Details and Applications for the New American Express Gold Card Are Now Live

Updated 10/4/18 9:50pm ET

There have been plenty of rumors surrounding the refresh and relaunch of the new American Express Gold Card over the past several days, and now the details and applications are finally live.

The New American Express Gold Card was designed to replace the existing Premier Rewards Gold card and is taking a unique position as a premium dining rewards card. Quite frankly, I consider it to be the highest-earning card for dining rewards and grocery spend currently on the market.

New card members will automatically receive a metal gold card, which is an upgrade from the plastic PRG. Existing card members will automatically be converted to the new card and can request a new metal replacement.

With the refresh, the current 2X Membership Rewards points on spend at U.S. Gas Stations earn will be no longer be offered on the Gold Card. Current Premier Rewards Gold Card Members will continue to receive this benefit until October 4, 2019, when this benefit will be discontinued. Additionally, the new annual fee will go into effect for current Premier Rewards Gold Card Members beginning April 1, 2019, so if your account anniversary is before that, you will still pay $195 while still being able to enjoy all of the new card benefits.

What’s even more awesome is that you have the option to request the card in the new limited-edition rose gold color, which is only said to be available until January 9, 2019. I’d say it would pair nicely with my rose gold Apple products ;). I’d also expect that there might be a shortage of rose gold metal before then due to popularity.

Welcome Bonus

As with all American Express products, the welcome bonus is only available to new cardmembers who have not previously had the Premier Rewards Gold, as the new AmEx Gold Card is replacing the PRG entirely.

Until January 9, the public sign-up offer is:

• Receive 20% back as a statement credit at U.S. Restaurants with the Gold Card within the first 3 months of your Card Membership, up to $100 back.
• Plus, earn 25,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 3 months

The $250 annual fee is not waived.

However, there’s an even better 50,000 point offer if you apply for the card through another card member’s referral link:

Card Benefits

The cardmember benefits and earnings-structure with the refresh are simply amazing, I’d say:

• 4x points per dollar spent at US restaurants and grocery stores (up to $25,000 per year)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline
• 1x point on everything else.

Additionally, they’re adding the ability to earn up to $120 each year in dining credits ($10 per month), and the existing $100 annual airline fee credit still remains the same.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a tremendous improvement and relaunch from American Express. Earning 4x Membership Rewards points on dining and groceries is huge. At minimum, I value Membership Rewards points at 1.5 cents each. With that in mind, it’s like getting a whooping 6% return at baseline.

Although the annual fee has increased from $195 to $250, the card’s benefits and earnings ability outweighs the increase in cost. Utilizing the $100 airline credit and $120 dining credit alone shaves off $220 from the annual fee. For families like mine who dine out a lot at home and while traveling, this card surely is compelling.

What are your thoughts?