Identical title, totally different playing cards: Learn how to distinguish the Amex Gold card from the authorized-user Gold card

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

While The Platinum Card® from American Express is a lucrative, premium card in and of itself, you can also share its perks with authorized users.

There are two ways to go about this. You can either pay an additional $195 per year for up to three authorized users who get their own Platinum authorized user cards (see rates and fees). Or, there’s a no additional fee option where you can add Gold Card authorized users to your Platinum Card (see rates and fees).

However, this version of the Gold Card is not the same as the American Express® Gold Card that many know and love. They may look similar on the outside, but they’re made up of entirely different ingredients.

This distinction can lead to some confusion for those expecting to get the better-known version of the Amex Gold Card and its valuable perks.

So if you have an Amex Platinum and you add a Gold Card for free, will that Gold Card honor this point structure? The short answer is no. Although they share a similar name and a familiar look, these are two entirely different products. Let’s take a closer look.

Related: Why you should add authorized users on your Amex Platinum

What “Gold Card” do authorized users get?

In order to get an authorized user (AU) Gold card, you must first own the Amex Platinum Card and pay that card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). You’ll then be able to order Gold cards for authorized users for no additional fee (see rates and fees). Just like the personal Platinum Card, Gold card AUs earn:

• 5 points per dollar for the primary account on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1 point per dollar on all other spending. Terms apply

Each additional card is eligible for one statement credit every four years toward the Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee (up to $100). Incidental air travel fees charged by both Platinum and Gold cardmembers are eligible for statement credits (up to $200 annually).

However, authorized user Gold cardholders are not eligible for Priority Pass Select membership or for access to Centurion Lounges, nor are they eligible for other perks such as annual Uber credits (for U.S. services) and elite status at certain hotels and rental car agencies.

Enrollment required for select benefits. 

If you’re interested in the perks not included on the authorized user cards, you may want to spring for Platinum authorized user cards, which cost $195 a year for up to three additional cards (see rates and fees).

Benefits of applying for the Amex Gold card

The good news is having a Gold authorized user card won’t prevent you from earning the welcome bonus on the Amex Gold Card, with its $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Eligible new Amex Gold cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points when they spend $6,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership when they apply for and are approved for a new account. Since TPG currently values Membership Rewards points at 2.0 cents each, the bonus is worth $1,200. You should also check the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for a 75,000-point Gold Card offer (subject to change at any time).

You’ll also earn the previously mentioned 4 points per dollar at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; 1 point per dollar after), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com and 1 point per dollar on all other spending.

As for perks, the Amex Gold Card earns up to $120 in annual credits toward dining at participating partners each calendar year. And up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. Just make sure to add your Gold Card to your Uber account first. Enrollment required.

Bottom line

Note that all of the previous section applies to the standalone Amex Gold product. The no-fee authorized user Gold card available via the Amex Platinum doesn’t get those perks or feature the same points-earning structure.

Additionally, the Gold authorized user card is plastic, while the standalone Amex Gold card is made of metal. To learn more about these cards, check out our full reviews of the Amex Platinum and the Amex Gold.

Apply here: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply here: American Express® Gold Card

Check the CardMatch tool first for an elevated welcome offer on both cards.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.