Pros

High Rewards Rate: The American Express® Gold Card offers a high rewards rate of 4X points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S, and at U.S supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Strong rewards program with 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.

$120 Uber Cash to Dine or Ride: Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

$120 Dining Credit: Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment).

No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as there are no foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Cons

The card carries a hefty annual fee of $250.

No introductory APR period.

Reward points are typically most valuable when redeemed for travel through American Express, which may not suit everyone's lifestyle.

Why Choose It

The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. Its high rewards rate in these categories, combined with perks like the airline fee credit and hotel credits, provide substantial value that can easily outpace the annual fee for the right spender. Though the acceptance of Amex cards is limited in some places and the annual fee is considerable, the wealth of benefits offered by this card make it a worthwhile contender for foodies and frequent travelers alike who are interested in maximizing their reward earnings.