- Amex Gold: up to 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months ($325 fee).
- Amex Platinum: up to 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months ($895 fee).
- Amex Green: closed to new applicants (renamed Classic Green on Aug 20, 2026).
- All are “up to” offers: your personalized amount may be lower. Check your eligibility first.
- Best value for most: the Gold, for its lower spend hurdle and lower fee.
American Express welcome offers move around all year, and right now two of its Membership Rewards cards are carrying strong bonuses. Below are the current Amex welcome offers as of August 2026, the spend each requires, and an honest take on which one is actually the best value for most people. Remember these are “up to” amounts, so always confirm your personalized offer before applying.
The current offers at a glance
| Card | Welcome offer | Spend / 6 mo | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Gold | Up to 100,000 pts | $8,000 | $325 |
| Amex Platinum | Up to 175,000 pts | $12,000 | $895 |
Amex Gold: up to 100,000 points
The Gold’s offer is the easier one to earn and, for most people, the better deal. The $8,000 spend requirement over six months is manageable for a household that already puts dining and groceries on a card, and the $325 annual fee is offset by roughly $424 in annual statement credits if you use them. At a realistic 1.8 cents per point, 100,000 Membership Rewards points is worth around $1,800 in travel, on top of the ongoing 4X earning on dining and US supermarkets.
Amex Platinum: up to 175,000 points
The Platinum offer is the largest Amex publicly advertises, but the numbers are bigger on both sides: you need $12,000 of spend in six months, and the card runs an $895 annual fee. It makes sense if you can hit that spend naturally and will use the card’s travel credits and lounge access. If you cannot, the fee and spend hurdle can swallow the extra points. Since Amex tightened Centurion Lounge guest rules in July 2026, weigh the lounge value against your real usage before chasing this one.
Is the Amex Green offer still available?
No. American Express stopped taking new Green Card applications in 2026, and the card is being renamed the Classic Green Card on August 20, 2026. Existing holders keep their card and benefits, but there is no welcome offer to chase because you cannot apply. If the Green was on your list, the Gold is the closest card you can still get.
Which offer is the best value?
For most people, the Gold. Its lower spend requirement and lower fee make the bonus easier to earn and keep, and the ongoing rewards fit everyday dining and grocery spending. The Platinum wins only if you are a heavy spender who will genuinely use its travel credits and lounges. Before you apply for either, run the fee against your spending in our free credit card worth it calculator, and read whether the Amex Gold is worth it for your habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Amex Gold welcome offer?
What is the current Amex Platinum welcome offer?
Can you still apply for the Amex Green Card?
Are Amex welcome offers the same for everyone?
How often do Amex welcome offers change?
Right now the Amex Gold’s up-to 100,000-point offer is the best value for most people: a reachable $8,000 spend, a $325 fee largely offset by credits, and rewards that fit everyday spending. The Platinum’s up-to 175,000 points is bigger but demands $12,000 of spend and an $895 fee, so it pays off only for heavy spenders who use its travel perks. Whichever you pick, check your personalized offer first and confirm the live bonus on americanexpress.com, since these numbers change often.
Sources
- American Express, current card welcome offers and eligibility: americanexpress.com
- Offers verified as of August 2026. Welcome offers are personalized and change often. Confirm your live offer before applying.
Last updated August 2026. We update this article when Amex Gold or Platinum Card welcome offers or annual fees change. See our affiliate disclosure, terms, and privacy policy.