New applications paused in India
American Express Gold Charge Card Review
The American Express Gold Charge Card is a charge card — you pay the full balance each month — built around Membership Rewards points and the monthly 1,000-point bonus for six ₹1,000 transactions.
Amex has paused new applications in India, so this review is for existing members, who should note the programme changes coming on 15 November 2026.
- 1,000 bonus points every month for 6 transactions of ₹1,000
- Gold Collection redemptions at about ₹0.50 a point or better
- 5,000 points on first renewal
- Up to 20% off dining at partner restaurants
- Charge card: no pre-set spending limit
- New applications paused in India
- ₹4,500 fee from year two with no stated waiver
- No points on fuel (from 12 Jun 2025), insurance or cash
- No lounge access
- Amex acceptance narrower than Visa/Mastercard
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| First-year fee | ₹1,000 + taxes |
| Annual fee | ₹4,500 + taxes from year two |
| Forex markup | About 3.5% |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base | 1 Membership Rewards point per ₹50 |
| Monthly bonus | 1,000 points for 6 transactions of ₹1,000 each in a calendar month |
| ShopWise | 5X points on purchases through ShopWise |
| First renewal | 5,000 points |
| Gold Collection | 18,000 points = ₹9,000 Taj voucher; 24,000 points = ₹14,000 Taj voucher |
What earns nothing
Insurance, cash and (from 12 Jun 2025) fuel earn no points.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dining | Up to 20% off at partner restaurants |
| Lounge access | None |
| From 15 Nov 2026 | Points kept separately per card, milestones counted by posting date, earning and redemption paused while a statement is overdue |
| Supplementary cards | New supplementary card applications paused from 27 Oct 2026 |
Eligibility
Issuer
American Express
Type
Charge card (pay in full monthly)
Status
New applications paused in India
Who this card is for
- Good fit: existing members who make six ₹1,000 transactions every month and redeem through the Gold Collection.
- Skip if: you are a new applicant — applications are paused.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
Still rewarding for disciplined existing members thanks to the monthly bonus and Gold Collection. New applicants will need to wait for Amex to reopen applications.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the Amex Gold Charge Card?
Not at present. Amex has paused new applications in India.
How does the monthly bonus work?
Make 6 transactions of ₹1,000 or more in a calendar month and earn 1,000 bonus points, once a month.
Does fuel earn points?
No, since 12 June 2025.
What changes on 15 November 2026?
Points are held separately per card, milestones are counted by posting date, and earning and redemption pause while a statement is overdue.
Is there lounge access?
No.
Last verified: October 2026, against American Express India’s Gold Card page and consumer experience updates. Card terms change often; confirm the current fees and reward rules on the issuer’s website before you apply. All fees are plus 18% GST.