American Express® Rewards Gold Card

Shopping, Travel and Entertainment Rewards Two Points at Supermarkets, Gas Stations, Drugstores, and More Special Gold Card Events Free Shipping and Handling on Purchases

Review: The American Express® Rewards Gold Card is a charge card that is ideal for those with good credit who can afford to pay in full each month and want to avoid accumulating credit card debt, as often can be the case with revolving balances and high interest rates. Although the payment structure is different in relation to other unsecured credit cards, the charge card shares similar benefits and services that include auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, discounts at participating retailers, buyer's assurance plan, and a purchase protection plan (see website for additional benefits). In addition to the services provided by the standard American Express® Rewards Green Card, the gold card offers free shipping and handling on select online and catalog purchases and special discounts/advance purchases for various entertainment related tickets (referred to as 'Gold Card Events'). For no additional fee, cardholders also have access to the Membership Rewards Options program, which offers members the chance to earn points that can be redeemed for various services and products. The Membership Rewards Options program is by far one of the best reward programs offered in the credit card industry due to the variety of rewards offered with no yearly limit and no expiration for earned points. Although the card does come with a high annual fee of $90 and an additional cardholder fee of $35, those who can take advantage of the many benefits and services provided by American Express®, especially frequent travelers who can take advantage of the Membership Rewards Options program with earned points that can be combined with various frequent flyer accounts, will benefit most from the card.

Date of Review: 2006-04-08 00:00:00

Notes: The card has no pre-set spending limit; however, purchases are approved based on credit record, account history, and personal resources. See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure.

Additional Perks: Various Internet account related services. Free shipping and handling at various retailers and merchants. Year-end financial statement. Price protection service. Return protection. No liability for unauthorized Internet transactions. Extended warranty for purchases. Purchase protection. Medical referral services. Legal referral services. Trip planning assistance. Various travel and emergency assistance services. Lost luggage insurance. Emergency check-in service. Roadside assistance. Guaranteed hotel and motel reservations. Auto rental insurance. Emergency card replacement. Up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance. Access to Gold Card Events for advance purchase of entertainment tickets. Access to the Membership Rewards Options program for no additional annual fee. Discounts on products and services at participating merchants and retailers.