Why the Amex Gold is actually better than the Platinum for foodies

We get this question a lot: “I’m new to points. Which Amex should I get first — the Gold or the Platinum?”

For most foodies, the answer is the Gold. Here’s why.

The earning rate math

The Amex Gold earns 4x Membership Rewards at restaurants worldwide (including delivery) and at U.S. supermarkets, up to a generous annual cap.

The Platinum earns 1x at the same merchants.

If your household spends $1,500/month at restaurants and groceries, that’s:

• Gold: 6,000 points/month → 72,000 points/year ≈ $1,400 in transfer-partner value
• Platinum: 1,500 points/month → 18,000 points/year ≈ $350 in transfer-partner value

That’s a $1,000+ annual swing in points value, on the same spend.

When Platinum still wins

If you travel internationally 6+ times per year, the Platinum’s Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and airline incidentals credits can flip the math. But for the casual traveler who eats out, Gold first is almost always the right answer.