Maximizing the American Express® Gold Card: Tips for Travelers
The American Express® Gold Card is a standout choice for those who love dining out and grocery shopping, offering generous rewards and benefits. However, its annual fee of $325 can be daunting. Fortunately, with some strategic planning, you can offset this cost by maximizing the card’s statement credits, which can total up to $424 annually. If you’re traveling abroad, like I recently did in South America, here are some effective ways to make the most of your Amex Gold Card’s credits.
Reload Your Dunkin’ Balance
One of the simplest ways to utilize your Amex Gold Card benefits is by reloading your Dunkin’ balance. While this credit is only valid in the U.S., you can still prepare for future use. Download the Dunkin’ mobile app, navigate to the "Scan / Pay" tab, and reload your balance with $7 each month (enrollment required).
Since this purchase codes as "Dunkin’ Mobile," it qualifies for the 4 points per dollar that the Amex Gold offers at restaurants worldwide, up to the first $50,000 spent each calendar year. I’ve successfully done this monthly since the credit was introduced in July 2024, and the credit has consistently posted on the same day.
Buy a Goldbelly (or Wine.com) Gift Card
The Amex Gold Card provides up to $120 in statement credits annually for dining purchases from select merchants, which breaks down to $10 per month (enrollment required). One of the best ways to utilize this benefit is by purchasing a Goldbelly e-gift card. Goldbelly specializes in delivering iconic foods from renowned restaurants across the U.S., albeit at a premium price.
I’ve bought $10 e-gift cards from Goldbelly twice, and the credits posted within three to nine days. You can combine multiple gift cards for future orders, whether for yourself or as gifts. Additionally, purchasing an e-gift card from Wine.com also triggers the credit, although it comes with a minimum purchase requirement of $25 and a limit of two gift cards per order.
Order Uber Eats for a Loved One
Maximizing the Uber Cash benefit can be a bit tricky, especially when traveling abroad. However, you can still take advantage of the $120 in Uber Cash annually (in the form of a $10 monthly credit) by covering a loved one’s Uber ride or Uber Eats order back in the U.S. This requires some coordination, but it’s a great way to utilize your credits while you’re away.
Remember, you can use any Amex card as your payment method for Uber, but ensure your Amex Gold is linked to your Uber account to access the credits.
Purchase a Restaurant Gift Card
If you find yourself in the U.S. at least once every six months, utilizing the restaurant gift card credit is straightforward. This benefit is split into two parts: up to $50 from January to June and another $50 from July to December (enrollment required).
I recommend visiting a Resy-affiliated restaurant and paying with your Amex Gold. You don’t need a reservation to trigger the credit; just ensure you use your Gold card. If you can’t visit in person, consider purchasing a gift card online or by calling the restaurant directly. This should still earn you 4 points per dollar spent, as it’s categorized as a restaurant purchase.
Bottom Line
Maximizing the value of your American Express® Gold Card is crucial, especially given its annual fee. Whether you’re based in the U.S. or traveling internationally, there are several strategies to ensure you reap the benefits of your card.
Here’s a quick recap of my recommendations for Amex Gold cardholders:
- Buy a $10 Goldbelly gift card every month.
- Reload your Dunkin’ app balance with $7 monthly.
- Cover a $10-plus Uber ride or Uber Eats order for a loved one each month.
- Purchase a $50 gift card to a Resy-affiliated restaurant every six months.
Additionally, keep an eye on your account to ensure credits post correctly, and consult resources like monthly and quarterly credit checklists to maximize all your card benefits.
For those considering the Amex Gold Card, it’s essential to weigh the annual fee against the potential rewards and credits. With a little effort, you can turn this premium card into a valuable asset for your financial and travel needs.