American Express Green Card vs. Discover it Student Cash Back
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
American Express Green Card
Amex
Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover
American Express Green Card and Discover it Student Cash Back 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 travel insurance; Discover it Student Cash Back wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the American Express Green Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Discover it Student Cash Back 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 Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Discover it Student Cash Back
Discover it Student Cash Back earns more on its best category (5× vs 3×).
- Travel insurance American Express Green Card
American Express Green Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $150
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $640
- —
- First-year net
- +$490
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 3×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, Transit, Travel
- Rotating Quarterly
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Discover Cashback
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.