Amex Green vs. Gold vs. Platinum 2024

American Express Membership Rewards? points are one of the most valuable travel rewards currencies in existence. The American Express? Green Card * The information for the American Express? Green Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , American Express? Gold Card (terms apply, see rates and fees) and The Platinum Card? from American Express (terms apply, see rates and fees) are among the top American Express cards that earn these points.

If you travel frequently, you should consider having at least one of these cards. With all of them, one of the best ways to redeem your points is by transferring them to airline and hotel partners, allowing you to travel for pennies on the dollar. However, the cards’ ongoing benefits are wildly different — as are their annual fees.

The best card for you depends on your travel style and spending habits. We’ll hit the highlights (and lowlights) of each card to help you decide the flavor that best suits your wallet.

We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.

Featured Offer

American Express? Gold Card

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

60,000 points + earn up to $100 back

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee

$325

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On American Express's Website

Welcome bonuses

Each card offers a valuable intro bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements. American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each as of September 2024, according to valuations from travel website The Points Guy. That makes these bonuses worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the card and how you use your points — you’ll need to use them for travel to get the best value.

Amex Green Card

The Amex Green Card comes with 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening. That’s worth around $800 in travel, per The Points Guy’s rewards valuations.

This card has previously offered a welcome bonus worth 60,000 points. There’s no guarantee it will again — but if you don’t have an immediate need for the card, it may be wise to wait.

Amex Gold Card

With the Amex Gold Card, you can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards? points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide (up to $100 back) within the first six months of card membership (offer ends 11/6/24). You could get around $1,200 in travel from this bonus, and that’s not including the restaurant statement credit part of the offer.

Amex occasionally targets some folks for higher offers than this. It’s worth occasionally checking the Amex website to see if you’re among the lucky ones.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card offers 80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening. That’s worth about $1,600 in travel.

This is one of the best welcome bonuses available right now. Still, American Express has increased this card’s bonus to 100,000 points in the past — and some have found targeted offers that are even higher.

Earning points

The three cards have markedly different earning rates in bonus categories. Your spending habits may determine the best card for your situation.

Amex Green Card

Though the Amex Green Card charges the lowest annual fee ($150) and is decidedly the least premium option of the bunch, it’s arguably the best earner for travelers. It’s the only card that offers bonus rewards on travel purchased outside of Amex Travel. That’s a big deal for those who prefer to book directly with hotels, airlines and other travel providers.

Plus, none of its return rates are capped (something that can’t be said of the other two cards).

Amex Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card is a points power-earner for restaurants (4x on up to $50,000 per year, then 1x) and U.S. supermarkets (4x on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x), even with annual spending caps.

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card is one of the worst rewards cards for everyday spending, as it only earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased from airlines and select travel booked through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar for everything else. All to say, unless you’re buying travel, you should keep the card sheathed. Even a no annual fee credit card that earns 2% cash rewards on purchases (like the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card (terms apply, see rates and fees)) is a better fit for non-travel expenses.

Redeeming points

The three cards are virtually identical when it comes to redeeming points. You can transfer your rewards to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs such as Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Air Canada Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy. This is the only way to achieve an average value of 2 cents or more per point.

You can also redeem points for:

• Gift cards at a rate of 0.5 to 1 cent per point
• Select online merchants at a rate of 0.7 cents per point
• Cash (as a statement credit) at a rate of 0.6 cents per point
• Airfare through Amex Travel at a rate of 1 cent per point
• Other travel through Amex Travel (such as prepaid hotels, rental cars and cruises) at a rate of 0.7 cents per point

These are less-than-optimal redemptions that you shouldn’t choose if you can help it. Redeeming for travel through Amex Travel is a poor value compared to what you can get from transferring points, but if you’re dead-set on spending zero dollars for travel, it’s an option.

Amex Travel allows you to mix cash and points to pay with as few or as many points as you like — including taxes and fees.

Amex Platinum Card

With the Amex Platinum Card, you can also book prepaid hotel stays at properties that participate in Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts at a rate of 1 cent each.

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is a collection of high-end hotels that offers Amex Platinum card holders elite-like perks such as breakfast for two, a $100 on-property experience credit, a room upgrade when available and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

I’ve received hundreds of dollars in value every time I’ve booked through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. Stays often come with fun welcome gifts, too.

Amex Green Card

While the Amex Green Card comes with the fewest statement credits, the potential value is more than enough to offset its $150 annual fee. If you would otherwise pay for LoungeBuddy airport lounge access or CLEAR? Plus membership, the card’s statement credits will complement your spending perfectly.

Amex Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card recently added to its collection of statement credits. It now offers up to $424 in annual value — almost all of which is food-related (enrollment required for all perks).

These credits are doled out incrementally, which is a downside, and the piecemeal approach to getting value won’t appeal to all consumers. You can receive:

• Dunkin’ credits: Up to $7 per month in statement credits.
• Resy restaurant credit: Up to $50 in statement credits from January to June, and up to $50 from July to December.
• Eligible dining credit: Up to $10 per month in statement credits toward Grubhub (including Seamless), Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly or Wine.com purchases.
• Uber Cash: $10 in Uber Cash each month, which can be used for U.S. rides or Uber Eats (note that you must add the Amex Gold to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card comes with a mind-numbing selection of statement credits. Together, they’re worth more than $1,000 each year — if you manage to use them all. You can receive:

• Uber Cash: This one isn’t technically a statement credit, but you can get $15 per month in Uber Cash, with $35 in December (enrollment required).
• Airline incidental fee coverage: Up to $200 per year in statement credits toward eligible airline incidental fees (enrollment required).
• Digital entertainment credits: Up to $20 per month in statement credits toward eligible digital entertainment (subscriptions to Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock and The Wall Street Journal; enrollment required).
• Prepaid hotel credits: Up to $200 per year in statement credits toward eligible prepaid hotels booked through Amex.
• Saks credits: Up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and up to $50 from July to December (enrollment required).
• Walmart+ credit: Up to $12.95 (plus tax) per month in statement credits toward a monthly Walmart+ membership.
• CLEAR? Plus credit: Up to $199 per year in statement credits toward CLEAR? Plus membership.

On top of the annual credits, you can get up to $100 in statement credits toward the Global Entry (every four years) or TSA PreCheck (every four and a half years) application fee for a five-year membership. Note that starting Oct. 1, 2024, the Global Entry application fee and credit will increase to $120.

I’ve found that most credits aren’t difficult to use if you’re deliberate. For example, I received over $800 in value in a little over a month by redeeming a variety of credits, including for airline incidental fees, digital entertainment, Amex Offers (targeted discounts for card holders) and prepaid hotel bookings. In other words, I’ve more than offset the card’s annual fee this year — meaning any other perks I use (such as up to $200 in annual Uber Cash, excellent airport lounge access, and hotel and rental car elite status) are effectively gravy.

We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.

Featured Offer

The Platinum Card? from American Express

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee

$695

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On American Express's Website

Travel perks

Let’s define and explore some of the travel perks you’ll find with these three cards.

LoungeBuddy or Global Lounge Collection access

LoungeBuddy is a platform that reviews lounges and lets you buy day passes to select locations. This is great for those who aren’t yet willing to pay the lofty annual fee that comes with a full-fledged lounge membership. The Amex Green provides up to $100 per year in statement credits that can cover LoungeBuddy airport lounge access.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection is a group of lounge networks that Amex Platinum card holders can access at no charge (though in some cases, additional guests cost extra). Over 1,400 locations worldwide participate, including Priority Pass, Amex Centurion, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta in Main Cabin or higher) and Plaza Premium lounges.

The Amex Gold doesn’t provide airport lounge access.

CLEAR? Plus, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

CLEAR? Plus is a program that allows you to skip the airport security line by entering biometric data into a kiosk. The Amex Green and Amex Platinum cards both offer an annual credit to cover a membership.

TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on when going through a TSA checkpoint. You can also keep your laptop and carry-on-approved toiletries in your bag. This membership can stack with CLEAR? Plus to help you speed through domestic security.

Global Entry is designed for those returning to the US from abroad. You can skip the immigration line (which can sometimes take hours) by having your photo taken at a kiosk and answering a few automated questions. Global Entry also comes with TSA PreCheck privileges.

The Amex Platinum can reimburse you for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. Neither of the other cards offers this perk.

Elite status

Neither the Amex Green nor the Amex Gold offers elite status in any loyalty programs. The Amex Platinum, however, unlocks Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, Hilton Honors Gold status, and elite benefits on car rentals with Avis, Hertz and National.

Of note is Amex’s Global Assist Hotline, which offers 24/7 help with coordinating services such as lost passport replacement and emergency medical or legal referrals when you’re at least 100 miles from home. The Global Assist Hotline provides coordination free of charge, but any third-party charges are the card holder’s responsibility. The exception is the Amex Platinum which offers premium assistance that may provide emergency medical transportation assistance at no cost if it’s approved and arranged by the Premium Global Assist Hotline.

All cards are also eligible to be enrolled in Premium Car Rental Protection (for a fee), which confers top-tier primary rental car insurance.

Amex Green Card

Trip delay insurance is the most noteworthy protection on the Amex Green Card. When your travel is delayed by more than 12 hours, you’ll get up to $300 per trip for meals, accommodation and other reasonable expenses.

Its purchase protection and extended warranty coverage are competitive with other credit cards and just as good of an option as any to use for high-dollar items.

Amex Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card offers similar travel insurance, including identical trip delay insurance to the Amex Green Card.

Its purchase protection is notably higher than the Amex Green Card’s, however, offering up to $10,000 per covered purchase (instead of just $1,000).

Amex Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card is more well-rounded as a travel credit card, offering trip cancellation and interruption and trip delay insurance (covering up to $500 per trip, notably more generous than the previous two cards).

You’ll also find purchase protection equal to the Amex Gold Card’s, as well as up to $800 in cell phone insurance (subject to a $50 deductible).

Fees and costs

None of these cards are free — you will pay an annual fee. Aside from that, you’ll only be charged based on how you use the card. For example, you won’t incur interest on your purchases unless you fail to pay off your balance each billing cycle.

Should you get the American Express Green, Gold or Platinum?

Amex Green Card

The Amex Green Card is for those who spend a lot “on the go” with commuting and general travel purchases. Its strong return for these expenses can net you tens of thousands of points each year. The card is also good for those who are either airport lounge-curious or interested in skipping the line at TSA checkpoints.

Amex Gold Card

The American Express? Gold Card is best for foodies. Its statement credits are dining-focused, and the card can earn tons of points at restaurants and t supermarkets (useful for those who prefer to make their own food).

Amex Platinum Card

The Platinum Card? from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers. While it’s possible to offset the card’s large annual fee even if you’re not a traveler, the card isn’t optimized for the homebody. You’re likely better off with the Amex Gold Card if you take just a trip or two each year.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can you upgrade from an Amex Green Card to the Amex Gold?

You can upgrade to the Amex Gold Card from the Amex Green Card, but you typically won’t get a welcome bonus when you do so. For this reason, it’s generally better to just apply for the Amex Gold Card and cancel the Amex Green Card.

Is the Amex Gold worth it?

The Amex Gold Card is worth its annual fee for those who will use its over $400 in food-related statement credits.

Are the Amex Gold and Platinum Card harder to get than the Amex Green Card?

The Amex Gold and Amex Platinum Card aren’t necessarily harder to get than the Amex Green Card. All are travel rewards credit cards which typically require at least a 670 credit score to be considered for approval (in other words, at least good credit by FICO’s measurement).

Are the Amex Green, Gold Platinum metal cards?

The Amex Gold and Amex Platinum are metal cards. The Amex Green Card is plastic.

Do the Amex Green, Gold and Platinum offer Global Entry credits?

Of these three cards, only the Amex Platinum Card offers a credit to cover a Global Entry application fee.

To view rates and fees for American Express? Green Card * The information for the American Express? Green Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for American Express? Gold Card, please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card? from American Express, please visit this page.

^{1Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.}

^{2When an American Express? Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.}

^{3With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express? Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.}

^{?Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period.}

^{Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.}

^{?Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.}

^{?Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.}

^{?Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.}

^{?Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.}

^{?Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.}

^{1?Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.}

^{11The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.}

^{12You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.}