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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
American Express Green Card review: A great choice for modern travelers and professionals
Katie Genter is a digital nomad who has traveled full time since June 2017. She writes and edits stories about points and miles, and loyalty programs, often letting her personal experiences color these stories.
July 7, 2025 • 9 min read
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
A mid-tier travel rewards card offers bonus points at travel, transit and dining locations, as well as valuable statement credits that can offset its cost.
It provides a statement credit for expedited airport security membership each calendar year, along with travel and shopping protections such as extended warranty and purchase protection.
Points earned can be transferred to a wide range of airline and hotel loyalty partners, with travel redemptions offering the highest value per TPG's June 2025 valuation.
The card is best suited for frequent travelers and those who dine out regularly, especially if they can use the included security membership credit.
What to consider
Eligibility for the welcome offer may be restricted if you currently hold or have held certain higher-tier products from the same issuer.
The expedited security membership credit requires enrollment and is subject to auto-renewal, with the membership cost recently increasing to $209 per year.
Redeeming points for travel or via transfer partners yields the best value, while options like shopping or statement credits offer significantly lower returns.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of competing mid-tier travel cards and in-depth advice on maximizing point transfers and statement credits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
The American Express Green Card® is suited to modern travelers. It earns bonus points on travel, transit and dining at restaurants and offers valuable statement credits that help offset its annual fee. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Until I wrote this review, I'd never really considered the Amex Green. As I learned about this card, I realized it's a surprisingly strong mid-tier travel card for anyone who prioritizes travel, dines out frequently and incurs travel costs.
It has an annual fee of $150, and TPG recommends applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to have the best chance of getting approved.
If you can utilize the Clear+ statement credit, the card can easily be a worthwhile addition to a traveler's wallet. Let's take a closer look to see if it might also be a good fit for you.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bonus points on dining at restaurants, travel and transit
Higher annual fee than other mid-tier travel cards
Not for those who travel infrequently
Amex Green welcome offer
New Amex Green cardmembers can earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Based on TPG's June 2025 valuation of Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, the welcome offer is worth $800 — a solid value proposition.
THE POINTS GUY
The historic high for this card's welcome offer (no longer available) is 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months. This offer also included 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases in the first six months (up to $200 back).
You may not be eligible for Amex Green's welcome offer if you hold or previously held certain higher-tier American Express cards, including and the .
Thankfully, Amex will tell you whether you're eligible for the Amex Green's welcome offer before you submit your application.
Solid earnings and benefits make the Amex Green a serious competitor if you're looking for a mid-tier travel rewards card.
$209 Clear+ annual statement credit
One benefit of the Amex Green card I haven't seen on many other cards is an up to $209 Clear+ statement credit each calendar year. With Clear, your eyes and fingertips can help you get through security faster at select airports and stadiums nationwide.
CLEAR
Since the normal rate for this membership is $2099 per year, this statement credit covers the full annual cost. However, keep in mind that on July 1, the cost of Clear+ went up to $209. Enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal.
The Amex Green offers extended warranty** and purchase protection** when you purchase eligible items with your card. These protections can save you serious money if something goes wrong with a recent purchase.
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You'll also be protected when you're on the road. The Amex Green offers a baggage insurance plan** and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance***, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage through Amex's Premium Car Rental Protection.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
3 points per dollar spent on travel and transit
1 point per dollar spent on other purchases
Based on TPG's June 2025 valuation of Amex Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, you'll get an approximate 6% return on spending in the top two categories and 2% on everything else.
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It's important to note that these categories are broad. For example, "travel" includes airfare, hotels, tours, campgrounds and vacation rentals, while "transit" includes trains, taxicabs, ride-hailing services, ferries and tolls.
Much of your spending may fall within these categories, depending on your lifestyle.
The Amex Green provides Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed in several ways.
Aside from travel, options include statement credits for recent, eligible purchases, shopping on Amazon and shopping with Membership Rewards. However, these options provide less value than redeeming your points for travel.
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Using your points on Amazon offers poor value, at only 0.7 cents per point; redeeming points to cover eligible charges will get you 0.6 cents per point; and shopping with Membership Rewards is the worst option, providing a meager 0.5 cents per point.
Given that TPG's June 2025 valuations peg Membership Rewards points at 2 cents per point, redeeming your points for travel is by far the best choice. The easiest way to get at least 2 cents per point is by using Amex's transfer partners.
Some excellent sweet spots include one-way business-class flights to Europe and stays at participating Preferred Hotels and Resorts worldwide with Choice Hotels points.
TPG credit cards writer Chris Nelson regularly transfers points to Avianca LifeMiles and has gotten transatlantic flights to Europe for as low as 17,000 points in economy class. Avianca LifeMiles has plenty of great redemptions with Star Alliance partners, making it an especially valuable transfer partner.
The Amex Green is a competitive mid-tier card with strong earning rates and useful benefits, but other issuers have some comparable options:
If you prefer Chase: The (see rates and fees) is among the best-known travel rewards credit cards. It earns bonus points on travel, dining, vacation homes, gas and EV, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs). Plus, it has a $100 annual hotel credit for bookings made through Chase Travel℠. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.
If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is straightforward and easy to use. This card earns 5 miles per dollar spent on car rentals, vacation rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. This card can fit into a variety of points and miles strategies. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
If you want a card with no annual fee: The is an option for someone who wants a beginner travel card with no annual fee. Cardholders will earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases in the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points for every dollar spent. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn up to 75% more points on every purchase. To learn more, read our full review of the Bank of America Travel Rewards.
The Amex Green's statement credits can more than offset the $150 annual fee, making this card a compelling option for young professionals and others who allocate much of their budget toward travel, dining and commuting.
If you'll use the annual Clear+ statement credit and can maximize the broadly defined bonus categories, the Amex Green is a card to seriously consider adding to your wallet.
