The pandemic has changed spending habits for card holders and we’ve seen credit card issuers adding unique and exciting perks to their portfolio of cards to entice customers to keep their card at the top of their wallet.
Well, Amex just made a massive change with the American Express Gold card…
THE CARD FOR FOODIES
Starting in early 2021, the Gold card will receive $10 per month in Uber Cash (up to $120 annually) which can be used to catch an Uber or used on Uber Eats. If you’re familiar with Amex Platinum card [READ MORE], it works in the same fashion.
The Gold card already includes:
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery)
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year) and;
- a $10 monthly dining credit towards Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Boxed and participating Shake Shack locations.
Adding the Uber/Uber Eats cash just sweetens the deal (no pun intended).
But I think we can agree that if you consider yourself a “foodie” (or just like simply enjoy eating), this is the card that you need for you wallet.
ADDITIONAL CHANGES
There is (somewhat) bad news. If you picked up this card for $100 airline fee credit, it will be disappearing in January of 2022. Depending on how you value that credit, it could possibly be a deal breaker on whether you keep the card long-term.
$340 WORTH OF VALUE
If you’re planning to obtain this card or already a card member, and you’re lining up the dates, you’ll recognize there’s a unique opportunity to receive outsized value from the Gold card. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the math easy…
- the airline credit disappears in 2022 but is still good for 2021 ($100 value)
- Uber Cash added in early 2021 (up to $120 annual value)*
- $10 monthly dining credit towards Grubhub, Shake Shack, etc. ($120 value)
*Note: this is a permanent benefit (not temporary)
In other words, I see $340 worth of value on a card that has a $250 annual fee. And that doesn’t account for any value that you may receive from other benefits (e.g. Amex offers) throughout the entire year of 2021.
CHANGES TO OTHER CARDS
In addition to the new credit for the Gold card, Amex also announced that the Amex Platinum, Amex Green, and Amex Gold [MORE INFO HERE] will also receive access to a complimentary Uber Eats Pass Membership (valid for up to 12 months).
If you’re not familiar with Uber Eats Pass, it’s a $9.99 monthly subscription that offers unlimited free delivery and 5% off orders over $15.
At the minimum, $9.99 x 12 months is a value of ~ $120 worth of value…for free. However, if you have any of these cards, you have to enroll before 31 December 2021.
FINAL STAMP
Personally, I value the $100 airline fee credit at $0 because it’s extremely rare that I am paying for any incidentals when it comes to an airline (e.g. bag fees, airplane meals, etc.).
However, the way I see it, if you solely maximize the Uber cash and the dining credit perk, the effective annual fee — in 2022 and beyond — is $10.
And don’t forget, the Amex Gold card is currently offering 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Yes…6 months!!
The card was already at the front of my wallet but considering most of my purchases at food-related due to the current pandemic, I think it just cemented its spot and will remain there long-term.
What do you think about these developments?
Let’s get straight to the point…some of the links on this site pay 1TattedPassport a referral bonus for anyone that is approved. For our complete advertising policy and details about our partners, please click HERE. Although using the links are completely optional, we are eternally grateful when you do.
1TattedPassport 