I Canceled My Amex Gold Card (Here's Why)
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
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I’ve finally canceled my American Express Gold card. I first got this card about 3 years ago, in May of 2021, and back then, if you had asked me if I would ever cancel this card, I would’ve told you absolutely not: this was the best food card out there, and I was going to keep it forever, but that was not the case.
What’s interesting is that looking back at my mindset back then, I definitely bought into the hype, and while the Gold card is still a very good card for the right person, it wasn’t the right fit for me.
So in this video, I go over the reasons why I canceled the Amex Gold card, and why it is probably not going to return back to my wallet anytime soon.
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📚 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Amex Gold Card Overview
03:15 Reason 1: I Don't Use The Card
06:29 Reason 2: Simplify My Setup
09:28 Reason 3: Annual Fee Increase
12:52 Outro
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#creditcard #americanexpress #amexgold
As soon as the words "Going out of my way to use a credit" become said, the credit no longer fits into your normal spending habits and no longer can be valued at 100%. I'm actually right here with you in my opinion on the Amex Gold card lately - the game has changed with new cards that have been added since I got the Gold card back in 2020. So unless the anticipated annual fee increase comes with effortless credits to easily use to offset the higher annual fee, I'm likely going to be saying goodbye to the Amex Gold as well. Great video, Stan!
Thanks so much Daniel! Yeah, I probably should have canceled this card back in September when I got the USBAR/Bilt combo, but I figure that I would just roll with it until the next cardmember anniversary. This was somewhere around the time when Amex started making changes to all their cards - increasing annual fees and adding more statement credits. I was hopeful that Amex's trajectory would change, but it seems like it isn't, especially with the rumored AF increase to $325. Times sure have changed since you got the card, and I remember watching your videos back then - but back then, I think the Gold card made a lot more sense. Like you said, there's a lot more options now - great for us as consumers, but that just means the Gold card is now a card for a different type of user than it once was. That's so interesting that you're thinking about canceling the Gold card as well. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're ultimate decision will end up being - and I'm sure the new changes will factor into that!
I agree with you Daniel and Stan I’m so happy that you canceled it! I cut mine up in February 2024. I never used the restaurants listed and I do food shopping at Costco etc. Uber was used sporadically. I felt like I had to work hard for it to make sense for me and at $250 it wasn’t worth it. Great video as always my friend!
The Gold like the Platinum is THE standard. MR Points have upscale value. If you travel enough and can use the accumulated MR points, the AF is a no brainer.
@@Thecreditcardconnection Thanks so much Joe! It was definitely much more work that I didn't have to do, and the statement credits just became too much of a burden! I'll just mention that I didn't necessarily "cut" mine up though haha! I still have the card as a keepsake - both Gold and Rose Gold versions!
@@ericevans8It depends on how you redeem it as well! I agree that they are the standard for comparison, but they aren't the standard for everyone to use!
This is the truth we don't want to hear, but what we need to hear.
Definitely LK!
People are going to think we coordinated this part 2. 😂😂😂
Haha, that’s for sure. I think it’s so funny how we’re all thinking the same thing about Amex right now!
Love the video Stan, I am so ready for Amex to roll out the refresh for this card already so i can decided on my final cards set up.
Haha, same! I'm really super curious on how they will make the card "better" because unless they make the card less expensive and have less statement credits, it's impossible.
They need a new card and also a 2% or 2x flat rate card if they wanna put the credit world on notice a 3x flat rate card!
Plenty of no AF 3X on grocery/dining cards with no annoying monthly credits out there. I'm willing to miss out on an extra 1X multiplier. Thanks for the info + video!
That's for sure Jimmy James! It's all about balancing the value!
I cancelled mine here 2 months ago for the same reason, I moved to a rural area and the credits no longer are easily used and with the fee hike on the horizon I decided to say farewell.
Definitely a good move. Even with 4X MR dining and groceries, that's certainly not worth $250 in an AF (higher soon, like you said!)
The freaking blasphemy early on in this video! Idk if I can even watch the rest of it. I’m officially banning you from team rose gold 🤦🏾♂️….anyways, let me continue watching.
LOL. That section was made for you CJ because I laff you! ❤
Oh, sounds like CJ is just begging for an Amex ROSE GOLD sponsorship. I know a guy, who knows a guy.....maybe we can get CJ the hook up.
😆😆
Man that hatred for the Rose Gold felt like a kick in the nuts 😢
@@chatanp Haha! We all have our aesthetci preferences 😀
I love watching your videos Stan, one of the greatest benefits that’s not talked about much on UA-cam is the fact that being active duty military, Amex, chase, and USbank waives all their fees for myself and my spouse. Keep the videos coming
Thanks Kristopher! Yea, that’s a pretty nice benefit if you’re able to get it. I appreciate the support!
Great video Stan! Very informative!
Thank you so much Elmer! I appreciate you being here!!
@@TheCreditFrog absolutely! I love seeing your channel grow! I just got the American Express Platinum card so I’ve been doing some digging. This was great insight on the gold 🙌
@@elmerescobar433 Amazing! I love the Platinum card! So happy to hear you liked the insight
Yes Sir! Have a safe and blessed week Stan! Great video btw! 👍☺
Of course! Thanks, and I appreciate you!
Timing on this video is spot on.....tried to cancel mine yesterday (within the 30 day renewal window for the annual refund)...then they hit me with a $200 statement credit offer....they win....for now!
Nice! Yeah, that's how they get you. The thought of trying to use those monthly credits for another 12-months was not something I was willing to continue, but otherwise - retention offers can be a great way to continue to get value on an otherwise hard-to-hold card otherwise!
$200 statement credit is a solid offer! What did you have to spend to obtain that credit?
@@77Joseph777 they asked for 2k in 3 months… between groceries and dining out should be in business!
@@77Joseph777 was 2k in 3 months...between dining out and groceries we should be in business!
Did they offer you any MR points instead of a statement credit?
Totally makes sense based on the reasons you listed. The USBAR definitely is a great alternative and it seems like you've gotten a lot of value out of the simplicity and Real Time Rewards as opposed to using the Gold for MR Points. The Bilt & Savor One are great alternatives as well for $0 Fee options with elevated dining categories. I recently made the decision to keep my Gold Card open and I partly did so for the future. I can still get good value now, but I anticipate that value significantly increasing in the future (Moving to Seattle in a couple weeks and will eat out more as a result and plan to have kids in the next 2-3 years, which will increase that spend long-term as well). Great video Stan!
Very cool Matt! Yeah it’s definitely worth it to think long-term as you mentioned and see where that spend will be coming from. Certainly, having a family will dramatically increase food spend so it may be a great card for that situation. But more in the near-term, good luck to the move to Seattle! Thats going to be a lot of fun living in a major city and I’ll definitely have to let you know if I’m ever in the area! It’s all about preference and spending habits so I’m interested to see how your setup and views change in the next several years!!
Great video Stan! I came to the same conclusion! Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Of course! Looks like we’re both now on Team NoGold!
Awesome video Stan! For someone who hasn’t had the gold card yet, do you think it’s worth waiting for the anticipated update to the annual fee in hopes of an even higher SUB? Is that typical with card refreshes? Also does the AMEX Blue Business Plus still give you access to AMEX transfer partners?
Thanks Steven! Yeah, so if you were thinking about getting the card now, and you can get the 90k welcome offer and meet the minimum spend, now would be the time to get it so you can lock in that lower $250 annual fee. The refreshed card may come with a higher welcome offer, but also a higher annual fee - these things are hard to predict, but the lower AF is usually better. Also, the BBP grants you access to Amex's transfer partners!
@@TheCreditFrog sweeet, really appreciate the breakdown!
Great video Stan. I probably will be cancelling my Amex gold card next year when new AF hits. I have plenty of cards with 3x dining as well as USBAR mobile wallet. For groceries I will use the BCP that gives back 6%
Thanks Juan! Yeah, there are a lot of options now, and if you have USBAR for mobile wallet, even better! BCP is a solid grocery card - especially with that intro AF of $0 for the first year!
You finally did it!
Thanks!
Great video Stan! appreciate you explaining why you're getting rid of the gold card. I just applied for it just to get the SUB. the dining/grocery points are huge for me to have but idk if its worth 250 AF. But i wanted to get into the AMEX ecosystem for churning. Might eventually cancel after 2 years as i may eventually come to the same conclusion as you in its worthyness
Thanks! Yeah, it's still a great card for the welcome offer - and if this is your first personal Amex card, then great! Hopefully all future Amex cards will be a soft pull for you from now on - both personal and business, which is super helpful if you want to get more welcome offers!
If it doesn’t work, it’s gotta go!
Thanks for a very well thought out video. I only have one Amex card with monthly statements, my Business Gold Card, and I’ve lost out on $26 worth of statement credits since they revamped the card because I forgot to use them - I can only image the nightmare it’s going to be to remember to manage multiple credits as I acquire more Amex cards!
Love your content.
- Ivan
Of course Ivan! Yeah those monthly statement credits really add up so if you miss one, it kind of sucks! Downsizing is the name of the game now with Amex. Especially with incoming higher annual fees and more statement credits
Totally agree that the sub-first approach is the way to go. Way less headache on credits, guessing what a transaction will code as, and the RoS is higher than any elevated category would ever be. I probably averaged around 15x back on dining (and groceries and hotels and flights and miscellaneous) last year between subs for the ink unlimited, CSR, business gold SUB, and AA business.
That's a great ROS .. very nice! Welcome offers certainly get you the highest ROS as you mentioned, but for any annual fee credit card, it's that year 2 decision that's important! The credits are an added bonus (if you can use them), but for me and the Gold card, it was becoming a burden and so it was time for it to go.
Fittingly, the advertisement that played before being able to watch this video was the Amex Business Gold card! Although it's not exactly the same Gold card aforementioned in the video's content, the UA-cam algorithm is maxed out and optimized so well. Congrats on the 10k subscribers @TheCreditFrog... 100k let's freaking go!
Hah! That's so funny that that specific ad played before this video! I guess they wanted to entice the viewer to get that card instead! I appreciate that Matt! Haha, it may take me awhile to get to 100k, but we'll take it one video at a time!! 👍
Good to see people waking up and realizing that Amex is all about marketing rather than actual usability for the regular person.
Their marketing is solid. I think everyone has a limit when it comes to annual fees and statement credits, and I've reached mine after the wave of these new changes!
Looks like a great decision for your situation! The Gold card has never made a lot of sense to me. Sure it can be great for some people but if I’m working on welcome offers most of the year, I can’t spend enough to make the Gold card worth it
Thanks Jacob! Yeah, the Gold card always have a nice welcome offer, but if you have a lot of food spend, I can see it working out, but like you said, if you're always working on welcome offers, the card never gets used, and it's just a waste of time and money!
Just Renewed mine this past week Stan, It was a long battle whether or not I would be renewing but decided to take it for one more year. Living in Miami, my 4x dining is a lot higher than it should (Working on it lmao), so this card makes sense. Can totally understand canceling it as there's countless just as good options without the annual fee!
Hey as long as you're getting the value back from the card - the Gold card is a great earner! If you get that dining category under better control and not spend as much, for sure a no annual fee card could be a better option. And not having to worry about "getting value" or making sure you spend 2 monthly credits every month is such a load off too!
The rose gold shade at the beginning got me haha! I just got the gold card about a month and a half ago, but the SUB alone makes me feel okay at the moment. I'll feel out this change, but i woulsnt be surprised if I cancel after the first year or so
Oh the welcome offer is worth it on year 1, no question! But it’s the following years after that where you really have to figure out if it’s a keep or cancel situation! You’ll know by the end of year 1 what’s up.
I just cancelled the Schwab Platinum yesterday, and in 6 months I will be down to just the BBP. The MR game has become more convoluted, and there are more alternatives on the market now.
I agree! There are plenty of alternate options so MRs aren't what they used to be. The BBP is still one of their best cards, and certainly one I'll continue to keep long term (as long as they don't add an annual fee)
I recently closed my AMEXP, and next month I'm closing the personal gold. I'm keeping the business versions.
I got monthly credits burn out, so I'm trimming down.
Sounds good! Yeah the statement credits get very taxing and since all Amex cards have them now, it makes sense to downsize and simplify!
I’m canceling my Gold Card in August when my AF post. Earlier this month I got approved for the Altitude Reserve which I wasn’t even planning on applying until next year. I was surprised since I had 9 Hard inquiries & at 5/24 but I’ve been gardening for 13 months so there’s that. I only jumped at the application b/c USB sent me a promo for a different credit card.
Congrats on the USB AR!
That's awesome Meds! Congrats on the USBAR 🎉🎉!! I feel like more recently, there have been lots of people getting approved for this card with a lot of inquiries and new accounts. Sounds like you were 0/12 though. It was one of the best decisions I made with credit cards to get that card, and it's brought me so much immediate value!
Started my travel rewards journey at the end of 2022. Feel like i been yelling into the abyss that the old trifecta setups werent as good as they used to be and were just grandfathered in. Loving to see all these cancelations
Definitely! I think it was a much different time in 2021! But now with all the competition, Amex isn’t innovating, they’re just making their cards more annoying.
Another "tour de force" of a video Stan👍🏾👏🏾, including the videography and hilarious dig at CJ over Gold colors😄 On a serious note, I am simply burned out with Amex's credit/coupon/forced-spend model. The only thing that saved the Gold (and Platinum) were their transfer partners and bonuses i.e. ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Hilton, etc. But is it enough after this year (?). I value my time/attention more than Amex's ecosystem ever will😎 Simplifying with C1 duo (VX, Savor). I'm considering Chase CSR or CIti Strata "Elite" (if/when avail) as replacements for the Platinum. If the CSR is not revamped effectively, planning to replace it with the CIP this Fall.
I think the C1 Duo is a great setup to run. AMEX makes it harder for me to justify using their cards and it’s just a PITA. So on to greener pastures. I’m glad you liked that bit over the Gold/Rose Gold 🤣. I hope Chase decides to revamp their cards too, but I’m not positive this will happen anytime soon if we look at history hah!
I still haven’t had the gold but will prob get at some point for the SUB. I’m always working on a SUB too so don’t really think about bonus categories too much. I’m more concerned about which cards I think are truly good cards & that I can pretty easily earn referral points on like the hotel keeper cards & ink cards.
I think that’s a great way to play it and you definitely have the travel to use those MR points (love seeing your updates)! Yeah if you keep getting welcome offers, no need to work on the multipliers. Cards are great the first year so you’ll always be in the net positive this way!
The Amex Gold (in its current form) works for me due to how much I value MR points and how I can organically use the credits, but it makes so much sense why you're canceling given your situation. Though if the card ends up having hard-to-use credits with the increased annual fee, or an annoying semi-monthly credit like you once predicted, I'll strongly consider canceling too. You really hit it home with the key point that context matters. Awesome stuff as always Stan!
Nice Monty! I'm happy to hear that the Gold card works for you since it's still a great earner card for MR points. Haha, I'm almost half hoping to see semi-monthly credits since that's the only direction they can go, and we already know that the AF is going to increase. Context definitely matters because everyone's situation is different!
It’s funny how Amex is great until the annual fees hit and people realize they are not the target customer for their cards.
Yeah, those annual fees sneak up on you pretty fast! I tried to make it work, but yeah, the card wasn't for me. Better to figure that out earlier rather than later!
BUT my question for you is, how do you use the USBAR for dining? I used it all over Scandinavia but it’s rare in the US to be able to use Apple Pay except fast food.
In my area, tons of places use mobile wallet. The Square/Clover terminals are literally everywhere! In the off chance that MW are not accepted at a restaurant, I use the Bilt MC to get 3X on dining. Oh, and thanks so much joining the membership! 😀
I just got my 2nd annual fee posted. I’m actually not cancelling to see what the refresh will be like to see if I can get some extra benefits before the higher annual fee kicks in for me. I ended up coming out ahead this way on my Hilton Business and Delta Business Gold
As for the current sentiment, I think what really ticked people off wasn’t necessarily the coupon book but the heavily increased usage of pop up jail by Amex
Nice Albert! I'm in a similar situation with the Hilton Business, being grandfathered in at the $95 AF earlier this year. I was considering doing exactly what you're describing, but I'm so tired of monthly credits, that the thought of keeping the card made me physically ill thinking about trying to use that monthly dining credit (soon to be Resy credit?) for another 12 months, which is why I canceled it. The way you're doing it though will net you better value overall - my decision was more based on my mindset right now.
My annual fee is coming up on the gold, and I've been thinking of canceling as well, especially with the impending AF hike. The statement credits are rather annoying to use, especially when it always costs more to order food through Uber Eats or Grubhub (even if doing carry out). Like you Stan, I usually utilize my USBAR card at the grocery and my Bilt card when I can't use mobile pay at restaurants, so I really have no need for the gold anymore, except for the occasionally useful Amex offer that saves money. I'm hoping I'll get a generous retention offer, otherwise it's probably time to say goodbye to my gold card.
Hey that's awesome that we have similar main setups! I think the big questions is to cancel either before or after the Gold card upgrade (obviously depends on when Amex decides to do it, but my bet is on sometime this year). On one hand, you'll probably be able to grandfather into the new card product with the old AF with the new benefits, but on the other hand, these benefits will probably involve more or somewhat more restrictive statement credits. The credits are already restrictive as you said since you gotta spend more money on those rideshare eats services. For me, it came down to my annoyance with these monthly statement credits, and I wasn't going to hold on anymore, and it's quite the freeing feeling!
I just renewed my Gold Card a few weeks ago. This is my 2nd year with the card, but I only renewed it because I called to ask for a retention offer. I got 10,000 MR points for $2K in spend in 3 months. I do spend a lot on dining, so it makes sense for me. However, it won’t be the same next year if the annual fee goes up to $325 or higher. It will be canceled at that point.
As long as you can spend enough on the card on those 4X multipliers, and the math works out, it's definitely still a great card! But now that you're in year 2, it'll be harder to get the value, unless your also using the monthly statement credits. We'll have to see what the new AF is, but the rumor on the street is that it's $325!
@@TheCreditFrog Totally agree, Stan! I foresee a ton of people canceling the card once the annual fee increases since other cards can earn the same amount of points/cashback with no or a lower annual fee. My fall back is my US Bank Altitude Go to get 4X on all dining.
Gonna cancel mine this year as well
Seems like the trend these days!
The credit card community is finally turning its back on AMEX. I've never had an AMEX Gold or Platinum, but the credits on those cards are too inconvenient to use.
I really wanted to keep using cards, but with every refresh that got even more credits, higher annual fees, and other issuers not pulling the same nonsense, it’s definitely something that had to be done.
I've bn waiting for this for a year and a half
Good. The more people that turn their backs on AMEX the fewer number of people I have to stand behind to access the lounges.
@@Polostar79 I get where you're coming from!
I'm also canceling my AMEX gold card after the first year. Just like you, it doesn't get a lot of use. Although ironically, I'm keeping the AMEX Platinum which has a higher annual fee.
Same with me! I just get more benefit out of the Platinum card. The Amex Gold for me should have been canceled earlier, but that's ok, it's better to let it go later than never!
When you cancel the amex gold card is gonna affect in your credit report?thanks in advance
If you have positive history on the card, it will remain on your credit report for 10 years so no changes to length of history until 10 years later, and since it's a hybrid card with no CL, your utilization will also remain unchanged. So in the short-term, no, there should be negligible changes to your credit report.
Hey Stan thanks for your perspective and explanation on why It don’t work for you. I am getting burned out myself w/ these credits I will be following suit, the gold is not giving me any value keep up the
Great content
Of course, Clausell! I think that's the general trend right now in the credit card community. These credits wouldn't be that bad if they weren't quarterly or monthly. But now that there are so many monthly credits, it's getting ridiculous! Having less statement credits is super nice, and I'm glad that we're both on the same page!
Got freedom flex, grocery 5% for the whole year. 2nd quarter also restaurant!
Great welcome offer! Very solid for grocery spend for 1 year!
I don’t think it will bring value once the AF hikes. There are so many food and grocery cards available for a far less AF or no AF. I opted for the Amex Business Gold instead of opening up a new Amex Gold. I’m curious what changes Amex has for the Amex Gold for the revamp, I don’t think it will bring much value though unless some travel value or Priority Pass is included.
The Gold still has groceries as a category which makes it different from the Business Gold, so at least they have that. But I agree, the AF increase is not going to jive with me because there are so many options out there that are better. Amex needs to innovate instead of raising AFS and putting monthly credits on because it just makes me not want to use their cards.
Man, I feel the same way lately. Too bad the renewal fee just kicked in. Only reason I liked it was because I would transfer my points to Delta.
Those monthly statement credits will get you Carlos! Yeah, it's nice that you get access to transfer partners with the Gold card. Hopefully, you're able to get good value with your transfers to Delta!
Stan, curious if you would ever get an Altitude Go card as a backup in person dining card? 4% VISA and no FTF!
It's definitely on my radar! The thing is, I like simplicity as well so I don't want to add another card if I don't have to. Since I'm already using the Bilt MC for rent, also using it for dining gives it two purposes instead of one! I have the BofA PR Elite too for catch-all, and it does technically get a higher dining cash back multpilier of 3.5X, but Bilt has the upside possibility of transfer partners, so that's why I'm using Bilt instead!
@@TheCreditFrog Stans not going to stop preaching until all of his peers on UA-cam are doing USBAR unboxing videos! lol And canceling more Amex cards! That would turn the game on its head since they don’t have a referral program.
@@davidprettoofficial Haha, referral programs don't matter to me. What matters is a good product that makes sense!
I'm pretty much only using my AMEX Gold and Platinum cards for the dining credits now and like you said, it's kind of a chore. And those credits are not from being rewarded for spending on what I need anyway, that's spending prepaid coupons that will expire if I don't. Right now I feel I'll likely cancel both at renewal time.
Yeah, the credits would be more palatable if they weren't monthly! Sadly, sounds like they are more of a chore for you as well so that's a great tell-tale sign that's it's time for the cards to go! I agree though, these credits are essentially prepaid coupons!
Does chase have a free card to keep points?
There are plenty of no annual fee UR-point earning cards to keep those points alive!
Did you try ask for retention bonus?
I did not because, in my mind, regardless of what they offered, this card was getting axed.
I’m shocked by this video….. I thought you had cancelled the Gold already 🙂.
Totally get your logic. If Gold is just a dining card, to me it makes little sense to have it when there are many other cost effective (i.e.: no AF) options. This is a great card for people w/high grocery spend & when you combine that w/dining spend it’s a beast. But if a lot that grocery spend is at Costco (myself), or even other wholesale clubs where the Gold could be used but would only be 1x, it loses a lot of value again.
Great video as always 👍🏽.
Haha! I haven't mentioned it in a while - but that's because I haven't been using it! I agree, you need high food spend to really make this card worth it. Appreciate it QC man!!
I would never replace my AMEX Hilton Surpass with the Gold.
For sure Len! The Surpass is another nice card to cover those grocery expenses!
I had a feeling this video was coming given your earlier poll question Stan. I totally understand why you would be canceling it. Not traveling internationally and, in turn, not using MR points is a good reason. We all have to do what is best for us and not every card is right for everyone. The USBAR is a great card for those not leaving US borders and it makes a lot of sense with your use case. I got my Gold card in April last year and my AF hit May 1 so another year at $250. I justify its existence in my wallet because its the only card that gets me more than 1X at WalMart Neighborhood Markets (WalMarts grocery stores) where I do the bulk of my grocery shopping at. No way am I using a 2X catch all.
Good video as always Stan. You make an excellent argument for canceling. Thank you for sharing good sir.
Your intuition is spot on Jon! Like I mentioned, it depends on the person, and the Gold card could be the right fit for the right person. My stance is that you need to be spending $1,500-$2,000 on food spend per month for this card to be somewhat worth it. The reason is because of all the other cards out there that are great food options! There also niche situations like the one that you’re in, but you’ll know when it’s time to move on, if you do. As long as you can use your MR points well, I think the Gold card is the best way to get there through spend! I appreciate you man!
I couldnt have said that better Stan. Thank you sir.
I really only used the uber and clear credit . I’d pay 189 for the clear so I can save myself around 400 by canceling the card . I hate being at the airports. Hence why I fly jsx the majority of time, so showing up 2 hours early to mess around in a lounge seems dumb to me so the lounge access is kind of not needed . All the other credits just seem like I have to use them to justify the card .
I think you're referring to the Amex Platinum card, but yes! That card also has a lot of credits. If you don't use lounge access, it's harder to justify the card since now you're relying on statement credits to get that value back! But yeah, they don't call it the coupon book card for nothing!
I called to cancel the gold card and they said I was two weeks shy of the one year requirement for the retention bonus I got (which I totally forgot about) and if I went ahead and canceled that they would take away all my points and possibly both of my cards and close my account! I really want to cancel my gold card but now I feel like they’ve got their eye on me.
They’re just looking out for you. Wait until the annual fee is charged to your account, then you can call to cancel. They will fully refund the annual fee in a few days.
One thing you can expect for sure from Stan’s video, US AR 3x points with Mobile wallet slide when he reviews any other credit card 😂😂😂 FYI, I love my US AR card and it is my default card in mine and P2’s appple wallet
Haha! I hear you. Sorry I've been raving so much about the USBAR, but it really is that good of a card so I can't stop talking about it! As a fellow USBAR holder, you know exactly what I mean since you probably have tons of mobile wallet purchases with a easy-to-redeem system for an effective 4.5% cash back!
What if you wanting to cancel the Amex gold and don’t have any other cards in the ecosystem. Would you just transfer all your points to transfer partners that you will eventually use before closing it? Like Hilton or Hawaiian airlines
That's why I have the Blue Business Plus, a no annual fee card which keeps my MR points active. You need at least one card to do so. If you want to exit the MR system entirely, I would transfer those points out to a transfer partner or cash it out at at least 1cpp if you can.
I literally canceled my platinum card yesterday for these reasons
Looks like you and Uncle Luke are on the same page! That's a lot of statement credits that you no longer have to deal with so that's great to hear!
My $200 retention credit arrived on my account this morning, I’ll be canceling the card in February when my card renews. The Gold Card’s competitors have caught to the card with much lower or no annual fees. Amex can keep their monthly credits.
After I cancel the Gold Card then I’ll have no consumer American Express Cards. I’ll still use their business cards because they are some of the best business cards on the market
I agree. Business cards certainly have their place (Especially NLL welcome offers!) so they're solid. Sadly, the MSRs are going up on all the cards so its harder to meet them - although in the business world, it's different. The consumer Amex cards are really getting changed for the worse!
Thank you for the video. You switched over from the gold to the Rose gold.That's the one you want to cancel . Now that's funny. $4000 worth of annual fees.Now that is an impressive number. I haven't totaled mine up yet . As long as I feel that I am still getting value for it. I won't Think about it too much
Haha, that's right Dave! I went through that whole process just to cancel the Rose Gold 🤣. Yeah, I have a ton of annual fees, but some of that does come from cards that I do not expect to keep past year 1, but I still included them! The important thing is to do a keep or cancel every year with each annual fee card!
Strangely enough, the USBAR got me used to using Apple Pay, but then I also realized I could use it with my Gold card to get 4.4x on every purchase (since I have the Schwab Platinum) instead of the occasional 4.5x with the USBAR (for domestic travel only, if I ever get enough points for a whole purchase), so the Gold is once again my main driver. But then there’s those nasty credits..,
Haha! That's actually pretty funny that the card that got you into mobile wallets actually put you back on the card you were trying to get away from in the first place! 4.4X is great, but it's that $250 AF and those monthly statement credits like you said. No way around those credits sadly! Either you use them or lose them!
American Express is in a creative RUT.
"The AMX RUT"
Good title for a video!
Hahah, for sure! I want them to innovate like the other issuers. Not raise an AF and slap a statement credit on a card!
I upgraded to platinum from amex gold. Using c1vx, amex silver, wf 2%...i get around 700k+ miles a year. I don't play miles games.
I don't know what Amex Silver is, but if you're getting 700k+ miles per year .. and I'm assuming that's all on the C1VX everything else category .. that would be $350k spend per year! At that point, may be worth it to run that spend on the Amex Platinum and gun for the Centurion card!!
@@TheCreditFrog am ex platinum I mean. I do spend alot for my business but I don't want or need amex black card atm...yet. thanks
In California traditional grocery stores are unaffordable, even on a 6 digit salary. I only shop at WinCo and they don’t take credit cards, so grocery categories are pointless for me.
Yeah groceries have gotten very expensive! As long as you have a system that works for you!
I just cancelled my Platinum card after 31 years. I have other cards I like better & Amex just didn’t suit me anymore.
That's crazy! 31 years is a long time! Yeah, our preferences certainly change, and there's a lot more options out there so it's easier than ever to find the right credit card to fit you for the right price!
I cancelled all the Platinums, Gold and Green, I get Business Gold every year to pay taxes, but next year, I will not get it, because I will not have so many taxes to pay. So I will be left with BBP only. This is the best Amex setup IMO. I hardly use BBP either. I do have 3 Hilton cards, and I'm planning to add one more.
Yes! Using those cards for welcome offers is probably the best strategy - also the Hilton ladder can be very valuable as well so you're definitely doing it right 👍!
If they offset the new AF by making the dining and uber credit $15 a month instead of $10 I would still be ok with that since I already find it pretty easy to use those credits.
But if they start adding in random credits for things I dont care about, then it's going to be hard for me to justify it
That's great that you already find value in those credits Amir! Yeah, everyone is going to have a different situation and some already can't find value in the current credits. With the new AF and (probably) new/updated statement credits, we'll have to see if those credits will still work for you!
I cancelled mine last year. It just wasn’t making sense
Great! $250 saved and 2 less monthly credits to deal with!
I just renewed it since it still has the $250 AF and I got a retention offer. This is a good daily driver for me but as I move more towards churning cards, I don't think it'll be worth it after the next renewal. Hopefully amex catches wind of people's attitude towards this card and starts making changes for the better
Yeah, what I realized with my own spending habits is if I’m getting new welcome offer cards, this card just gets left unused, and if it was a no annual fee card, that’s cool, but since it has a $250 AF, it’s not the best situation. Since you got a retention offer, that’s definitely a positive so you could probably get to try the new card product to see if it’s still a good fit after a year!
Did you get a retention offer when you canceled the Amex Gold card?
I didn’t. Wasn’t going to keep it so didn’t even bother.
I can't believe how subtly, underhandedly and vindictively you showed your feelings for the Rose Gold by switching to it so you can tell it to kick rocks as you cancel it. Well Done sir!
Well done???? You don’t really mean that 😅
Haha thank you Sean! It was a little segment that I hope everyone could enjoy and know the best way to cancel their Gold card 😂.
@@ItsMeCJ😂😂😂
I keep saying I’m gonna cancel but every year they give me a good retention offer 😂
Haha! They keep reeling you in 🎣. Hey as long as you get good retention offers and you can use those MRs, no shame in that! For me, no matter what they offered (I didn't ask), this card was getting canceled. Monthly statement credits suck and it's more valuable for me to get rid of as many as I possibly can!
Effective annual fee is $10 vs $75. $65 savings - you'd need to spend $1,444 at 4.5% to make up for the EAF difference. Also, for the 4.5x back, it's only 4.5x back if you use the US Bank Travel Portal. I don't know if I would actually use it. Need to do some more research on it. However, I usually just defer to google flights. Your case is a pretty niche case. For the majority, I would say Amex Gold is better if you order takeout twice a month. With Amex Gold, you also get additional perks such as Amex Offers and discounts for redeeming your MR points via Gift Cards around the holidays (often 20% gift card discounts on major retailers). It was interesting to see how you moved to US Bank though. I'd like to know more about their travel portal. Thanks for the video.
So a couple of things, the effective annual fee is only if you value the credits at full. With the USBAR, you can with almost 100% certainty, but this is not the same as the Amex Gold and it's dining/Uber credits. Of course, it will depend on the person and the use case. Also, you get 4.5X by using Real-Time Rewards with US Bank, since you get that 1.5X by using RTR or the travel portal. RTR is super simple to use to redeem against travel purchases so it's much more flexible! The Gold card can still be a great card for the right person! I just figured that it wasn't the right card for me.
@TheCreditFrog Thanks for the tip on RTR; I just signed up on my Altitude Connect. Also, I forgot to mention that the Altitude Reserve has $100 global entry credit every 4 years - so that helps the effective AF too, making it ~$25 less. Plus you get primary car rental insurance. This might save your insurance rates in case of an accident with a rental car. This may be my next card, especially given the good bonus and low required spend right now! Might cancel my sapphire preferred to get this. Will have to go over T&C of primary car rental insurance. Cheers.
@darkl0rd33 Sure thing! Just remember RTR is only 1X on the Altitude Connect. It’s only 1.5X on the Altitude Reserve and you have to set it to redeem for airlines, lodging, rental cars, and other travel.
I understand the amount of cancelation this card will get just because of the "go out of my way to use the credit and lower the AF" issue. Luckily, I am in a city hub which makes it easy but if I wasn't then this card would be long gone. I can see AMEX adding a $10/$20 Resy credit to this already food card and maybe adding "Transportation" to the 3X category instead of just flights (Doubtful about this one just because of the green card categories). But it's gonna have to be a good one for the increased in AF probably by this year.
Yeah, great point Victor! I'm sure there's other like myself who tried to justify this card with the statement credits, but it really wasn't something that was getting me value so it was time to cancel. These Amex cards are very much tailored to those like yourself who live in major cities, and yeah, we'll have to see what changes they make to the Gold card!
As an active military member it's pretty great
I’m sure it is!
Amex needs to realize you can only raise the AF of a mid card so high before people start bailing. I think the CEO is overestimating their market position.
I completely agree with you.
Ill go against the grain. The modern Gold card is currently one of the greatest Travel rewards cards ever made. Even then the Gold hasnt gone thru its refresh and everyone knows having the existing Amex card before it gets refreshed means you get extra value out of it.
I'm not sure if it's the "greatest travel rewards card" ever made. That's a discussion for the Platinum/CSR/VX. But the Gold does earn MR points and has a 3X on flights so it's certainly travel-adjacent. Keeping the Gold card active before the refresh may be a better move in terms of value, but if you're tired of the monthly statement credits and don't care anymore like me, then canceling whenever that next AF hits would be the move.
Very annoyed by Amex but this is the one card i love.
As long as it works for you!
I’m about to get an Amex Everyday card so I can just get 2X MR points on my groceries with no headache of justifying annual fees or using coupon book type statement credits. No BS haha. 🥳🥳🥳
BBP is dope also & it has a place in my roadmap.
No annual fee cards are the easiest to deal with! Like you said below, BBP is another awesome card, and could just be your one-card setup if you spend less than $50k per year on a credit card and value MR points!
Hello, I don't have this card. I can see this card hitting the $275-300 annual fee mark. I thought closing a card/canceling it will hurt your score or history? I've been watching and hearing mixed reviews. Thank you for the video.
Hello, closing a card will not hurt your credit score. As the Gold card is a hybrid card (charge card), it doesn't have a credit limit, and thus the utilization is not affected when the card is closed. The account does report as canceled, but if you have a positive credit history with it, it will remain on your credit report for approximately 10 years.
@@TheCreditFrog Thank you
why hasn't Amex made a personal equivalent of the BBP?
I don't know. But they should because it's actually ridiculous that they don't have one
Wow, you guys are way "out of my league". Grew-up in the 1970's, when the only question was, what interest rate is the credit card charging? I am not into points and, have just three (3) primary credit cards: a Master-Card at 8.9 percent, a VISA at 12.9 percent, and an American Express business "plum" card (smile ... smile).
I’m not sure if those are APRs, but those seem to be pretty low! While the Plum card can be great for businesses who need inventory, yeah, at this point, I’m not someone who carrys a balance on my card more than 30 days so it’s pretty much only about the point earnings and value back!
The whole idea of justifying an annual fee makes me want to barf… which is probably why I’m rocking an NAF hybrid cashback/travel setup thus far. 💯💯💯
Happy you found a setup that works for you!
I plan on keeping the Amex gold card until the day I die lol. Anyways great video Stan. I have the US bank scheduled for 2027. I will have had no new inquiries and new accounts before that application. As I plan to garden for a year and a half.
That's a longgg gardening period, but if it has to be done, it has to be done! The Gold card is still a great card for the right person, and if you're getting value, then that's great! USBAR is an amazing card, and it's changed the game for me.
@@TheCreditFrog yeah I plan on getting another car loan in Q1 or Q2 of 2026. And I may go YOLO and apply for the chase freedom flex on the same day lol. I wouldn’t usually ever do that but that also depends if I want to freshly apply for the card at that time. Or I may product change the freedom unlimited card.
@@TheCreditFrog yeah man I watched the pod cast you did with Chad about Disney and it was great. I plan on opening a checking account with US bank here in Florida assuming it lets me. Then next year I plan on applying for the US bank cash+ in Q4 of 2025. Then apply for the USBAR in Q4 of 2027 since that would be the time that makes the most sense for me to get the card. I would apply for it in 2026 but I plan on getting a car loan that year.
@jeffreyplatt7703 solid plan!
This video could just be shortened to - it’s of no use if you don’t use MR points for travel.
It's more complicated than that, but yes, if you don't use MR points for travel, then the Gold card is not for you.
Anyone rolling with Amex trifecta as your main set up: congrats, you are agnostic to AF price increases. Most of the concepts and ideas youtubers preach about maximizing value probably do not apply to you.
If there was a situation where someone didn't have to pay AFs to Amex, I can see the Amex Trifecta being very powerful! But yes, I'm hopefully adding to the conversation about the importance of understanding what those AFs mean to you when it comes to value. That keep or cancel decision is important to revisit every year!
@@TheCreditFrog Agreed that evaluating these cards is a necessity. You can't be a fan of a card if it doesn't serve a purpose. A card ultimately is just a tool.
Good analysis and points!. US BAR is my first and only card with AF and while $400 was initially a bit intimidating, the travel/dining credit takes no effort so like you said iti s essentially $75 AF, well the truth to the matter is, you still collect points on dining/travel so $325 at 4.5x earns almost $15, so this is essentially $60 AF card.
Nice! Yeah, I didn't even think about the fact that the travel purchases also get 3X (dining wouldn't that would be 1X), but assuming you did a 3X travel purchase - yes! that would earn an extra $15! Very cool!!
Dining is only 1x as far as I can see. Where exactly can you spend the $325 on dining? For someone who doesn't travel, I have no plans on getting the card but just curious.
@@Mr01dschool The $325 on dining is 1X. Not sure specifically if all dining codes that way (bars for example), but all restaurants should be able to use the credit. The better way is to use the credit for travel so you can get 3X points on your purchase(s)!
@@Mr01dschool Dining is a bit lose category as things like fast food / sandwich / coffee places count. This weekend my daughter went to Six Flags and got some food and it counted as a dining credit. You dont have use $325 on dining in one shot. As long as your spend averages about $27 a month on some kind of dining/restaurant you will meet that requirements. Grab 2 sandwiches and a coffee and you will easily meet that spend requirement. For us, since we don't dine-in much, we have a pizza night or Chinese take-out once a month and that is enough spend to meet the requirement.
@@TheCreditFrog dining purchase is 3x (when using tap to pay) but when redeemed for travel it would net 4.5x. Depending on a person, if rewards are redeemed for travel, this is effectively $60 AF card, but if for cash back, it becomes $65 AF card.
Nooooooo 😢
It's got to gooooo ❌🌟
😂 okay!!!!
Amex gold + usbar best duo
I personally wouldn't pair the Amex Gold with the USBAR. There are plenty of other cards to cover non-mobile wallet dining that have a lower AF or even no AF. Unless you spend $2,000+ per month on dining, then I could see it being the best duo!
@@TheCreditFrog I just have the usbar as a “catch all” that isn’t dining or groceries. It covers all other categories for me.
@@Gangrenous_Hank Ah, ok, I see very cool! Nice that this duo works well for you when you put it that way!
@@TheCreditFrog tbh I’m kinda waiting to see what happens to the gold though and in the back of my mind the savor one or csp could replace it if Amex ruins it
@Gangrenous_Hank Haha, we’re all waiting to see what happens with that!
Pretty soon Amex will only be worth the hassle for the free night hotel cards
I think you're right. Unfortunately, the nerf bat is relentless and so those may soon be hard to get as well! (I hope not!)
Good to cancel Amex cards. I will make a video later of why I rarely use Amex cards overseas and it is not the reason why most people would guess.
Thanks Ping Ping! Looking forward to the video! I don't use Amex overseas because I don't want to worry about whether or not the card is accepted or not.
@@TheCreditFrog Very true. Best not even to guess and bring a Visa or Mastercard.
In loving memory of The Credit Frog and Goldie's relationship!
"How do I say goodbye to what we had? The good times that made us laugh Outweigh the bad
... I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday..."
😢
However, product changing to the Rose Gold and then cancelling is admirable!! It's easier to get rid of a trash trash version of an otherwise excellent card. 😂
😳😳😳, I think you gotta get that hatred for Rose Gold checked out. Otherwise, nice comment 🤣🤣
@@ItsMeCJ I knew my comment would draw your attention! Now unsheathe your sword; so that the battle of the Golds can commence kind Sir! ☺️
Hahaha! Glad you liked that little move there! And nice song reference, Boyz II Men brings me way back! You're right though, product changing to the Rose Gold version did make it easier to cancel the card.
@@ItsMeCJ Hahaha, there supporters on either side!
We must all be coming to the same conclusion because there is a high likelihood that I'm canceling this card when my annual fee hits. Although the Amex Gold card is a really good card, there are other options out there without an annual fee or annoying monthly credits that earn transferable currencies. I was with you a couple of years ago saying that I would never cancel this card 😅
Absolutely JP! It's so funny how times change, but it's definitely because there's a lot more options now than before (specifically no annual fee options). Also back then, a lot less Amex cards had monthly/quarterly statement credits and boy has that changed in the last 6-9 months! Amex Gold is still the best earner - no question about it, but if you're not maxing out that grocery category or spending a lot in dining, there are going to be better options - that are more valuable and less stressful haha!
How dare you🤣
Sorry, but that's how I feel about the rusty Platinum, I mean.. Rose Gold... card 🤣
7:42 It's not 4.5x, it's 4.5%
Although the USBAR is technically a cash back redemption, the card accumulates points, so the correct terminology is 4.5X, even though effectively you're getting 4.5% cash back.
@@TheCreditFrog No, it's 3x with 1.5cpp
@@yurig2530 I stand by my previous explanation.
@@TheCreditFrog when you say "X" that means points, when you say %, then it's cashback
When do content creators cancel cards? When they don't get referral bonuses. How accurate are content creators' predictions about future card changes? 0.01%
cool
🥀 Gold = 💀 - 🫡
That was hilarious Stan haha.
Haha I’m glad you liked that Tony! When I was filming it I thought of you and CJ. I am now officially Team NoGold
The one and only reason to keep any Amex cards with high annual fees is for it to be waived - active duty military. When i get out all my $5,000 annual fees will be downgraded to zero!
That's a great benefit for sure! Thank you for your service 🇺🇸!
OMG!!! Here we go, another “trend” of Cancel my Amex card video.
It comes in waves. It’s time for me to ride this one! 🏄♂️
I thought credit reporting agencies punished you for cancelling cards.
It depends on the situation. You mainly take a short term hit on utilization if you have low credit limits, but if you have a positive credit history, that good history remains on your report for 10 years!
First!
Congrats CJ! You are first 🥇 🏆
without the "forced" $10 credits, who likes eating at Shake Shack & Cheesecake? even McDonalds is overpriced now
I'll be honest - I think Shake Shack is delicious. But there's none close to where I live so there's that. Cheesecake Factory has nice cheesecakes, but I'm getting fat so I need to stop 🤣