The American Express® Gold Card and American Express Platinum Card® are two of the most well-known travel rewards cards out there.
Each card comes with a sizable annual fee ($325 for the Amex Gold; see rates and fees and $895 for the Amex Platinum; see rates and fees), so it’s important to carefully consider which option is best for you.
If you spend heavily at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets or you regularly make purchases with the merchants covered by its statement credits, the Amex Gold will likely be a great fit for you. If you prefer to book airfare directly with the airline and want a broader range of travel and lifestyle benefits, the Amex Platinum will probably be a better choice.
Let’s dive deeper into the comparison.
Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum: At a glance
| Card Features | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| <strong>Annual fee</strong> | $325 | $895 |
| <strong>Welcome offer</strong> | New cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) | New cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they are eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) |
| <strong>Authorized user fee</strong><strong><br> </strong> |
$0 for the first five authorized users, then $35 per user beyond that (see <a href=”/tc/6344?pid=6344&name=American%20Express%C2%AE%20Gold%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>) | $195 (see <a href=”/tc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>), there’s also no-annual-fee Companion Platinum option |
Quick picks by traveler type
| Best for… | Card |
|---|---|
| Travelers who don’t mind booking through issuer travel portals | Amex Gold |
| Those who already make purchases covered by its statement credits or who spend most of their budget on restaurants and U.S. groceries | Amex Gold |
| Travelers looking for lounge access | Amex Platinum |
| Those who want comprehensive travel and lifestyle benefits | Amex Platinum |
Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum: Welcome bonus
Currently, new Amex Gold cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
These are the standard offers for both cards. According to TPG’s October 2026 valuations, these welcome offers are worth up to $2,000 and up to $3,500, respectively.
Keep in mind that Amex only allows you to earn one welcome bonus per card in your lifetime. You may also not be eligible to earn the Amex Gold’s welcome bonus if you have or previously had the Amex Platinum.
Winner:Amex Platinum. Its potential welcome offer is more valuable, although it requires significantly more spending to earn.
Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum benefits
Here’s a high-level overview of the top benefits that cardmembers can maximize (enrollment is required for select benefits):
| Amex Gold | Amex Platinum | |
|---|---|---|
| <strong>Statement credits</strong> | <ul> <li>Up to $120 in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/amex-platinum-uber-cash-credit/”>Uber Cash</a> per calendar year (Valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. when you add your Amex Gold to your Uber account and redeem with any Amex card)</li> <li>Up to $120 in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/amex-gold-dining-credit/”>dining statement credits</a> per calendar year at Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, Grubhub (including Seamless), The Cheesecake Factory and Wonder</li> <li>Up to $100 in statement credits for U.S. Resy purchases per calendar year (no reservation required)</li> <li>A one-time statement credit for up to $96 to cover an Uber One membership (through Oct. 30)</li> <li>Up to $84 in statement credits for U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts purchases per calendar year</li> </ul> |
<ul> <li>Up to $600 each calendar year in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/amex-platinum-hotel-credit/”>lodging statement credits</a>, valid on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, The Hotel Collection bookings, and select Airbnb Luxe bookings through American Express Travel® or the Amex Travel App™ when you pay with your Amex Platinum. A minimum two-night stay is required for The Hotel Collection and Airbnb Luxe bookings, and for Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings beginning Jan. 1, 2027.</li> <li>Up to $400 each calendar year in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/resy-credit-guide/”>Resy statement credits</a> for purchases at participating U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants (no reservation required)</li> <li>Up to $300 each calendar year in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/top-items-to-buy-amex-platinum-lululemon-credit/”>Lululemon statement credits</a> on purchases made at U.S. stores (excluding outlets) and online</li> <li>Up to $300 each calendar year in digital entertainment statement credits when you pay for eligible purchases with the Amex Platinum at select partners</li> <li>Up to a $300 Equinox statement credit per calendar year (subject to automatic renewal)</li> <li>Up to $250 annually in Airbnb Experiences statement credits, unlocked after booking an eligible prepaid Airbnb Luxe stay through Amex Travel using your Platinum Card.</li> <li>Up to a $219 <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/airline/clear-expedited-airport-security/”>Clear+</a> statement credit per calendar year to cover the annual membership (subject to automatic renewal)</li> <li>Up to $200 in Uber Cash every calendar year (for U.S. services) when you add your Amex Platinum Card to your Uber account and redeem with any Amex card. Valid for Uber rides as well as Uber Eats orders in the U.S.</li> <li>Up to $200 in <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/choosing-your-amex-platinum-200-airline-fee-credit/”>airline incidental statement credits</a> per calendar year on charges like seat selection, bag fees and lounge access that are charged by your one selected qualifying airline</li> <li>Up to a $200 annual Oura Ring statement credit per calendar year on direct Oura Ring purchases (hardware only)</li> <li>Up to $155 each calendar year <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/walmart-plus-amex-platinum/”>for a Walmart+ membership</a> (subject to auto-renewal; Plus-Ups excluded)</li> </ul> |
| <strong>Lounge access</strong> | None | Eligible cardmembers receive access to Amex’s <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-lounge-access/”>Global Lounge Collection</a>, which includes: <ul> <li><a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/airline/the-ultimate-guide-to-amex-centurion-lounges/”>Centurion Lounges</a></li> <li><a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/ultimate-guide-delta-sky-club-access/”>Delta Sky Clubs</a>, when flying a same-day Delta flight (basic economy tickets excluded; subject to limitations)</li> <li>Escape Lounges</li> <li>Aspire lounges</li> <li>Plaza Premium</li> </ul> <p>Eligible cardmembers also receive a <a target=”_blank” href=”https://thepointsguy.com/airline/all-about-priority-pass-program/”>Priority Pass Select membership</a>, granting them access to over 1,900 lounges worldwide.</p> |
| <strong>Hotel elite status</strong> | None | Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, plus Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club Sterling status |
Given that its annual fee is over $500 higher, the Amex Platinum offers significantly more perks than the Amex Gold.
Statement credits
The Amex Gold is easy to get outsize value from if you’re able to easily use its merchant statement credits. While the Amex Platinum also offers plenty of restricted statement credits, as a cardmember of both of these cards, I’ve found it more forgiving with its perks.
I’ve found the Amex Platinum’s lodging statement credit, digital entertainment statement credit, Uber Cash and U.S. Resy statement credit very easy to use. For cardmembers who already book eligible hotels and dine at participating Resy restaurants, these credits can offset a substantial portion of the Platinum’s annual fee.
Conversely, to get sufficient value out of the Amex Gold, you’ll need to fully use its Uber Cash credit, U.S. Resy credit and dining statement credit each year. The Uber Cash and U.S. Resy statement credit are easy enough, but the dining statement credit is quite restricted and may be difficult for cardmembers to take advantage of.
I use my Amex Gold’s dining statement credit to cover a Grubhub+ membership and have found it’s the easiest way to use that particular perk.
If you’re already spending regularly with Uber, Dunkin’ Donuts and the dining brands covered by the Amex Gold, its annual fee won’t be much of an issue for you. Otherwise, you may appreciate the greater flexibility offered by the Platinum’s statement credits.
Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Other benefits
The Amex Platinum takes a significant lead over the Amex Gold in terms of other benefits. It provides lounge access and hotel elite status, while the Amex Gold does not.
I appreciate how extensive the Amex Platinum’s lounge access is for eligible cardmembers, and I recommend it as the best choice for lounge access. In addition, I like being able to use the card’s complimentary Hilton Gold status and Marriott Gold status when I stay at those brands (enrollment required).
Lounge access gives me a break from the hectic pace of the airport, while elite hotel status can grant me perks like late checkout and room upgrades, subject to availability.
That said, if you have lounge access through another card and don’t frequently stay with Hilton or Marriott, the Amex Gold’s benefits may be sufficient for you.
Winner:Amex Platinum. This card is much easier to get outsize value from, and it has a lot more benefits than the Amex Gold.
How to earn and redeem rewards with the Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum
Earning rewards
The Amex Platinum and Amex Gold both earn American Express Membership Rewards points.
Let’s take a closer look at each card’s bonus categories:
| Card | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| <strong>Earning rates</strong> | <ul> <li>5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com or through the Amex Travel App™</li> <li>4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)</li> <li>4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly from the airline, through amextravel.com or through the Amex Travel App</li> <li>2 points per dollar spent on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App</li> <li>2 points per dollar spent on cruises booked through amextravel.com</li> <li>1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases</li> </ul> |
<ul> <li>5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent)</li> <li>5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid lodging booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App</li> <li>1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases</li> </ul> |
The Amex Gold is the better pick for everyday spending, since it earns bonus points at U.S. grocery stores and restaurants worldwide (subject to spending caps). If you’re focused on earning bonus rewards on airfare, the Amex Platinum is the better pick since it earns more points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines.
Neither card is a good choice for earning bonus points on hotels booked direct, since their hotel bonus categories are restricted to purchases made through Amex Travel. The Platinum’s new Airbnb earning rate also requires booking through Amex Travel, rather than directly with Airbnb. They also both lack a general travel category.
The Amex Gold has more travel-focused categories overall compared to the Amex Platinum, but all of these categories (except flights) require booking through Amex Travel. That could be a strength if you don’t mind booking through issuer portals, but those who prefer flexibility won’t find much value in these categories.
The differences between these cards’ earning categories are why I enjoy holding both. I can use my Amex Gold at restaurants and U.S. grocery stores, and my Amex Platinum on flights.
Redeeming rewards
Since both of these cards earn Membership Rewards points, their redemption methods are the same. You can use your points for gift cards, PayPal, at Amazon.com checkout, for statement credits and for travel booked through Amex Travel.
The best way to use your rewards is by transferring them to Amex’s 20 transfer partners. This is how you can achieve (or surpass) our valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents per point.
Earlier this year, I transferred 84,000 total Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles to get myself and two friends to Cancun International Airport from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I enjoy using points to make trips with friends possible that we all may otherwise not be able to afford.
Winner:As far as earning rates are concerned, the Amex Gold has the slight edge thanks to its everyday spending categories. Regarding redemptions, it’s a tie since both cards earn the same rewards currency.
Can I have both the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum?
Yes, and in fact, it’s something I recommend considering if you can handle paying both annual fees.
From my perspective, the Amex Gold is more of a lifestyle card with some travel perks, while the Amex Platinum is a travel card with a few lifestyle-oriented perks. That makes these two cards great complements to each other.
You could use both cards to maximize many of your everyday and travel purchases by taking out the Gold for restaurant and U.S. grocery purchases and the Platinum for flights booked directly.
If you’re traveling infrequently or don’t want to pay an annual fee in the hundreds, I recommend considering alternatives to the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum.
Should I get the Amex Gold or Amex Platinum?
If you’re looking for a way to get more out of your restaurant and U.S. grocery purchases, the Amex Gold is likely the better pick for you. If you’re a frequent traveler who values lounge access, a great earning rate on flights booked directly with an airline and hotel elite status, the Amex Platinum can add a lot to your wallet.
Upgrading or downgrading between the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum
If you have one of these cards and wish to switch to the other, call the number on the back of your card. Just remember that you won’t receive a welcome offer by upgrading or downgrading, unless you receive an upgrade offer from Amex. Upgrading or downgrading may also make you ineligible for either card’s welcome bonus in the future.
I don’t recommend upgrading the Amex Gold to the Amex Platinum unless you receive an upgrade offer.
Bottom line
The Amex Gold and Amex Platinum are among the most well-known travel rewards cards available. Which card makes the most sense for you will largely come down to your spending habits and annual fee tolerance.
It can make a lot of sense to hold both of these cards, but if you’re only interested in one, choose the card that you feel would be easier to maximize. If you’re going out of your way to make certain purchases just to justify an annual fee, that card may not be the right pick for you.
To learn more, check out our full reviews of the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum.
Apply here: Amex Gold
Apply here: Amex Platinum
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, 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.
Source: thepointsguy.com
