One of the most common questions I get asked is:
“Should I get Amex Gold or Amex Platinum?”
The truth is there isn’t a single answer.
The better card depends on your travel habits, spending patterns and what you’re hoping to achieve.
I’ve held both cards and continue to use them for different reasons.
Let’s break it down.
The Quick Answer
If you’re new to points and travel rewards, I’d usually start with Amex Gold.
If you travel regularly and can genuinely use the benefits, I’d consider Amex Platinum.
Both cards earn Membership Rewards points.
The difference is everything around the points.
Why I Like Amex Gold
If I was starting my points journey from scratch today, Gold would probably be my first card.
Why?
Because it keeps things simple.
You earn Membership Rewards points which can later be converted into Avios.
That flexibility is extremely valuable for beginners.
Best Features
- Membership Rewards points
- Flexible airline transfers
- Beginner friendly
- Lower commitment than Platinum
- Strong welcome offer potential
Best For
- Beginners
- Avios collectors
- People new to points
- Those wanting flexible rewards
Why I Like Amex Platinum
Platinum is a very different card.
I don’t keep Platinum primarily because of the points.
I keep it because of the travel benefits.
The Benefits I Use Most
- Airport lounge access
- Hotel status
- Travel insurance
- Dining benefits
- Travel offers
If you’re travelling regularly, these benefits can significantly improve the travel experience.
Best For
- Frequent travellers
- Airport lounge users
- Hotel guests
- People who can maximise the benefits
My Biggest Mistake
When people compare Gold and Platinum, they often focus entirely on points.
That’s a mistake.
The decision should be based on value.
Ask yourself:
- Will I actually use airport lounges?
- Do I stay in hotels regularly?
- Will I use the travel benefits?
- Can I justify the annual fee?
If the answer is no, Platinum becomes much harder to justify.
My Personal View
For most people:
Winner: Amex Gold
Why?
Because flexibility is powerful.
Gold gives beginners a strong introduction to points without the higher annual fee and complexity of Platinum.
When Platinum Wins
Platinum becomes the better option if:
- You travel frequently
- You use airport lounges
- You stay in hotels regularly
- You maximise the included benefits
In that situation, the value can be excellent.
My Current Strategy
I use different cards for different jobs.
- Amex Gold for flexible points
- Amex Platinum for travel benefits
- Barclaycard Avios for non-Amex spending
- Barclays Avios Rewards for passive Avios earning
I don’t look for one perfect card.
I look for a system.
Final Verdict
If you’re just getting started:
Amex Gold is the card I’d recommend first.
If you’re already travelling frequently and know you’ll use the benefits:
Amex Platinum can be an excellent upgrade.
The most important thing isn’t choosing the perfect card.
It’s choosing a card that supports your travel goals.
New To Points?
Download my Free Avios Starter Checklist or explore the Points To Planes Playbook for my complete strategy on earning and using Avios effectively.