American Express Gold Card vs. The Platinum Card from American Express
On the criteria below, The Platinum Card from American Express wins 2 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
The Platinum Card from American Express
Amex
The Platinum Card from American Express wins 2 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on annual fee; The Platinum Card from American Express wins on first-year math and lounge access.
Pick the The Platinum Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the American Express Gold Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 2 (1 tie)- First-year math The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card is $570 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
- Lounge access The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $895
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $2,800
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$1,905
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Lounge access
- No
- centurion, delta-sky-club, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- American Express Membership Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.