4X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on U.S. Supermarkets* (up to $25,000 a year; 1X thereafter)
At restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 a year; 1X thereafter)
Booked directly with the airline or via AmexTravel.com
Our ratings are determined by the authors and editors on our team. Each individual card feature is compared against all other cards we offer and the total score is an average of those 4 ratings.
The American Express Gold Card (and the Rose Gold version of the Amex Gold Card) is one of my favorite credit cards on the market.
While many cards have more bonus categories or more features, the simplicity of a card that earns 4X American Express Membership Rewards points on both dining (up to $50,000 annually; 1X thereafter) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually; 1X thereafter), given how much of my monthly spend is in one of these two categories, makes it an easy top-of-wallet choice. 3X on airfare is also nice.
It helps that I have no problem at all using the included credits, living in a major metropolitan area. In fact, I’ve generally used both of the included credits at GrubHub and Uber Eats by the fifth of each month! The Resy credits are also easy to use if you live in a major metro area (although admittedly not as easy if you don’t!). And the $7 Dunkin’ credits come in handy if you live in a Dunkin’ heavy area (which we do).
While I wouldn’t make it my only credit card, it definitely complements other cards nicely. If you already have the American Express Platinum Card, for example, you’d be better off using the Platinum card for its many benefits and 5X on airfare, but using your Amex Gold Card for your groceries and restaurant expenses.
Keep in mind that all of your American Express Membership Rewards points accrue to one master account. As long as you have at least one card open that earns Membership Rewards points, your points will never expire.
This includes no-annual fee cards like the Blue Business Plus.
Rates and Fees for the American Express® Gold Card
Through March 2025
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Our ratings are determined by the authors and editors on our team. Each individual card feature is compared against all other cards we offer and the total score is an average of those 4 ratings.
The Chase Freedom Rise® is specifically aimed at those people who haven’t yet established credit, whether they are young or new to the country.
What’s great about this card is that unlike most “starter” credit cards, this credit card actually earns cash back and a handsome 1.5% cash back at that – all with no annual fee and it’s not a secured credit card, meaning you are being given credit the same as anyone else and you’ll be able to build your credit score by using the card and making on time payments. The cash back is awarded as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, but they are not transferable points – only cash back.
There are no intro 0% APR offers on this card so it’s best for someone that will be able to pay their bills on time and, ideally, in full.