It does not have to be a Platinum Card. You can add at least one person with a Gold Card — under your Platinum account for free. Amex Gold Cards are slightly different in purpose and how the points system work. These cards come with an annual fee of $250 — but are considered premium cards also, in their own regard. In any case, the Gold Card fee can be waived if it's being approved for an authorized user who folds into an existing Platinum Card holder.