Here’s everything you need to know about Amex gold card
American Express, which is also known as AMEX when abbreviated, is a globally integrated payments company that provides customers with access to products, insights, and experiences that enrich lives as well as build business success.
AMEX also offers a range of world-class charges on Credit Cards, Gift Cards, Rewards, Travel, Personal Savings, Business Services, Insurance, and more. And of the gift cards they offer, there is an Amex Gold card and Amex credit card.
So if you spend a fair amount of your money on food, then an Amex gold card should be a go-get because it was designed to cater to those who spend non-trivial amounts at restaurants and on groceries, offering four points for every dollar you spend at restaurants worldwide and at supermarkets in the United States (up to $25,000 in purchases each year and 1 point per dollar after that); isn’t that mouth watering?
What is an Amex gold card?
The American Express Gold is a standout card in that it is best for dining food purchases. The AMEX gold business card, however, offers the best rates for small business travels and expenditures. And largely due to its clear efforts to be top-of-wallet in a few categories that are significant to many US households, the AMEX gold card has become highly sought after.
Now take a look at your budget; do you spend a fair amount of your cash on food? Chances are, the answer is yes.
You’ll also get three points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines, which isn’t too shabby. The current 60,000-point welcome bonus- available after you spend $4,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership is the highest bonus offer that is available on this card. And those American Express Membership Rewards points are worth at least $600.
What is an Amex gift card?
American Express Gift Cards are a great way to reward and incentivize customers and employees. The prices of these gift cards range from $25 to $3000. It is welcoming to think of the American Express gift cards as great presents because you can use them anywhere American Express is accepted.
It is also important to note that buying something with your gift card is very similar to using a regular credit card, and you can make purchases in-person and online. And while these gift cards are easy to use, it’s important to check your balance before purchasing to avoid any issues.
Where can I buy an Amex gift card?
You can buy American Express Gift Cards online at AmexGiftCard.com. You can also buy them at participating retail stores.
AMEX gift cards’ expiration date is nine (9) years from the date of purchase. However, funds in the account do not expire.
However, your gift card may be declined if there aren’t enough available funds to cover the amount of your purchase or a pre-authorization request. Some types of businesses request a pre-authorization for a dollar amount that may be higher than your actual purchase.
Gas stations, for example, may pre-program the pump to pre-authorize a fixed dollar amount, so it is recommended that you pay inside the station. Also, tip-oriented businesses such as restaurants, spas, or hair salons may add a fixed percentage (i.e. 20%) to the bill meant to cover a tip. To avoid this, you may request the business to authorize a specific dollar amount.
What are the Pros and Cons of acquiring an Amex gift card?
Like everything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to owning an AMEX card. These disadvantages, however, must not be seen as deficiencies of the AMEX card but more as carefully curated reasons why it may not be suited to certain businesses.
PROS.
1. Flexible redemption and points transfer options.
2. Robust travel benefits.
3. Automatic Four points per dollar on the two categories you spend the most each billing period on up to $150,000 in annual spending.
4. 25% airline redemption rebate when booking through Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back each year.
5. A business with significant spending can justify the annual fee and earn massive rewards through the 4x points rate on eligible purchases.
CONS.
1. High annual fee relative to benefits.
2. Four points per dollar rate is limited to the first $150,000 in spending annually.
Is it hard to get an American Express Gold Card?
Getting an Amex gold card is not a walk in the park. In other words, it is hard to get the American Express Gold Card because it requires at least good credit for approval. Unless your credit score is 700 or higher and you have a lot of income, it will be very hard for you to get approved for the Amex Gold card.
The rewarding part of owning an American Express Gold Card
The following are the reward structure of the Amex gold card
- Four Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.,
- Four Membership Rewards points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar),
- Three Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel.
- One point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Additionally, the American Express Gold Card offers $120 in annual dining credits for eligible restaurants including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, Boxed and delivery services Grubhub and Seamless.
It is, however, important to note that this credit has to be spent monthly in $10 increments and you must enroll in the benefit, making it harder to use.
Cardholders also receive $10 in monthly Uber Cash when they add an eligible Gold card to their Uber account, for a total of up to $120 annually that can be used for Uber eats or rides in the U.S.
There is also another interesting reward that comes with owning an Amex Gold; it offers the following welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
General terms and conditions of American Express
By applying for a card, you, as an individual and the authorizing officer of the company:
(a) Are requesting to open an Account in the name of the Company.
(b) Are requesting that Card(s) be issued as you direct.
(c) Are agreeing to be jointly and severally liable with the Company for all charges to the account.
(d) Only qualified individuals 18 or over may be approved for a Card Account. This offer is available to US Residents. When you use the Account (or sign or keep the Card), you agree to the terms of the Card Member Agreement that will be provided to you for the Account.
(e) The Card Member Agreement includes an arbitration provision, which impacts the
In summary, the American Express Gold is a standout card in that it is best for dining food purchases. And its gift cards are a great way to reward and incentivize customers and employees. However, getting an Amex gold card is not a walk in the park because it requires at least good credit for approval. The gift cards’ expiration date is nine years from the date of purchase, but funds in the account do not expire.
