4 of our favorite under-the-radar Amex Gold card perks
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you’re considering applying for the American Express® Gold Card, the incredible rewards for foodies may have drawn you in. The big picture highlights of the Amex Gold make it a great card — from over $400 in annual statement credits …
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you’re considering applying for the American Express® Gold Card, the incredible rewards for foodies may have drawn you in.
The big picture highlights of the Amex Gold make it a great card — from over $400 in annual statement credits each calendar year that can more than offset the $325 annual fee (see rates and fees) to the high-earning bonus categories.
American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each (as per our February 2025 valuations), which means you’ll essentially earn 8% back on eligible purchases. Enrollment is required for select benefits, and terms apply.
While the Amex Gold isn’t as jam-packed with perks and benefits as some of its premium competition, it offers some solid and underrated perks that can help seal the deal. Here are four of our favorites.
Luxury hotel perks
While American Express offers only 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, it includes a hotel-specific benefit many cardmembers may find useful.
When you use your Amex Gold to book hotels through The Hotel Collection, you’ll enjoy an up to $100 property credit on stays of two nights or longer. This credit can be used on amenities like spa treatments and resort activities.
This might be a good option if you don’t have a card that gives more bonus points for hotel bookings. And on short, cheap stays, the up to $100 property credit can be a valuable rebate. Terms apply.
Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Gold is the 1 card we can’t live without
Baggage insurance
The rest of the perks on this list fall under the category of “you hope you never need them, but if you do, you’ll be so thankful you have them.”
Baggage insurance is one of those perks, especially since some airlines do a surprisingly poor job of remembering to put bags on the plane. Terms apply.
If you purchase the entire fare of your common carrier ticket with your Amex Gold, you’ll be eligible for up to $1,250 in reimbursement if your carry-on bag is lost, stolen or damaged and up to $500 if it’s your checked bag, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier.*
It’s important to note that baggage insurance is provided for multiple transportation options, including planes, trains and buses.
Two other important points to make here: the first is that there is no insurance for a delay in receiving your baggage; only if it’s lost, stolen or damaged. The second is that you must purchase the entire ticket with your card to be eligible, so simply paying taxes on an award ticket would not count.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Related: How much it costs to check a bag on major US airlines
Car rental insurance
If you charge a rental car to your Amex Gold and decline the collision damage waiver at the counter, Amex will cover you if your car is damaged or stolen.**
This is secondary coverage that kicks in after and in addition to your own personal policy, and there are exclusions to be aware of.
For instance, rentals in Australia, Italy and New Zealand are not covered; certain types of ATVs, limousines and other cars are excluded; and coverage only applies for the first 30 consecutive days of the rental. This also does not insure against injury to you, your passengers or others, or against property damage.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Related: How you can redeem points and miles for car rentals
Purchase protection and extended warranty
The Amex Gold also comes with a variety of purchase protections. As a cardmember, you can receive up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per calendar year to replace lost, stolen or damaged items.***
You’ll also enjoy extended warranty protection when you use your Amex Gold for a purchase. You can get up to one additional year added to a manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. Terms and conditions apply.***
***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Related: Amex Gold checklist: 5 things to do when you get the card
Bottom line
Most of these perks on the Amex Gold will sit quietly in the background, making them easy to forget. But knowing what you’re entitled to can help save you a nice chunk of change when traveling and shopping.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Related: 7 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, please click here.
