Amex Charge Card Showdown! Which One Is Right For YOU?
What's up, Points Fam! Phillip here, and today we're diving into the world of American Express charge cards. With the Amex Platinum refresh fresh in our minds, it's time to compare the Green, Gold, and Platinum cards to see which one deserves a spot in your wallet.
Charge Card 101: What's the Deal?
Okay, first things first: what is a charge card? Unlike your typical credit card with a set spending limit, charge cards technically don't have one. Amex assigns you a limit in the background and will warn you when you're approaching it. The cool thing is, your spending limit can grow over time as you use the card responsibly.
Why is this awesome?
No need to constantly request credit limit increases.
Can handle big purchases (I recently dropped $28K on my business Platinum!).
Pro-Tip: Amex has a "Check Spending Ability" tool on their website, but use it sparingly! Too many checks might make Amex nervous.
The Credit Score Boost:
Charge cards don't impact your credit utilization, potentially boosting your credit score over time.
BUT...
Charge cards are due in FULL every month (unless you enable "Pay Over Time"). Miss a payment, even by a dollar, and you'll get hit with a late fee.
The Cards Face-Off!
Let's break down each card, one by one.
1. The Amex Green Card: The Travel-Focused Underdog
This wasn't my first Amex charge card (that was the Gold), but I kinda wish it was!
Signup Bonus: Usually around 40,000 points (weaker than the others)
Annual Fee: $150
The Perks:
Clear Credit: Up to $209 towards Clear membership (HUGE if you use it!)
Earning Potential:
3x points on all travel purchases (hotels, airfare, any travel purchase).
3x points on transit (tolls, taxis, parking).
3x points on dining.
My Take:
The Green Card is a solid everyday card if you live in a big city, pay for tolls or parking, and don't have loyalty to specific hotel/airline programs. I used to use this to book vacation rentals.
Fun Fact: It's the ONLY Amex charge card that gives you an elevated multiplier on private airline travel (chartered flights!).
Who's This Card For?
Clear devotees.
Travel newbies without brand loyalty.
City dwellers with transit expenses.
2. The Amex Gold Card: The Foodie's Dream
This was my first Amex card, and I still love it!
Signup Bonus: Targeted, up to 100,000 points (I got a measly 60K through Credit Karma!)
Annual Fee: $325
Earning Potential:
4x points on dining (industry-leading!).
4x points at US supermarkets (Publix, Winn Dixie, etc.).
3x points on direct airline purchases or through Amex Travel.
2x-3x points on hotels booked through Amex Travel.
The Perks:
Hotel Collection Access: Upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, $100 property credit (minimum 2-night stay).
$100 Resy Credit: $50 every 6 months. Date night, anyone?
$84 Dunkin' Credit: $7/month. East Coast love!
$120 Uber Cash: $10/month. Stackable with other Amex cards!
$120 Dining Credit: $10/month. Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.
My Take:
The Gold Card is a fantastic daily driver, especially if you spend a lot on food.
Who's This Card For?
Foodies and grocery shoppers.
Travelers who want flexible rewards.
Dunkin' addicts (East Coasters, I'm looking at you!).
3. The Amex Platinum Card: The Luxurious Travel Powerhouse
This recently-refreshed card is all about the experience.
Annual Fee: $895 (ouch!).
Authorized User Fee: $195 per card (double ouch!).
Earning Potential:
5x points on airfare (direct or through Amex Travel).
5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
1x point on everything else.
The Perks:
Lounge Access GALORE: Delta Sky Clubs (10 day passes), Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass.
Clear Credit: (shared with authorized users)
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit: Every 4 years for authorized users!
$600 Hotel Credit: $300 every 6 months.
$400 Resy Credit: $100 per quarter.
$300 Lululemon Credit: $75 per quarter.
$300 Entertainment Credit: $25/month (Disney+, Hulu, YouTube Premium, etc.).
$200 Uber Cash: (stackable with Gold Card)
Phillip's Take:
The Platinum Card is for luxury travel experiences and maximizing perks.
Who's This Card For?
Frequent flyers.
Luxury travelers.
Perk maximizers.
My Current Strategy: Gold + Platinum Power Combo!
I currently rock the Gold and Platinum. I use the Gold for food and credits, and the Platinum for flights and lounge access. The Green Card was awesome when I was starting out.
For non-category spending, I often use my Capital One Venture Card, since many of the Amex travel partners are also Capital One partners!
Which Card Is Right for YOU?
Newbie: Start with the Green Card.
Foodie: Get the Gold Card.
Transit Warrior: Consider the Green Card.
Luxury Traveler: The Platinum Card is calling your name.
Ultimately, it's about finding the card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
What are your thoughts? Which Amex charge card is in your wallet? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, keep exploring those points!