Best ways to use American Express Gold Card points
The American Express Gold Card earns Amex Membership Rewards points. Here's how to use them well — transfer partners, sweet spots, and when it's worth holding the card.
Card snapshot
Issuer
American Express
Program
Amex Membership Rewards
Annual fee
$325
Earning rates
- 4× at restaurants worldwide (up to $50K/yr)
- 4× at US supermarkets (up to $25K/yr)
- 3× on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
- 1× on everything else
Top benefits
- $120 Uber Cash annually ($10/mo)
- $120 dining credit at select restaurants
- $84 Dunkin' credit ($7/mo)
- $100 Resy credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Best ways to use the points
- 4× at supermarkets makes grocery shopping a high-value funnel
- 4× at restaurants is the strongest rate on any points card for dining
- Transfer to Virgin Atlantic, Delta, or ANA for premium cabin awards
Transfer partners
American Express Gold Card points transfer to:
Drawbacks
- Many credits are monthly, not annual — easy to lose if unused
- $325 annual fee rising with card refreshes
Our verdict
Best card for heavy grocery + dining spenders. Effective value easily exceeds annual fee if you eat out and shop at grocery stores. Fee can feel high if you don't use the Uber/Resy/dining credits.
Find award availability before you transfer
Points transfers are almost always non-reversible. Use AwardLocker to confirm saver space first, then move your Amex Membership Rewards points only when you're ready to book.
Check availability →