American Express Gold Card vs American Express Green Card: Which Card Wins for Your Spending?

Choosing between the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) and the American Express Green Card ($150/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.

Meet the Contenders

American Express Gold Card

Strongest in dining at 4% (up to $50,000/yr). 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights.

Annual fee: $325 Sign-up bonus: 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months Foreign fees: 0%

Perfect if: You spend enough in bonus categories to easily offset the annual fee.

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American Express Green Card

Strongest in travel at 3%. 3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide.

Annual fee: $150 Sign-up bonus: 40,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months Foreign fees: 0%

Perfect if: You want a strong rewards rate with no spending caps to worry about.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature American Express Gold Card American Express Green Card
Annual Fee $325 $150
Sign-Up Bonus 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months 40,000 points after $3,000 spend in 6 months
Foreign Transaction Fee 0% 0%
Base Reward Rate <strong>1.0%</strong> <strong>1.0%</strong>
Travel Rewards 3% 3%
Dining Rewards <strong>4% (up to $50,000/yr)</strong> 3%
Groceries Rewards <strong>4% (up to $25,000/yr)</strong> 1%
Key Benefits 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 4X on U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights. 3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide.

The Verdict

American Express Gold Card pulls ahead for dining, groceries spending.

The $175/year fee difference means American Express Gold Card needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.

Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.

See Which Card Wins for YOU

Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.