Cards

AmEx Green vs. Gold vs. Platinum: Which Is Right for You?

Irina Tsymbaliuk
AmEx Green vs. Gold vs. Platinum

AmEx Green card vs. Gold card vs. Platinum card is not a simple discussion. Choosing between these options can be difficult, as all solutions offer attractive bonuses while also having reasonable fees for the cards of their level. If you like to travel, eat out, and make frequent purchases, then each of the three types of card will suit you, and the choice comes down to what annual fee you’re willing to pay. However, there are several notable differences between the three, and that’s what this article is about.

AmEx Cards: A Quick Overview of the Best Options

Let’s start with a brief comparison between AmEx Green card vs. Platinum vs. Gold. Those have a lot in common! For example, all of the above belong to the American Express’s premium line, have a fee schedule, and can potentially offer enough bonuses to comfortably cover their costs.

AmEx Cards: A Quick Overview of the Best Options

American Express Green Card

The cheapest option still offers a significant number of benefits and rewards for those who like to travel and make purchases on credit. So, you should consider this card if you occasionally visit different American states and want to save cash on travel, leisure, entertainment, etc.

American Express Gold Card

When comparing the American Express Green vs. Gold cards, the latter offers a higher rate of reward points, particularly for travel, dining, and lounge access at leading airports. Additionally, the Gold card strikes a balance between annual fees and the benefits provided to the user.

American Express Platinum Card

In the AmEx Green vs. Platinum battle, the latter stands out as a heavyweight among what the provider’s offers. It offers unparalleled bonuses and a generous reward system. While it is the most expensive card on the list, it also has the most substantial benefits for frequent travelers.

Head-On Collision: AmEx Cards in 5 Nominations

Let’s have a more detailed review of the American Express Green vs. Gold vs. Platinum. Find out what bonuses and commissions await you with each of the tariff plans from American Express.

 

Annual Fees

Rewards and Points

Travel Benefits

Dining and Entertainment Perks

Additional Benefits

Green

$150

3x bonuses and rewards for traveling, in restaurants, public transport, and taxis. 

Up to 40,000 welcome bonus points for $3000 spent during the first 6 months of membership.

A credit of up to $189 towards the cost of CLEAR® Plus per calendar year and a credit that cardholders can use to purchase lounge access at participating hotels worldwide.

Discounts and bonuses are available in a fairly limited network of restaurants participating in the AmEx partner program.

 

Gold

$325

4x bonuses and rewards for spending in US supermarkets, travel, trips, hotel stays, and 1x points for other expenses.

Up to 60,000 welcome bonus points for $6,000 spent during the first 6 months of membership.

Reimbursement of the cost of tickets. 

Personal (hand) baggage insurance.

Privileged access to lounge spaces at airports.

Discounts on meals at airports.

A $120 meal credit at select restaurants.

Uber cash credit of $120.

$84 in credit at Dunkin’.

 

Platinum

$695

5x bonuses and rewards for all travel, hotels, restaurants, and purchases in supermarkets or partner networks.

Up to 80,000 125,000 welcome bonuses for $8,000 spent during the first 6 months of membership.

$200 in credit for unexpected airline fees.

Reimbursement of ticket costs. 

Personal (hand) baggage insurance.

Privileged access to lounges.

Discounts on meals at airports.

A $240 digital entertainment credit.

Walmart+ credit in the amount of $155.

Uber Cash credit in the amount of $200.

Equinox credit in the amount of $300.

CLEAR Plus eligible credit in the amount of $189.

Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue.

Up to $50 USD once every 6 months. Requires Global Entry Credit of $100.

SoulCycle home bike credit of $300

Preferred credit terms for Walmart+ loans, network lease privileges in several other networks.

As you can see, there is no clear favorite in the AmEx Green vs. Gold vs. Platinum comparison, as greater benefits are balanced by a significantly higher annual fee.

If you travel frequently, like to occasionally go shopping, eat ready-to-eat meals, including takeaways, and want to save money, then Gold is probably your best option.

If you spend moderately and sparingly on travel, food, and shopping and also want to save money, then choose a Green card. It offers all the same bonuses (in a slightly reduced form) as the more advanced alternatives at a far lower price.

Conclusion

Whatever your favorite among the  AmEx Gold vs. Green vs. Platinum, these are all good cards for those who like outdoor activities, traveling, and shopping. Of these options, the Green Card is the most balanced, offering a rich list of bonuses and earning opportunities for a relatively low maintenance cost.