Platinum Card® from American Express vs. American Express® Gold Card: A choice between travel and food rewards

The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card are two of our favorite cards because they both offer valuable rewards.

While one card offers more rewards for everyday purchases like restaurants and groceries, the other card features travel and lifestyle perks — potentially making them both great options to add to your wallet.

But which card is better? Let’s take a closer look to see if we can figure out which card is best for your needs.

• Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travelers
• American Express® Gold Card: Best for everyday expenses
• Platinum Card® from American Express vs. American Express® Gold Card
• What you need to know about each card

Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travelers

The Platinum Card® from American Express will pamper you with luxury. By offering airport lounge access and all sorts of travel credits, the card will help you enjoy a much smoother trip. It also offers a number of lifestyle perks that could appeal to people with high-end tastes.

American Express® Gold Card: Best for everyday expenses

Whether you prefer to eat out or cook at home, if you have a big appetite you’ll love the American Express® Gold Card.

You’ll be handsomely rewarded for purchases at both restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Plus, you could receive nearly enough food credits to offset the sizable annual fee.

Platinum Card® from American Express vs. American Express® Gold Card

What you need to know about each card

Let’s see how the Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card compare.

Annual fee: American Express® Gold Card is more affordable

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express charges a whopping $695 annual fee that could make your jaw drop. So in comparison, the American Express® Gold Card’s $325 annual fee doesn’t seem too bad.

Welcome bonus: Platinum Card® from American Express helps you earn more points

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a gigantic welcome bonus. You’ll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases during the first 6 months of card membership. Depending on how you redeem, we think it could be worth about $1,696, based on Credit Karma’s point valuations.

And though it’s lower, the American Express® Gold Card’s 60,000-point welcome bonus is nothing to shrug at. Depending on how you redeem the points, we think it could be worth an estimated $1,272. You’ll earn the bonus after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases during the first 6 months of card membership.

Heads up: When it comes to credit cards, welcome bonuses can and do change, and issuers sometimes advertise limited-time offers. You’ll want to check the latest offers for any credit card you’re interested in.

Travel: Platinum Card® from American Express offers more perks

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express is famous for providing complimentary access to some of the world’s top airport lounges, making it a good choice for frequent travelers.

And with the Platinum Card® from American Express, you can earn five points for every $1 spent booking flights directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year, then one point per $1. You’ll also earn five points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. All other purchases earn one point per $1.

You could also score extras like a $200 airline fee credit, a $199 Clear membership credit, a $120 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and a $200 hotel credit at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (which requires a minimum two-night stay). Cardholders also receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold status.

The American Express® Gold Card offers three points per $1 spent on flights booked with the airline or through American Express Travel, and two points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel expenses made through Amex. But you won’t find nearly as many travel perks as the Platinum Card® from American Express offers.

Everyday expenses: American Express® Gold Card has dining and grocery rewards

Here’s why: American Express® Gold Card offers more long-term value.

With the American Express® Gold Card, you’ll get four points for every $1 you spend at restaurants, on up to $50,000 each year, then one point per $1 — plus four points per $1 on the first $25,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets each year, then one point per $1. Purchases outside of bonus categories earn one point per $1 spent.

And you’ll also score a $120 dining credit, which you can use in $10 monthly increments on Grubhub and at select restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory. Cardholders also get $120 in Uber Cash, which you can use in $10 monthly increments by selecting your American Express card as the payment method on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides.

Lifestyle: Platinum Card® from American Express has lots of extras

Here’s why: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a number of lifestyle perks that aren’t available with the American Express® Gold Card.

These include a $300 Equinox credit, a $240 digital entertainment credit, a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue shopping credit and $800 in cellphone protection.

Not sure either card is for you? Consider these alternatives.

If neither of these cards is a good fit for you, you might be interested in one of these other options.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Good for people who want a premium rewards card that offers more flexible travel rewards.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Good for people who want grocery rewards for a lower annual fee.