Maximise Points, Lounge Access and Travel Perks with Amex Preferred Rewards Gold in the UK
Make the most of Amex Preferred Rewards Gold in the UK with 20,000 bonus Membership Rewards, two free airport lounge visits and flexible transfers to airline partners
The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card is a top pick for UK travellers and savvy spenders who want flexible rewards and solid travel perks. With a 20,000 Membership Rewards welcome bonus after meeting the initial spend, this card gives immediate value and long-term earning potential for flights, hotels and everyday purchases.
Rewards and points earning
With the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold you earn Membership Rewards points on almost every purchase – typically 1 point per £1, with higher rates for airline bookings and Amex Travel. Points are straightforward to collect through usual spending like groceries, petrol and dining out in the UK.
Points transfer to a wide range of airline partners, including British Airways Avios and Virgin Atlantic, so you can convert Membership Rewards into meaningful flights. That transfer flexibility is the core appeal for anyone looking to squeeze more travel from card spending.
Lounge access and travel benefits
The card includes two complimentary airport lounge visits per year at participating lounges, a welcome perk for occasional travellers flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or regional airports. Access makes pre-flight time more comfortable and often justifies part of the annual fee for frequent flyers.
Additional travel perks round out the package: £5 back with Deliveroo twice a month, travel protections and Plan It instalment options to spread large purchases. These extras help keep the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold relevant for both holidays and everyday life in the UK.
Costs, fees and application
The first year is usually fee-free then the annual charge is £195, so it’s worth checking whether the value of the welcome bonus, lounge visits and ongoing rewards outweighs the cost for your spend profile. Acceptance can be stricter than some Visa or Mastercard options, so consider this before applying.
Applying is simple via the Amex website and you can run a soft eligibility check first to avoid impacting your credit file. Manage statements, payments and points easily through the Amex app—handy when you’re planning flights or moving points to airline accounts.
Who should pick this card and tips to maximise value
The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold suits people who travel a few times a year and can benefit from transferable points. If you regularly book flights or use Amex Travel, the higher earn rates make the card especially rewarding compared with standard cashback cards.
To maximise benefits: meet the welcome spend for the 20,000 bonus, use Amex Travel for 3x points where possible, transfer points to airline partners smartly and take the two lounge visits each year. Compare alternatives like BA or Virgin cards if you mainly want Avios or specific airline loyalty acceleration.
Check eligibility online and weigh the £195 fee against the welcome offer and ongoing perks to see if the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold matches your UK spending and travel habits.