Crucial Insights at a Glance
- Both the American Express® Green Card* and American Express® Gold Card rake in valuable Membership Rewards points, prized for their flexibility and breadth.
- With a comparatively modest annual fee, the Green Card dishes out slightly fewer rewards but shines through two travel-related perks that elevate your trips to a posh experience.
- The Gold Card, sporting a heftier yearly charge, delivers beefed-up rewards in everyday hotspots like groceries, dining, and travel purchases.
While American Express cards often catch your eye, the Green and Gold versions stand out for different reasons. Let’s break down the nuances in rewards and benefits to see which card fits your lifestyle like a glove.
Headline Features Compared
| Welcome Bonus | Score 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points once you rack up $3,000 in eligible charges within the first 6 months. | Rack up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in your initial six months — though eligibility varies and welcome offers fluctuate. |
| Rewards Rates |
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| Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
| Annual Fee | $150 | $325 |
| Key Benefits |
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Breaking Down the Contenders
Analyzing these two cards side-by-side requires spotlighting their welcome bonuses, everyday reward systems, fees, and extras. Below, we dive into what makes each card tick.
Welcome Bonus: The Heavyweight Champion
American Express® Gold Card
Outpacing the Green Card handily, the Gold Card hands you up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after a $6,000 spend in six months. When moved to premium transfer partners, those points can translate into rewards worth about $2,000 — a hefty carrot. Meanwhile, the Green Card’s 40,000-point bonus demands just half that spending, presenting a more accessible entry but fewer points overall.
Still, earning double the points requires doubling your spend, a tradeoff that might not strike everyone as a bargain.
Rewards Rate: Where the Gold Glimmers Brighter
American Express® Gold Card
The Gold Card’s rewards on dining and groceries hit a sweet 4X points threshold up to substantial annual spend caps ($50,000 for restaurants, $25,000 for supermarkets), outshining the Green Card’s steady 3X points on travel and transit. Travelers and commuters might tip the scales toward the Green Card’s consistent 3X points across a broader swath of travel-related expenses, though.
Food lovers, both diners and home chefs, will feel right at home with the Gold Card’s rewarding perks.
Annual Fee: The Budget-Friendly Winner
American Express Green Card®
The Green Card captures this crown thanks to a more wallet-friendly $150 annual charge, nearly half the Gold Card’s $325 fee.
Perks That Tip the Balance
American Express Green Card®
Cardholders enjoy a substantial $199 Clear Plus credit, a perk that can make breezing through airports less of a hassle. For comparison, the Gold Card doles out $10 monthly credits for Uber and dining, totaling $240 combined, but these credits expire monthly and don’t roll over, which can cause you to miss out if not used diligently.
The $100 Hotel Collection credit from the Gold Card is a nice touch but comes with eligibility strings that aren’t always easy to untangle.
Beyond these, both cards are practically twins when it comes to shopping benefits, car rental coverage, purchase protection, extended warranties, and access to the Global Assist Hotline.
Who Walks Away with the Most Rewards?
Ultimately, your rewards haul hinges on your spending habits and which card you wield. Here’s a snapshot example showing potential points earned based on typical annual spending.
| Groceries at U.S. Supermarkets (Annual spend: $16,442) |
16,442 | 65,768 |
| Restaurants ($3,600 annually dining out) |
10,800 | 14,400 |
| Flights ($3,000 annually) |
9,000 | 9,000 |
| Hotels and Other Travel ($2,000 annually) |
6,000 | 4,000 |
| Miscellaneous Purchases ($12,000 annually) |
12,000 | 12,000 |
This comparison clearly demonstrates the Gold Card nearly doubles points accumulation for average household spending patterns. Yet, if the majority of your dollars funnel into travel or public transit, the Green Card might better suit your earning potential and preferences.
When Does the Green Card Make Sense?
Your pick might tilt towards the Green Card if frequent traveling or targeting the card’s travel-heavy bonus categories resonate more with your habits. The gentler $150 annual fee sweetens the deal for those mindful of yearly costs.
Extra Perks to Consider
Besides travel conveniences like a $199 Clear Plus membership, trip delay, and baggage protections, this card brings specialty shopping deals and free ShopRunner membership to the table.
Added purchase safeguards include coverage against damage or theft and extended warranties on qualifying products carrying manufacturer guarantees.
How to Use Your Points
Points earned via the Green Card feed into the American Express Membership Rewards ecosystem. Redemption flexibility spans statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and travel bookings through AmexTravel.com. For savvy travelers, points transfer to partners such as Delta SkyMiles or Hilton Honors can unlock enhanced value.
Credit Score Expectations
Generally, applicants should boast good to excellent credit standing to qualify for the Green Card.
Additional Advantages with the Gold Card
Mirroring many Green Card perks like Amex Offers and ShopRunner access, the Gold Card also opens doors to exclusive Events with Amex and Fan Experiences at select occasions. Beyond that, enjoy $84 in annual Dunkin’ credits ($7 monthly) plus $100 in credits for eligible Resy restaurant bookings (split into two $50 installments).
Purchase protection and extended warranty services round out your safety net.
Gold Card Points & Redemption
The Gold Card also delivers points through the Membership Rewards scheme. Valued at roughly 2 cents per point when redeemed via travel partners, these points pack a bit more punch compared to other reward types.
Credit Score Requirement
Qualifying for the Gold Card similarly demands a solid credit profile, with good to excellent credit standing.
The Final Verdict
Choosing between these two Amex cards boils down to weighing annual fees against preferred perks and your spending style. If racking up points at U.S. supermarkets and dining spots ranks high, the Gold Card could reign supreme. Conversely, frequent flyers and commuters chasing the Clear Plus credit may find the Green Card more in tune with their pocketbooks.
Notably, you can hold both cards simultaneously and seize the welcome bonuses from each, maximizing your rewards potential.
*Card information about the American Express® Green Card was independently gathered by Bankrate. The card issuer has not reviewed or endorsed this content.