Amex Gold Card vs. Amex Classic Green Card [Detailed Comparison]

The American Express^® Classic Green Card is no longer available to new applicants and can only be obtained as a product downgrade from the American Express^® Gold Card or other eligible Membership Rewards card.

The Amex Gold card earns 4 points per $1 spent on restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per $1 spent) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases, then 1 point per $1 spent). The card carries a $325 annual fee (rates & fees; source: American Express). The Amex Classic Green card earns 3 points per $1 spent on travel, transit, and restaurants and has a lower $150 annual fee.

In this post, we provide a detailed comparison of the cards’ rewards, redemption options, benefits, protections, fees, and more.

Quick Overview: Amex Gold Card vs. Amex Classic Green Card

The Amex Gold card earns 4 points per $1 spent on dining worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases each year; then 1 point per $1 spent). The card also earns 4 points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases each year; then 1 point per $1 spent).

The Amex Classic Green card earns 3 points per $1 spent on travel, transit, and restaurants worldwide.

The Amex Gold card offers statement credits for certain purchases and Uber Cash, totaling up to $424 per year. The Amex Classic Green card offers a $219 statement credit for CLEAR+.

Both the Amex Gold card and Amex Classic Green card earn Membership Rewards points and have access to the same airline and hotel transfer partners. Both cards are considered charge cards and are not subject to a 5-card limit, as are Amex co-branded cards.

Since the Amex Gold card and Amex Classic Green card are in the same product family, holding or having held one of these cards in the past may affect your ability to be eligible for the other.

Amex Gold Card vs. Amex Classic Green Card: Full Comparison

Before we expand on the cards’ details, here is a side-by-side comparison of the key features and benefits.

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card focuses on earning in everyday categories, including dining and supermarkets, with statement credits and Uber Cash that can add up to $424 in potential value each year. The Amex Classic Green card earns on travel, transit, and dining, and includes an annual CLEAR+ statement credit of $219.

Value of a Welcome Offer

A welcome offer presents the opportunity to earn a large number of points during the period immediately following card approval. You earn the offer after meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period.

Welcome offers change frequently, but you’ll find the latest offers in these card snapshots. As a note, we value Amex Membership Rewards points at 2.2 cents per point thanks to the flexible redemption options they provide.

Amex Gold Card

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out, and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets.

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Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out, and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

With the Amex Gold card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There are several other benefits of the Amex Gold card, including monthly dining credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• 4x categories for restaurants and U.S. supermarkets have annual spend caps

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
• $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express^® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star^® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
• Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express^® service and support. Only for American Express^® Card Members.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 100,000 points with the Amex Gold card. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Amex Classic Green Card

American Express^® Classic Green Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

All information about American Express^® Classic Green Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

American Express^® Classic Green Card

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

Welcome Offer

No welcome offer is available.

None

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $0

Annual Fee

$150

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Update: The American Express^® Classic Green Card is no longer available for new applicants, but is available via product change. 
The Amex Classic Green card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card, earning 3x Membership Rewards points on eligible travel and transit purchases, as well as at restaurants, with access to American Express transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and on transit purchases
• Up to $219 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR+ membership with the card
• Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

• $150 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® Points on transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: Receive up to $219 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express^® Classic Green Card.
• Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
• Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express ^® Classic Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
• $150 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Because the Amex Gold card and Amex Classic Green card are part of the same product family, holding either card or having held it in the past could affect your eligibility for the other’s welcome offer bonus. However, you may still be eligible for card approval.

Earning Potential

It’s important to maximize the points you earn on each purchase, as each purchase moves you one step closer to your next award redemption.

Here’s how you earn rewards on each of our featured cards.

The Amex Gold card’s strongest earning categories are dining and supermarkets, earning 4 points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per $1 spent) and U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1 point per $1 spent). While the Amex Classic Green card earns 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, it earns only 1 point per $1 spent at supermarkets.

The Amex Classic Green card functions well as a general travel card. In addition to earning 3x points on dining worldwide, its general travel and transit purchase categories are broad. You earn 3x points on travel expenses, including hotels, rental cars, tours, cruises, and more, while the transit category earns 3x points on taxis, ride-shares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, subways, and more.

Deciding which card is better for earning rewards will depend on your spending mix.

Redemptions

This is an easy comparison, as the Amex Gold card and Amex Classic Green card offer the same flexible redemption options for your Amex Membership Rewards points.

The best way to use your rewards may be to redeem your points through one of the American Express transfer partners, as this can deliver the best potential value.

These cards are part of a broader Amex lineup built around the Membership Rewards program.

Another option is to redeem your points through the AmexTravel.com portal at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point. These redemptions may not yield as much value as using transfer partners. However, this is convenient and adds flexibility, as you can redeem points for any travel purchase you’d like with no blackout dates.

American Express also allows you to redeem your Membership Rewards for statement credits, gift cards, airline upgrades, and shopping with partners such as Amazon and Uber.

Hot Tip: American Express Membership Rewards points are among the most flexible at redemption time. Here are some of the best ways to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points.

Statement Credits

Both the Amex Gold card and Amex Classic Green card charge an annual fee to cardholders, and one of the easiest ways to offset that expense is through the statement credits each card provides.

Amex Gold Card

The Amex Gold card offers several statement credits to cardholders. First is up to $120 annually in dining credits, offered in $10 monthly increments, which you can apply to Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wonder, and Five Guys. Enrollment is required.

Next is the card’s up-to-$120 in Uber Cash annually, also offered in $10 monthly increments, which can be applied to Uber rides or Uber Eats orders in the U.S. You must add your card as a payment option to your Uber account.

Additional statement credits include up to $100 in Resy annual statement credits ($50 semiannually). The statement credit is applied after a purchase at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant. The up-to-$84 annual Dunkin’ statement credit ($7 monthly) can be used at U.S. Dunkin’ locations or added to your online Dunkin’ account. Enrollment is required.

In total, that is up to $424 worth of easily used annual credits that can help offset the card’s $325 annual fee.

Amex Classic Green Card

With the Amex Classic Green card, the statement credit is much more travel-focused, with up to $219 in annual CLEAR+ credit. CLEAR+ provides a faster security experience at many airports and stadiums nationwide (Source: American Express).

Hotel Benefits

Amex Gold Card

With your Amex Gold card, you can make hotel bookings through The Hotel Collection from American Express, and when you make a booking of at least 2 nights or more, you receive a room upgrade at check-in (if available) and a $100 credit to spend on qualifying charges (varies by property).

Amex Classic Green Card

The Amex Classic Green card does not offer any hotel benefits.

Travel Protections

When it comes to travel protection, the Amex Gold card and the Amex Classic Green card offer the same benefits.

Both cards offer trip delay insurance that can provide financial relief if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours. Trip delay insurance can reimburse you for essential expenses such as lodging, meals, toiletries, and more.

Shopping Protections and Benefits

Shopping protections can provide economic value if something goes wrong with an eligible purchase. Shopping benefits can include discounts, additional rewards, and exclusive access for cardholders.

Both cards offer the following protections and benefits:

• Purchase protection: Receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. The limit is $10,000 per purchase for the Amex Gold card and $1,000 per purchase for the Amex Classic Green card. Both cards have a maximum limit of $50,000 per account per calendar year.
• Extended warranty: For eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less, the warranty is extended up to 1 year. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per calendar year, per account.
• Amex Offers: Get discounts and opportunities to earn more points with 100 merchants each month. Enrollment is required.
• American Express Experiences: Get exclusive access to ticket presales.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The annual fee of the Amex Gold card is $325. There is no fee to add authorized users for the first 5 cardholders. There is a $35 annual fee for each cardholder beyond 5 (Source: American Express).

As for the Amex Classic Green card, the annual fee is $150. However, there is no authorized user fee.

Both cards are hybrid charge cards excluded from American Express’s 5-card credit card limit.

Each card offers statement credits that can help offset the annual fee. Authorized users earn points at the same rate as the primary cardholder and have access to most card benefits, except for additional statement credits.

How To Downgrade From the Amex Gold Card to the Amex Classic Green Card

If you have had the Amex Gold card for more than a year, you may be eligible to change to the Amex Classic Green card. You’re not eligible for a welcome offer if you change products.

To inquire about changing from the Amex Gold card to the Amex Classic Green card, you can call the number on the back of your card or use the online chat through your account homepage.

Which Card Is Right for You?

The Amex Gold card can be a good choice if you’re spending heavily at U.S. supermarkets and on dining. The card can also be a good choice if you will maximize the up to $424 in statement credits.

If you’re not spending much at the supermarket or taking advantage of the Amex Gold card’s statement credits and want a lower annual fee, switching to the Amex Classic Green card could make sense. Also, if you’re spending more on travel and can use the CLEAR+ annual statement credit, downgrading could be a good option.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Gold card is open to new applicants, while the Amex Classic Green card is not. The Amex Gold card suits those who spend heavily on dining and at U.S. supermarkets. However, if you currently hold the Amex Gold card and your spending has shifted away from these categories and more toward travel and transit, downgrading to the Amex Classic Green card could be a good alternative.

Additionally, if you want a card with a lower annual fee, the Amex Classic Green card is a logical choice.