While the credit card market continues to change due to new regulations, American Express and its line of charge cards have not. For decades, American Express has offered three different charge cards, each well known because of their color. Whether it’s the Green, Gold or Platinum American Express charge card, consumers continue to charge purchases without a pre-set spending limit while enjoying massive perks in the process. Here’s a review of the American Express® Gold Card, the most popular version of an American Express charge card.
Cardholders of the American Express® Gold Card earn one point for every eligible dollar spent on purchases with unlimited earning potential. Making this a straightforward rewards program.
The American Express Gold Card offers some great perks. Other than what we already mentioned above here is what stands out: with your travel rewards you can use Pay with Points to book travel such as flights, cruises, hotels and vacations packages with no seat restrictions or blackout dates using the American Express Travel website. You also have access to exclusive benefits, for example Baggage Insurance Plan* when you travel, Extended Warranty,* and Return Protection (*Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company). When you are ready to redeem your points you can use your points for gift cards for dining, entertainment, and to shop at over 300 brands. Terms and Restrictions Apply.
Since the American Express Gold Card is a charge card, it has no interest rate or introductory purchase APR offer. Unfortunately it does have a hefty $125 annual fee, which is common among all American Express charge cards. However there is an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then the annual fee will be $125. The value of the perks and rewards, if used, can make that fee worthwhile, but that is a decision any potential cardholder must decide for themselves.
Owning a charge card is a great way to keep debt low, because purchases need to be paid off every month to maintain your account. The American Express Gold Card is one of the best all-around charge cards available today and with those great perks, you may want to considering filling out an application. Visit the secure application page for the American Express Gold Card to apply or for more information about the terms & conditions and restrictions that apply.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Important Note! The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit or charge card prior to applying.
Updated May 13, 2013 and originally published May 6, 2011. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
Rank: Platinum
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
American Express Blue
No annual fee.
Cold, hard cash for rewards.
5% back on gas, groceries, and pharmacy purchases.
At $4 a gallon, that ain’t bad!
Hmmm- the article was interesting and makes me rethink my stance on personal charge cards. I really like the info given by MacroCheese above..thanks MacroCheese. Good to know!
dksugarpaws@yahoo.com
i find these cards interesting. my only concern is that i may not use any of the “perks” of the card, which really defeats the purpose i suppose. i do like the idea of the “charge” card, in my mind at least, although i do not really spend what i do not have. since there is no “limit,” how do these report to the credit agencies? just like a store card?
All the perks are good, but let us not forget that they are not free. Some services charge a fee, like booking flights, etc.
American Express Gold card SUCKS! My husband and I have been a member for over 10 years and I am canceling my account today. My husband has been the primary person on the account and I have the second card. Even though we have called over 20 times (not exaggerating) to add me as an authorized person on the account, their records never seem to keep that information on file. This seems to happen every time one of us is traveling on business! Too frustrated with being dealt like second class, given that they can never keep their information up to date! Plus, the number of airlines that you can transfer miles to have decreased so much, that it is not worth it to stay with them. We have over 850,000 miles that I probably won’t be able to use! I’m switching to a cash back Visa/MasterCard today!!!!!