American Express® Gold Card

Issued by American Express Best for Travel, Groceries & Dining

Annual fee
$325
Top rewards rate
4%on dining
Annual credits
$424see breakdown below
Welcome bonus
100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
Foreign transaction fee
0%

Much of the value here is in $424 of annual credits rather than the earn rate. Worth it only if you’d use them.

We may earn a commission if you apply through our links. This never affects rankings. How we make money

Full earn rates: 4% on dining (up to $50,000/yr) and 4% on groceries (up to $25,000/yr), then 1% on everything else.

Annual Credits

This card currently offers $424 in annual credits. What they're actually worth depends on how you spend, so run your own numbers in the calculator to see which ones you'd capture.

Credits are not factored into our rankings. Cards are ordered by rewards earned minus the full annual fee. We show credits separately so you can judge them against your own habits rather than taking an advertised total at face value.

Sign-Up Bonus

100,000 points

after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months

Rewards Breakdown

Category Rate Details
Dining 4% Up to $50,000/year, then 1%
Groceries 4% Up to $25,000/year, then 1%
Travel if you qualify 3% Earns 3% only on flights booked direct with the airline or on AmexTravel.com. Hotels, car rentals and cruises earn 1%.
All other purchases 1% Unlimited
Foreign Transaction Fee None Great for international purchases

Compare With Similar Cards

See How Much You’d Earn

Enter your monthly spending to see how the American Express Gold Card compares against other cards based on your actual habits.

See Your Estimated Rewards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the American Express Gold Card?

The American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $325.

What is the sign-up bonus for the American Express Gold Card?

New cardholders can earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.

Does the American Express Gold Card charge foreign transaction fees?

No, the American Express Gold Card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

What categories earn bonus rewards with the American Express Gold Card?

The American Express Gold Card earns 4% on dining, 4% on groceries. It also advertises 3% on flights, but that rate applies only when you qualify, so it is excluded from our rankings.

Apply for American Express Gold Card

These rankings are estimates based on published card terms. Actual rewards depend on your spending patterns, how you redeem, and whether your purchases qualify for bonus categories. Rates and terms may change, so verify current offers on the issuer’s site.

American Express Gold Card Apply Now