American Express Preferred Rewards Gold: How to Maximise Every Point Earned

Get exclusive travel perks, generous bonus points and smart everyday rewards — without paying an annual fee in year one.

Whether you’re planning a city break, booking flights for work, or just ordering dinner on a Tuesday night, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card turns every spend into something more. It’s not just about points — it’s about unlocking meaningful rewards that reflect how you live. Let’s walk through what makes the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold one of the smartest choices for UK spenders who expect a little extra.

CREDIT CARD

American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold

Welcome Bonus Enjoy airport lounge passes yearly

SEE HOW TO APPLY You will remain on the current site

The Practical Guide to Using Your Amex Gold Daily

Getting the most from this card means using it for more than just the big expenses. Book your flights? Yes. Pay for that round of drinks? Also yes.

The Membership Rewards® points system is where the real value lies. Here’s the breakdown:

• 3 points per £1 spent on Amex Travel
• 2 points per £1 on direct airline purchases
• 1 point per £1 on all other spending
• Up to 12,500 bonus points annually (£2,500 per £5,000 spent, up to 5x/year)

You’ll also receive 4 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year, perfect if you travel even just occasionally. And don’t forget the £10 monthly cashback on Deliveroo — that’s £120 a year for your go-to takeaway.

Smart Hacks Most Cardholders Don’t Know

The savvy few get even more from their American Express Preferred Rewards Gold by applying a few underrated tricks:

1. Use Curve or Billhop to pay bills that don’t accept Amex — like council tax or rent — and still earn points.
2. Split large purchases over £100 using Plan It™, turning them into instalments with a fixed fee (no interest, no extra checks).
3. Gift cards from restaurants or shops in 3x categories (like Amex Travel partners) let you bank higher points now and spend later.
4. Double-dip with cashback platforms and Amex Offers simultaneously.
5. Refer friends — earn 9,000 points per referral, up to 90,000 yearly.

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re simple habits that help turn regular spending into flights, hotel stays or just a smaller statement balance.

How to Truly Maximise the Card’s Value

Redeeming points well is just as important as earning them. Some redemptions stretch your rewards further than others.

• Flight redemptions through British Airways Avios or Emirates Skywards often deliver the best £/point value.
• Hotel bookings via Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors offer excellent value for city breaks.
• Statement credits are fast and flexible — ideal when cash is tight.
• Shop with Points with Amazon, John Lewis or Selfridges — simple and seamless.

Example: 25,000 points can be exchanged for up to £125 in gift cards. But if transferred to Avios during a bonus promo? That’s potentially £200+ in flight value.

Alternatives That Might Fit You Better

Here’s a look at how the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold stacks up against other strong options in the UK market:

If you want more travel insurance, hotel statuses and global perks, Platinum may suit you. But if you’re after value without upfront cost, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is often the better fit.

Who’s Eligible – Requirements to Qualify

Before you apply, make sure you meet these criteria:

• 18 years or older
• UK bank or building society account
• Permanent UK address
• No history of bad debt
• Minimum £20,000 annual income
• Haven’t held another personal Amex in the past 24 months

If you tick all the boxes, you’re good to go. Remember, eligibility for the 30,000-point welcome bonus depends on meeting all these conditions and spending £3,000 in the first 3 months.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Amex UK website and locate the Gold Card page.
2. Click “Apply with Confidence” to begin a soft check (won’t affect your credit).
3. Fill out your personal details, income, employment status and bank info.
4. Submit and get an instant decision in most cases.
5. If approved, your card arrives in 3–5 business days — and you can use the number right away via Apple or Google Pay.

Top tip: activate all your perks (Deliveroo, lounge access, Amex Offers) through the Amex app immediately.

FAQ – What Most People Don’t Ask (But Should)

Q1: Are the 4 lounge visits renewed yearly?

Yes — they reset every year on your account anniversary.

Q2: Do points ever expire?

No — as long as your account is active and in good standing, points don’t expire.

Q3: Can I pay off my holiday in instalments with Plan It™?

Yes. Any purchase over £100 can be split into monthly payments with a fixed fee, and you still earn points.

Q4: Does using Deliveroo cashback reduce my points?

No — you earn points as normal, and the £5 is returned as statement credit. Win-win.

Q5: Will holding this card affect my ability to get a mortgage?

Not if managed responsibly. In fact, building a solid credit history can be a plus.

Q6: Can I add someone else to the account?

Yes — you can request a supplementary card at no extra cost, and their spending earns you points too.

Is the Gold Card Worth It?

Honestly, if you’re spending regularly on travel, dining or lifestyle expenses, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is a no-brainer. With a zero annual fee in year one, you’re essentially test-driving a premium card risk-free. The 30,000-point bonus alone can be worth several hundred pounds if used smartly.

Beyond that, the lounge access, Deliveroo credit, and rich Amex Offers programme make it feel less like a tool and more like a lifestyle upgrade. And thanks to flexible point redemptions and added protection (like refund cover and travel insurance), it’s a smart financial product too.

Want to learn how to pair this card with a second Amex or Avios option to build the ultimate points setup? Let’s dive in next.

CREDIT CARD

American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold

Welcome Bonus Enjoy airport lounge passes yearly

SEE HOW TO APPLY You will remain on the current site