The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for dining and grocery spending, but even with its $325 annual fee, it’s more effective when combined with other cards. Pairing strategic cards will unlock additional bonus categories, statement credits, and elite travel perks. This article reviews seven ideal cards to complement the Amex Gold and optimize your wallet strategy.
Supercharge Your Membership Rewards
Amex allows pooling points across multiple Membership Rewards (MR) cards, letting you earn and redeem in one place. Pairing MR cards is the simplest path to maximizing rewards.
American Express Platinum Card®
Many frequent travelers consider the Platinum Card first. It offers a substantial welcome bonus (up to 175,000 points after $12,000 spent in six months) and a $895 annual fee.
- Earning: 5x points on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1x on all other purchases.
- Benefits: Lounge access, elite hotel status (Marriott and Hilton), and various statement credits make this card ideal for those who travel often.
Cash Back Options for Flexibility
Cash back is the most flexible reward type. Pairing with cash-back cards fills gaps in the Amex Gold’s spending categories.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
This no-annual-fee card provides 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, online retail, and gas stations (up to $6,000 per year each), and 1% on everything else. It’s simple and effective for everyday spending. The welcome bonus can reach $200 after $2,000 spent in six months.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
For higher cash back rates, the Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services, 3% on transit and gas, and 1% elsewhere. It has a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year). This card is perfect for those who spend heavily on groceries.
Leverage Travel Loyalty Programs
If you prioritize a specific airline or hotel, cobranded cards can significantly boost your rewards.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles (70,000 after $3,000 spent + 20,000 after an additional $2,000) with this card. It offers 2x points on Delta purchases, restaurants, and supermarkets. Benefits include free checked bags and priority boarding.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Earn 130,000 bonus points after $3,000 spent in six months. This card provides 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and complimentary Gold status (with the potential to earn Diamond status). It’s a strong choice for frequent Hilton guests.
Diversify Your Points Portfolio
Having cards that earn different currencies expands your redemption options.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This card offers 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, groceries, and streaming, and 2x on other travel purchases. A $95 annual fee accompanies the potential to earn 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 spent in three months. Chase points are highly valuable and transfer to partners like Hyatt and Southwest.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Venture Rewards card provides a straightforward 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, with 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. A $95 annual fee buys access to a simple rewards system with flexible redemption options or transfers to airline and hotel partners.
Conclusion
The American Express Gold is powerful on its own, but pairing it with complementary cards unlocks maximum value. Choose cards that align with your spending habits and travel preferences to optimize your rewards earnings. Whether you seek cash back, travel perks, or diversified points, a well-rounded wallet strategy will deliver the greatest financial benefits.
