3 Unique Perks of the Amex Gold Card

With a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), the American Express® Gold Card isn't the most expensive card in the market, but it's certainly on the higher end of the annual fee spectrum. 

However, the card offers some unique perks and benefits, and its cost could be easily justified for the right types of consumers. Here are three unique benefits of the card that you might want to know about.

1. An excellent rewards program

The American Express® Gold Card offers one of the best rewards programs in the industry, and not just when it comes to travel. It has several spending categories that earn 3X or 4X Membership Rewards® Points and high maximums.

Specifically, the American Express® Gold Card earns 4X points per $1 spent on restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year); and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). It also earns 3X points per $1 at flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, as well as through the Amex Travel portal (terms apply).

2. Transfer points to travel partners

In addition to the excellent reward earning rates of the American Express® Gold Card, you can also transfer points to more than 20 airline and hotel partners, including Delta and British Airways. It's also worth noting that even if your airline doesn't appear on the list, one of its partners might. 

For example, you can't transfer Amex points directly to American Airlines, but you can book most American Airlines flights with British Airways miles.

This can be the best way to get maximum value from your Amex points, particularly with airline partners. The typical redemption value for most things, including travel through the Amex Travel portal, is $0.01 per point. 

But it's entirely possible to get twice this valuation, or even more, by being strategic about transferring points and finding a typically expensive flight for relatively low miles. Not all travel cards have transferable points like this. 

3. Unique statement credits

The American Express® Gold Card offers a couple of unique spending credits that can be valuable if you take full advantage.

First, it offers $10 per month ($120 per year) in Uber Cash. This can be used for Uber rides as well as Uber Eats orders, and will be given automatically if you add your American Express® Gold Card to your Uber account. Terms apply.

Second, there is another $10 monthly credit ($120 per year) in dining credits when you order from GrubHub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (enrollment required). Terms apply.

These add up to $240 per year toward food, beverages, and rides -- but to get maximum value, you need to use both credits every month. Admittedly, this can be a pain point if you don't regularly use Uber or buy food from any of the listed restaurants or services, so take this into consideration before applying.

Is the Amex Gold Card right for you?

The bottom line is that like any card that has an annual fee, the American Express® Gold Card is only worth it if you get at least this much value out of its rewards and perks. 

In this specific case, the Uber and dining statement credits can nearly justify the annual fee all by themselves, if you use them every month. This can also be an especially great card option if you dine out often or are looking to maximize your rewards for grocery spending. It all depends on your personal preferences and spending habits.