American Express Gold Rewards Card
American Express · American Express
Travellers who want flexible Membership Rewards points with strong insurance and lounge perks at a mid-tier fee.
VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and income requirements, not an official issuer cutoff. Approval also depends on income, debt, and credit history.
Our verdict
A well-rounded travel rewards card whose $100 travel credit, NEXUS credit and lounge visits largely offset the $250 fee. Best paired with a Cobalt for dining spend.
Reward rates
Travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises) | 2x |
Groceries | 2x |
Gas | 2x |
Drugstores | 2x |
Everything else | 1x |
VaultNerd values these points at ~2¢ each.
Welcome bonus
Up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points (5,000 points per monthly billing period for 12 months)
Requirement: Spend $1,000 in net purchases each monthly billing period for the first 12 months
Pros
- Solid 2x earn across travel, gas, groceries and drugstores
- Travel credit and NEXUS credit meaningfully offset the annual fee
- Comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation/interruption
Cons
- Plaza Premium visits are capped at 4 per year and Priority Pass entries cost extra
- Only 1x on dining, where the Cobalt earns 5x
Perks
- $100 annual travel credit through American Express Travel Online
- $50 NEXUS membership or renewal statement credit
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership plus 4 free Plaza Premium lounge visits per year
- Transfer points 1:1 to Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue and hotel partners
- 1 free additional card ($50 value)
- Choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal card
Insurance
- Travel emergency medical $5,000,000 (15 days, under age 65)
- Trip cancellation $1,500 and trip interruption $1,500
- Travel accident insurance $500,000
- Flight delay, baggage delay and lost/stolen baggage ($500 each)
- Rental car theft and damage (48 days)
- Hotel/motel burglary $500
- Purchase protection (90 days) and extended warranty (+1 year)
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Gold Rewards Card worth it?
It charges a $250 annual fee, and we rate it 4.3 out of 5. It's best suited to travellers who want flexible Membership Rewards points with strong insurance and lounge perks at a mid-tier fee. The welcome bonus is worth roughly $1,200, which covers the first year for many people. Whether it's worth it for you depends on your spending. Run your own numbers through our credit card finder to see the net rewards after the fee.
What does the American Express Gold Rewards Card earn?
It earns 2x on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises), 2x on groceries and 2x on gas. We value these points at about 2¢ each, so the top rate works out to roughly 4.0% back.
What credit score do you need for the American Express Gold Rewards Card?
We'd suggest a score of around 680 or higher, which puts approval in our "moderate" band. This is a VaultNerd estimate based on the card's tier and stated requirements. Approval also depends on your income, existing debt and credit history.
Researching and writing about Canadian personal finance since 2026.
Last reviewed June 2026 · How we research
“American Express Gold Rewards Card Review.” VaultNerd, https://www.vaultnerd.com/ca/credit-cards/amex-gold-rewards, updated June 2026.
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