Significant updates to the American Express Gold Card: Enhanced perks and a increased annual charge
American Express offers various benefits and promotions. Visit their website at [americanexpress.com](http://americanexpress.com) for more information.
The American Express® Gold Card is one of the top rewards cards for dining and grocery purchases. Now, it's getting a facelift with new benefits, updates to existing perks, a higher annual fee, and a sleek limited-edition white gold design option, along with an elevated welcome bonus.
If you are considering getting the Amex Gold Card, CNBC Select can provide you with the necessary information to determine its worth.
Annual fee increase
The annual fee for the American Express Gold Card has risen from $250 to $325 for new cardholders, and for existing holders, the new fee will apply with renewal dates on or after October 1, 2024. (See rates and fees)
American Express is introducing new benefits to help cardholders justify the fee, despite nobody wanting a price increase.
New statement credits
Two new statement credit offers will offset the increased annual fee, and eligible purchases will earn rewards.
- Enroll to receive up to $84 in Dunkin' credit annually (up to $7 per month).
- You can receive up to $100 in Resy credit annually (up to $50 semi-annually) for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants and eligible purchases with enrollment required.
If you maximize these two benefits, they are worth up to $184 each year, which more than offsets the $75 annual fee increase.
If you're near a Dunkin', switching your coffee routine is as easy as changing your location. Even if you're not, you can still use your Resy credit at any of the thousands of restaurants listed on the platform (no reservation required).
White gold option
You can select from three gold card designs: white, rose gold, or gold. The white gold option is exclusive and will only be available until supplies run out.
To request the new white gold option, existing cardholders can log into their American Express account, navigate to the "replace a card" page under "account services," and choose the "I want to change my Card's design" option.
Elevated welcome offer
The American Express Gold Card is currently providing a limited-time welcome offer of 60,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership, in addition to 20% back at restaurants worldwide for the first six months (up to $100).
To get the most out of your Amex Membership Rewards points, transfer them to one of Amex's travel partners. For instance, you can transfer points to Avianca LifeMiles to book domestic economy flights for 6,500 miles one-way or business class flights to Europe for 60,000 miles each way.
Benefits that are changing
The Amex Gold Card offers a significant advantage with its 4X Membership Rewards points for dining purchases worldwide. However, starting January 1, 2025, this bonus category will be limited to the first $50,000 in eligible purchases annually, after which it will revert to 1X. This change will only impact heavy spenders.
The card offers annual dining credits of up to $120, with $10 per month, but the list of eligible restaurants has changed. Five Guys has been added, while Shake Shack and Milk Bar are no longer eligible. The credit will still be applicable at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Wine.com.
Benefits that are staying the same
The Amex Gold remains a top points-earning option, offering 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000, then 1X starting on Jan. 1, 2025) in addition to other perks.
- U.S. supermarkets offer rewards programs that provide 4X points for purchases up to $25,000 per calendar year, and 1X points for purchases beyond that amount.
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com
- 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked through booked through Amextravel.com
- 1X points on all other purchases
- Terms apply
You can receive up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (up to $10 per month) if you have the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card is linked to your Uber account. This benefit is only available in the United States.
The Hotel Collection offers special perks for booking stays of two nights or more, including a $100 experience credit, room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out (when available).
You will still have access to a range of travel and purchase coverages.
- Trip delay insurance**
- Baggage insurance*
- Car rental loss and damage insurance***
- Extended warranty*
- Purchase protection*
Benefit levels and eligibility vary by card. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
The eligibility and benefit level vary by card, and there are terms, conditions, and limitations that apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide. This policy is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
The eligibility and benefit level for each card differ. Please refer to the terms, conditions, and limitations on American Express's website for more information. This coverage is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, and Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is provided through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Alternative cards to consider
The American Express Gold Card provides a range of valuable benefits, but they are spread out among various monthly and semi-annual perks.
If you prefer a credit card with a lower annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card may be suitable for you. It has a reasonable annual fee of $95 and earns at least 2X miles on every purchase. Like Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles can be transferred to a wide range of hotel and airline loyalty programs, including Emirates Skywards, Wyndham Rewards, Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan and more.
If you want to enjoy premium perks and benefits with ease, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is worth considering. With a $550 annual fee, you'll receive an up to $300 annual travel credit that can be used on a wide range of eligible purchases. Additionally, you'll gain access to airport lounges and earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be transferred to travel partners.
Is the Amex Gold worth it?
The American Express Gold Card's annual fee has increased by $75 to $325, but this is offset by a new Dunkin' credit worth up to $84 per year and up to $100 in Resy credit each year. Additionally, the card offers perks such as a monthly dining credit and Uber Cash credit.
The Amex Gold card refresh offers significant value if you utilize its numerous benefits. With an annual reward of over $400 on eligible dining and travel purchases, the card is worth considering for many consumers. However, it's important to note that the credits renew monthly and semi-annually, and they do not roll over if unused.
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For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card®, click here.
