Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Jul 4, 2026 · research
Green Card
American ExpressMembership Rewards

Green Card

Earn 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible travel, transit and at restaurants worldwide.

Mid TierPersonal
American Express
Credit profile: good
$150
Annual fee
3x pts restaurants
Top rate
None
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating

Current Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 points

Spend $2,000 in 180 days

Verifiedissuer

Card Offers

public

Earn 20,000 points

Verified

Spend $2,000 in 180 days

issuer

Earning Rates

Restaurants
3xpoints
Transit
3xpoints
Travel
3xpoints

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Earns 3 points per dollar on a broad set of travel, transit, and dining purchases
  • Up to $189 annual CLEAR Plus credit can more than offset the $150 annual fee on its own
  • No foreign transaction fees, making it well-suited for international use
  • Points earn into the Membership Rewards program, which offers flexible redemption options across a wide partner network
  • Includes meaningful travel protections including trip delay insurance and baggage insurance

Cons

  • The $150 annual fee is not waived in the first year
  • The LoungeBuddy credit provides only limited, pay-per-visit lounge access rather than unlimited entry
  • Car Rental and Trip Delay coverages are secondary, not primary
  • Earns only 1 point per dollar on everyday categories like groceries and gas

Key Takeaways

  • Earns 3x Membership Rewards points on travel, transit, and dining, with 1x on everything else
  • The $189 CLEAR Plus credit alone exceeds the $150 annual fee if fully used
  • No foreign transaction fees make it a practical card for international travelers
  • Travel protections include trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, and secondary car rental coverage

Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Annual Fee

Waived first year

$150
Foreign Transaction Fee0%

APR Information

Purchase APR
19.24% - 29.24%

APRs shown are variable and may change based on the Prime Rate. Your actual APR will be determined based on your creditworthiness.

Card Benefits

1 benefits

Travel Credits

Coverage Tier Legend

Best in ClassIndustry-leading coverage
StrongAbove average
StandardTypical coverage
LimitedBelow average

Hidden Gems

CLEAR Plus Credit Exceeds the Annual Fee

The $189 annual CLEAR Plus credit is $39 more than the card's $150 annual fee, meaning cardholders who use it effectively receive the card's other benefits at no net annual cost before accounting for any rewards earned.

Broad Transit Category for 3x Earning

The 3x transit category is unusually wide, covering not just trains and buses but also rideshare, taxis, tolls, parking, and ferries. Urban cardholders who commute regularly can accumulate bonus points on spending that most travel cards categorize at 1x.

Global Assist Hotline for Emergency Coordination

When traveling more than 100 miles from home, cardholders have access to a 24/7 emergency assistance hotline for medical, legal, and financial coordination. This benefit is easy to overlook but can be valuable in an unexpected overseas emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee for the American Express Green Card?
The annual fee is $150. It is not waived for the first year. Cardholders can partially offset the fee through the $189 CLEAR Plus credit and up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits, which together total more than the annual fee if both are fully used.
What categories earn bonus points on the American Express Green Card?
The card earns 3 points per dollar on travel, transit, and dining at restaurants worldwide. Travel includes flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Transit includes rideshare, trains, buses, and parking. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.
Does the American Express Green Card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the card has no foreign transaction fees. This makes it a practical option for international travel and purchases made in foreign currencies.
How does the CLEAR Plus credit work on this card?
Cardmembers receive up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year when they pay for a CLEAR Plus membership with their Green Card. CLEAR Plus uses biometrics to speed up airport security. Cardholders must enroll and pay with the card to trigger the credit.
What is the LoungeBuddy credit and how do I use it?
The card provides up to $100 in statement credits per year for airport lounge access purchased through the LoungeBuddy app. Access is on a pay-per-visit basis, so this does not provide unlimited lounge entry. Purchases must be made with the Green Card to qualify for the credit.
What travel insurance benefits does the American Express Green Card include?
The card includes Trip Delay Insurance, a Baggage Insurance Plan, and Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance. Trip Delay Insurance covers reasonable expenses up to $500 per trip for eligible delays of more than 6 hours. Baggage coverage provides up to $1,250 for carry-on bags and $500 for checked bags when the full fare is paid with the card.
What credit score do I need to apply for the American Express Green Card?
The card is recommended for applicants with good credit. American Express does not publicly define a specific minimum score, but good credit generally means a score in a range that reflects a responsible credit history.
Is the Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance on this card primary or secondary coverage?
The coverage is secondary, meaning it applies after any other applicable insurance. To activate it, cardholders must pay for the rental with the Green Card and decline the collision damage waiver offered by the rental company. Accepting the rental company's CDW voids the Amex coverage.

About This Card

The American Express Green Card is best for frequent travelers and diners who want to earn Membership Rewards points on their most common spending categories without paying a premium card annual fee. It suits cardholders who can take advantage of the CLEAR Plus and LoungeBuddy credits to offset the $150 annual fee.

The American Express Green Card offers 3 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible travel, transit and at restaurants worldwide. There is no annual fee for the first year, and a $150 annual fee thereafter. Cardmembers can earn a 20,000-point bonus after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.

The American Express Green Card stands out in the mid-tier travel segment by pairing a broad 3x earning structure across travel, transit, and dining with a CLEAR Plus credit that on its own outpaces the annual fee, making the effective cost of entry lower than competing cards at the same tier.

Ready to Decide?

Apply for the Green Card

Earn 20,000 points with a $150 annual fee.

Spend $2,000 in 180 days

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