Bonus Points to Free Travel: A Guide to Amex® Preferred Rewards Gold

Dining perks, travel points, lounge access – we’ll show you how to make every benefit of the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold count.

The American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is more than a travel companion — it’s a lifestyle tool designed to elevate how UK consumers spend, earn, and enjoy their money. While the first-year benefits are eye-catching, seasoned cardholders know the real magic happens with strategy and consistency.

This advanced guide reveals practical ways to maximise its perks, answer key questions, and ensure you extract more than £500 in yearly value from your card.

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

🧠 Strategic Usage: How to Get the Most from Your Gold Card

1. Optimise Your Points: Use the Bonus Categories Fully

• Earn 2 points per £1 on all travel and overseas spend (airfare, hotels, trains)
• Use for everyday categories — groceries, streaming, transport — to steadily build your point balance
• Add a supplementary cardholder (free) to hit bonus thresholds faster

2. Always Redeem the Monthly Dining Credit

Available at selected restaurants, dining credit resets each calendar month. That’s £120 in annual value—free—if used properly.

✅ Popular partners have included:

• The Ivy Collection
• Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
• Prezzo
• Jamie Oliver’s venues

Check your Amex app regularly to see updated venues.

3. Monitor and Use Your “Amex Offers”

From Harvey Nichols to Deliveroo and Selfridges, you’ll find targeted cashback and bonus point promotions via the Offers tab in your app.

💡 Pro Tip: Stack offers with the dining credit and retailer sales to triple your benefit.

✈️ Travel Smart: Making the Most of Lounge Access and Points Transfers

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

The American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card offers 4 free Priority Pass™ lounge visits per year.

Best Airline Transfer Partners

Maximise your Membership Rewards® points by transferring to:

• British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Emirates Skywards
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

🛫 Always plan ahead and compare point-to-cash value before transferring.

🔍 Lesser-Known Benefits You Might Be Missing

Purchase Protection

Covers most items against accidental damage or theft for 90 days.

Refund Protection

Amex may refund purchases up to £300 if the retailer won’t.

Global Assist®

24/7 help for medical, legal or financial emergencies abroad — even in non-English-speaking countries.

American Express Experiences

Priority tickets and invites to concerts, theatre, food and fashion events in London and other UK cities.

📊 Value Breakdown: Is the Annual Fee Worth It?

After Year 1, the card costs £195/year, but here’s how savvy users earn it back:

🔄 When It’s Time to Downgrade or Pause

Consider switching to the free Amex Rewards Credit Card if:

• You don’t travel or dine out often
• You’ve used the welcome bonus and don’t plan to refer others
• You want to preserve your Membership Rewards points while pausing premium fees

🧠 Tip: Downgrade before your annual fee hits to avoid automatic billing.

🆚 Should You Consider Other Cards?

Conclusion: The American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card hits a strong balance — premium perks with mid-range cost. It shines brightest for UK cardholders who travel at least twice a year, dine out monthly, and value flexibility in their rewards.

❓ Smart FAQ for Amex Gold Users

Can I downgrade the card after Year 1?

Yes. You can switch to the free Amex Rewards Credit Card to retain your Membership Rewards balance.

What’s the real value of MR points?

Around 0.8p–1.1p per point if used for flights or hotel bookings. Poorer value (~0.45p) for Amazon and statement credits.

How do referrals work?

You can earn 9,000 points per referral, capped at 90,000 points per year. Ideal for couples or friends.

Can I carry a balance?

No — this is a charge card, not a revolving credit card. Your balance is due in full every month.

Are there foreign transaction fees?

Yes — 2.99% applies on all overseas purchases, so it’s not ideal for everyday use abroad unless the points offset it.

How to Apply for the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card

To apply for the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, you must be 18 or older, a UK resident, and have a personal UK bank account. You’ll also need a good credit history and an annual income of at least.

The application process is done online through the official American Express UK website, and most applicants receive a decision within minutes. Make sure you haven’t held another American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points in the last 24 months, if you wish to qualify for the welcome bonus.

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