American Express Gold vs American Express Platinum
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
American Express Gold wins 2-1. Heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1K+/mo on food) American Express Platinum is still the right call if heavy travelers wanting centurion lounge access + status credits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | American Express Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | · $695 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 5% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 720 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.6/5 | = 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
American Express Platinum
- 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
- Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
- $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
- $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs American Express Platinum: which is better?
American Express Gold wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, American Express Platinum for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. American Express Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months.