The American Express Green Card is a rewards-based credit card that is ideal for individuals who want to earn valuable points on their everyday spending, particularly in categories such as travel, restaurants, and transit.
As a part of the American Express Membership Rewards program, this card allows you to earn points that can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and even statement credits.
Reasons to Choose the American Express® Green Card
High Earning Potential on Travel and Dining: The card provides 3 points per dollar on travel purchases, including airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, and cruise bookings.
This makes the card highly appealing for frequent travelers. Additionally, the card offers 2 points per dollar on restaurants, both in the U.S. and abroad, making it a great option for those who dine out often.
American Express Membership Rewards® Program: The American Express® Green Card is part of the Membership Rewards® program, which allows cardholders to earn points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.
Points can also be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility and greater value for frequent travelers.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: One of the standout features of the American Express® Green Card is that it comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for individuals who travel abroad.
Many other credit cards charge an additional fee for purchases made outside of the U.S., but this card allows for seamless international use without extra charges.
Travel and Transit Benefits: The card also offers 3 points per dollar on transit purchases, including subwayand bus fares, taxis, rideshare services (like Uber and Lyft), and parking.
This can be a valuable benefit for urban dwellers or frequent travelers who rely on public transportation or use ride-hailing services regularly.
Travel Insurance and Protection: While not as comprehensive as some higher-end American Express cards, the American Express® Green Card still offers some important travel-related protections, such as trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. These can provide peace of mind while traveling.
Exclusive Offers and Perks: As a member of the American Express® network, the Green Card provides access to exclusive offers through the American Express Offers program, which provides discounts or additional points on purchases at select merchants.
Cardholders also have access to Amex Concierge services, which can help with booking travel, making reservations, and more.
Negative Factors of the American Express® Green Card
Annual Fee: While the $150 annual fee is relatively moderate compared to premium American Express cards, it can still be a downside for individuals who do not frequently travel or dine out. For those who do not maximize the 3 points per dollar on travel and transit or the 2 points per dollar on dining, the annual fee may outweigh the benefits.
Not as Rewarding for Non-Travel and Non-Dining Purchases: The card offers 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, which is relatively low compared to other credit cards that offer higher rewards rates on categories like gas or groceries.
If your spending is heavily concentrated in non-travel or non-dining categories, you may want to consider a card with a higher flat-rate rewards structure.
Limited Premium Travel Benefits: While the American Express® Green Card offers some travel-related benefits, such as car rental insurance and trip delay insurance, it does not come with the more extensive travel perks that come with the American Express® Gold or American Express® Platinum cards.
For example, it does not offer airport lounge access, hotel benefits, or elite status with certain hotel chains.
Not Ideal for Building Credit: While the American Express® Green Card can be a good option for earning rewards, it is not specifically designed for individuals looking to build or improve their credit.
If you are looking for a card that will help you rebuild your credit score, you might want to explore cards specifically targeted toward credit building.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the American Express Green Card?
To apply for the American Express® Green Card, you need to meet certain requirements:
- Good to Excellent Credit: The American Express® Green Card is typically available to individuals with good to excellent credit, generally a credit score of 690 or higher. American Express typically looks for a strong credit history when considering applicants.
- U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the card.
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the card.
- Income Verification: American Express may require proof of income to verify your ability to repay your balances. This could include a recent pay stub, tax return, or bank statements.
Fees and Costs
The American Express® Green Card comes with the following fees and costs:
- Annual Fee: $150
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0 (no foreign transaction fees)
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
- APR: 15.99% to 22.99% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% variable APR
The $150 annual fee is charged each year, but it’s relatively low compared to other American Express cards, particularly considering the earning potential and the lack of foreign transaction fees.
However, it’s essential to note that the card does have a balance transfer fee and cash advance fee, which can be costly if you need to use those services.
Frequently Asked Questions about the American Express® Green Card
1. How do I earn rewards with the American Express® Green Card?
You earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases, 2 points per dollar on restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
2. What is the sign-up bonus for the American Express® Green Card?
The American Express® Green Card does not currently offer a large sign-up bonus, unlike some of the more premium cards. However, new applicants often have the opportunity to earn statement credits or access to other promotional offers.
3. Are there any foreign transaction fees with the American Express® Green Card?
No, the American Express® Green Card has no foreign transaction fees, which makes it an excellent choice for international travel.
4. What types of purchases earn the most rewards with the American Express® Green Card?
The card offers the most rewards on travel purchases (3 points per dollar) and restaurant purchases (2 points per dollar). This makes it ideal for individuals who spend a lot on travel and dining.
5. Does the American Express® Green Card offer any travel perks?
Yes, the card offers some travel-related benefits, such as trip delay insurance, car rental insurance, and access to Amex Offers for discounts on travel purchases. However, it does not provide the same level of luxury travel perks as more expensive American Express cards.
6. Can I transfer my Membership Rewards® points to airline or hotel partners?
Yes, American Express Membership Rewards® points can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, including major airlines and hotel chains, allowing for more flexible and valuable redemption options.
Conclusion
The American Express® Green Card is a strong choice for those who want to earn valuable rewards on their everyday spending, particularly on travel, restaurants, and transit.
The card offers 3 points per dollar on travel, 2 points per dollar on dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
It also comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid option for international travelers.
