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The card_name has always been a top choice for military members and Veterans due to its outstanding rewards for dining and grocery purchases and beneficial travel perks.
The card is getting a facelift with new benefits, improvements to existing rewards, and a slightly higher annual fee. Alongside these updates, the card offers an exclusive limited-edition white gold design option and an enhanced welcome bonus you won’t want to miss.
Plus, thanks to the protections offered under the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty personnel can enjoy premium cardholder benefits—without worrying about the usual fees associated with this card.
Looking to get started right away? View the simple application process here to take advantage of card_name benefits today, or continue reading our full review below.
American Express® Gold Card Benefits and Rewards
Summary
- Introductory Offer:
- 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.
- Also, 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.
- For flights, earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Then, earn 1X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Crafted from durable 13 gauge stainless steel with a brushed Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold finish, the Amex Gold Card offers a luxurious, solid feel that stands out from the ordinary.
- Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you’ll automatically get $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the US.
- NEW Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
- NEW Resy Credit: Discover and book restaurants to love with Resy. Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. Enrollment is required through your Card Account.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Experience the luxury of over 1,000 high-end hotels globally with The Hotel Collection, and receive a $100 credit toward eligible charges when you book a stay of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. The types of qualifying expenses can vary depending on the specific property but could include dining, lounge access, spa appointments, and more.
- Earn More with Amex Offers: Amex Offers help Card Members earn rewards on purchases for things they love. Customers can browse and add Amex Offers to their eligible Card and earn extra rewards on qualifying purchases with select brands.
- Welcome White Gold: When applying for the American Express® Gold Card, choose the Gold, Rose Gold, or limited edition White Gold design. The White Gold design is available while supplies last.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- The annual fee is . (See more details about American Express fee protections for you and your spouse)
- See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
American Express Gold Card Key Changes and Updates
Starting July 25th, 2024, the card_name underwent a refresh. Here are some of the key changes and updates:
- Higher Annual Fee: The annual fee has increased from $250 to $325.
- New Statement Credits: Includes up to $84 in Dunkin’ credit and up to $100 in Resy credit each year.
- Changes to Dining Partners: Shake Shack and Milk Bar are being removed from the list effective September 26th, 2024. At the same time, Five Guys has been added while the existing dining partners of Goldbelly, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wine.com have remained the same.
- Limited-Edition White Gold Option: New card design available while supplies last.
- Rewards Cap: Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide will be capped at $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1X thereafter.
- Elevated Welcome Offer: In addition to the existing welcome offer, new applicants can earn 20% back as a statement credit for eligible purchases at restaurants (up to $100) in the first six months. The offer ends November 6.
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
Understanding the American Express Gold Card
Before you apply for an American Express Gold Card, it’s important to understand what the card offers and why it might be particularly advantageous for military members.
The Amex Gold card is perfect for individuals who live dynamic, vibrant lifestyles, prioritizing spending on experiences and essentials. If you love dining out, discovering new restaurants, and ordering takeout or delivery, this card is ideal for you. Frequent travelers, whether for business or leisure, will benefit greatly from the travel perks and the ability to earn points on flights and hotels.
Urban dwellers with higher grocery bills will also find this card rewarding, as it offers significant points on supermarket purchases. This card suits those who balance a busy life with work, social activities, and travel, and appreciate rewards that integrate seamlessly into their daily routines.
For luxury seekers and high spenders, the Amex Gold card offers exceptional customer service and premium perks that justify the annual fee. This card is designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life and want to maximize the value from their everyday spending.
Amex Gold Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an American Express Gold Card, you need to have a good to excellent credit score. The application process is the same for military personnel, but the benefits you receive once approved are customized for military life. These benefits may include discounts on travel expenses, access to exclusive airport lounges, and other perks that are particularly beneficial to military personnel.
Required Documents
- Proof of income and employment.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN).
- Military identification for accessing exclusive military benefits.
Military-Specific Benefits: SCRA and MLA Protections
The card_name offers unique protections for military service members through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA).
The SCRA and MLA limit the interest rates on credit lines, though at different levels. They also include annual membership fees in their interest calculations. To comply with these regulations, American Express usually provides military relief on membership fees for eligible service members.
The date you open your American Express card or account determines which Act you may be entitled to relief under.
| Account Opened While On Active Duty Orders | Account Opened Before Active Duty Orders |
|---|---|
| Military Lending Act | Servicemembers Civil Relief Act |
It’s worth noting that American Express doesn’t guarantee military relief for all service members. Eligible military personnel must apply for relief, and Amex evaluates each case individually.
Note: The simplest way to check if you will receive MLA or SCRA protections on your account is to check the MLA Database or SCRA Database.
If you are not listed as eligible in these databases, you will not receive MLA or SCRA benefits applied to your account.
How to Apply for the Amex Gold Card
Applying for the American Express Gold Card involves a straightforward online process designed to be completed in just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the American Express Website: To apply for an American Express® Gold Card, visit our partners site here or follow the link below and hit “Apply Now.”
- Provide Personal Information: Fill out your personal details such as name, address, income, and SSN. Ensure you also indicate your military status to access specialized terms.
- Review Military Benefits: Before submitting, review the benefits available specifically for military service members and ensure you are taking advantage of the fee waivers and additional protections.
- Submit Application: Once all information is verified and you’ve reviewed all terms, submit your application. Depending on your credit status, approval can be almost instantaneous.
After Approval
Upon approval, your card will be mailed to you, and you can start utilizing the benefits immediately. Register your card online to manage your account and track your rewards and spending efficiently.
Unlocking the Full Potential of the Amex Gold Card
For the right cardholder, the Amex Gold card can offer potentially hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in benefits.
Welcome Offer — Over $600 in Value
The Amex Gold card’s welcome offer can be incredibly valuable, typically translating to 1 cent per Membership Rewards point when redeemed for flights via AmexTravel.com. A common 60,000-point welcome offer means $600 in eligible travel, while a 90,000-point offer boosts that value to $900. Moreover, transferring points to Amex’s travel partners can provide even greater value, allowing you to redeem points for free hotel stays or award flights.
Everyday Purchases — Worth $1,000
Earn 4x Membership Rewards points on everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1x) and on dining worldwide (up to $50,000 annually, then 1x). For instance, spending $25,000 in these categories yields 100,000 points, valued at approximately $1,000 when redeemed via AmexTravel.com. Transferring points to partners can enhance this value even more.
Travel Earnings — Worth $90
Receive 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com and 2x points on other travel expenses through AmexTravel.com. Spending $3,000 on flights would earn 9,000 points, translating to about $90.
Hotel and Airline Partner Transfers — Value Varies
Transferring Membership Rewards points to travel partners can significantly increase their value, offering the potential for free hotel nights or award flights. While the exact value varies, this option is often the most rewarding.
Uber Cash — Worth $120
Add your Amex Gold card to your Uber account to receive $10 in Uber Cash monthly, totaling $120 annually. This can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats in the U.S.
Dining Statement Credits — Worth $304
Benefit from up to $120 annually in statement credits for eligible dining purchases, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, and Five Guys. Additionally, enjoy a $100 annual Resy credit ($50 semi-annually) and an $84 annual Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly). Enrollment is required for these offers.
American Express Hotel Collection Benefits — Worth $100
Book a prepaid stay of two nights or more through The Hotel Collection via AmexTravel.com to receive daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, early check-in/late checkout, and a $100 on-site credit.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Waiver — Worth $100
Pay for your car rental with your Amex Gold card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage and theft. Opting for Premium Protection (costing $12.95 to $24.95) provides primary coverage and can save approximately $100 per rental week. Terms apply.
Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty — Value Varies
Purchase protection covers eligible items for up to 120 days from the purchase date against damage or theft. The extended warranty offers up to two additional years on items with manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Amex Offers — Worth $100+
Amex Offers can save you hundreds annually. Log in to your card account to explore up to 100 offers that provide savings or additional points when you shop with selected retailers or service providers.
American Express Auto Purchasing Program — Worth $500
Save on your new car purchase with special pricing from participating dealers, up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits, and the option to pay for part of your car purchase with your Amex Gold card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees — Worth $30
Avoid the typical 3% transaction fee on foreign purchases, saving you about $30 annually if you spend $1,000 abroad.
Food and Grocery Bonuses with the Amex Gold Card
The Amex Gold card is a top choice for earning rewards on food purchases. It offers 4x points at restaurants worldwide, outperforming the 3x points you get with the card_name.
For U.S. supermarket purchases, the Amex Gold card also provides 4x points on up to $25,000 in spending per year. If groceries are a significant expense, this could net you up to 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points.
If you value Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents or more, the return on supermarket spending with the Amex Gold card is even better than the 6% cash back offered by the card_name. It’s worth noting that the Amex Gold’s 4x points also apply at U.S. military Commissaries overseas, making it an excellent option for service members stationed in places like Japan, South Korea, Germany, England, Spain, Italy, or Bahrain.
The Amex Gold card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for OCONUS TDY, PCS, and deployments. If you frequently travel abroad, this card should be in your wallet.
The Amex Gold card is a perfect complement to card_name. While the Platinum card earns 5x points on airfare, the Gold card is better for groceries and dining, with 4x points compared to the Platinum’s 1x.
For military service members, having both cards is a smart strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated value of the American Express Gold Card points?
According to NerdWallet, CNBC Select, and Credit Karma, the American Express Gold Card’s value can be substantial for those who maximize its benefits.
- With a lower spending pattern, the net annual value of the card for someone spending between $1,000 and $1,500 per month is approximately $559, making it still worthwhile for moderate spenders who take advantage of the card’s various credits and rewards points.
- CNBC Select estimates the total rewards earned after one year to be $1,074 and the rewards earned after five years to be $2,969. These rewards totals include the points earned from the welcome bonus.
- The American Express® Gold Card has an estimated Total Benefit Value of $419, based on Credit Karma’s calculation.
Do note that your actual value will vary depending on how you use the card.
What proof is needed to apply for the Amex Gold Card as a military member?
- To apply for the Amex Gold Card as a military member, you typically need to provide proof of active duty status. This can include a copy of your military orders, a statement of service signed by your personnel officer, or other official documents that verify your current active status. American Express may also use the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to confirm your status electronically.
How long does it take to process the SCRA benefits once I apply for the Amex Gold Card?
- Once you have successfully applied for the Amex Gold Card and submitted any necessary documentation to confirm your eligibility under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), it typically takes American Express about one to two billing cycles to process these benefits. During this time, they will verify your military status and apply the appropriate fee waivers and reduced interest rates to your account.
Are Veterans also eligible for the military benefits of the Amex Gold Card?
- The SCRA benefits, including fee waivers and reduced interest rates, are specifically designed for active-duty military members. Veterans are not eligible for these benefits unless they currently serve on active duty or are reservists called to active service. However, Veterans can still apply for the Amex Gold Card and may qualify for other public promotional offers.
Can I apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas?
- Yes, you can apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas. American Express supports applications from service members stationed internationally. You can complete the application process online and use an APO or FPO mailing address if necessary, ensuring you can still access the card’s benefits while serving abroad.
What should I do if my application is denied?
- American Express will provide a written explanation if your Amex Gold Card application is denied. Reasons may include poor credit history, low income, or high debt levels. Improve these factors if possible and reapply later. Contact Amex to discuss any discrepancies or alternative options.
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