American Express Gold
American Express · Travel review
Households that spend $3,000+/yr at U
Sorted by score, never commission
Annual fee
$325
Charged each renewal year
Ongoing APR
19.49% – 28.49% variable (Pay Over Time)
Variable — verify the current range at the issuer
Foreign transaction fee
None
Travel-friendly abroad
As of July 21, 2026
Best for
Households that spend $3,000+/yr at U.S. supermarkets AND $3,000+/yr at restaurants. The 4x at both, transferable to MR partners at our 1.4 cpp benchmark, is industry-leading for dining + grocery combined.
Not for
Anyone who can't reliably use the $120 in dining credits (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com — niche, $10/mo activation), the $120 Uber credits ($10/mo), the $100 Resy credit, and the $84 Dunkin' credit. At realistic 50% utilization the $325 AF starts to bite.
The catch
Amex's coupon-book strategy turned this card into a credit-utilization game. The $120 dining + $120 Uber + $100 Resy + $84 Dunkin' credits (~$424/yr stated) are real, but you have to USE them — most cardholders capture 40-60% of stated value. Score on realistic capture, not stated max.
Card facts
Sourced from the issuer's published Schumer Box and terms — confirm current numbers at the issuer.
Product specs
- Annual fee
- $325
- Ongoing APR
- 19.49% – 28.49% variable (Pay Over Time)
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- Late payment fee
- Up to $40
- Schumer Box sourced
- July 21, 2026
How we scored this card
See our published methodology — 5 dimensions, 0–20 each, 100-point total.
Get an email when American Express Gold's offer changes.
We track American Express Gold's current offer and terms. We'll email you the moment they change — no checking back.
Frequently asked
Is the American Express Gold's $325 annual fee worth it?
The American Express Gold charges a $325 annual fee. In our review it earns a fees score of 13/20 — the "How we scored this card" section below shows how we weigh that against the rewards and benefits. Households that spend $3,000+/yr at U.S. supermarkets AND $3,000+/yr at restaurants. The 4x at both, transferable to MR partners at our 1.4 cpp benchmark, is industry-leading for dining + grocery combined.
What APR does the American Express Gold charge?
19.49% – 28.49% variable (Pay Over Time). APRs are variable and set by the issuer — confirm the current range on the issuer's Schumer Box before you commit.
Does the American Express Gold charge foreign transaction fees?
No. The American Express Gold has no foreign transaction fee, so it works cleanly for purchases abroad.
Who is the American Express Gold best for?
Households that spend $3,000+/yr at U.S. supermarkets AND $3,000+/yr at restaurants. The 4x at both, transferable to MR partners at our 1.4 cpp benchmark, is industry-leading for dining + grocery combined.
Who should skip the American Express Gold?
Anyone who can't reliably use the $120 in dining credits (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com — niche, $10/mo activation), the $120 Uber credits ($10/mo), the $100 Resy credit, and the $84 Dunkin' credit. At realistic 50% utilization the $325 AF starts to bite.
How did ClearValue score the American Express Gold?
American Express Gold scored 77/100 — "Worth considering". We score every card across five dimensions (effective rewards, fee structure, audience fit, transparency, and the weakness named), 0–20 each. Scores are never influenced by commission. See our methodology for the full rubric.
Alternatives to the American Express Gold
Other travel cards we've scored, ranked by our methodology.
- Wells FargoSolid pick
Wells Fargo Autograph
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- ChaseSolid pick
Chase Ink Business Preferred
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Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-26
- ChaseSolid pick
Chase Sapphire Preferred
83/100Annual fee$95Ongoing APR19.24–27.49%Foreign txn feeNoneBest forMid-frequency travelers (4-8 trips/yr) who want Ultimate Rewards transfer-partner access without the Sapphire Reserve's
Fees sourced from issuer terms · 2026-07-14
