American Express Gold Card
Editor reviewed4x at restaurants and US supermarkets for $325, with up to $424 in credits
Rates verified July 23, 2026Apply nowTracked since2026
0 reviews trackedNot financial advice. Financeradar is an independent research site, not a financial advisor, broker, or fiduciary. Rates and terms change; verify with the provider before acting. Some links may earn us a commission, which never changes a rating. How we make money
The Bottom Line
Annual fee
$325
Biggest pro
Category king for food spending
Biggest con
$325 fee needs active credit usage
At a glance
Rates verified July 23, 2026- Annual fee
- $325
- Rewards
- 4x restaurants (capped), 4x US supermarkets (capped), 3x flights direct or via Amex Travel, 1x other
- Welcome bonus
- As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 in 6 months (personalized)
- Recommended credit
- good-excellent (700+)
- Issuer
- American Express
- Network
- American Express
Is it worth it?
Breaks even once rewards top $325 a year
The $325 annual fee pays for itself once your rewards pass $325 in a year. The welcome bonus (As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 in 6 months (personalized)) alone typically covers the first few years of the fee. If you would not clear the fee in rewards, a no-annual-fee card usually wins.
What is American Express Gold Card?
Still the best food card in America, if you tolerate the monthly credit chores. It is built for households whose biggest flexible spending lines are restaurants and groceries, and its credits realistically offset most of the fee for active users.
The annual fee is $325. It is a charge card with Pay Over Time; Amex does not publish a fixed public APR range and discloses the rate at application. Earning: 4x at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 per year, 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year, 3x on flights booked direct or via Amex Travel, 1x elsewhere. The welcome offer runs as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months; the spend requirement rose from $6,000 in 2026. Credits total up to $424 per year: $120 Uber Cash, $120 dining, $100 Resy and $84 Dunkin, plus Membership Rewards transfer partners and 60th-anniversary limited-time perks added in 2026.
The catch: the $325 fee needs active credit usage to justify, and the monthly drip credits in $10 increments take effort to capture.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Category king for food spending
- Credits realistically offset most of the fee
Cons
- $325 fee needs active credit usage
- Monthly drip credits in $10 increments are effortful
Key details
4x at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year)4x at US supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)3x on flights booked direct or via Amex TravelUp to $424/year in credits ($120 Uber Cash, $120 dining, $100 Resy, $84 Dunkin)Membership Rewards transfer partners60th-anniversary limited-time perks added in 2026
Best American Express Gold Card Alternatives
Top alternatives based on rates, fees, and eligibility.
Still deciding?
Most people shortlist 2 or 3 products before committing. Browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
American Express Gold Card FAQ
What is the annual fee on the Amex Gold?
$325 per year.
What is the current welcome bonus?
As high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in spending in 6 months. The spend requirement was raised from $6,000 in 2026, and offers are personalized.
What credit score do you need?
Good to excellent credit, roughly 700 or higher.
Source: americanexpress.com