Have you ever thought about traveling in style, dining well, and still being rewarded for it?
The American Express Gold puts that within your reach with up to 20,000 welcome points.
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With the American Express Gold, you earn points on everything, get access to VIP experiences, receive restaurant credits, and never lose your points — they don’t expire. And all of this without paying an annual fee in the first year.
With the American Express Gold, you earn points on everything, get access to VIP experiences, receive restaurant credits, and never lose your points — they don’t expire. And all of this without paying an annual fee in the first year.
This card goes far beyond the basics: it transforms your spending into real advantages, travel comfort, and exclusive experiences. See why it is one of the most desired in the United Kingdom:
Up to 20,000 welcome points
Points that never expire
4 free VIP lounge accesses per year
Annual fee waived in the first year
Is the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Worth It? Pros and Cons
With so many premium cards on the market, it’s natural to wonder if the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold truly delivers on its promises.
Between appealing perks and possible limitations, understanding the full picture is essential to making an informed decision — and avoiding regret.
Below is a straightforward breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages of the card, taking into account real value and user experience.
Advantages of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
- Attractive welcome bonus
Earn up to 20,000 Membership Rewards Points by spending £3,000 within the first 3 months — a great initial return redeemable for travel, hotels, or credits. - Points on every purchase
- 3 pts/£1 on travel booked through Amex Travel
- 2 pts/£1 with airlines
- 1 pt/£1 on all other purchases
These categories are ideal for travelers and frequent spenders.
- Points never expire
As long as your account remains active, your points won’t expire — giving you the flexibility to plan higher-value redemptions. - Free VIP lounge access
Get 4 complimentary lounge visits per year, providing extra comfort at selected airports. - Monthly Deliveroo credits
Receive £10 per month (2x £5), totaling up to £120 per year — perfect for regular food delivery users. - Travel insurance included
Offers essential travel coverage for international trips. - No annual fee in the first year
A smart way to test the card’s benefits at no initial cost. - Wide international acceptance
Perfect for frequent travelers, Amex is accepted at millions of establishments abroad.
Disadvantages of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
- High annual fee after the first year
£195 from the second year onward can be a significant expense if the benefits aren’t fully used. - Limited acceptance in some UK establishments
Although improving, American Express is still not as widely accepted in the UK as Visa or Mastercard — you may need a backup card. - Strict eligibility requirements
You must have a good credit history, be a UK resident, hold a UK bank account, and not have held a personal Amex in the last 24 months (to be eligible for the bonus). - Best suited for travelers
If you don’t travel often, it might be harder to take full advantage of lounge access and higher point earnings on travel. - Limited VIP lounge access
Only 4 free passes per year — for frequent flyers, extra lounge entries may come at an additional cost.
Conclusion: Is the American Express Gold Right for You?
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is a premium card that stands out for those seeking real rewards, travel perks, and dining experiences. It offers strong value in its points program, welcome bonus, and VIP access, all with no annual fee in the first year.
However, it best serves users with an active lifestyle and frequent spending, especially those who travel or dine out often. Otherwise, the annual fee may not pay off.
Looking for a card with simple, unlimited rewards and no annual fee ever? Then it’s worth comparing the Amex Gold with the Discover it® Miles, a great alternative for earning 1.5x miles on all purchases — plus mile matching in your first year.
Check out a table below to compare the two cards.
Comparison Table: Amex Gold vs. Discover it® Miles
| Feature | American Express Preferred Rewards Gold | Discover it® Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 in the first year, then £195/year | $0 (no annual fee ever) |
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 20,000 points after spending £3,000 in the first 3 months | All miles earned in the first year are matched at the end (no cap) |
| Rewards Rate | – 3 pts/£1 on Amex Travel – 2 pts/£1 with airlines – 1 pt/£1 elsewhere | 1.5x miles on all purchases, no categories or limits |
| Points Expiration | Never expire (as long as account is active) | Never expire |
| Lounge Access | 4 free VIP lounge visits per year | Not included |
| Travel Insurance | Included | Not included |
| Credits / Perks | £10/month Deliveroo credit (up to £120/year) | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | No fees | No fees |
| International Acceptance | Widely accepted internationally, but limited in some UK stores | Widely accepted wherever Discover is available (stronger in the US) |
| Best For | Travelers, frequent spenders, foodies | Simplicity, unlimited rewards, no-fee users |
Yes, it can still be worth it even if you don’t travel often — especially if you take advantage of the monthly Deliveroo credits, earn points on daily purchases, and use the card in categories with higher rewards. However, travel-related perks are most valuable for frequent travelers.
Want to know if this card fits your lifestyle? Read the full article to find out.
Approval depends on a careful credit evaluation. Having a good credit history, verified income, a UK bank account, and not having held a personal Amex card in the last 24 months are key factors to increase your chances.
Check all the requirements and the step-by-step guide in the full article.
Yes. Membership Rewards Points can be used to offset your statement balance, and also redeemed for travel, products, or purchases with partner retailers. It’s a flexible rewards system that adapts to your spending profile.
Discover all the ways to use your points in our full Amex Gold article.
The Amex Gold is more accessible, offering no annual fee in the first year and practical perks like points, lounge access, and monthly credits. The Platinum card delivers more exclusive benefits, such as unlimited lounge access and elite hotel status — but comes with a significantly higher annual fee.
Want to know which one suits you best? Compare both cards in the full article.
Credit Card
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold
Security, exclusivity, and real benefits start here: click to visit the official American Express Gold website.