Amex Platinum vs. Amex Gold: Which One is Right for You?

When choosing a new credit card, it can be difficult to decide between the entry-level and premium cards on offer. On one hand, entry-level cards tend to be cheaper but premium travel credit cards come with a whole host of luxury benefits and useful perks. However, for those struggling with this problem, there are rewards cards available with annual fees below $100 that still give you access to improved travel and hotel stays. Amex Gold is one of these cards. But which is better, American Express Gold or Platinum?

In the article below, we will help you to decide between the two cards. With a detailed breakdown of the Amex Gold vs Platinum benefits, features, and fees – we will give you the information you need to choose between these two American Express credit cards.

Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold – A Breakdown of Benefits and Features

The Amex Platinum Card annual fees are currently $695 (with applicable fees and rates. The American Express Gold has an annual fee of $250. Here is a breakdown of the different benefits and perks that each of these credit card options will give you.

Amex Platinum Benefits

· 125,000 reward points once you spend $8,000 within the first six months of opening your account.

· 5x points for each dollar spent when booking flights with airlines directly.

· 5x on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com

· 1x points for your everyday purchases with the card.

· Airline incidental credit of up to $200.

· Up to $200 in Annual UberCash

· Saks Fifth Avenue Credit of up to $100.

· Amex Fine Hotels and The Hotel Collection booking credit of up to $200 when you pay with your card.

· Clear Plus Membership Credit of $189 each year.

· $240 annual credit for eligible digital entertainment.

· Equinox Credit of up to $300 annually.

· Walmart+ membership statement credit of $155 when paying with your card.

American Express Gold Benefits

· 90,000 Amex rewards points once you spend $6,000 within the first six months of card ownership.

· 4x points for each dollar spent at restaurants around the world.

· 4x points on spending in US supermarkets.

· 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel.

· 1x points on eligible everyday spending.

· Up to $120 in UberCash credits each year.

· Annual Dining Credits of up to $120 annually.

Please note enrolment may be required to access some of these benefits. They will not be automatically applied if you don’t set up memberships or opt-in.

Comparison of Amex Gold vs Platinum Features and Benefits

Welcome Offer.

Both cards offer a generous welcome offer for new cardholders as long as you spend the required amount within the first six months of owning your card. The Amex Platinum benefits will give you $20,000 more welcome bonus points than the Amex Gold, but this should be weighed against the higher $695 fee.

With an approximate estimation of 2 cents per point, that means you get benefits worth $1,600 with the American Express Platinum, dwarfing the annual fee.

Likewise for the Amex Gold card, the value of $1,200 against 90,000 redeemed points means that the annual fee may be worth it if you can meet the spending limit with your everyday purchases.

Which Card Has the Best Benefits – Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold?

Both cards offer valuable benefits. But obviously as the premium card, Amex Platinum benefits have the Gold beat in this regard. In order to justify the $695 fee, American Express offers a host of premium benefits to add value to cardholders and entice new applicants.

Whether the annual fee is worth it for you will depend on how many benefits you will take advantage of. If you don’t use Uber, for example then this benefit for both cards can be discounted. However, if you take advantage of these credits, you can save up to $1,600 each year on travel and transport spending with your Platinum card.

Added memberships to Priority Pass, Marriot Bonvoy Gold, and other partners also give you amazing perks and luxuries when you travel. Again, this could make the annual fee worth it for you.

An American Express Gold credit card also offers statement credits that outweigh the annual fee. With statement credit of a value of $240. If you make use of these statement benefits, then that’s $240 of the $250 annual fee covered already!

Earning Amex Rewards Points – Amex Gold vs Platinum

Your reward earning potential with the Amex Platinum card allows you to earn 5x points on flights you book directly with airlines or using American Express Travel up to a value of $500,000 a year.) You will also be able to earn 5x points on prepaid American Express Travel bookings for hotels.

If you travel frequently, this points return could end up giving you substantial discounts on your bookings. However, if you don’t think you will be making that many travel purchases, then the rewards-earning potential is more limited.

In contrast, the Amex Gold offers better flexibility for rewards, and you can pick up points in supermarkets and dining as well as travel spending. This may help you to build up more points quicker if you are not a frequent business traveler.

Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold – Which is better for you?

The best American Express credit card for you will depend on your spending habits and how much you are likely to use the benefits on offer with both cards. If you are going to utilize the welcome bonus offers, and statement credits then both cards are worth their annual fee.

The best match for you will depend upon your frequency of travel, how much you will save with Amex partners you already use, and the annual fee you feel most comfortable with. Think carefully about which card offers you the most savings for your current lifestyle, travel habits, and spending.