What is the difference between american Express green card and gold card?

10 Mar 2023

The American Express® Gold Card and the American Express® Green Card are two of the most recognizable credit cards available, Amex Green Card alone having been in circulation for more than 50 years.

However, classic does not imply outdated, as both cards have undergone dramatic makeovers in recent years, resulting in two competitive products aimed at different market segments. The Amex Green is more geared toward travel, whereas the Amex Gold appears to be better suited for everyday purchases like groceries and dining out.

While the Amex Gold Card has a higher annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees) than the Amex Green Card, it is still less than half the cost of The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The American Express Green Card and the American Express Gold Card are two different credit card products offered by American Express, with different features and benefits. Here are some of the main differences:

Comparison of benefits

Benefit of Feature	Amex Gold Card	Amex Green Card
Welcome Bonus	$150	$250
Annual fee	45,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases with your new card in the first six months of card membership.	If you spend $4,000 on a regular purchase with a new card within the first six months of your card membership, you will earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points.
Earning categories	3x points on travel (including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours and ridesharing services) 3x points at restaurants 1x on all other purchases Terms apply	4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 spent per calendar year (then 1x) 4x points at restaurants 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel 1x on all other purchases Terms apply
Travel benefits	Up to $189 annual credit for Clear Up to $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit Car rental loss and damage Baggage insurance plan Trip delay insurance	Up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 monthly credits) for services in the United States. To receive the benefit, the card must be added to the Uber app. Rental car damage and loss The Hotel Collection is a collection of hotels. Plan for baggage insurance Trip cancellation insurance
Additional benefits	ShopRunner offers free 2-day shipping on qualifying items. Registration is required. Purchase security Warranty extension protection Access to entertainment There are no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees)	Annual dining credit of up to $120 at select restaurants (up to $10 per month) per calendar year. Registration is required. ShopRunner offers free 2-day shipping on qualifying items. Registration is required. Purchase security Warranty extension protection Access to entertainment There are no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees)

The difference between the Value of a Welcome Offer

Both cards have enticing welcome bonuses. The Amex Green card offers 45,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases with your new card within the first six months of membership. Meanwhile, the Amex Gold card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the same period.

The difference between Earning Potential

You should maximize the number of points you earn with each purchase because it moves you closer to your award redemption. With that in mind, here's a look at how each card will reward you for purchases made with it.

Bonus Category	Amex Gold Card	Amex Green Card
Restaurants	4x points	3x points
U.S. Supermarkets	4x points (on up to $25,000 in spending each year)	1x point
Airfare	3x points when booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel	3x points
General Travel	1x point	3x points
Transit	1x point	3x points
All Other Purchases	1x point	1x point

The difference between Redemption Options

It is a straightforward comparison because both cards provide the same redemption options for your Amex Membership Rewards points.

The best option is to redeem your points through one of American Express' travel transfer partners, which allows you to book luxurious business and first-class flights for a fraction of the regular price.

Another option is to redeem your points at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point through the Amex Travel portal. These redemptions are unlikely to be as valuable as those obtained through transfer partners.

The difference between Statement Credits

Both the Amex Gold card and the Amex Green card have an annual fee that cardholders can offset by using the statement credits provided by each card.

Cardholders of the Amex Gold card receive two statement credits. The first is up to $120 in dining credits per year, available in $10 increments each month and redeemable on Grubhub orders, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations.

The statement credits on the Amex Green card are much more travel-focused, with the first being an up to $189 annual CLEAR credit. You'll also receive a $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit, which allows you to pay to enter any of the LoungeBuddy network lounges without flying a specific class or holding any elite status.

The difference between Hotel Benefits

American Express Gold Card

You can book hotels with your Amex Gold card through The Hotel Collection from American Express. When you book at least two nights, you'll receive a room upgrade at check-in (if available) and a $100 credit for qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities (varies by property).

American Express Green Card

On the other hand, the Amex Green card offers no hotel benefits despite being more travel-focused in terms of bonus categories and statement credits.

The difference between Shopping benefits

The American Express Gold Card offers an annual restaurant credit of up to $120 at select restaurants, including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations.

While the Amex Green Card offers the same 90-day benefit, it is limited to $1,000 per claim and $50,000. The Amex Gold Card is preferable for expensive purchases, but most card members will find the Amex Green Card's maximum to be more than adequate.

In summary, while both cards offer rewards and benefits, the American Express Gold Card offers more benefits and a higher earning potential for rewards, but comes with a higher annual fee. The American Express Green Card has a lower annual fee and rewards spending on travel and dining, but offers fewer benefits overall. The right card for you depends on your spending habits and the benefits you value most.

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