American Express Green Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
American Express Green Card
Amex
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
American Express Green Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
American Express Green Card wins on first-year math and foreign transactions; Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the American Express Green Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math American Express Green Card
American Express Green Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited earns more on its best category (5× vs 3×).
- Foreign transactions American Express Green Card
American Express Green Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $640
- $200
- First-year net
- +$490
- +$200
- Peak earning rate
- 3×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, Transit, Travel
- Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- 3.00%
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.