American Express® Green Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $150
• APR: 21.24%-29.99% variable
• Rewards: 3X on travel, 3X on transit, 3X on dining at restaurants, 1X on everything else
• Bonus: 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
• Best For: Everyday travelers and commuters who want solid Membership Rewards earning at a moderate fee
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (700+)

Overview

The American Express Green Card is the entry point into the Amex charge card lineup, offering 3X Membership Rewards points on three of the most common spending categories: travel, transit, and restaurants. It sits below the Gold Card in earning rates but comes with a lower $150 annual fee, making it an accessible way to earn Membership Rewards points with transfer partner access.

The card includes up to $189 per year in CLEAR Plus credit, which covers the full cost of a CLEAR Plus membership for expedited airport security screening. It also provides LoungeBuddy access, allowing you to purchase day passes at select airport lounges at discounted rates. These perks, combined with no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance, give the Green Card a travel-focused identity.

For someone who spends moderately across travel, transit, and dining, the Green Card offers a compelling value. The 3X earning rate on three broad categories is competitive, and the ability to transfer points to the full Membership Rewards partner network means your points can be worth far more than 1 cent each. It is an especially good choice for commuters who spend on transit and ride-shares, a category many other travel cards overlook.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 21.24%-29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: N/A
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: This is a charge card for most purchases. The variable APR applies to Pay Over Time eligible purchases. There is no balance transfer option.

Benefits Overview

Triple-Category 3X Earning

• 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, cruises, and tours
• 3X on transit including taxis, ride-shares, trains, buses, tolls, and parking
• 3X on dining at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery
• 1X on all other eligible purchases

CLEAR and Lounge Access

• Up to $189 per year in CLEAR Plus credit for expedited airport security
• LoungeBuddy access to purchase discounted day passes at select airport lounges
• Global Assist Hotline for emergency travel assistance

Travel Protections

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip delay insurance covering expenses when flights are delayed 6+ hours
• Baggage insurance for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage
• Car rental loss and damage insurance as secondary coverage
• Purchase protection for eligible purchases up to 90 days

Rewards & Points

• 3X Membership Rewards points on travel worldwide
• 3X Membership Rewards points on transit including ride-shares and public transportation
• 3X Membership Rewards points on dining at restaurants worldwide
• 1X Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases

Membership Rewards points transfer at 1:1 to 20+ airline and hotel partners including Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, British Airways Avios, Singapore KrisFlyer, Hilton Honors (1:2 ratio), and Marriott Bonvoy (1:1). Points can also be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise through the Amex portal.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. At 1 cent per point, that is $400 in value, and strategic transfers to airline partners can yield $600 to $800. The $3,000 spend requirement is modest at $500 per month, making this bonus very attainable for most applicants.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $150
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Cash Advance Fee: N/A (charge card)
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Additional Card Fee: $0 for additional Green cards

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Commuters who spend heavily on transit, ride-shares, trains, and parking
• Moderate travelers who want Membership Rewards access without the Gold or Platinum annual fee
• Restaurant regulars who dine out frequently and want 3X on every meal
• CLEAR members who can offset the annual fee with the $189 CLEAR Plus credit alone

Not Good For

• Heavy diners who would earn significantly more with the Gold Card's 4X on restaurants
• Lounge enthusiasts since the Green Card does not include complimentary lounge membership
• Grocery shoppers because supermarkets only earn 1X with the Green Card

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3X earning on three broad categories: travel, transit, and dining
• Up to $189 CLEAR Plus credit more than covers the $150 annual fee on its own
• Access to the full Membership Rewards transfer partner network
• 40,000-point welcome bonus with only $3,000 spend requirement
• Transit earning category is uniquely broad including ride-shares and tolls
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• Lower annual fee than Gold or Platinum while still earning MR points
• Travel insurance including trip delay, baggage, and car rental coverage
• LoungeBuddy access for discounted lounge day passes
• Free additional cards for authorized users

Cons

• 3X earning rate trails the Gold Card's 4X on dining and groceries
• No complimentary airport lounge access included
• Charge card structure requires balances to be paid in full each month
• No balance transfer option
• No grocery or supermarket bonus category
• 1X on non-bonus purchases is below the 1.5% to 2% offered by flat-rate competitors
• CLEAR credit only valuable if you use CLEAR at airports
• Limited statement credits compared to the Gold and Platinum cards

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $1,449 including the 40,000-point welcome bonus valued at $400. After subtracting the $150 annual fee, net first-year value is approximately $1,299. Ongoing annual value is roughly $899 assuming consistent use of CLEAR credit.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You commute daily and spend significantly on transit, ride-shares, or parking
• You want Membership Rewards transfer partners without paying $325 or $695
• You dine out regularly and want 3X on every restaurant purchase
• You already use CLEAR or plan to and want the $189 credit to cover the fee
• You travel a few times per year and want 3X on flights, hotels, and travel
• You want a moderate-fee card that pairs well with other Amex cards

You Should Skip It If...

• You spend heavily on dining and groceries and would earn more with the Gold Card
• You want complimentary airport lounge access
• You prefer to carry a balance rather than pay in full each month
• You do not use CLEAR and the credit would go to waste
• You want strong grocery rewards since supermarkets only earn 1X here

Apply Now

Apply for American Express® Green Card

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.