American Express Gold Card

Amex

American Express Gold Card

Annual Fee

$325

Sign-up Bonus

100,000 pts

Travel Credit

$424

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137 cards modeled · 18 spending categories · every verdict is a published formulaHow we rank →

Where It Wins, Where It Doesn't

Generated from the card's data against our full catalog, not editorial opinion.

  • 4x on dining (catalog median is 2x)
  • 4x on fast food (catalog median is 2x)
  • 4x on grocery (catalog median is 1.5x)
  • Credits worth about $257/yr at typical usage offset 79% of the fee
  • Non-bonus spending earns only 1x

Is the $325 Fee Worth It?

Net annual value (rewards + credits at typical usage, minus the fee) at three reference spending profiles. Signup bonuses excluded.

Everyday

Groceries, gas, and dining out a few times a month ($24,000/yr)

+$1,060/yr

$1,128 rewards + $257 credits - $325 fee

Foodie

Heavy dining and delivery, lighter on travel ($26,000/yr)

+$1,352/yr

$1,420 rewards + $257 credits - $325 fee

Traveler

Several trips a year with flights and hotels ($28,000/yr)

+$1,404/yr

$1,472 rewards + $257 credits - $325 fee

Rewards by Category

Dining

4x

Grocery

4x

Gas

1x

Flights

3x

Hotels

2x

Other Travel

2x

Online Shopping

1x

Rideshare

1x

Streaming

1x

Amazon

1x

Other

1x

Apple

1x

Cell Phone

1x

Fast Food

4x

Home Utilities

1x

Internet

1x

Walmart

1x

Point value: 2.0 cents per point

The Fine Print That Changes the Math

4x at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/year), 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel, 1x everywhere else. $120 Uber Cash, $120 dining credit, $84 Dunkin' credit annually.

    Benefits & Credits

    Uber Cash$120

    We count this at 80% of face value (typical usage)

    Dining Credit$120

    We count this at 80% of face value (typical usage)

    Dunkin' Credit$84

    We count this at 30% of face value (typical usage)

    Resy Credit$100

    We count this at 40% of face value (typical usage)

    American Express Gold Card FAQ

    What is the American Express Gold Card annual fee?

    The American Express Gold Card has a $325 annual fee. Statement credits worth about $257/yr at typical usage reduce the effective cost.

    What is the American Express Gold Card signup bonus?

    100,000 points for new cardholders meeting the minimum spend. Check the issuer's site for the current offer.

    What are the best spending categories for the American Express Gold Card?

    4x on dining, 4x on fast food, 4x on grocery. Everything else earns 1x.

    Is the American Express Gold Card worth the annual fee?

    At a typical $24,000/yr spending profile, it nets about $1,060/yr after the fee. Your own spending mix decides it; run the numbers in the optimizer.

    Is American Express Gold Card Right for You?

    Run your personalized optimization to see how this card fits into your wallet and how much you could earn based on your actual spending.

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    Card details are for informational purposes only. Please verify current terms, rewards, and benefits on the issuer's website before applying. Links to issuers are direct; CardSavvy currently earns no commission from them.