Ruth Haines
American Express, or Amex, is a popular credit card company that offers a range of benefits to its customers. One benefit that travellers are often interested in is airport lounge access. While the American Express Gold Card and the American Express Business Gold Card are popular choices, they do not come with airport lounge access as a standard feature in the US. However, Gold Card members in the UK and Canada have complimentary lounge access, with some limitations. For example, in the UK, cardholders receive four complimentary visits per year to Priority Pass lounges, while in Canada, cardholders receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| American Express Gold Card lounge access in the US | No |
| American Express Gold Card lounge access in the UK | Yes, four visits per year |
| American Express Gold Card lounge access in Canada | Yes, complimentary Priority Pass membership |
| Annual fee for American Express Gold Card | $325 |
| Annual fee for The Platinum Card from American Express | $695 |
Explore related products
$29.99 $31.99
$25.99 $31.99
$39.98
What You'll Learn
US Amex Gold Cards don't offer lounge access
Unfortunately, the American Express® Gold Card and the American Express® Business Gold Card do not offer lounge access in the United States. However, there are a few other Amex cards that do provide this benefit. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, but it has a higher annual fee of $695. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is another option that includes lounge access, although the rates and fees differ.
If you are set on sticking with the American Express ecosystem, there are alternatives to the Gold Cards that will grant you lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is one such option, with rates and fees available to view online.
While the American Express Gold Cards do not offer lounge access in the US, they do come with a variety of other benefits. These perks are mostly food-focused, such as monthly statement credits for Uber or UberEats, Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment is required for some of these benefits. The cards also offer strong earnings on food purchases and decent travel insurance, including trip delay insurance.
In addition to the food-related advantages, the Gold Cards provide benefits such as up to $120 a year in Uber Cash for rides and Eats orders in the US, earning up to $20 in statement credits monthly for eligible US purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores, and getting up to $12.95 back in statement credits each month for a monthly Walmart+ membership. Terms and conditions apply to these benefits, and enrollment may be required for some.
Although the American Express Gold Cards do not grant lounge access in the United States, they offer a range of other perks that may still make them a valuable choice for cardholders, especially those who appreciate the food-related benefits and travel insurance coverage.
Orlando Airport Car Rentals: Your Ultimate Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$27.53 $46.99
$28.99 $54.99
$16.79 $23.99
UK Amex Gold Cards offer Priority Pass membership
UK-based American Express Gold Cardholders are in luck as they get two complimentary lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges globally. This is in contrast to the United States, where the American Express Gold Card and American Express Business Gold Card do not offer complimentary lounge access.
In the UK, Gold Cardmembers can enjoy complimentary Priority Pass membership, with four complimentary lounge visits every year. Additional visits for cardholders or guests can be purchased at the prevailing rate.
To enrol in Priority Pass, you must agree to share your personal information with the company, who will use it solely for the purpose of providing their services. You will receive your Priority Pass membership card within 28 working days of applying for your Gold Card, or you can get a digital card via the Priority Pass app.
To access a Priority Pass lounge, simply present your Priority Pass membership card and boarding pass. In some lounges, members must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Members can bring one guest into the lounge at no charge, with additional guests charged at the prevailing retail rate.
Airport X-rays: Are Your Edibles at Risk?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$24.99 $29.99
$39.99 $47.99
Canadian Amex Gold Cards offer Priority Pass membership
While the American Express Gold Card and the American Express Business Gold Card do not offer airport lounge access in the US, it is a different story in the UK and Canada. In the UK, cardholders get two complimentary lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges globally.
In Canada, American Express Gold Cardholders receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass. Enrollment is required, and cardholders will receive their Priority Pass card and membership package within 10-14 business days. Basic American Express Gold Rewards Cardmembers are eligible for four complimentary visits per calendar year to Canadian Plaza Premium Lounges. After the four complimentary visits, cardholders may continue to visit the lounges for a usage fee at the prevailing rate.
The American Express Gold Card does provide a variety of other benefits, including monthly statement credits, strong earnings on food purchases, and complimentary travel insurance. Cardholders can also get up to $120 a year in Uber Cash for Eats orders and rides in the US, and up to $12.95 back in statement credits each month for a monthly Walmart+ membership.
Sleeping at Reagan Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$37.99 $54.99
$41.99 $49.99
$27.19 $33.99
Platinum Cards offer more lounge access than Gold
While the American Express Gold Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards and receive travel benefits, it does not come with lounge access in the US. However, Gold Card members in the UK get two complimentary lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges globally. Canadian-based Gold Cardholders also receive complimentary membership in Priority Pass. Additionally, Gold Card members in the UK can enjoy four complimentary lounge visits per year.
On the other hand, The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express offer access to airport lounges worldwide. This includes access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges. To gain access, cardholders must enrol in Priority Pass Select on the Amex website or by calling Platinum Travel Services. Once enrolled, cardholders can present their Priority Pass card, government-issued identification, and same-day boarding pass to gain access to Priority Pass lounges.
The Platinum Card from American Express offers a premium experience with a premium price tag. In addition to lounge access, cardholders can enjoy benefits such as hotel elite status and annual statement credits. For business travellers, the Amex Business Platinum Card provides excellent value with unlimited access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide for less than the cost of purchasing day passes.
Overall, while the American Express Gold Card offers a variety of benefits, those seeking airport lounge access may find more value in upgrading to the Platinum Card option. The Platinum Card provides extensive lounge access not only in Delta-affiliated lounges but also in various lounge networks worldwide, making it a lucrative choice for frequent travellers.
Backpack Airport Travel: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$29.44 $39.89
Centurion Cards offer the most lounge access
While the American Express Gold Card and the American Express Business Gold Card do not offer airport lounge access in the US, they do provide some benefits. The Gold Card is available in the UK and Canada, and each version has different benefits. The UK Gold Card offers two complimentary lounge visits per year at over 1,200 airport lounges globally, while the Canadian Gold Card provides complimentary membership in Priority Pass. The UK Gold Card also comes with a £300 global dining credit, and the ability to earn £5 back twice every month on Deliveroo orders.
The Centurion Card, on the other hand, offers the most lounge access. Centurion Lounges are exclusive airport lounges located in major airports around the world. Access is complimentary for Centurion cardholders, and they can bring up to two guests or their immediate family into any Centurion Lounge for free. Centurion Lounges offer elevated food and drinks, including an assortment of hot and cold foods featuring regionally-sourced ingredients developed by award-winning chefs, as well as signature cocktails, premium spirits, and extensive wine lists. They also provide complimentary Wi-Fi and spaces to relax or work.
Card Members must present their eligible physical American Express Credit or Charge Card and, upon request, a same-day airline ticket on any carrier to access the Centurion Lounge. Access is subject to space availability, and Card Members must be at least 18 years old to enter without a parent or guardian. Centurion Lounges are extremely popular, so they may reach capacity during peak travel periods, and cardholders may need to put their names on a waitlist to gain entry.
San Diego Airport: Ready for the A380?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, the American Express® Gold Card does not offer airport lounge access in the US.
Yes, Gold Cardmembers in the UK get complimentary membership to Priority Pass, which includes four complimentary lounge visits every year at selected lounges.
Yes, The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and the Centurion® Card from American Express all offer complimentary access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection.
