American Express Gold checklist: 5 things to do when you get the card

1 month ago 14

A few years ago, I applied for the American Express® Gold Card, which has since become one of my favorite rewards cards. In late July 2024, the card underwent a refresh with some new changes.

The card earns 4 transferable Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

It also offers statement credits every calendar year, including credits for dining purchases with select merchants, Uber, Resy and Dunkin' Donuts. Enrollment is required, and terms apply.

Here are five things to do when you get your snazzy new card to make its $325 annual fee worth it (see rates and fees).

Enroll in the annual dining credit and Uber Cash benefit

With the Amex Gold, you are eligible for up to $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 each calendar year) when you enroll and use your card at participating dining partners.

These partners include Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys.

You need to enroll your card for this perk on the Amex site or through the Amex mobile app under "Benefits," so do that as soon as you get your new card.

The Amex Gold also offers up to $120 in annual Uber Cash each calendar year, doled out in up-to-$10 monthly increments. These credits can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (card must be added to Uber app to receive this benefit).

Unlike the monthly up-to-$10 dining credit that operates as a statement credit when used, this credit deposits up to $10 monthly into your Uber account each month. If you don't use this Uber Cash by the end of the month, it will disappear.

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For this magic to happen, you must set up your Amex Gold card in your Uber account in the payment section. Here's a full guide walking you through how to set up and use your Amex Gold Uber credits — it's really easy once you get the card linked to your Uber account.

Enroll in the Resy and Dunkin' Donuts credits

Cardmembers can receive up to $100 in annual Resy credits to use a U.S. Resy restaurants per calendar year, broken down into two $50 bi-annual credits. This credit functions similarly to the Saks credit on The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The Resy credit is generally easy to use, especially if you live in or near a major U.S. city. You just need to pay your bill with your Amex Gold card at any restaurant enrolled in Resy. No reservation is required.

In addition to the Resy credit, cardmembers receive up to $84 in annual Dunkin' credits each calendar year, issued in up to $7 monthly increments.

You must pay for your Dunkin' order with your Amex Gold card to use this credit. As with the other benefits, you can't roll over any unused portion.

Add the Amex Gold as a payment method with Grubhub

If you use the food delivery service Grubhub, set your payment card as the Amex Gold to earn 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants on the app (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point).

This is an easy way to use the up-to-$10 monthly statement credit available for eligible dining partners (up to $120 each calendar year).

Since a Grubhub+ membership costs $9.99/month, you can use your Amex Gold's dining credit to pay for this charge. If you use Grubhub frequently, enrolling in Grubhub+ and paying for the membership with this statement credit may be worthwhile.

This is how TPG credit cards writer Olivia Mittak uses her monthly dining credit.

Memorize the bonus categories

The Amex Gold is sitting at the top of the pack for spending on both dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.

The card earns 4 fully transferable Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on dining (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar thereafter).

Based on TPG's July 2024 points valuations, these 4 points per dollar equal an 8% return on spending.

This includes earning 4 bonus points on grocery delivery services such as Instacart, just in case you prefer to have your groceries appear on your doorstep.

The Amex Gold is also a great card when you need to split a dining bill with friends, as you can be the one to swipe your card and earn 4 points per dollar for the whole bill — but then use the Amex Send & Split feature to get paid back by your friends without anyone having to pay Venmo or PayPal fees.

Start using the card to purchase flights

The Amex Gold also earns 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. That's not the best earning rate for flight purchases, but it's still a solid option, especially if this is one of the only cards in your wallet. Terms apply.

Bottom line

There aren't as many tasks to complete when you get your Amex Gold as when you get an Amex Platinum, but there are still at least five things to do to reap the maximum rewards and perks from the powerful — and pretty lovely — Amex Gold Card.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.

Apply here: American Express Gold

To see the rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
To see the rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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