With generous rewards on every purchase, you accumulate more, travel in style, and still save money!

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold delivers what many cards promise but few deliver: transforming every daily expense into real experiences, exclusive advantages, and true rewards.

If you feel like you pay a lot for benefits you never use, or that your points seem useless and unreachable, this card was made to change that.

In the United Kingdom, thousands of consumers face the same dilemma: cards that accumulate points that are difficult to redeem, offer no relevant advantages, and charge annual fees that simply do not pay off. Meanwhile, the modern lifestyle demands more — more comfort, more practicality, and more return for every pound spent.

It is in this scenario that the Amex Gold stands out. This article will show you, step by step, how the Preferred Rewards Gold can be the financial upgrade your life was missing.

What is the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold?

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is a premium credit card offered by American Express in the United Kingdom.

It is designed for consumers who wish to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases, travel, and gastronomic experiences.

This card offers a robust rewards program, access to VIP lounges at airports, monthly credits in food delivery services, and a series of other benefits that make it an attractive option for frequent travelers and enthusiasts of exclusive experiences.

With an annual fee waived in the first year and a £195 annual fee from the second year onwards, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold seeks to balance cost and benefit, providing significant value for those who make the most of its advantages.

Main Benefits of the Card

When it comes to premium credit cards, what really matters are the benefits they offer in everyday life. The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold does not disappoint in this aspect.

More than just a simple payment tool, it becomes a strategic ally for those who wish to be rewarded for their purchases and experiences.

Now, you will discover the main attractions that make this card one of the most desired in the United Kingdom.

1. Generous Rewards Program

The card allows you to accumulate Membership Rewards Points on all purchases:

• 3 points per £1 spent on travel booked through American Express Travel.
• 2 points per £1 spent directly with airlines.
• 1 point per £1 spent on all other purchases.

These points can be redeemed in a variety of options, including airline tickets, hotel stays, online purchases, and much more.

2. Access to VIP Lounges at Airports

Cardholders receive four free passes per year to VIP lounges at airports, providing additional comfort during travel. After using the four passes, it is possible to purchase additional entries at a reduced rate.

3. Monthly Credits in Food Delivery Services

By enrolling in the benefit, cardholders can receive £5 in credit twice a month on Deliveroo purchases, totaling up to £120 per year in credits.

How the Membership Rewards Points Program Works

Membership Rewards is American Express’s loyalty program, allowing cardholders to accumulate points on their purchases and redeem them across a wide range of options.

Points Accumulation

As mentioned previously, points are accumulated based on the type of purchase. Additionally, the program offers bonuses of up to 12,500 points per year for annual spending of up to £25,000, encouraging continued use of the card.

Point Validity

Points accumulated in the Membership Rewards program do not expire, as long as the card account is active and in good standing, providing flexibility for planning future redemptions.

Redemption Options

Points can be redeemed in various ways:

• Transfer to airline mileage programs, such as Avios and Virgin Points.
• Exchange for stays at partner hotels.
• Purchases at online retailers, such as Amazon.
• Payment of card statements.

This variety of options allows cardholders to choose the redemption method that best suits their needs and lifestyle.

Annual Fee: How Much It Costs and How to Justify the Investment

When considering a premium card like the Amex Gold, it’s natural for the question to arise: do the benefits justify the value of the annual fee? This is a legitimate question, especially when we think about cost-benefit in the long term.

Now, let’s detail the costs involved and objectively show how and when the annual fee is justified, especially for those who use the offered features wisely.

Annual Fee Cost

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold offers a free annual fee in the first year. From the second year onward, an annual fee of £195 is charged.

Justifying the Investment

For many users, the benefits offered by the card can outweigh the cost of the annual fee. For example:

• The monthly credits on Deliveroo total up to £120 per year.
• The four passes to VIP lounges can be worth significantly, depending on the frequency of travel.
• The rewards program allows you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for travel and purchases.

When considering these benefits, especially for those who travel frequently or regularly use food delivery services, the cost of the annual fee can be easily justified.

Main Information of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card (UK)

Category	Information
Annual Fee	£0 in the first year £195 from the second year onward
Welcome Bonus	Up to 20,000 Membership Rewards Points by spending £3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards Program	Membership Rewards®
Points Accumulation	– 3 pts/£1 on travel (Amex Travel) – 2 pts/£1 with airlines – 1 pt/£1 on other purchases
Points Validity	Do not expire, as long as the account is active
Points Redemption	Airline miles, hotels, online stores, card statement payments
Travel Benefits	– 4 free VIP lounge accesses/year – Travel insurance – Exclusive offers
International Acceptance	Wide international acceptance (occasional restrictions in the United Kingdom)

Requirements and Step-by-Step to Apply for the Card

Before getting your hands on an Amex Gold card, it is necessary to understand who can apply for it and what criteria are considered by the institution.

Eligibility is an important point to ensure that the card truly meets the client’s expectations and that they, in turn, fall within the profile desired by the issuer. Here, you will find all the requirements and a clear step-by-step to confidently make your application.

Basic Requirements

To qualify for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold, it is necessary to:

• Be a resident of the United Kingdom.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a bank account in the United Kingdom.
• Have a positive credit history.
• Not have held a personal American Express card in the last 24 months, in order to be eligible for the welcome bonus.

Step-by-Step to Apply

If you have already verified that you meet the required criteria and are ready to take the next step, this section will show you how to start and complete your application, highlighting the precautions you should take at each stage to increase your chances of approval.

1. Access the website: First of all, tap the button below to access the official website:

2. Eligibility Check: Use the eligibility checker on the American Express website to verify if you qualify, without impacting your credit history.
3. Form Completion: Complete the online application form with your personal information, employment details, and income.
4. Application Submission: After reviewing the information, submit the application for analysis.
5. Approval and Card Delivery: If approved, you will receive the card by post within a few business days.
6. Card Activation: Activate your card through the American Express app or the official website.

Differences in Relation to Other American Express Cards

American Express offers different card options, each with specific advantages aimed at different audiences.

To make a sound decision, it is essential to compare the Preferred Rewards Gold with other products in the lineup, such as the Green and the Platinum.

Here, we will show how the Gold positions itself among these cards and what are the main differences that make it unique.

Comparison with the American Express Green

The American Express Green is a more basic option, with fewer benefits and a lower annual fee. It may be suitable for those who are starting to explore premium credit cards, but it offers fewer rewards and advantages compared to the Gold.

Comparison with the American Express Platinum

The American Express Platinum offers even more exclusive benefits, such as unlimited access to VIP lounges and elite status in hotel loyalty programs. However, it comes with a significantly higher annual fee. The Gold serves as an intermediate option, offering a balance between benefits and cost.

Who Should Consider the American Express Gold?

Not every card is for everyone — and the Amex Gold is no exception. Designed for a specific consumer profile, it delivers maximum value when used strategically and consciously.

Now, let’s outline the ideal profile of the card user, highlighting spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals that match the benefits offered.

Frequent Travelers

If you travel regularly, the VIP lounge passes, point accumulation on travel purchases, and hotel benefits make this card a valuable choice.

Gastronomic Experience Enthusiasts

The monthly credits on Deliveroo and the possibility of accumulating points in restaurants make this card an excellent option for those who enjoy culinary experiences.

Consumers Seeking Rewards

If you want to maximize the benefits of your daily purchases, the flexible rewards program of the American Express Gold offers various redemption options that may align with your interests.

Points of Attention

Despite its many advantages, no card is free from points that require attention. Knowing what to watch out for before applying for the American Express Gold is essential to avoid frustrations and ensure a positive experience.

Below, we will highlight the main precautions you should take — from card acceptance in different establishments to issues related to responsible use and credit analysis.

Card Acceptance

Although American Express acceptance has increased in the United Kingdom, there may still be establishments that do not accept the brand. It is important to have an alternative card for such situations.

Annual Fee Cost

After the first free year, the annual fee of £195 can be significant. Evaluate whether the offered benefits justify this cost based on your spending habits.

Credit Requirements

Card approval is subject to credit analysis. Make sure your credit history is in good standing before applying.

Is It Worth It? Final Conclusion

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold goes far beyond being just a credit card — it is a true facilitator of experiences, rewards, and comfort.

With a points program that truly delivers value, generous bonuses, VIP lounge access, monthly credits in popular services, and zero annual fee in the first year, it is ideal for those who want to turn their spending into tangible returns.

But just as important as choosing a good card is comparing it with other equally advantageous options. And if you’re looking for direct cashback in categories like restaurants, entertainment, and groceries, with no annual fee, the next content is for you.

Access the next article and discover how the Capital One SavorOne can be the perfect alternative for those who want to earn on every purchase — hassle-free.