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American Express® Gold Card Travel Benefits & Perks

The American Express® Gold Card offers several travel-related benefits, including elevated Membership Rewards® points on eligible flights and prepaid hotel stays, benefits through The Hotel Collection and complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. The Card also has no foreign transaction fees.

For an overview of the Gold Card's rewards, credits and other features, see: American Express Gold Card Benefits, Rewards & Perks.

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Earn Membership Rewards Points on Flights

The American Express Gold Card earns 3X Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App or purchased directly from airlines.

For people who regularly purchase airline tickets, this can make the Gold Card useful for earning additional Membership Rewards points from travel spending.


Earn 5X Points on Prepaid Hotels

Gold Cardmembers can earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.

The elevated earning rate can provide additional value for travelers who regularly book eligible prepaid hotel stays through American Express.


Earn Points on Car Rentals and Cruises

The Gold Card also earns 2X Membership Rewards points on eligible prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.

Eligible cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com can also earn 2X Membership Rewards points.


The Hotel Collection Benefit

The Gold Card provides access to The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. When you book two or more consecutive nights at an eligible property, you can receive a $100 credit toward qualifying charges.

The Hotel Collection includes participating upscale properties around the world. Eligible charges and other terms vary by property.


Complimentary Hertz Five Star Status

Gold Cardmembers can receive complimentary Hertz Five Star Status after completing the required enrollment and registration.

Hertz Five Star Status can provide benefits such as skipping the counter at select locations, an additional driver at no additional cost when applicable requirements are met, and potential vehicle upgrades, subject to availability and the applicable Hertz terms.


No Foreign Transaction Fees

The American Express Gold Card does not charge foreign transaction fees on eligible purchases made outside the United States.

This can be useful when traveling internationally because purchases made abroad are not subject to an additional foreign transaction fee from American Express.


Is the Gold Card Good for Travel?

The Gold Card can provide meaningful value for travelers who want to earn Membership Rewards points on flights, prepaid hotels and other eligible travel purchases. The Hotel Collection and Hertz Five Star Status provide additional travel-related benefits.

However, the Gold Card is not simply a travel card. Much of its value also comes from its strong restaurant and U.S. supermarket rewards and its collection of statement credits.


Final Thoughts

The American Express Gold Card offers several travel benefits, including 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible flights, 5X points on eligible prepaid hotel stays and additional rewards on qualifying car rentals and cruises booked through American Express.

The Hotel Collection, Hertz Five Star Status and lack of foreign transaction fees add additional value for eligible travelers. How valuable these benefits are will depend on how frequently you travel and how you use the Card.


American Express® Gold Card

  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide.§ *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
  • CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

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FICO® Credit Score Facts

Key Characteristics:
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Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.

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