While the standard public offer is 100,000 points, Amex is currently showing several higher versions depending on how you apply.
- Targeted in-account offer for existing Amex cardholders. If you already have Amex cards, check first to see whether you have the targeted 200K offer inside your account. Here’s a direct link.
- Referral offer. Referral links can sometimes display a higher welcome offer than the standard public version, and that includes my own referral link, which surfaced a 175K offer on December 2nd after about ten attempts. These elevated referral offers aren’t fixed, they refresh based on your browser, cookies, and session, so it can take a few tries to trigger the highest version available.
- Dynamic “as high as” offer for new applicants If you’re new to the Amex Business Gold, or you aren’t able to surface the higher referral offer, it’s worth checking the “as high as” option before applying. In my case, the “as high as” screen showed a potential offer of up to 200K points. Amex doesn’t run a hard inquiry until you accept the final offer, so you can safely see what you’re eligible for first. I was able to trigger this elevated version by clicking through from a paid Google ad on desktop, even though I couldn’t get it to appear through direct links.
Key Facts About Business Gold
The Amex Business Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points on your top two spending categories each billing cycle from the following list:
- U.S. media providers for advertising (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
- U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- U.S. gas stations
- Transit, including trains, rideshares, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a U.S. provider
The 4X rate applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year, then earns 1X thereafter.
Other key perks include:
- Ability to transfer points to over 20 airline and hotel partners
- Up to $240 in statement credits annually ($20 per month) for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores (enrollment required)
- Up to $12.95 back each month for a Walmart+ membership when you use the card to pay (enrollment required; Plus Ups excluded)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual fee of $375
My Best Use of American Express Membership Rewards
Once you’re approved for the Amex Business Gold Card and complete the minimum spend, you’ll earn the welcome bonus plus the points from your actual spending. Even if none of that spend earns 4X points, you’ll still come out with a substantial balance of Membership Rewards points.
Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of redemption strategies, and here’s what consistently gives me the best value.
Transferring to Airline Partners
I most often transfer my points to airline partners, which is usually where you’ll find the highest value. My favorite transfer partner is Air Canada Aeroplan. Since I’m based in Chicago, I have access to many United flights, and Aeroplan is part of the Star Alliance network, which includes United.
For more on how I plan and find these trips, see:
Using the Amex Business Platinum 35% Rebate
In addition to the Amex Business Gold, I also carry the Amex Business Platinum Card. One of its most valuable perks is the 35% points rebate on flights booked through Amex Travel when using Pay with Points.
Here’s how it works:
- Book flights through Amex Travel using points
- Receive 35% of your points back when flying with your selected airline
- This gives an effective redemption value of about 1.54 cents per point
For example, if a $1,000 flight costs 100,000 points, you’ll get 35,000 points back, lowering your effective cost to 65,000 points. With a family of five, this feature helps cover flights that might not be available as award tickets during peak seasons.
When to Transfer to Hotels
While some people transfer Amex points to Hilton Honors, I don’t find Hilton as valuable as it once was due to recent devaluations. I personally prefer Hyatt hotels, though they aren’t a direct transfer partner.
For those looking to redeem points for hotel stays, check out:
Additional Tips for Maximizing Value for the Gold Card
A few other strategies I use to make the most of Membership Rewards points:
- Watch for transfer bonuses, which can increase value by 20% or more
- Be aware of the small fee when transferring to U.S.-based airlines (0.0006 per point, up to $99)
- Focus spending in categories that earn high rewards, like online advertising
- I usually use the $20 monthly credit at office supply stores to buy Chewy gift cards, which I then use to order dog food. Since that’s an ongoing expense for us, this perk effectively offsets $240 of the annual fee each year and makes the card worth keeping. I can’t say the same about the Walmart+ subscription, which I also have but don’t get much value from.
