Updated April 2026
Amex Gold vs Platinum Points:
Earning Rates and What They're Worth
Both cards earn Membership Rewards points, but in very different categories. Gold wins on everyday spend; Platinum wins on travel. Here is the full breakdown.
Earn Rates by Category
| Spending Category | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining (worldwide)Up to $50k/yr | 4x | 1x | Gold |
| US SupermarketsUp to $25k/yr | 4x | 1x | Gold |
| Flights (direct or Amex Travel)Up to $500k/yr | 3x | 5x | Platinum |
| Prepaid Hotels (Amex Travel) | 1x | 5x | Platinum |
| Everything else | 1x | 1x | Tie |
Real Household Earning Comparison
Sample: $1,500/month on dining + groceries, 8 flights/year ($250 avg fare), $3,000/year on hotels.
Amex Gold Annual Earn
Dining + groceries ($1,500/mo)
$18,000 x 4x
Flights ($2,000/yr)
$2,000 x 3x
Hotels ($3,000/yr)
$3,000 x 1x
Amex Platinum Annual Earn
Dining + groceries ($1,500/mo)
$18,000 x 1x
Flights ($2,000/yr via Amex Travel)
$2,000 x 5x
Hotels ($3,000/yr via Amex Travel)
$3,000 x 5x
For this household profile, Gold earns nearly twice the points value. Platinum closes the gap via credits and travel benefits -- but from a pure points perspective, Gold wins for food-heavy spenders.
What Is a Membership Rewards Point Worth?
~0.6 cents
Cash back
Worst value
~0.7-1 cent
Gift cards
Below average
~1 cent
Amex Travel portal
Average
1.5-3+ cents
Airline transfers
Best value
Membership Rewards Transfer Partners (2026)
| Partner | Type | Ratio | Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Airline | 1:1 | High | Frequent bonus promos (30-40%) |
| ANA Mileage Club | Airline | 1:1 | Very High | Best for United J/F partner redemptions |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | Airline | 1:1 | Very High | Periodic 30% transfer bonuses |
| British Airways Avios | Airline | 1:1 | High | Good for short-haul + Qatar redemptions |
| Delta SkyMiles | Airline | 1:1 | Medium | Dynamic pricing reduces sweet spots |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Airline | 1:1 | High | Premium Asia-Pacific redemptions |
| Emirates Skywards | Airline | 1:1 | High | Premium first class |
| Avianca LifeMiles | Airline | 1:1 | High | Star Alliance partner redemptions |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Airline | 1:0.8 | Low | 0.8 MR = 1 TrueBlue point |
| Hilton Honors | Hotel | 1:2 | Low-Medium | 2 Hilton points per 1 MR |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel | 1:1 | Medium | Better for Category 1-4 awards |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Membership Rewards point worth in 2026?
Membership Rewards point value depends heavily on how you redeem. Cash back is the worst option at approximately 0.6 cents per point. Amex Travel portal is around 1 cent per point. Transferring to airline partners can yield 1.5 to 2 cents or more -- with the best sweet spots being ANA business class, Air France/KLM business class (via Flying Blue), and Singapore Airlines suites. The theoretical max for premium cabin bookings can exceed 3 cents per point.
Does Amex Gold earn points at US supermarkets?
Yes. Gold earns 4x Membership Rewards at US supermarkets, capped at $25,000 in purchases per year (after which it drops to 1x). This includes major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club are excluded. Specialty grocery stores may or may not qualify depending on their merchant category code.
Does Amex Platinum earn on everyday spending?
The Platinum earns 1x on most everyday spending -- groceries, gas, and general purchases. Its strength is 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per year) and 5x on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel. For cardholders who spend heavily on flights and hotels, the 5x earn is exceptional. For general spending, the Platinum is a poor everyday card.
What are the best Amex transfer partners in 2026?
The most valuable Amex transfer partners for premium travel redemptions include: ANA Mileage Club (excellent for United partner flights), Air France/KLM Flying Blue (good for Delta and Air France business class, with regular bonus transfer promotions), Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (excellent for premium cabins, especially with periodic 30% bonuses), and British Airways Avios (good for short-haul redemptions and Qatar Airways). Delta SkyMiles transfers are generally less valuable due to Delta's dynamic pricing.