#2 overall · Points card
American Express® Gold Card
American Express · Amex · Excellent credit required
$250
Annual fee
$750
Welcome bonus
$1,142
First-year value
$392
Ongoing/yr
Rewards rates
🛒
Groceries
$5700/yr avg spend
4x
+$285/yr
🍕
Dining & Takeout
$3000/yr avg spend
4x
+$150/yr
✈️
Travel & Hotels
$2040/yr avg spend
3x
+$77/yr
⛽
Gas & EV Charging
$2100/yr avg spend
1x
+$26/yr
📺
Streaming
$540/yr avg spend
1x
+$7/yr
🛍️
Everything Else
$7800/yr avg spend
1x
+$98/yr
Based on average US spending. Use your own spending →
✓ Pros
- ✓ 4x at US supermarkets (up to $25k/yr)
- ✓ 4x at restaurants worldwide
- ✓ $120 dining credit/yr
- ✓ $120 Uber Cash/yr
✗ Cons
- ✗ High $250/yr annual fee — only worth it if you use the credits
- ✗ Low 1x earn rate on non-bonus spending
- ✗ Amex not accepted everywhere — carry a backup Visa/Mastercard
- ✗ Requires excellent credit (720+ recommended)
Is the American Express® Gold Card worth it?
It depends on your spending. On average US spending, the American Express® Gold Card generates $392/yr after the $250 fee — that's positive ROI before the welcome bonus. The $750 welcome bonus (if you hit the spend requirement of $6,000 in 3 months) makes year one worth $1,142 total.
Verdict: Strong value — earns well above its fee on typical spending.
Ready to apply?
Current offer: $750 welcome bonus after $6,000 spend in 3 months
Apply for American Express® Gold Card →You'll be directed to American Express's official application