Can American citizens get the gold card? I did a search of this site, she "thought" no. The Renfe web site seems to say yes, though that is not clear. Guidebooks aren't clear--so what is it? Anybody actually get one recently?

I believe you have to be a resident and have some type of card (tarjeta) that certifies that you are old. Looks are not enough...

El_Dougo writes: Yes; but: to be eligible to purchase the regular tarjeta dorada you must reside in Spain. Renfe has its own tarjeta dorada, good only on Renfe. The ticket Agent at Sevilla Santa Justa was willing to sell me one when I showed him my EU Member Country Passport but it wouldn't have saved me anything. Some 'long haul' bus companies in Spain will give you a 'Senior' discount if you are over-60 and ask for it - just show your passport.

You're right. I just received this e-mail from Renfe: "To be beneficiary of Gold Card you have to be resident in Spain. The foreign citizens have to credit its residence in Spain, by a residence or registry certificate."