Amex Gold vs. Platinum: Which Card is Better for Families Earning Membership Rewards Points?

American Express offers a range of premium credit cards that come with lucrative rewards programs. Two of the most popular options are the American Express Gold Card and the American Express Platinum Card. Both cards accrue Membership Rewards points, but they have distinct features and earning structures that may or may not be practical for most families when earnings rewards points. In this article, we'll dive into the ways we've found the American Express Gold Card can be more useful than the Platinum Card for accruing Membership Rewards points.

1. Bonus Categories

One of the key differentiators between these two cards is their bonus categories. The American Express Gold Card is known for its generous earning rates in specific spending categories, notably dining, supermarkets, and airfare. Here's a closer look:

• Dining: With the Gold Card, you can earn a substantial number of points when dining out, ordering takeout, or using food delivery services. The Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. This can be a significant advantage if you frequently enjoy meals at restaurants.

• Supermarkets: The Gold Card offers 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar) This is particularly valuable for families or individuals who spend a significant portion of their budget on groceries.

• Airfare: The Gold Card offers 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel, which can significantly boost your Membership Rewards points when you book flights for multiple people in your family. This feature is especially attractive for frequent travelers.

2. Annual Fee

Another important factor to consider is the annual fee associated with each card. The Gold Card typically has a lower annual fee compared to the Platinum Card. A lower fee means you can keep more of your rewards without the expense of a high annual cost. This cost-saving can make a significant difference, especially for those who want to maximize their points without breaking the bank.

3. Welcome Bonus

Both the Gold Card and the Platinum Card often come with attractive welcome bonuses. However, the Gold Card usually has a more accessible spending threshold to earn the bonus. This means you can earn a substantial number of points when you meet the requirement, helping you jumpstart your Membership Rewards balance.

4. Dining Credits

The American Express Gold Card often provides dining credits as part of its benefits package. These credits can be used at participating restaurants or food delivery services, effectively offsetting a portion of the annual fee. Not only do you earn points on the eligible purchases, but you also get to enjoy dining experiences or food deliveries with a discount.

5. Flexibility

The Gold Card's earning structure is designed to be more versatile for everyday spending. While the Platinum Card offers extensive travel-related perks, it may not be as rewarding for everyday expenses. The flexibility of the Gold Card makes it a better choice for those who want to maximize Membership Rewards points without committing to the Platinum Card's premium travel benefits.

When it comes to redeeming your points for travel rewards, American Express Membership Rewards Points are valuable because they are flexible. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to almost two dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 ratio. This can provide families with lots of options to choose from when planning a trip. In addition, American Express offers frequent transfer bonuses which allow you to maximize your earnings. Among the most commonly used airline and hotel transfer partners are Air France, Delta, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, British Airways, Iberia and Air Canada Aeroplan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Express Gold Card can be a more useful option than the Platinum Card for accruing Membership Rewards points on everyday spending for families, depending on your spending habits and lifestyle. The Gold Card's bonus categories, including 3x points on airfare purchases, lower annual fee, accessible welcome bonus, dining credits, and flexibility in everyday spending make it a compelling choice for individuals looking to build their points balance for family travel. However, it's essential to assess your unique financial situation and preferences to determine which card aligns better with your needs and goals. Ultimately, the choice between these two premium cards should be based on what suits you best and helps you maximize your rewards