Head to head

American Express Green Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

On the criteria below, American Express Green Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

American Express Green Card

Amex

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

Chase

At a glance

American Express Green Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

American Express Green Card wins on first-year math and earning ceiling; Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card wins on annual fee.

Pick the American Express Green Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

2 vs 1
  • First-year math American Express Green Card

    American Express Green Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is $51 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling American Express Green Card

    American Express Green Card earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).

By the numbers

Annual fee
$150
$99
Welcome offer (typical value)
$640
First-year net
+$490
$-99
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Dining Worldwide, Transit, Travel
Airfare, Gas, Groceries
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
Yes
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
None
Reward currency
American Express Membership Rewards
Southwest Rapid Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.