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WiseIQ Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified financial experts  ·  Updated April 2026
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The American Express® Gold Card is the best credit card for people who spend heavily on food — whether that's dining out or grocery shopping. It earns 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and 4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year), which is the highest earning rate available in these categories from any mainstream card.

The $250 annual fee sounds steep, but the card comes with $120 in annual dining credits (distributed as $10/month at eligible restaurants including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and more) and $120 in annual Uber Cash ($10/month for Uber Eats or Uber rides). Use both credits and your effective annual fee drops to $10.

American Express® Gold Card

$250 annual fee · 4x on dining & groceries · $240 in annual credits · 60,000+ point welcome bonus

Apply Now →

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Rates, Fees & Key Terms

WISEIQ TOP PICK
PERSONAL LOANS
Upstart logoUpstart
Best for fair & thin credit · AI-powered approval
APR RANGE
7.80%–35.99%
LOAN AMOUNT
$1K–$50K
MIN. CREDIT
300
✓ No prepayment penalty ✓ Funds in 1 business day ✓ Soft pull pre-qualification ✓ Considers education & job history
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No credit score impact
WiseIQ may earn a referral fee if you apply through this link. Rates shown are representative and may vary. See Upstart's website for full terms.
FeatureDetails
Annual Fee$250
Welcome Bonus60,000–90,000 Membership Rewards points (varies by offer)
Points — Restaurants Worldwide4x
Points — U.S. Supermarkets4x (up to $25,000/year, then 1x)
Points — Flights Booked via Amex Travel3x
Points — Everything Else1x
Dining Credit$120/year ($10/month at eligible restaurants)
Uber Cash$120/year ($10/month for Uber Eats or Uber rides)
Foreign Transaction FeeNone
Purchase APRPay Over Time option available; see terms

✓ Pros

  • 4x on dining and U.S. supermarkets — best in class
  • $240 in annual credits offset most of the fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to 18+ airline/hotel transfer partners
  • Strong purchase protections and extended warranty

✗ Cons

  • $250 annual fee requires active credit use
  • 4x grocery capped at $25,000/year
  • No intro APR offer
  • Requires good credit (700+)
  • Credits require enrollment and monthly use to maximize

Amex Gold Card — Check Your Approval Odds

4x on dining & groceries · $240 in credits · No foreign transaction fees

See If You Qualify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Amex Gold Card worth the $250 annual fee?

Yes, for most active cardholders. The $120 dining credit and $120 Uber Cash bring the effective annual fee to $10. Add 4x on dining and groceries and most households easily come out ahead.

What is the Amex Gold Card sign-up bonus?

Amex typically offers 60,000–90,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting a spending threshold (usually $4,000–$6,000 in 3–6 months). Check the current offer on Amex's website.

Does the Amex Gold Card have foreign transaction fees?

No. The Amex Gold Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for international dining and travel.

What credit score do you need for the Amex Gold Card?

American Express typically requires a good to excellent credit score — generally 700 or higher. Scores above 720 have the best approval odds.

Can Amex Gold points be transferred to airlines?

Yes. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to 18+ airline and hotel partners including Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Avios, Air Canada Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors.

Sources & Methodology

WiseIQ's editorial team researches and fact-checks all content using primary sources. Our recommendations are based on independent analysis and are not influenced by advertiser relationships.

Last reviewed: April 3, 2026  |  How we rank products