With an annual fee of $150, this card stands out for rewarding cardmembers with triple points on key spending categories. It offers 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, including airfare, hotels, and car rentals, 3X on transit like buses and rideshares, and 3X on dining worldwide, even for delivery and takeout in the U.S.
Cardholders also earn 1X points on all other purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it an appealing option for international travelers. The APR ranges from 20.24% to 29.24% variable, applicable to balances eligible for the Pay Over Time feature.
Approval requirements
To qualify, applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher). Additional factors like income, credit utilization, and history with American Express may also influence approval. Pre-qualification tools can help gauge eligibility without affecting your credit score.
Benefits of the American Express® Green Card
One of the major draws of the Green Card is its ability to maximize everyday spending in travel and dining, two categories with consistently high consumer expenditure. Members can quickly accumulate points that are flexible and transferable to airline and hotel partners.
Another strong advantage is the welcome bonus: 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first six months. This bonus can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more, offering great initial value to new members.
Unique selling point
The Green Card provides up to $199 in statement credits per year for CLEAR® Plus Membership, which helps expedite security at over 50 airports using biometric technology. This benefit can completely offset the annual fee if used strategically, making the card more cost-effective than it appears at first glance.
Drawbacks and considerations
While the card offers generous points on select categories, it lacks perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance, which are common in premium cards. The $150 annual fee may also be hard to justify for users who don’t frequently dine out or travel.
Additionally, the high APR means carrying a balance can become costly. It’s best suited for users who plan to pay their balance in full monthly to avoid interest charges and maximize rewards.
Application process steps
Start by visiting the official American Express website. Use the “Apply with Confidence” feature to check for pre-approval with no credit impact. This step allows you to determine your chances without affecting your credit score.
If pre-approved, complete the application by providing personal and financial information. Once submitted, you’ll receive an instant decision in most cases. Upon approval, the card will be mailed to you, and you’ll be ready to begin earning rewards immediately.