At TPG, some of us have wallets filled with credit cards. Some people go all out (Nick Ewen, senior editorial director of pagination, has over 20 credit cards), while others keep smaller stocks (insert the GIF where I waving six cards). But there is no doubt that we all have a card we like.
Many credit card professionals have different opinions on choosing a card that we can’t live without.
In a panel discussion with reporters and editors of Points Guy and NextAdvisor, there was a clear winner when the group was asked about its absolutely favorite card: American Express® Gold.
But why is this card still a favorite when there are so many great options? Here are four reasons why many of us can’t have four cards.
This is a good card for the foodie
List a better food lover card – I will wait.
Since cardmembers, Amex Gold is a powerful product in catering purchases and groceries purchases, as CardMembers earns $4 membership reward points per dollar in US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in spending per year, then 1 point spent after that, and then 4 points per year) in restaurants (1 point per year in annually) worldwide each year in restaurants (1 point per year in annually).
Additionally, the card comes with a variety of annual statement credits centered on catering. (Registration is required.)
Each month, when you get food from one of several participating restaurants or catering services, you can receive up to $10 in a statement credit, including five guys, Goldbelly, Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory and Wine.com.
You will also receive $10 per month in Uber cash (available on Uber Eats and Rides in the U.S.). When you use Amex Gold as a payment method and redeem it with any Amex card, Uber cash will only be deposited into your Uber account.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
Additionally, you will receive an annual Resy credit of up to $100 (up to $50 every two years). Simply dine at a slum restaurant in the United States and pay with your Amex Gold Card; no reservation is required.
Finally, you will get a $7 monthly statement credit of up to $7 at US Dunkin location.
(Enrollment is required to obtain selected benefits.)
Related: Best Credit Cards, Meals, Removals and Orders
It balances quality benefits and affordability
I’ve talked about not having super cards before (at least not yet). This is partly because I don’t need one, but it’s also because I usually have a lot of budget awareness.
Amex Gold (with $325 annual fee (see Fees & Fees)) offers some premium benefits that I can take advantage of without spending more than I would be willing to pay annually.
Related: Why Amex Gold is the Perfect “middle” card
Member Rewards is one of the best point currencies
Speaking of earning points, membership rewards are some of the best points you can earn. According to TPG’s July 2025 valuation, the Amex point is worth 2 cents, slightly lower than the Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards points.
Among the top credit card issuers, AMEX is by far the most extensive list of transfer partners, with 18 airlines and 3 hotel chains. These transfer partners can help your point of view go a long way toward many excellent redemptions.
TPG credit card writer Chris Nelson listed Amex Gold as a card he couldn’t live without.
“As a person who is a foodie, I’ve been dining all the time and a few times when I decided to cook, I could make a bill at our supermarket. The 4 points of every dollar I earn in these categories are a must for me and cannot be beaten. I can use it to help me win super reliable points to help me book long-term international business-grade flights, especially in competitions like Averans Cancade, especially so
Although the AMEX provider is not only specific to membership reward cards, I don’t need to say how much value Amex offers to increase the program. I check the quotes available on my card every week and there is almost always something new added to my account – extra points on hotel accommodation, return to food orders or something.
All in all, the AMEX Membership Rewards Program is a great asset you can get with your Amex Gold card.
Related: Redemption of American Express Membership Rewards for the highest value
Bonus: This is one of the most beautiful cards on the market
We can’t discuss why Amex Gold is a favorite of the employees without mentioning the design of the card.
Amex Gold is available in its original gold design and the popular Rose Gold Edition. I can’t tell you that when I use it in coffee shops and restaurants, I’m often asked about my Amex rose gold.
Put down your hand, this is the most beautiful card in my wallet (in anyone’s wallet, I think).
Of course, you can’t quite judge how well it matches your aesthetic. But when you consider all the other reasons, the Amex Gold is a great card and it does have such a gorgeous design that certainly won’t hurt.
Bottom line
All in all, there is no error with Amex Gold. This is a great card for travelers who would rather win non-travel expense points so they can redeem their dream trip.
You will receive reliable income, points and reward income rates to offset a large amount of annual fees. In addition, the welcome bonuses on this card are competitive compared to the top travel cards on the market. This is one of many reasons why so many credit card professionals are obsessed with putting it in their wallets.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold card.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card Find your offer to see if you are eligible for 100,000 membership bonus points, after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
For Amex Gold Card rates and fees, click here.
