select prepaid hotels and eligible travel when booked through AmexTravel.com.
- Access to The Hotel Collection (two-night minimum) with a $100 experience credit and potential room upgrade at eligible properties.
Annual statement credits (enrollment required; terms apply):
- $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month).
- $120 Dining Credit ($10 per month at select partners).
- $100 Resy Credit (distributed semi-annually).
- $84 Dunkin’ Credit ($7 per month).
Spending Power & the “Limit”
Practically speaking, think of the Gold Card as flexible for everyday spend, with a distinct ceiling only for balances you choose to revolve.
If you’re comparing cards by limits, note that the Gold Card typically has No Preset Spending Limit (NPSL).
That means your available spending power adjusts over time based on factors like your purchase, payment, and credit history.
Features
You can use Amex’s Check Spending Power feature in your account or app to test a large purchase before you make it.
Separately, the card includes Pay Over Time, a revolving feature with its own assigned Pay Over Time Limit.
This applies to Pay Over Time, Plan It®, and cash advance balances.
Interest Rates & Fees
Rates are variable and change with the Prime Rate. Always review the current Rates & Fees and Cardmember Agreement presented with your application.
- Annual fee: $325.
- Pay Over Time APR: variable (tied to the Prime Rate; your exact APR is disclosed with your offer).
- Cash Advance APR: variable.
- Penalty APR: may apply to new Pay Over Time transactions if you trigger it.
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater.
- Late/returned payment fee: up to $40.
- Foreign transaction fee: None.
American Express Gold Card Requirements
Applicants typically have good to excellent credit and sufficient income to support their obligations.
Be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (or ITIN).
U.S. residential address and contact information, along with total annual income and possibly employment details.
Underwriting evaluates your credit history, reported income, and overall profile. Using Amex’s pre-approval tools can help you gauge eligibility.
How to Get an American Express Gold Card
Ensure you can use the 4X dining and U.S. supermarket categories and the monthly statement credits. Confirm the annual fee, APR ranges, and all key terms.
Complete the application on the site. Enter your legal name, SSN/ITIN, address, income, and contact info accurately.
Evaluate your offer. If approved, you’ll see your welcome offer and terms. Your credit score is typically impacted after you accept the card.
Set up your online account, add the card to Uber for monthly Uber Cash, and enroll in Dining, Resy, and Dunkin’ credits so they track automatically.
Is the American Express Gold Card Worth It?
The short answer: it depends on your spending patterns.
Yes
If you spend meaningfully in the 4X categories, the benefits can easily offset the annual fee, especially if you use the monthly credits consistently.
The points-earning potential on everyday categories is where the Gold shines, making it a powerful earner for many households and frequent travelers.
No
It’s less compelling if you rarely dine out, don’t maximize the monthly credits, or strongly prefer straightforward cash back over points.
In that case, a no-fee or flat-rate cash-back card could be a better match.
Bank Contact
American Express — Personal Card Customer Service: 1-800-528-4800 (24/7).
Apply by phone: 1-888-297-1244. Main switchboard: 212-640-2000.
American Express National Bank (mailing): P.O. Box 30384, Salt Lake City, UT 84130.
American Express Company — Headquarters: 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10285.
Quick FAQ
What is the american express gold card limit?
The Gold Card typically has No Preset Spending Limit; your spending power adapts over time. You’ll also have a separate Pay Over Time Limit for balances you choose to revolve.
Do foreign purchases incur fees?
No. The card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
Can I carry a balance?
Eligible purchases can use Pay Over Time at a variable APR. You can also pay in full to avoid interest.
Do I have to enroll for the credits?
Yes. Enrollment is required for benefits like the Dining, Resy, Dunkin’, and Uber Cash features to apply correctly.
Amex Gold vs Other Amex Cards
See:
| Card | Core earning | Notable credits/perks | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Gold | 4X restaurants worldwide (incl. U.S. delivery), 4X U.S. supermarkets (caps apply), 3X flights; 1X other | $120 Uber Cash ($10/mo), $120 Dining ($10/mo), $100 Resy (semi-annual), $84 Dunkin’ ($7/mo); The Hotel Collection access (2-night min.) | Food-centric households and travelers who’ll actually use the monthly credits. |
| Amex Platinum | 5X on flights booked directly or via AmexTravel.com; 5X on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com; 1X other | Global Lounge Collection; $200 Hotel Credit (FHR/THC), $200 Uber Cash, $240 Digital Entertainment, CLEAR®/Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits; Hilton Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold (enrollment req.) | Frequent flyers who value lounges, elite status, and premium travel perks. |
| Amex Green | 3X travel, 3X transit, 3X dining; 1X other | Up to $209 CLEAR Plus credit; no FTF; starter travel protections | Travelers who want elevated travel/dining earn without a high fee. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® | 6% U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr), 6% select U.S. streaming, 3% U.S. gas & transit; 1% other | Category-rich cash back; Plan It® option; (cash back as Reward Dollars) | Families maximizing U.S. groceries/streaming who prefer straight cash back. |
| Blue Cash Everyday® | 3% U.S. supermarkets, 3% U.S. gas, 3% U.S. online retail (each up to $6k/yr); 1% other | Up to $84/yr Disney Bundle credit ($7/mo) after enrollment; (cash back as Reward Dollars) | No-fee, simple cash back on essentials. |
Conclusion
The American Express Gold Card is built for people who prioritize dining and grocery spending and want travel value without an ultra-premium price tag.
If your routine lines up with its 4X categories and you’ll reliably use the monthly credits, the value proposition is strong.
Apply online, review your exact offer and terms, and then activate and enroll your benefits to get the most from the card.
Disclaimer: Card features, APRs, fees, welcome offers, statement credits, partner lists, and eligibility criteria change at any time. Terms apply to all benefits; enrollment is often required. Always review the current Rates & Fees and Cardmember Agreement presented during application and consult American Express directly for the most up-to-date information. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice.