AMEX Gold vs. Platinum – Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the right travel credit card can be tricky—especially when both options come with great perks. I’ve personally used both the AMEX Gold and AMEX Platinum, and while they’re both amazing, they serve different travel styles.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which one is right for you:

1. Annual Fee

AMEX Gold: $250 USD AMEX Platinum: $695 USD

The Platinum card is definitely more expensive—but the extra perks might make it worth it depending on your travel style.

2. Points Earning Categories

AMEX Gold

4x points on dining (US restaurants) 4x points on groceries (US supermarkets, up to $25k/year) 3x points on flights booked through AMEX Travel 1x on everything else

AMEX Platinum

5x points on flights (booked directly with airlines or AMEX Travel) 1x point on most other purchases

Summary:

Spend a lot on food and groceries? → Gold is better Travel and fly more often? → Platinum gives better rewards

3. Travel Perks

AMEX Gold

$120 Dining Credit No lounge access No hotel status

AMEX Platinum

Airport lounge access (Centurion, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass) $200 Airline Fee Credit $200 Hotel Credit (Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection) Global Entry / TSA PreCheck credit Hilton Honors Gold Status & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

4. Who Each Card Is For

AMEX Gold:

Great for foodies and casual travelers who want to earn lots of points on everyday purchases.

AMEX Platinum:

Perfect for frequent flyers and those who want luxury travel benefits like lounge access, hotel status, and premium service.

5. My Personal Take

I started with the AMEX Gold because I was earning a lot of points just from daily spending—groceries, dining, and salon supplies. Later, I upgraded to Platinum once I started flying more internationally and wanted lounge access and better travel protection.

If you’re not flying a lot, the Gold card already gives you amazing value. But if you love airports (yes, I do now!) and long-haul trips, Platinum totally upgrades the experience.

6. Want to Apply? Here’s My Referral Link!

If you’re thinking of applying, you can use my referral link—you might even get a special welcome bonus!

→ [Apply for AMEX here]

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Final Thoughts

Both AMEX Gold and Platinum are powerful cards—but your lifestyle and travel habits will decide which one works best for you. I’ve loved using both, and honestly, it’s possible to have both cards if you manage them well!

Got questions? Feel free to comment or DM me—I’d love to help you choose the right one for your travels!