Amex Gold Card Holders Must Activate Perks or Lose Hundreds

New American Express Gold Card holders are required to enroll in five key benefits to offset its $325 annual fee. To unlock full value, cardholders must activate dining credits at partners like Grubhub and Five Guys, as well as Uber Cash, Resy credits, Dunkin' credits, and Hertz Gold+ Five Star status.

The Amex Gold Card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar on dining and U.S. supermarkets up to annual caps. It also grants Hertz Gold+ Five Star status for upgrades and bonus points. All benefits require enrollment via the company's site or app, and unused credits do not roll over.

Unused monthly credits vanish, turning potential savings into lost value, especially critical given the card’s steep annual fee. Failing to enroll means missing hundreds in statement credits and elite rental perks. The one-time $96 Uber One credit expires on October 30, while Resy offers two $50 credits annually.

Dunkin’ provides $7 monthly credits, which require enrollment and direct payment with the card. Unused monthly credits at partners like Grubhub can be covered by the dining credit, but only if enrolled. Timely activation and usage are essential to justify the annual fee, given that unused credits do not roll over.