Guide to American Express® Gold Card Travel Benefits
4 Min Read | Last updated: April 30, 2026
See how Amex® Gold elevates eligible trips booked through the Amex Travel App™ or on AmexTravel.com: hotel credits, $0 foreign transaction fees, and more.
At-A-Glance
- Amex® Gold earns Membership Rewards® points on eligible flights and car rentals booked directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel App™ and AmexTravel.com.
- Card Members can stack statement credits for over $500 in value each year—including Uber Cash and on-property credits through The Hotel Collection.
- Turn everyday spending into travel opportunities with points that can be redeemed for eligible flights, hotels, cruises, and more, plus no foreign transaction fees.
The Amex® Gold Card is a do-it-all card, striking a balance between practical financial value and rewarding travel perks. While some might think of the Gold Card as a lifestyle card, its travel benefits keep you earning rewards when you’re abroad and at home.
Key Benefits of the Amex Gold Card
Let’s take a closer look at some of Gold’s elevated travel benefits.1 Terms apply.
Membership Rewards2
- 4X points on restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
- 4X points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases each year.
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- 3X points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ or purchased directly from airlines.
- 2X points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
Plus, when it's time to cash in your points, you can put them toward your next eligible flight or hotel stay when you book directly through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Travel Benefits3
- $120 Uber Cash - Earn $10 in Uber Cash each month when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account. Uber Cash can be used for eligible rides and orders in the U.S. To redeem Uber Cash from this benefit, an American Express® Card must be selected as the payment method for the transaction.
- American Express® Gold Card Members can receive complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Save time by skipping the counter at select locations, you can go directly to the lot, select your vehicle, and get on the road to your destination. You can also add an additional driver for no additional cost4 and receive access to a wider selection of vehicles for more personalized choices based on your needs.5 Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required.
- With more than 1,300 properties worldwide, The Hotel Collection offers Gold Card Members a valuable suite of benefits when they book a two-night minimum stay through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™, such as a $100 credit towards eligible on-property charges, as well as 12pm check-in, late check-out, and a room upgrade upon arrival--all when available.7
Additional Services8
- Global Assist Hotline - Provides you with emergency assistance and coordination services when you’re traveling over 100 miles from home.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees - You can use the Gold Card abroad without extra charges, making it ideal for international trips.9
How to Maximize Gold’s Travel Benefits
The Gold Card is a great tool for traveling, but there are a few ways you can make it even more beneficial. One way is to enroll early in Uber credits so that they apply to your Membership automatically throughout the year, allowing you to ride your way.
Another way you might increase your travel benefits is by booking flights and hotels through Amex Travel so that you earn bonus points, then cash in on your savings by using the Pay with Points feature. Plus, when you’re on vacation or on a business trip, don’t forget to take advantage of the benefits that come with your Card Membership. When you use your Gold Card to its fullest extent, you can unlock a world of traveling perks to make your vacation or business trip better than you thought possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the American Express Gold Card has several travel benefits. Some of the perks include 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 2X points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com, and no foreign transaction fees.
Not only does the Amex Gold Card allow you to earn points when you book hotels and flights through Amex Travel, but it also offers other perks like Global Assist® Hotline and other valuable benefits like Hertz Five Star® Status when enrolled in the benefit and registered with Hertz Gold+ Rewards. When you’re on the go, the Gold Card has your back.
No, the American Express Gold Card doesn’t come with PreCheck. If you’re interested in getting a statement credit for your PreCheck application fee, you may want to check out Amex Cards that do offer this benefit.
The Takeaway
The American Express Gold Card is a versatile card that helps with everyday spending needs while also elevating your travel experience. Between statement credits, rewards, and travel protections, you can enjoy the Gold Card’s benefits at home, across the country, or abroad. Learn more about the Gold Card and see if you qualify today.
1,2,3,8 For more on Offer and Benefit Terms for the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
4 Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees.
5 Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
6 Eligible charges vary by property.
7 Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
9 Rates and Fees for the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
Scott Drueding Hanson is a content writer and copywriter based in Brooklyn. His work focuses primarily on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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