The Amex Gold charges a $325 annual fee and returns about $424 in statement credits, so it pays for itself for anyone who eats out and buys groceries. It earns 4x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, points that transfer to Amex airline and hotel partners. It is a dining and grocery card first, not a travel-perks card. Figures are as of 2026; confirm current terms at American Express.
What the Amex Gold earns
| Category | Rate | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants worldwide | 4x | Up to $50,000 a year, then 1x |
| U.S. supermarkets | 4x | Up to $25,000 a year, then 1x |
| Prepaid hotels via Amex Travel | 5x | No cap |
| Flights, direct or via Amex Travel | 3x | No cap |
| Everything else | 1x | No cap |
Hertz Five Star status. The 2026 refresh added complimentary Hertz Five Star status in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, which brings 25 percent more points on rentals, space-available upgrades, and a wider Ultimate Choice selection. Enrollment and Hertz Gold Plus registration are required. Amex changes partners and perks over time, so confirm the current list at American Express.
The credits and perks
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The card carries about $424 in annual statement credits, which more than cover the $325 fee if you use them. Amex adjusts these, so confirm the current terms.
| Credit | Per year | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | $120 | $10 a month at participating partners. As of 2026 those are Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Wonder. Enrollment required. Goldbelly and Wine.com left the list on June 30, 2026. |
| Uber Cash | $120 | $10 a month for U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats. |
| Resy | $100 | $50 twice a year at U.S. Resy restaurants. |
| Dunkin | $84 | $7 a month at Dunkin locations. |
The fee math
The $325 fee is easy to beat. The four credits total about $424, so if you would spend on dining, Uber, and Dunkin anyway, the card is net positive before you count a single point. The 4x on dining and groceries then stacks transferable Membership Rewards points on top. The catch is that the credits are monthly and merchant-specific, so you have to actually use them.
Who it fits and who it does not
It fits households that spend on restaurants and U.S. groceries and want points that transfer to partners. It does not fit someone who will not use the monthly credits, or who wants a travel card with lounges and protections; that is the Amex Platinum. Pair the Gold with a flat-rate card for non-bonus spend. If every offer shows the pop-up, read Amex pop-up jail.
American Express Gold
Earn rates, credits, and the $325 fee are current as of 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
More card guides
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Related guides: Amex transfer partners, Amex Gold vs Platinum, and best dining cards.
FAQ
Is the Amex Gold worth it in 2026?
Yes for people who dine out and buy groceries, because about $424 in annual credits more than cover the $325 fee and the card earns 4x in both categories. It is not worth it if you will not use the monthly credits.
What is the Amex Gold annual fee?
$325 as of 2026.
What does the Amex Gold earn?
4x at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 a year) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 a year), 5x on prepaid hotels and 3x on flights through Amex Travel, and 1x elsewhere.
What credits does the Amex Gold include?
About $424 a year: a $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, a $100 Resy credit, and an $84 Dunkin credit. Confirm current terms at Amex.
Amex Gold or Amex Platinum?
The Gold is a dining and grocery earning card at a $325 fee; the Platinum is a travel-perks card with lounges at an $895 fee. Choose the Gold to earn on everyday spend, the Platinum for travel benefits.
What are the main Amex Gold benefits?
The Amex Gold charges a $325 annual fee and returns about $424 a year in statement credits: $120 in Uber Cash, up to $100 in Resy dining, up to $84 at Dunkin, and up to $120 in monthly dining credits. It earns 4x Membership Rewards points on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and 3x on flights. Figures are as of 2026; confirm current terms at American Express.
Is the Amex Gold worth it in 2026?
For anyone who eats out and buys groceries and will use the monthly Uber, Dunkin, and dining credits, yes: the roughly $424 in credits more than covers the $325 fee, before the 4x points. If you will not use the monthly credits, a no-fee card is the better pick.
What statement credits come with the Amex Gold?
As of 2026, up to $120 in Uber Cash at $10 a month, up to $100 in Resy dining split as $50 twice a year, up to $84 at Dunkin at $7 a month, and up to $120 in monthly dining credits at select partners. The credits are monthly or semi-annual and do not roll over, so they reward steady use. Confirm the current credit list at American Express.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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