American Express Gold vs. Platinum: Which Card Is Better?

If you’re looking for a premium rewards card, the American Express^® Gold Card and The Platinum Card^® from American Express cards are top choices from Amex. Both options are different from typical credit cards as these Amex cards allow you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all. And both come with some luxurious benefits that enhance your cardmember experience.

In this Amex Gold vs. Platinum comparison, you’ll learn about each card’s rewards, benefits, and fees so you can make an informed decision.

Amex Gold vs. Platinum

	American Express® Gold Card	The Platinum Card® from American Express
FinanceBuzz star ratings	4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
FinanceBuzz value calculation1	Year one earnings: $1,784 Year two earnings: $1,184	Year one earnings: $2,280 Year two earnings: $1,480
Annual fee	$325	$695
Welcome bonus	Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. (Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.)	Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months
Earning rate	4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, after that 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases	5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Redemption rate	Up to one cent per point	Up to one cent per point
Annual credits	Up to $120 dining credit Up to $120 Uber Cash (in $10 monthly credits to use on U.S. Eats and rides) Up to $84 annual Dunkin' credit Up to $100 annual Resy credit Select benefits require enrollment	Up to $200 Uber Cash Up to $200 airline incidental credit Up to $200 hotel credit at The Hotel Collection (requires a minimum two-night stay) and Fine Hotels & Resorts properties Up to $155 Walmart+ credit Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus membership credit Up to $240 digital entertainment credit for eligible subscriptions Up to $300 statement credits for an Equinox digital or club membership Up to $85 credit for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years (5-year plan only), or up to $100 for Global Entry every four years Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit Select benefits require enrollment
Travel perks	Book The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel to get a $100 hotel credit and room upgrades, when available Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance	Access to the Global Lounge Collection, a network of more than 1,400 airport lounges Airline fee credit of up to $200 with one qualifying airline for incidental fees like checked bags Concierge service for travel assistance Fine Hotels & Resorts Program offers an average of $600 in free benefits, such as daily breakfast for two and room upgrades. Book The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel to get a $100 hotel credit and room upgrades, when available Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance Complimentary membership in premium car rental programs Select benefits require enrollment
Foreign transaction fee	None	None
Credit needed	Excellent, Good	Excellent, Good
	Learn how to apply or Read our review	Learn how to apply or Read our review

When to go with the American Express Gold

The Amex Gold is a better choice if you:

• Spend more on groceries and eating out
• Want to spend less in annual fees
• Are an infrequent traveler

Here’s a better look at how these play out.

Groceries and dining rewards

You can earn the most with the Amex Gold for restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets. I like to change where I shop and dine often, so I appreciate that this card doesn’t limit certain stores. You can earn 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, after that 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases. On top of that, you receive over $400 in annual benefits that you can use for dining.

Based on my own shopping habits, I spend about $350 eating out and $1,000 on groceries each month. With the Amex Gold I would earn:

• 16,800 points from eating out
• 48,000 points at U.S. supermarkets

This is enough points to earn you up to $648 in travel through Amex, up to $648 on select gift cards and checkout purchases, or a $388 statement credit. Additionally, you can transfer your points to a partner at a higher rate. For example, you can exchange 1,000 Amex points for 1,600 AeroMexico points, making my 64,000 Amex points worth 102,400 instead. That is good for three economy tickets to Hawaii during the low season.

Save money on fees

When it comes to fees, the big difference between the cards is their annual fees. The American Express Platinum Card has a higher annual fee of $695, which is more than double the cost of the Gold Card's $325 annual fee.

Along with the lower annual fee, the Amex Gold does not charge a fee to add on an authorized user. The Amex Platinum does charge an annual $195 fee for authorized users.

Flexible perks

Travel reward credit cards are great, but if you are like me and spend more on everyday purchases than on trips, the Amex Gold is a better fit. Even though Amex Gold has an annual fee, the credits are ones that are easier to cash in on and enjoy. If I used the Amex Platinum, I would feel guilty for not being able to use all of the travel perks and that I wasn’t getting the most bang for the $195 fee.

When to go with the American Express Platinum

The Amex Platinum is a better choice if you:

• Love to travel
• Enjoy luxury perks and experiences
• Can earn the annual fee back

High-earning travel rewards

With the Amex Platinum, your travel spending will go further. You can earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com.. To show you just how fast these points can add up, I will plan a 10-day trip to Sydney from Los Angeles for two. For the dates and hotel selected, it will cost $3,930 (taxes and fees included). Using the Amex Platinum to book this trip will earn 19,650 points or almost $200 in travel rewards through Amex.

Remember, you can transfer your points to Amex partners, which can possibly make your points stretch even further. At the time of publishing, you would be able to transfer 19,000 of these points to 38,000 Hilton Honors points.

Luxurious perks

If you prefer to travel in style, one of the perks that comes with the Amex Platinum is access to the Global Lounge Collection, a network of over 1,400 airport lounges in more than 140 countries, as well as partner lounges like Delta Sky Club and Priority Pass Select.

Booking hotel stay with the Platinum Card, will give you more bonuses when paired with the Fine Hotels & Resorts program — a program offering a $550 total average value in free perks when you stay at an eligible hotel. Benefits may include:

• Free breakfast for two
• Room upgrades when available
• Property credit valued at $100
• Guaranteed late check-out
• Early check-in when available
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

If you prefer to stay at Marriott properties, you might also enjoy the complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status that you get as an Amex Platinum cardholder.

Earn over $1,000 in statement credits

There’s no argument that the American Express Platinum annual fee of $695 is high. However, the fee is worth it if you cash out on all of the perks and statement credits the card has to offer. If I wanted to make the most of the Platinum card, I would:

• Switch my gym membership to an annual, digital Equinox membership - up to $300 saved
• Switch my streaming over to Disney+ bundle rather than Netflix or Prime - up to $240 saved
• Use UberEats once a month instead of hitting the drive thru - up to $200 saved
• Use the Saks Fifth Avenue $100 credit for sale item gifts - up to $100 saved

By replacing my spending habits to fit what earns statement credits, I can easily earn back up to $840 without even touching the travel perks, like the up to $200 annual hotel credit.

5 key differences between the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum

The American Express Gold Card and the Platinum Card from American Express are popular choices for rewards card enthusiasts, and both American Express credit cards offer access to the Membership Rewards program and allow you to transfer your points to Amex travel partners. However, there are some distinct differences you should be aware of before you submit a card application.

1. Credits

With both the American Express Gold and Platinum cards, you’ll get some valuable credits, which can help offset the cost of the card’s annual fees.

Amex Gold benefits include up to over $400 worth of credits:

• Up to $120 dining credit: Earn up to $10 a month in statement credits when you use your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys.
• Up to $120 Uber Cash: Receive $10 per month in Uber Cash that can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account.
• Up to $84 annual Dunkin' credit: Receive up to $7 monthly Dunkin' credit, up to $84 each year, when you use your Amex Gold at Dunkin' locations.
• Up to $100 annual Resy credit: Each calendar year, you can receive up to $100 in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants or other qualifying Resy transactions. This benefit is split as up to $50 in statement credits every six months.
• Select benefits require enrollment.

When it comes to credits, the Platinum Card from American Express is the clear winner. The Platinum Card offers far more value, allowing you to earn up to over $1,000 more in statement credits:

• Up to $200 Uber Cash: You can enjoy $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a $20 bonus in December.
• Up to $200 hotel credit: When you prepay through Amex Travel for eligible stays at properties in the Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection (requires a minimum two-night stay) portfolios, you can get up to $200 back as a statement credit.
• Up to $200 airline incidentals credit: Enjoy up to $200 back for baggage fees and eligible inflight purchases on a qualifying airline.
• Up to $199 CLEAR® Plus credit: Get up to $199 back each year when you use your card to book your CLEAR® Plus membership.
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit: Breeze through airport security by applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You’ll get up to a $100 statement credit every 4 years for the Global Entry application fee or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years (for a 5-year plan only).
• Up to $240 digital entertainment credit: When you use your card to pay for your Disney+, The Disney Bundle, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, and The New York Times subscriptions, you could get up to a $240 statement credit each year.
• Up to $300 Equinox credit: Cardmembers can receive up to $300 annually in statement credits for an Equinox digital or club membership.
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit: If you shop at Saks Fifth Avenue or Saks.com, you can get up to $100 in statement credits for purchases you make.
• Select benefits require enrollment.

2. Earning rates

Both cards are rewards credit cards. With the Amex Gold Card, you can earn American Express Membership Rewards points according to the following structure: 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, after that 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases.

The Platinum Card from American Express offers a different rewards structure: 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

If you travel often, you would likely earn more rewards with the Platinum Card than with the Gold Card. However, if you spend more money at U.S. supermarkets or on dining out, it may make more sense to apply for the Gold Card because you could eventually earn a higher rate of return on those purchases.

3. Welcome offer

American Express Gold Card cardholders can receive a hefty welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. (Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.).

With the Platinum Card from American Express, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months of account opening.

How you plan to spend in the first months of card membership could be the deciding factor for you between these two cards.

4. Purchase protections

Earning points is not the only perk these two rewards credit cards boast. Both also offer purchase protection which can help safeguard your purchases against theft, loss, or accidental damage. Here’s where you will be covered:

Purchase protection

For eligible items purchased with either card, you are covered for theft, loss, or accidental damage within 90 days of purchase. Both cards will cover up to $10,000 per purchase and $50,000 within a calendar year.

Car rentals

Both the Gold and Platinum cards give you secondary car rental loss and damage insurance. But with the Platinum Card, you’ll also get premium membership to car rental programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and the National Emerald Club. With your premium membership, you can qualify for upgrades and special discounts. Select benefits require enrollment.

Extended warranty

Both cards extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases, adding an extra year to warranties of five years or less. This can be particularly beneficial for electronics and appliances, ensuring longer protection for your investments.

Return protection

The Gold card does not offer this perk, but the Platinum card will cover you up to $300 per purchase ($1,000 per calendar year) for items purchased and rejected by the merchant for return within the 90-day window.

5. Fees

When it comes to fees, the big difference between the cards is their annual fees. The American Express Platinum Card has a higher annual fee of $695, which is more than double the cost of the Gold Card's $325 annual fee.

Neither card charges a foreign transaction fee, making them good choices for traveling abroad.

If you plan on adding an authorized user to your account, it’s important to keep additional user fees in mind. With the Gold Card, there’s no annual fee for up to five additional cards. If you have to add six or more users, you’ll pay $35 for each additional card.

With the Platinum Card, you have the option of adding a complimentary Companion Platinum Card to your Platinum account. The person who you designate as a cardmember can earn rewards — however, they won’t get benefits like access to airport lounges or Uber Cash.

However, if you want to add additional users at the full Platinum level, it will cost you $195 per additional user.

Can I use the Amex Gold and Platinum?

Clearly both cards have their unique advantages based on the type of spender you are, but if you feel like you fit both categories, you can use both cards. Unlike other credit card companies, Amex allows you to use both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards simultaneously if you choose to apply for and are approved for both.

You can then choose which card you use to optimize how many points you earn. The points you earn from each card will accumulate in a single Membership Rewards account, making it easy to track and redeem.

FAQ

Which card is best for you?

If you can’t choose between the American Express Gold Card and the Platinum Card, it’s important to keep your spending habits in mind as you decide on a new card.

The Platinum Card from American Express likely makes the most sense for frequent travelers. If you fly or stay at hotels several times a year, it might be one of the best travel credit card options. You can take full advantage of all the offered credits, helping to offset the hefty $695 annual fee. But if you travel only occasionally, you won’t be able to enjoy the full value of those credits, possibly making the extra cost not worthwhile.

If you’re looking for more of a general rewards card rather than a travel rewards card, the American Express Gold Card may be a better choice. You can earn more points on everyday expenses, such as at U.S. supermarkets. With a lower fee, you could more quickly recoup your costs and enjoy your rewards.

Big Rewards at Restaurants

American Express^® Gold Card

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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

American Express^® Gold Card

Learn How to Apply

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. (Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.)

Annual Fee

$325

Rewards Rate

4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, after that 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Robust rewards for dining out and U.S. supermarket purchases
• Offers great travel rewards and benefits

Drawbacks

• High annual fee that isn’t worth it for everyone
• Doesn’t include any airport lounge access

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. (Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.)
• 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, after that 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, after that 1X), 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com, and 1X on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply

Luxury Travel Benefits

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

Learn How to Apply

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$695

Rewards Rate

5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Enjoy hundreds of dollars in annual credits (enrollment required for select benefits)
• Gain access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide (enrollment required)
• Elevate your hotel stays with elite status perks (enrollment required)
• Earn valuable Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels
• Protect your trips with top-notch travel insurance

Drawbacks

• Comes with a hefty $695 annual fee
• Charges $175 for each authorized user
• Some credits are challenging to use

Card Details

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months
• 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
• Terms apply