How to Use an American Express Gold Charge Card

Charge cards like the American Express Gold Card provide a convenient alternative to cash.

An American Express Gold Card is a charge card that requires holders to pay their full balance at the end of every monthly cycle. Unlike charge cards, credit cards provide a line of credit to the card holder, and purchases made in a billing cycle usually don't have to be paid off in full. Charge cards provide the holder with an alternative to cash but offer no ongoing credit.

Instructions

1. Activate your American Express Gold Card either over the telephone or online. After the card is activated, you can make purchases with the card. American Express charge cards come with no preset spending limit.

2. Take the charge card to a merchant that accepts American Express cards. Merchants that accept them usually have the appropriate signage at their place of business.

3. Settle your outstanding charges at the end of each billing cycle. Generally, American Express will send a monthly statement to the card holder that outlines all the purchases made with the card during the billing cycle. Unless specified otherwise, the bill must be paid in full, with no option to carry a balance.

Tips & Warnings

• American Express Gold Card holders enjoy many benefits with their charge card, including Membership Reward points that can be redeemed for benefits such as merchandise and travel.

• American Express often allows eligible card members to pay for certain charges over time.

• In the U.S., the American Express Gold Card carries an annual fee of $125.

References

• American Express: What Is a Charge Card?
• American Express: Payment Flexibility for Charge Cards
• American Express: American Express Gold Card