The Amex Green at $150 earns 3x on travel, transit, and dining and gives a CLEAR Plus credit, while the Amex Gold at $325 earns 4x on dining and U.S. supermarkets with dining credits. The Green fits broad travel and transit at a lower fee; the Gold wins for heavy food spenders. Figures are as of 2026; confirm at the issuer.
Amex Green vs Amex Gold, head to head
| Category | Amex Green | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 | $325 |
| Rewards | 3x travel, transit, and dining | 4x dining and U.S. supermarkets, 5x prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 3x flights |
| Credits | $219 CLEAR Plus credit | Dining and Uber Cash credits |
| Points type | Transferable Membership Rewards | Transferable Membership Rewards |
| Best for | Broad travel and transit at a lower fee | Heavy dining and grocery spenders |
Top pick for most: Amex Gold
Our pick for most people. Confirm the current welcome offer and terms at the issuer.
Which should you pick
Advertisement
Pick the Green if you want a lower fee and broad 3x on travel, transit, and dining, plus a CLEAR Plus credit. Pick the Gold if your food spending is high; 4x on dining and U.S. supermarkets plus the dining credits usually return more than the $325 fee.
The honest tradeoff
The Green is simpler and cheaper, with wide travel and transit earning and one clean credit. The Gold earns more on food and has richer credits, but only pays off if you use them. Both earn the same transferable Membership Rewards, so the choice is fee and category fit. Every destination and ratio is in Amex transfer partners.
More card guides
FAQ
Is the Amex Green or Gold better?
The Green fits broad travel and transit spending at a lower $150 fee; the Gold wins for heavy dining and grocery spenders at $325 with richer credits. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Do the Amex Green and Gold earn the same points?
Yes, both earn transferable Membership Rewards, so the difference is the fee, the categories, and the credits, not the points type.
Does the Amex Green have a CLEAR credit?
Yes, the Green includes a CLEAR Plus credit that can cover a CLEAR Plus membership when you pay with the card. Confirm the current credit amount and terms at American Express.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
We re-check these guides as issuer rules and award charts change. 2 ways to follow along, no account needed.