Updated April 2026
Amex Green vs Gold vs Platinum:
Which Tier Is Right for You?
Three cards, three price points, three distinct profiles. Here is how the full Amex personal card lineup stacks up in 2026.
Green
$150
per year
Gold
$325
per year
Platinum
$895
per year
Three-Card Comparison
| Feature | Green | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $325 | $895 |
| Dining Points | 3x (all dining) | 4x (worldwide) | 1x |
| Travel Points | 3x (broad travel) | 3x (flights only) | 5x (flights/hotels) |
| Grocery Points | 1x | 4x (US, up to $25k) | 1x |
| Transit Points | 3x | 1x | 1x |
| Lounge Access | None | None | 1,550+ lounges |
| Hotel Status | None | None | Marriott + Hilton Gold |
| CLEAR Plus Credit | $189/yr | None | $189/yr |
| Dining Credits | None | $424/yr | $600/yr |
| Travel Credits | None | $100 hotel | $800+ |
| Global Entry | None | None | $100/4yrs |
The Stepping Stone Strategy
Many Amex cardholders progress through the tiers over their financial lives. Green is an accessible entry point to the Membership Rewards ecosystem -- low fee, broad earn, CLEAR credit. Gold is the sweet spot for most people: the best dining and grocery rewards card on the market at a manageable fee. Platinum is for those whose lifestyle genuinely supports $895+ in benefits.
Green
$150/yr, starter premium
Gold
$325/yr, sweet spot
Platinum
$895/yr, for travellers
The Amex Trifecta: All Three Cards
Some power users carry all three simultaneously, routing each purchase to the highest-earning card:
- +Green: transit, Uber/Lyft, overseas travel (3x broad category)
- +Gold: US restaurants and supermarkets (4x)
- +Platinum: flights and hotel bookings through Amex Travel (5x)
Combined annual fee: $1,370 ($150 + $325 + $895). Combined credits: $2,400+. This strategy makes sense for high-spend households who can extract full value from all three credit sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amex Green card annual fee in 2026?
The Amex Green card annual fee is $150 per year. This positions it as the entry-level Amex premium card, below Gold ($325) and Platinum ($895). The Green earns 3x on travel, dining, and transit -- a broad category that earns well on flights, hotels, restaurants, Uber/Lyft, and public transit. It includes a $189 CLEAR Plus credit, making the effective fee $0 if you use CLEAR.
Is the Amex Green card worth it as a stepping stone to Gold?
Yes, for cardholders who are not ready to commit to Gold's $325 fee or who want to test the Membership Rewards ecosystem first. The Green earns in broad categories (3x on travel + dining + transit vs Gold's 4x on dining/groceries only). The CLEAR credit effectively cancels the fee. However, Gold's stronger earn rate on dining and the $424 in credits make it more rewarding for food-focused households.
What is the Amex card trifecta?
The Amex trifecta refers to holding all three personal cards simultaneously: Green, Gold, and Platinum. Each card is used for its strongest category. Green: broad travel/dining/transit. Gold: 4x at restaurants and supermarkets. Platinum: 5x on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel. The combined annual fee is $1,370 ($150 + $325 + $895). This strategy only makes financial sense for very high spenders who can maximise all three cards' credits and earning categories.
Should I get Amex Green or Gold if I am new to premium cards?
Gold is generally the better choice for most new premium cardholders. The $325 fee is higher but the $424 in credits make it net positive. The 4x dining and grocery earn rates are more specific and rewarding than Green's 3x broad category. Green is worth considering if you value simplicity (one broad earn category) or are testing Membership Rewards before committing to Gold's higher fee.