Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?

The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?

The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?

The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

CardRewards

Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Green Card vs Rakuten American Express Card

The Rakuten American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the American Express Green Card ($150/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express Green Card

American Express

Rakuten American Express Card

First Electronic Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

50 points

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green Card	Rakuten American Express Card
Dining	3X	2X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Green Card wins in 5 of 6 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.

Travel

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr — that's $150 more than the Rakuten American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $150 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Green Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?: The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?: Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Green vs Amex Platinum Amex Green vs Capital One Quicksilver Amex Green vs Capital One Venture

Explore More

American Express Green Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Rakuten American Express Card — Full Review All First Electronic Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · First Electronic Bank cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Green Card vs Rakuten American Express Card

American Express Green Card

American Express

Rakuten American Express Card

First Electronic Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

50 points

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green Card	Rakuten American Express Card
Dining	3X	2X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Green Card wins in 5 of 6 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.

Travel

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Green Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?: The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?: Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Green vs Amex Platinum Amex Green vs Capital One Quicksilver Amex Green vs Capital One Venture

Explore More

American Express Green Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Rakuten American Express Card — Full Review All First Electronic Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · First Electronic Bank cards

American Express Green Card vs Rakuten American Express Card

American Express Green Card

American Express

Rakuten American Express Card

First Electronic Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$150

Welcome Bonus

40,000 Flex point

50 points

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Green Card	Rakuten American Express Card
Dining	3X	2X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Green Card wins in 5 of 6 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.

Travel

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Transit

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Dining

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 2X

Ridesharing

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Tolls

American Express Green Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $150 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on travel and transit, the American Express Green Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $150), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Green Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like lounge access.

Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Green Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Green Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Green Card costs $150/yr vs $0/yr for the Rakuten American Express Card. The higher fee includes lounge access that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Green Card or Rakuten American Express Card?: The American Express Green Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Green Card have that the Rakuten American Express Card doesn't?: The American Express Green Card offers lounge access. The Rakuten American Express Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Green Card or the Rakuten American Express Card?: Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Green Card if you spend enough to justify the $150/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Green Amex Green vs Amex Platinum Amex Green vs Capital One Quicksilver Amex Green vs Capital One Venture

Explore More

American Express Green Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Rakuten American Express Card — Full Review All First Electronic Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · First Electronic Bank cards

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

—

Cons

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

—

Choosing Rakuten American Express Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Green Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access

Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

—

Cons

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

—

Choosing Rakuten American Express Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Green Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access

Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

Key Benefits

✓Lounge access

✓Travel insurance

None

Pros & Cons

Pros

+3X on travel, transit, and dining worldwide covers most everyday spending
+$189 CLEAR Plus credit more than offsets the $150 annual fee for CLEAR users
+$100 LoungeBuddy credit provides flexible airport lounge access
+No foreign transaction fees for international travel
+Made from reclaimed ocean plastic (environmentally friendly)

—

Cons

−$150 annual fee is not waived first year
−No direct lounge network membership (LoungeBuddy is pay-per-use)
−CLEAR credit has limited value outside major airports
−Lower-tier welcome bonus compared to Gold or Platinum
−$35 authorized user fee adds up for multi-card households

—

Choosing Rakuten American Express Card means losing:

-Airport lounge access
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Green Card if you:

+Fly frequently and value airport lounge access

Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you:

+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment