United States card comparison
American Express® Gold Card vs The Platinum Card®
The Amex Gold and the Amex Platinum sit at opposite ends of the American Express consumer card lineup. The Gold has no lounge access but is the strongest US-issued earning card at supermarkets and restaurants. The Platinum has the largest single-card lounge footprint in the United States but commands the highest annual fee in this comparison set.
Last reviewed: . Card information is summarized from issuer benefit pages and is reviewed periodically. Always verify current terms with the issuer before applying.
American Express
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
The Platinum Card®
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | American Express® Gold Card | The Platinum Card® |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Issuing country | United States | United States |
| Annual fee | $325 | $895 |
| Lounge networks |
| |
| Lounges this card opens (tracked) | 0 lounges across 0 airports | 466 lounges across 198 airports |
| Guest policy | Cardholder only | 2 guests Centurion / 10 Delta Sky Club visits/year |
| Credit score | Good/Excellent | Excellent (Good Credit) |
| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR | See Pay Over Time APR in account |
Who should pick which
Pick the American if
Best for everyday spend at US supermarkets and restaurants, where the higher earning rates pay back the fee in points without needing to fly through any specific airport.
See full American Express® Gold Card detailsPick the The if
Best for travelers who fly through Centurion-Lounge cities, value Sky Club access on Delta, and will use the Platinum credits monthly.
See full The Platinum Card® detailsStrengths and trade-offs
American Express® Gold Card
Strengths
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000-100,000 Points (Spend $6k in 6 months)
- 4X Points at Restaurants Worldwide ($50k cap)
- 4X Points at U.S. Supermarkets ($25k cap)
- Over $400 in annual credits (Uber, Dining, Resy, Dunkin')
- 3X Points on Flights
Trade-offs
- Annual Fee $325
- Credits are monthly/semi-annual (Use it or lose it)
- No Lounge Access
The Platinum Card®
Strengths
- Welcome Offer: 175,000 Points (Spend $8k in 6 months)
- Over $3,500 in annual value from credits and perks
- Access to 1,550+ lounges (Centurion, Delta, Priority Pass)
- 5X Points on Flights & Prepaid Hotels via Amex Travel
- Elite Status: Hilton Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Leaders Club Sterling
Trade-offs
- High Annual Fee ($895)
- Credits require enrollment and specific usage (must use designated vendors)
- Centurion guest access requires $75k spend
- Rates and fees apply
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the annual fee on the American Express® Gold Card vs the The Platinum Card®?
- The American Express® Gold Card has an annual fee of $325 per year. The The Platinum Card® has an annual fee of $895 per year.
- How many airport lounges does each card open?
- Based on the lounge networks each card includes, the American Express® Gold Card opens approximately 0 lounges across 0 airports tracked on AirportLounge.com. The The Platinum Card® opens approximately 466 lounges across 198 airports.
- Which lounge networks does each card include?
- The American Express® Gold Card includes no listed lounge networks. The The Platinum Card® includes Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium, Lufthansa Lounge, Escape Lounge.
- Which card is better overall?
- The better card depends on travel patterns. Best for everyday spend at US supermarkets and restaurants, where the higher earning rates pay back the fee in points without needing to fly through any specific airport. Best for travelers who fly through Centurion-Lounge cities, value Sky Club access on Delta, and will use the Platinum credits monthly.
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