American Express Gold Rewards Card Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a frequent traveller and typically use your credit card for groceries or gas, the flashy American Express Gold Rewards Card may be a natural fit.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
A good fit for travellers seeking flexible rewards.
Not a good fit for tight budgeters or infrequent travellers.
What our Nerds think
"This glitzy stainless steel travel card offers premium perks at a mid-tier price. That said, jetsetters will be best positioned to maximize its value, so unless you’re something of a travel bug, this card may not be worthwhile. "
- Shannon Terrell, Lead Writer & Spokesperson
Note: This card is scored as a Points card, which means 60% of the star rating is based on the card's rewards, 30% on fees and interest rates and 10% on perks. You can read more about how we evaluate Points credit cards on our methodology page.
Fees and rates
POOR
The interest rates are pretty standard, but this card’s $250 annual fee is higher than average for a points card in Canada.
Annual fee:
$250
Purchase APR:
21.99%
Foreign transaction fee:
2.5%
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about fees
Annual fee: $250
The average annual fee for a Points card in Canada: $60*
Purchase interest rate: 21.99%
The average purchase interest rate for a Points card in Canada: 21.18%
Cash advance interest rate: 21.99%
Cash advances apply to cash-like transactions, such as ATM withdrawals, and start accruing interest immediately.
Penalty APR: 25.99%
25.99% if you miss two payments within 12 months, and 29.99% if you miss three payments within 12 months.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.5%
Foreign transaction fees are charged on any purchases made in foreign currencies or when overseas. The average foreign transaction fee for a Points card in Canada: 2.41%*
Additional card fee: $50
You can get nine additional cards for $50 each, per account. The first additional card is free.
*according to NerdWallet’s analysis of over 200 credit cards, as of this writing.
Perks
EXCELLENT
Complimentary airport lounge access, NEXUS rebates, annual travel credits and robust insurance round out this card’s valuable extras.
Insurance coverage:
Comprehensive
Airport lounge access:
Four free passes to Plaza Premium Lounges annually
Annual travel credit:
$100 annually redeemable via American Express Travel Online
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about perks
Airport lounge access. Receive four complimentary passes to Plaza Premium lounges annually.
$100 annual travel credit: Redeemable on trips booked through American Express Travel Online.
NEXUS rebates. Get a $50 statement credit for application or renewal fees (available once every 4 years).
Robust insurance. Travel coverage includes emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, flight and baggage delay and more.
Stainless steel card. Choose between gold or rose gold stainless steel.
Rewards value
EXCELLENT
American Express Membership Rewards Points have, on average, a higher monetary value than other rewards programs. If earned and redeemed strategically, cardholders will generate more value from this card’s points than they might via competitor programs.
Reward earn rate:
1x-2x points per $1 spent
Reward value:
1 point = 2.88 cents
Reward program:
American Express Membership Rewards Points
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about rewards
Earning rewards
Earn American Express Membership Rewards Points at the following rates:
2x points on eligible travel purchases.
2x points on eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada.
1x points on all other eligible purchases.
1 additional point for every dollar spent on eligible car rental and hotel bookings made through American Express Travel Online.
Redeeming rewards
American Express Membership Rewards points can be redeemed on the Membership Rewards portal for:
Statement credits.
Flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Amazon purchases.
Merchandise.
Gift cards.
Charity donations.
Points from other rewards programs.
Welcome offer
New American Express Gold Rewards cardmembers can earn up to 60,000 points in their first year of card membership.
Each month you spend $1,000 in your first year:
5,000 Points
Up to a maximum of:
60,000 Points
Estimated value of offer:
$600
Offer effective as of February 3, 2026.
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about the welcome offer
New American Express Gold Rewards cardmembers can earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points — up to $600 in value toward their next trip.
To claim the offer, they’ll need to earn 5,000 points for each monthly billing cycle where they spend at least $1,000 on their card, up to a maximum of 60,000 points in their first year of card membership.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this card, you must:
✓ Be a Canadian resident
✓ Be at least the age of majority in your province or territory
✓ Have no history of bankruptcy in the past seven years
🤓 Get nerdy: Read more about how to apply
How to apply for the American Express Gold Rewards Card
The application for the American Express Gold Rewards Card can be completed online from the American Express website. Review the card’s terms and conditions and enter your personal information to submit your application.
Approximate credit score needed for approval
Canadian credit card issuers rarely disclose required credit scores, which makes it hard to know your chances of approval when comparing credit cards. What we do know is that higher scores have better chances of approval — that’s true no matter what type of credit you’re applying for.
Want to learn more? Visit our “What Credit Score is Needed for a Credit Card?” page.
» MORE: How to Check Your Credit Score
American Express Canada now lets you check your eligibility for a personal card before you apply. You’ll get an instant decision through a soft credit check, with no impact to your credit score — a smart, easy way to apply with confidence.
Customer ratings and Reddit chatter
First in customer satisfaction: American Express ranks 1st out of 14 issuers in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Credit Card Satisfaction Study
Low Trustpilot rating: American Express scored 1.3 out of 5 possible stars based on over 5,000 customer reviews, as of this writing.
Poor Better Business Bureau customer rating: American Express has 1.1 out of 5 possible stars based on over 550 customer reviews, as of this writing.
What Reddit has to say
We know expert recommendations matter — but so do real-life experiences. On Reddit, Canadian users talk about the American Express Gold’s attractive welcome offer and travel perks.
As of this writing, Redditors seem to like the Amex Gold, frequently mentioning the card’s robust travel insurance, attractive travel credit and airport lounge access. They also praise the high quality of Amex’s customer service compared to that of other big banks in Canada.
American Express Gold Rewards Card vs Amex Platinum Card
If you’re open to paying a higher annual fee for more luxurious benefits, the top-line Amex Platinum could be worth a look.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible travel purchases.
Points on eligible purchases at gas stations in Canada.
on eligible purchases at grocery stores in Canada.
on eligible purchases at drugstores in Canada.
Point on purchases everywhere else.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeThis flexible, mid-tier travel card is outfitted in an eye-catching stainless steel, typically reserved for premium cards with $500+ annual fees. The Amex Gold Rewards boasts broad rewards earning categories for eligible dollars spent on travel, gas, groceries and drugstore purchases. Perks like a $100 annual travel credit and airport lounge access add tangible value but only help offset the $250 annual fee if they’re put to use. Best for: Travellers seeking occasional lounge access and flexible, everyday rewards.
Pros
- Four complimentary Plaza Premium lounge visits annually.
- $50 NEXUS statement credit.
- Comprehensive travel coverage.
Cons
- Limited airport lounge passes.
Card details
Card details- Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
- New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada, and 1 point for every $1 in Card purchases everywhere else.
- The Card is now available in your choice of Gold or Rose Gold metal options.
- Receive a $50 CAD statement credit when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Gold Rewards Card.
- You have access to an annual $100 CAD Travel Credit, compliments of your American Express Gold Rewards Card. Use the credit once annually towards any single travel booking of $100 or more charged to your Gold Rewards Card through American Express Travel Online.
- As a Gold Rewards Cardmember, you can receive complimentary membership in Priority PassTM – one of the world’s largest independent airport lounge programs. Escape the chaos of airports and relax in an oasis of calm and simply enjoy the fact that the travel experience has begun before your plane has even left the ground. Enrollment is required and entry fees apply.
- Enjoy four (4) complimentary visits per Calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Entry fees apply once complimentary visits have been used.
- Charge any eligible purchase to your credit Card then log in to redeem your earned points for a statement credit.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value) to help you earn points faster.
- Subject to approval. The preferred rate for purchases is 21.99% and funds advances is 21.99%. If you have Missed Payments, the applicable rates for your account will be 25.99% and/or 29.99%. See the information box included with the application for the definition of Missed Payment and which rates apply to charges on your account and other details
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining of monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
- To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.
Rewards breakdown
Rewards breakdownPoints on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada.
Points on eligible travel purchases.
Points on all other purchases.
NerdWallet's take
NerdWallet's takeAs the name suggests, this card offers top-tier perks like free airport lounge access, an annual $200 travel credit and a full suite of insurances. However, it’s a charge card, so you must pay off the balance in full each month or face steep interest. And, for a premium travel card that costs $799 a year, the 2.5% foreign transaction fee is a bit of a letdown. Best for: High-end jetsetters who spend big on travel and don’t carry a balance.
Pros
- Annual credits totalling $640.
- Comprehensive and unlimited airport lounge access.
- No pre-set spending limit.
Cons
- Very steep $799 annual fee.
- 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
- Must pay off balance each month.
Card details
Card details- Unlock special experiences with the Platinum Card®.
- Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points - that’s up to $1,000 towards a weekend away
- New Platinum® Cardmembers, earn 70,000 Welcome Bonus points after you charge $10,000 in net purchases to your Card in your first 3 months of Cardmembership
- Plus, earn 30,000 points when you make a purchase between 15 and 17 months of Cardmembership
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada, 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel, and 1 point for every $1 in all other Card purchases.
- Access a $200 Annual Travel Credit through American Express Travel Online or Platinum® Card Travel Service.
- Enjoy a $200 Annual Dining Credit at some of Canada’s best restaurants.
- Unlock $200 or more in additional value with Member extras. You can earn statement credits for qualifying purchases with participating brands.
- Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience. Terms and Conditions apply.
- Enjoy flexible ways to use your points such as statement credits for any eligible purchase charged to your Card, new travel purchases booked on American Express Travel Online through the Flexible Points Travel Program, and eligible flights through the Fixed Points Travel Program.
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
- Enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average value of $550 USD at over 1,600 extraordinary properties worldwide when you book Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Platinum Cardmembers can enjoy access to special events and unique opportunities.
- Enjoy premium benefits at the Toronto Pearson Airport.
- You will also have access to many leading hotel and car rental companies’ loyalty programs. Our partners include Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hertz and Avis.
- Interest applies in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement, Information Box, and Disclosure statement if the total New Balance is not paid by the Payment Due Date each month. All payments must be received by the Payment Due Date shown on the monthly statement.
- American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Methodology
BACK TO TOPFrequently asked questions
How do you qualify for an Amex Gold Card?
To be eligible for the Amex Gold Rewards Card, you must be a Canadian resident and at least the age of majority for your province or territory.
Is the Amex Gold Card a metal card?
Yes, the American Express Gold Rewards Card is a metal credit card. It’s made of stainless steel and is available in gold or rose gold finish.
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