Which Amex Card is the best for travel?
We’ve all been there: sitting in seat 46D, right by the engines, wishing we were in the front of the plane. But what if a piece of metal in your wallet could make that "main cabin" experience feel just a little more elite?
The American Express "Trifecta"—the Green, Gold, and Platinum cards—offers some of the most coveted perks in the travel world. But with annual fees climbing higher every year, the question we’re all asking is: Is the value actually there, or are we just paying for the prestige?
Let’s break down the lineup to see which card earns its keep.
The "Hidden Gem": The American Express Green Card
If you want a travel card that punches above its weight class without a massive annual fee, the Green Card is the place to start. At $150 a year, it’s a relatively inexpensive entry point.
While it’s often called a "barebones" card, its earning power is incredible. You get 3x points on:
Dining and Airfare
Hotels and Airbnbs (even private jets if you’re fancy like that!)
Transit: Taxis, Uber, public transit, tolls, and parking.
One of the coolest things about the Green Card is how broad the "travel" category is. It includes things like Viator tours and scenic cruises. I once used it for a dinner cruise on the Seine in Paris and walked away with 3x points. Plus, you get a statement credit for a Clear membership, which helps you breeze through airport security.
A Different Kind of Journey: Value Beyond the Wallet
Speaking of "value," sometimes the biggest investments we make aren't in our wallets, but in ourselves. Over the last year and a half, I’ve been on a personal weight loss journey and have lost about 100 pounds.
While diet and exercise are the foundation, I’ve also utilized weight loss shots (GLP-1s). They’ve been a game-changer for staying full and silencing "food noise." However, if your insurance doesn't cover them, they can cost upwards of $1,000 a month. Just like choosing the right credit card, it pays to shop around. There are companies out there fighting for your business, driving prices down significantly. If you’re looking to save thousands on your own health journey, [check out the links below] to see how you can get started or renewed for much less.
Now, let’s get back to the cards that help us spend that saved money on travel!
The "Sweet Spot": The American Express Gold Card
For most people, the Amex Gold Card is the ultimate long-term play. Yes, the annual fee is $325, but the math works out beautifully if you use the credits:
$100 Resy Credit (annually)
$84 Dunkin’ Credit ($7/month)
$120 Dining Credit ($10/month)
$120 Uber Cash ($10/month)
By doing three simple things a month—loading a Dunkin’ gift card and grabbing two Uber Eats pickups—you can effectively offset the entire annual fee. You’re getting "Platinum-lite" perks and massive rewards on food and travel without the "big boy" price tag.
The "MacDaddy": The Platinum Card
Then there’s the Platinum Card. This is the card you get when you want the corner office vibe. It’s expensive—the most expensive widely available card out there—but it comes with the "status." We’re talking global lounge access, elite hotel status, and perks that make you feel like a VIP even if you’re flying coach. It’s a great card if you travel constantly and don't want to worry if the math makes sense; you just want the best experience possible.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
After holding all three, I believe the Gold Card is the best travel card in the Amex portfolio today. It’s the perfect middle ground: great earnings on everyday spending (like groceries and dining) and solid perks when you’re on the road.
What do you think? Is the Platinum status worth the premium, or are you team Gold like me? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear if I’m missing a hidden perk that changes the game!
Safe travels (and happy earning)!