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The card_name has always been a top choice for military members and veterans due to its outstanding rewards for dining and grocery purchases and beneficial travel perks.
Plus, thanks to the protections offered under the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty members can enjoy premium cardholder benefits—without worrying about the usual fees associated with this card.
In 2024, the Amex Gold card recieved a facelift with new benefits, and improvements to existing rewards. Alongside these updates, the card now also offers the ability to see if you’re approved with no impact to your credit score and an enhanced welcome bonus you won’t want to miss.
Looking to get started right away? View the simple application process here to take advantage of card_name benefits today, or continue reading our full review below.
American Express® Gold Card Benefits and Rewards
Summary
- Introductory Offer:
- Apply With Confidence: Know if you’re approved for the Amex Gold Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept, your credit score may be impacted like normal.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Also, earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- For flights, earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Then, earn 1X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Crafted from durable 13 gauge stainless steel with a brushed Gold or Rose Gold finish, the Amex Gold Card offers a luxurious, solid feel that stands out from the ordinary.
- Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you’ll automatically get $10 in Uber Cash each month for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the US. New as of 11/08/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- NEW Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
- NEW Resy Credit: Discover and book restaurants to love with Resy. Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. Enrollment is required through your Card Account.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- Experience the luxury of over 1,000 high-end hotels globally with The Hotel Collection, and receive a $100 credit toward eligible charges when you book a stay of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. The types of qualifying expenses can vary depending on the specific property but could include dining, lounge access, spa appointments, and more.
- Earn More with Amex Offers: Amex Offers help Card Members earn rewards on purchases for things they love. Customers can browse and add Amex Offers to their eligible Card and earn extra rewards on qualifying purchases with select brands.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- The annual fee is . (See more details about American Express fee protections for you and your spouse)
- See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
Are Amex Gold Fees Waived for Military Members?
Yes, eligible active duty members can qualify for certain card_name fee exemptions thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA).
The SCRA and MLA limit the interest rates on credit lines, though at different levels. They also include annual membership fees in their interest calculations. To comply with these regulations, American Express usually provides military relief on membership fees for eligible service members.
How to Get Amex Gold Military Fee Relief
The date you open your American Express card or account determines which Act you may be entitled to relief under.
- If you opened your account while you were on active duty, then you will need to check your eligibility under the MLA.
- If you opened your account before receiving your active duty orders then you will check your eligibility under the SCRA.
The simplest way to check if you will receive MLA or SCRA protections on your account is to check the MLA Database or SCRA Database. It’s worth noting that American Express doesn’t guarantee military relief for all service members. Eligible military personnel must apply for relief, and Amex evaluates each case individually.
Note: If you are not listed as eligible in these databases, you will not receive MLA or SCRA benefits applied to your account.
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
Amex Gold Card Military Benefits
For active duty servicemembers, the card_name can offer potentially hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in benefits. Benefits range from travel, to dining and groceries, making it a valuable option whether you have frequent PCS orders or are just trying to manage everyday expenses.
One of the most notable advantages is the welcome offer, which can translate to up to $600–$900 in travel rewards. Points can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays through Amex’s travel partners, offering substantial savings on both personal and duty-related travel.
Additionally, the card’s 4x points on U.S. supermarkets and dining worldwide provide significant rewards on everyday purchases, potentially amounting to $1,000 in value when redeemed for travel. This can be particularly advantageous for servicemembers with families, helping them earn rewards on routine expenses like groceries and dining, which can be especially beneficial during PCS moves or deployments.
The Amex Gold Card also provides additional perks such as car rental coverage and hotel benefits, plus no foreign transaction fees, which is helpful for service members who are stationed OCONUS.
Amex Gold vs. Other Cards: Food and Grocery Bonuses
The Amex Gold card is a top choice for earning rewards on food purchases. It offers 4x points at restaurants worldwide, outperforming the 3x points you get with the card_name.
For U.S. supermarket purchases, the Amex Gold card also provides 4x points on up to $25,000 in spending per year. If groceries are a significant expense, this could net you up to 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards points.
If you value Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents or more, the return on supermarket spending with the Amex Gold card is even better than the 6% cash back offered by the card_name. It’s worth noting that the Amex Gold’s 4x points also apply at U.S. military Commissaries overseas, making it an excellent option for service members stationed in places like Japan, South Korea, Germany, England, Spain, Italy, or Bahrain.
The Amex Gold card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for OCONUS TDY, PCS, and deployments. If you frequently travel abroad, this card should be in your wallet.
The Amex Gold card is a perfect complement to card_name. While the Platinum card earns 5x points on airfare, the Gold card is better for groceries and dining, with 4x points compared to the Platinum’s 1x.
For military service members, having both cards is a smart strategy.
Amex Gold vs. Platinum for Military Members
Having both the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum cards is a great option for active duty members who qualify for fee relief under MLA or SCRA. The Amex Platinum excels in travel perks, offering 5x points on flights compared to the Gold’s 3x points, along with premium benefits like airline lounge access and hotel credits. On the other hand, the Amex Gold shines when it comes to everyday spending, offering 4x points on dining and groceries, while the Platinum only offers 1x points in these categories, making the Gold Card more valuable for routine purchases.
While you’re eligible for annual fee relief, holding both cards allows you to maximize rewards and benefits in different spending categories while avoiding annual fees of $1,020.
Note: If you’re not eligible for fee relief through the MLA or SCRA, the Amex Gold has an annual fee of annual_fees, while the Amex Platinum has an annual fee of annual_fees.
Let’s take a look at how the card rewards compare side by side:
| Reward Category | Amex Gold Card | Amex Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | bonus_miles | bonus_miles |
| Dining | 4x points | 1x points |
| Groceries | 4x points at U.S. supermarkets and some CONUS and OCONUS Commissaries (up to $25,000 annually) | 1x points |
| Flights | 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually) |
| Travel | Up to $120 Uber Cash and $120 dining credits annually | $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 Uber Cash, $199 CLEAR Plus credit, fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and more |
| Airport Lounge Access | Not included | Access to Centurion, Priority Pass & more |
| Hotel Benefits | $100 credit at the Hotel Collection | $200 credit at Fine Hotels & Resorts and the Hotel Collection |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
How to Apply for the Amex Gold Card
To apply for an American Express Gold Card, you need to have a good to excellent credit score (usually 680+). Thanks to a newly added feature, you can see if you’re approved for an American Express card with no impact to your credit score unless you choose to accept the card offer.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide the following key documents:
- Proof of income and employment
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Military identification for accessing exclusive military benefits
To apply for the Amex Gold Card as a military member, you typically also need to provide proof of active duty status. This can include a copy of your military orders, a statement of service signed by your personnel officer, or other official documents that verify your current active status. American Express may also use the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to confirm your status electronically.
Applying for the American Express Gold Card involves a straightforward online process designed to be completed in just a few minutes.
Military Application Steps
- Visit the American Express Website: To apply for an American Express® Gold Card, visit our partners site here and hit “Apply Now.”
- Provide Personal Information: Fill out your personal details such as name, address, income, and SSN. Ensure you also indicate your military status to access specialized terms.
- Review Military Benefits: Before submitting, review the benefits available specifically for military service members and ensure you are taking advantage of the fee waivers and additional protections.
- Submit Application: Once all information is verified and you’ve reviewed all terms, submit your application. Depending on your credit status, approval can be almost instantaneous.
Upon approval, your card will be mailed to you, and you can start utilizing the benefits immediately. Register your card online to manage your account and track your rewards and spending efficiently.
2024 Amex Gold Card Updates
Starting July 25th, 2024, the card_name underwent a refresh. Here are some of the key changes and updates:
- Higher Annual Fee: The annual fee increased from $250 to $325.
- New Statement Credits: Includes up to $84 in Dunkin’ credit and up to $100 in Resy credit each year.
- Changes to Dining Partners: Shake Shack and Milk Bar are being removed from the list effective September 26th, 2024. At the same time, Five Guys has been added while the existing dining partners of Goldbelly, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wine.com have remained the same.
- Limited-Edition White Gold Option: The Amex Gold Card received a new, limited-edition white gold option. This design has since been discontinued. Other color options include standard Gold and Rose Gold.
- Rewards Cap: Starting Jan. 1st, 2025, the 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide will be capped at $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1X thereafter.
- Elevated Welcome Offer: In addition to the existing welcome offer, new applicants could earn 20% back as a statement credit for eligible purchases at restaurants (up to $100) in the first six months. The offer ended November 6th, 2024.
Amex Gold Card Military FAQs
How long does it take to process the SCRA benefits once I apply for the Amex Gold Card?
- Once you have successfully applied for the Amex Gold Card and submitted any necessary documentation to confirm your eligibility under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), it typically takes American Express about one to two billing cycles to process these benefits. During this time, they will verify your military status and apply the appropriate fee waivers and reduced interest rates to your account.
Do military spouses qualify for special benefits with the Amex Gold?
- If a military spouse is added as an authorized user to a servicemember’s Amex Gold account, they may also qualify for waived annual fees through SCRA and MLA.
Are veterans also eligible for the military benefits of the Amex Gold Card?
- The SCRA benefits, including fee waivers and reduced interest rates, are specifically designed for active-duty military members. Veterans are not eligible for these benefits unless they currently serve on active duty or are reservists called to active service. However, Veterans can still apply for the Amex Gold Card and may qualify for other public promotional offers.
Can I apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas?
- Yes, you can apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas. American Express supports applications from service members stationed internationally. You can complete the application process online and use an APO or FPO mailing address if necessary, ensuring you can still access the card’s benefits while serving abroad.
What should I do if my application is denied?
- American Express will provide a written explanation if your Amex Gold Card application is denied. Reasons may include poor credit history, low income, or high debt levels. Improve these factors if possible and reapply later. Contact Amex to discuss any discrepancies or alternative options.
Can I upgrade my Amex Gold Card to Amex Platinum?
- Yes, you can upgrade your American Express® Gold Card to American Express Platinum, but you must wait one full year before you’re eligible. After holding the card for one year, you should have received an offer in your inbox. You can also upgrade by calling the customer service number located on the back of your Amex Gold Card or by using the online chat feature on the American Express website.
To see rates and fees for the card_name, please visit this link.
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