American Express has been working on getting their cardmembers more value over the past few months, as they stand barred from issuing new cards in India for the time being. This has meant changes to current card products, such as the American Express Smart Earn Credit Card, American Express Platinum Card, American Express Gold Card, American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card and so on.
American Express Gold Card to reveal upgraded benefits on July 15, 2021
American Express has rolled out teasers to American Express Gold Cardmembers about an upcoming reveal of new features, or perhaps a full revamp of the card altogether in the coming days. One of the continuous perks on this card however, has been the ability to earn a 1000 bonus Membership Rewards points on six spends of INR 1000 per calendar month.
In a way, this was long overdue, given this card has not seen many changes over the years, and mostly features have been removed from this card (such as fuel/utilities points earning) over the years. The card does not qualify as a travel card in the American Express ecosystem and hence never got any travel benefits such as lounge access over the years.
Upcoming Changes to the American Express Gold Card
American Express has already started to roll out some of the changes to be announced on July 15, 2021 as a rework of the card will be introduced.On the Reward Multiplier portal, the opportunity to use the Gold Charge Card will now earn you 5X Membership Rewards points, and this went live with effect from July 1, 2021 already. The best part, the points post immediately after your transaction posts, in the case of voucher purchases.
A couple of the other changes we know of are as follows:
- American Express will resume points earning on fuel and utilities at 1 MR point per INR 150 spent
- Capped at 5,000 points for fuel
- Capped at 10,000 points for utilities
- On the lines of the salon cash back for Platinum, there will be an INR 1,500 cash back introduced for Gold Cardmembers at Lakme Salons.
Alongside, a monthly fee payment option will also be introduced for the Amex Gold Card for those who pay the full membership fees (INR 375 per month plus GST).
Bottomline
While this is not the full picture of the American Express Gold Card revamp, and I am sure there is more to come, American Express India has decided to open their purse strings for the Gold Card members. This should be good news for those who use a Charge Card, and don’t have aspirations to hold the Platinum Charge Card at the moment.
What are the changes you do look forward for on the Gold Card?
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@Ajay, The immediate posting of the 5x bonus points only works for the Gyftr purchase. For other purchases (I bought something from Decatholon), the bonus points have not been posted yet.
@Mika, and that is what I wrote. For all the other stuff, first Amex needs to be paid the affiliate fee and then they post it on your account as points.
The voucher once purchased is non-refundable and the transaction cannot be reversed. Other product purchases can be reversed/returned hence the transation isn’t final until the possible return period is over. Hence the points for those transations take time to be posted once the purchase (net of refunds) is confirmed.
@Anshul: that’s helpful.
@Ajay, it’s clear now that I read it again. Speed reading confused me.
Amex needs to wedge a card between Reserve and Plat. Especially with Prestige destined to be gone at some point. I was hoping an upgraded metal Gold would be that card — a travel card with lounge and multipliers, minus the elite memberships/concierge/FHR/IAP. But I don’t think that’s happening.
There is no Amex card which focusses on travellers who don’t focus on luxury travel but still want points and free travel. Looks HDFC will gulp that entire market.