April 30, 2026 • 5 min read
The American Express Gold Card continues to be a top pick among TPG staff thanks to its elevated rewards on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases and a set of refreshed benefits. The card carries a $325 annual fee and includes several ongoing statement credits and perks that can help offset that cost.
Welcome offer
You may see a targeted welcome offer — in some cases as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. Welcome offers vary and not everyone will qualify. TPG values this particular targeted offer at up to $2,000 based on April 2026 valuations. The American Express Platinum Card has also received targeted treatments, sometimes offering as much as 175,000 bonus points with higher spending requirements.
Earning rates
– 5x points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App
– 4x points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
– 4x points per dollar on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1x)
– 3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com and the Amex Travel App
– 2x points per dollar on car rentals and cruises booked through amextravel.com
– 1x point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Membership Rewards points are transferable to numerous airline and hotel partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, which can unlock outsized value for premium cabin awards and upscale hotel stays.
Statement credits and perks
– Up to $10 monthly (up to $120/year) in dining statement credits at participating merchants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, Goldbelly (through June 30), Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com (through June 30) and Wonder. (New benefit.)
– Up to $10 monthly (up to $120/year) in Uber Cash for Uber Eats and Uber rides in the U.S. (must add the Amex Gold to the Uber app)
– Up to $100 annually in Resy statement credits, delivered as two $50 credits issued semiannually (enrollment required)
– Up to $7 monthly (up to $84/year) in Dunkin’ statement credits for U.S. Dunkin’ locations (enrollment required)
– Hertz Five Star status (registration in Hertz Gold+ required), which can include space-available upgrades and bonus points
Limited-time 60th-anniversary benefits
– One-time statement credit up to $96 for an annual Uber One membership (through Oct. 30) — enrollment required
– 20% transfer bonus when moving Amex points to Hilton Honors (through May 30)
– Special offers at select The Hotel Collection properties for stays of at least two nights (through July 15)
Why consider the Amex Gold?
If you spend heavily on dining and groceries, the card’s boosted earning rates and suite of statement credits can deliver strong value. TPG’s estimate of fully using the ongoing credits comes to roughly $424 in annual value, which exceeds the $325 annual fee. Combined with transferable Membership Rewards points and attractive airline and hotel partners, the Amex Gold is a compelling option for many travelers and food-focused everyday spenders.
Bottom line
The American Express Gold Card offers attractive ongoing value for people who regularly dine out and shop at U.S. supermarkets and who can take advantage of the card’s statement credits and transfer partners. Check whether you have a targeted welcome offer to see if you qualify for up to 100,000 bonus points after meeting the required spend.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, review the issuer’s disclosures.
Featured image credit: WESEND61/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed or endorsed by any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.