Earlier this year American Express completely refreshed the flagship Gold card. Prior to the refresh American Express offered two versions of the popular credit card (business versions excluded). However, in October 2018 American Express refreshed the Gold card and simply began calling it, well, The Gold Card. I know, it’s confusing, so I’ve been referring to it as the New Metal Gold Card to keep everything straight.
When Amex announced the refreshed Metal Gold Card the announcement included a somewhat lengthy list of new card benefits. These benefits included earning 4X Membership Rewards points on dining and grocery shopping, 3X points on airfare, and a $120/year dining credit. Given the improvement in benefits and the exclusive limited edition Rose Gold colored card I suspect a ton of consumers, myself included, opted to apply for the new Metal Gold card.
I applied just a few days after the application open and within a few days my shiny new Metal Gold card arrived in the mail. A few days later I received an email from American Express welcoming to my new Gold card. While generally I would ignore emails like this I noticed it contained a ton of valuable information. Additionally, the information found in the email could be especially useful to those new to American Express. I suspect Amex received a significant number of new customers after launching the refreshed Gold card.
Welcome To Your New American Express Metal Gold Card
The initial email I received from American Express contained the subject line “[MooreWithMiles], let’s get started with your new Card!” Inside the email I found a quite detailed email on some steps to complete shortly after receiving a new card.
The begin, the email listed my account number, member since year, and name. The email also featured a “Log In” button for existing American Express members with an online login. For those without a log-in there is a link inside the email to “create your online account.” If you haven’t already done so I’d recommend setting up an online account immediately.
Next, there was a button for setting up personalized alerts which I opted to skip. However, the next button to “download the app” is also especially important. The New Metal Amex Gold Card gives card members access to American Express Offers. Amex Offers are essentially coupons which you add to your card. These offers include things like $50 off a $250 purchase, etc. at select merchants. When I’m shopping I’ll search the mobile app for offers before making a purchase to ensure I’m saving money when possible.
A little lower within the email was a link to a “digital Membership Guide.” The digital Membership Guide is essentially a welcome kit which highlights key card benefits.
Finally, the email concluded by highlighting a few other benefits offered by the New Metal Gold card.
While the welcome email isn’t the most comprehensive welcome email I’ve ever seen I think it does a good job highlighting some actions all new card members should take.
Final Thoughts
I’ve had the new Metal American Express Gold card for a few months now and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. However, one thing I’ve quickly noticed is how much harder card members have to work to maximize the benefits offered by this card. I say this because a lot of the Gold Card’s benefits are not automatic. To maximize the annual airline credit you have to first enroll online with a single airline. Also, to maximize Amex Offers you have to add each offer to your card. Finally, as this card is a charge card you have to make sure to pay your balance in full every month. Note: you should be doing that on all cards already.
My point is that the benefits from this card aren’t as automatic as others. So, if you opted to open this card make sure to create an online account and familiarize yourself with the card’s benefits. By doing this right away you’ll avoid missing out on benefits offered by this card by not opting-in.
