BonusCeilingAmerican Express Gold Card vs The Platinum Card from American Express: sign-up bonus comparison (Oct 2026)
American Express Gold Card: As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) ($325 annual fee). The Platinum Card from American Express: As high as 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) ($895 annual fee). American Express Gold Card needs less spending to earn its bonus. Data checked 2026-10-19; the right pick depends on which rewards you'll use and whether you can meet the spend with normal purchases.
By Tyler Kelly · Updated
| American Express Gold Card | The Platinum Card from American Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express | American Express |
| Type | Personal | Personal |
| Current offer | As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) | As high as 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) |
| Minimum spend | $8,000 in 6 months | $12,000 in 6 months |
| Annual fee | $325 | $895 |
| Earns | Membership Rewards points | Membership Rewards points |
| All-time high | 100,000 points (current 'as high as'; also 100,000 + up to $100 back on restaurants via a YMMV link, Jul 2024-Jan 2025) per Doctor of Credit | As high as 175,000 points (since Jun 2025) |
| vs. record | AT RECORD | AT RECORD |
| Issuer rules | Amex once-per-lifetime, Amex card families | Amex once-per-lifetime, Amex card families |
| Verified | Not fully, 2026-10-19 | Not fully, 2026-10-19 |
| Apply | American Express site | American Express site |
Frequently asked questions
Which has the bigger bonus, American Express Gold Card or The Platinum Card from American Express?
American Express Gold Card: As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies). The Platinum Card from American Express: As high as 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies). Both earn Membership Rewards points, so the headline numbers compare directly: The Platinum Card from American Express has the larger headline bonus.
Which bonus is easier to earn?
American Express Gold Card has the lower spend requirement.
Can I get both?
Possibly, if you meet each issuer's rules: American Express Gold Card: Amex once-per-lifetime, Amex card families; The Platinum Card from American Express: Amex once-per-lifetime, Amex card families.
Can I afford the minimum spend? → · How long to wait between bonuses
Bonus history: American Express Gold Card · The Platinum Card from American Express
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