When it comes to credit cards, few options are as iconic and revered as the American Express® Gold Card and the American Express® Green Card. The Amex Green Card, in particular, boasts a rich history of over 50 years, maintaining its relevance in the ever-evolving financial landscape. Both cards have undergone significant updates to better serve today’s consumers, each tailored to different spending habits.
The Amex Green Card is ideal for travelers, offering rewards and benefits that cater to those frequently on the move. In contrast, the Amex Gold Card shines for everyday spending, especially for groceries and dining. This comprehensive comparison will guide you through the features, perks, and value of each card, helping you choose the best option for your needs.
Amex Gold vs. Amex Green: Key Features and Benefits
Below is a detailed comparison of the key features and benefits of the Amex Gold and Amex Green cards:
| Category | Amex Green Card | Amex Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fees | $150 | $325 (check rates and fees) |
| Welcome Bonuses | Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first six months. | Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first six months, plus get 20% back on restaurant purchases (up to $100 back). Offer ends Nov. 6. |
| Earning Rates | 3 points per dollar on eligible travel and transit expenses, 3 points per dollar at restaurants globally, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 4 points per dollar on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually), 4 points per dollar dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 annually), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, 1 point per dollar on other purchases |
| Travel Perks | Up to $199 annual credit for Clear Plus membership, Up to $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit for airport lounge access, Car rental loss and damage insurance, Baggage insurance, Trip delay insurance | Up to $120 in Uber Cash per year (up to $10 monthly), Up to $100 experience credit for qualifying stays at The Hotel Collection, Car rental loss and damage insurance, Baggage insurance, Trip delay insurance |
| Additional Benefits | Purchase protection, Extended warranty protection, No foreign transaction fees | Up to $100 annual credit at Resy-affiliated restaurants, Up to $84 annual credit at Dunkin’ Donuts, Up to $120 annual dining credit at select restaurants (up to $10 monthly), Purchase protection, Extended warranty protection, No foreign transaction fees |
How to Switch from Amex Green to Amex Gold
If you’ve decided that the Amex Gold Card better suits your needs, you can easily switch from the Amex Green Card to the Amex Gold Card. Since both cards are part of the same American Express ecosystem, transitioning between them is straightforward. Here’s how you can make the switch:
- Contact American Express: Call the number on the back of your Amex Green Card or use the online customer chat function through the American Express website or mobile app.
- Specify Your Request: Clearly state that you want to switch from the Amex Green Card to the Amex Gold Card. The representative will guide you through the process.
- Timing Consideration: It’s generally recommended to wait at least one year from the date your account was opened before requesting a product change. This helps avoid potential issues with cardholder benefits or fee adjustments.
- Impact on Welcome Offer: Keep in mind that switching cards through a product change will prevent you from earning the welcome bonus on the new card. If you’re interested in earning the welcome bonus, you may want to consider applying for the Amex Gold Card as a new card instead of switching directly.
- Confirm Changes: Once your request is processed, confirm with the representative or check your account to ensure the transition has been completed.
Switching between the Amex Green and Gold cards can be a smart move if your spending habits or lifestyle changes, allowing you to take full advantage of the benefits and rewards that align better with your needs.
How to Transfer Amex Membership Rewards Points
Transferring your Amex Membership Rewards points to one of Amex’s travel partners can greatly enhance the value of your points, especially if you frequently travel. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer your points:
- Log into Your American Express Account: Go to the American Express website and sign in to your account.
- Navigate to the Membership Rewards Page: Once logged in, find the “Membership Rewards” section, typically located under the “Rewards & Benefits” tab.
- Select a Transfer Partner: Choose the airline or hotel loyalty program to which you want to transfer your points. American Express has 21 transfer partners, including popular options like Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Executive Club, and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Link Your Accounts: If you haven’t already linked your Amex account to the partner program, you’ll need to do so. This usually requires entering your loyalty program member number and verifying the connection.
- Enter the Transfer Amount: Decide how many points you want to transfer. Keep in mind that most transfers are made at a 1:1 ratio, but some partners may have different conversion rates.
- Confirm the Transfer: Review the transfer details, including the number of points and the receiving account, then confirm the transfer. Once confirmed, the transfer usually happens instantly, but it can take up to 48 hours depending on the partner.
- Check Your Loyalty Program Account: Log into your airline or hotel loyalty account to ensure the points have been successfully transferred.
By following these steps, you can easily transfer your Membership Rewards points to maximize their value through travel rewards.
Final Thoughts
Both the Amex Gold and Amex Green cards offer unique benefits tailored to different user needs. The Amex Green Card is perfect for frequent travelers who value perks like airport lounge access and Clear membership. On the other hand, if your spending primarily revolves around dining and groceries, the Amex Gold Card provides higher rewards, making it an excellent choice for everyday use.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your spending habits and the specific perks that matter most to you. With this comparison, you can make an informed choice that maximizes your benefits and rewards.
