Is the American Express Green Card Worth It?

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by 10xTravel.

In today’s rapidly evolving credit card landscape, travel rewards cards have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking to maximize their spending. The American Express® Green Card often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its more premium siblings like The Platinum Card® from American Express. However, this understated card might just be the sweet spot many travelers are looking for in their pursuit of travel rewards and benefits.

As travel habits continue to evolve and more people seek ways to enhance their journey experiences, many travelers wonder, “Is the Amex Green Card worth it?” Let’s dive deep into this card’s features, benefits and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision about whether it deserves a spot in your wallet.

In a market saturated with travel cards, the American Express Green Card occupies an interesting middle ground. While premium cards like the Platinum Card® from American Express cater to luxury travelers and no-annual-fee cards target casual spenders, the Green Card aims to serve frequent travelers who want solid benefits without premium card prices.

This card’s unique combination of transit rewards, dining benefits, and travel protections creates a compelling value proposition for travelers. But is the American Express Green Card worth it for your specific situation? To determine whether the American Express Green Card deserves a place in your wallet, let’s first examine its core features and how they work together to create value for cardholders.

What Does the American Express Green Card Offer? (Key Features and Benefits)

The American Express Green Card positions itself as a mid-tier travel rewards card with a unique combination of benefits and earning potential. With a $150 annual fee, it sits between no-annual-fee cards and premium travel cards that often charge $500 or more. Let’s explore what makes this card stand out and whether its features justify the cost.

Travel Benefits of the Amex Green Card

The Amex Green card’s travel protections form the backbone of its value proposition. While not as extensive as ultra-premium cards, these travel protections provide meaningful coverage for common travel concerns. The American Express Green Card includes several key insurance benefits that can save you money and provide peace of mind during your journeys.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay insurance kicks in when your flight is delayed by 12 hours or more, providing up to $300 for reasonable expenses like meals and lodging. Here are the details:

Covered Expenses:

• Hotel accommodations and ground transportation
• Restaurant meals and refreshments
• Personal care items and other necessities
• Emergency clothing or toiletries

To file a claim:

1. Document the delay with airline verification.
2. Keep all receipts for covered purchases.
3. Contact American Express within 60 days.
4. Submit required documentation within 180 days.

Key Exclusions:

• Delays of less than 12 hours
• Pre-existing conditions
• Travel booked with airline miles
• Certain high-risk activities

Baggage Insurance Plan

The lost luggage insurance covers both carry-on and checked baggage, with limits of $1,250 and $500 respectively—a valuable benefit for frequent travelers who have experienced the frustration of mishandled luggage.

Coverage Limits:

• Carry-on baggage: Up to $1,250
• Checked baggage: Up to $500
• High-risk items: Special limits apply
• Combined maximum: $3,000 per person per trip

Certification Requirements:

• File a report with the carrier.
• Obtain documentation of loss.
• Submit inventory of lost items.
• Provide original purchase receipts when available.

Rental Car Coverage

The Amex Green card also provides rental car collision coverage, though it’s worth noting this is secondary coverage that supplements your personal auto insurance.

Coverage Details:

• Up to $50,000 per rental agreement
• Physical damage and theft protection
• Loss-of-use charges from rental company
• Reasonable towing charges
• Valid for rentals up to 30 consecutive days

Activation Requirements:

• Decline rental company’s collision insurance.
• Pay for the entire rental with the Green Card.
• List the primary cardholder as the primary driver.
• Rent eligible vehicle types.

Important Exclusions:

• Liability coverage not included
• Certain luxury vehicles
• Rentals in some countries (Australia, Italy, New Zealand)
• Off-road operation
• Personal effects inside the vehicle

Real-World Applications of Travel Protections

Understanding how these protections work in practice can help illustrate their value:

Flight Delay Scenario

A winter storm delays your connection by 13 hours. The card’s trip delay insurance would cover:

• Your overnight hotel stay ($200)
• Transportation to/from hotel ($50)
• Meals during the delay ($50)

These out-of-pocket expenses would be fully reimbursed up to the $300 limit.

Lost Luggage Situation

Your checked bag doesn’t arrive at your destination. Your lost luggage insurance provides:

• Immediate coverage for essential purchases
• Reimbursement for items in your bag up to $500
• Coverage for both domestic and international travel

American Express Green Card: Earning Points

The American Express Green Card shines in its earning structure, particularly for travelers who frequently dine out and use various transportation methods. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery services in the U.S. The same generous earning rate applies to travel purchases, from airfare and hotel stays to transit options like rideshares, parking and public transportation.

Here’s how the points add up:

• 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US
• 3X points on travel bookings, whether through American Express Travel^® or directly with providers
• 3X points on transit, including rideshare services, parking fees, trains and buses
• 1X points on all other purchases

Maximizing the Amex Green Card’s Category Bonuses

To extract maximum value from the American Express Green Card’s bonus categories, consider these strategies:

Travel Purchases

The 3X earning rate on travel encompasses a broad range of expenses, including:

• Flights booked directly with airlines
• Hotel reservations
• Vacation packages
• Cruise bookings
• Travel agency services
• Tours and excursions

Transit Expenses

The card’s unique strength in transit spending creates opportunities for significant point accumulation through everyday riding:

• Daily commuting costs
• Monthly transit passes
• Airport parking fees
• Bridge and road tolls
• Taxi services worldwide
• Rideshare services
• Train tickets, both local and long-distance

Restaurant Spending

The 3X restaurant category applies broadly:

• Fine dining establishments
• Casual restaurants
• Fast food locations
• Takeout orders
• Food delivery services
• International dining while traveling

Membership Rewards: Redeeming Points

The real value comes in how you can use these points. American Express Membership Rewards partners with 17 airline and three hotel partners, giving cardholders extensive flexibility in redeeming their rewards. The Amex Points value varies depending on how you choose to use them, but transfer partners often provide the highest return on your points.

Breaking Down Point Values and Redemption Strategies

Understanding how to maximize point values across different redemption options:

Direct Redemption Values

You may not get the best value for your Membership Rewards points by using these direct methods, but you will know exactly how much your points will be worth.

• Flights through American Express Travel^®: 1 cent per point
• Hotels and cars: 0.7 cents per point
• Statement credits: 0.6 cents per point
• Shopping: 0.5 cents per point
• Gift cards: Varying values

Transfer Partner Redemption Values

Making the most of your Membership Rewards points requires understanding the fundamentals of point transfers and redemptions. The key to maximizing value lies in flexibility and timing. Ultimately, the exact value you get for your Membership Rewards will depend on which transfer partner(s) you use, comparable cash prices for what you book and whether or not the availability exists for your redemption.

Keeping track of transfer bonuses, which American Express regularly offers, can substantially increase your points’ value. However, it’s important to have a specific redemption in mind before transferring, as these transfers are irreversible.

Generally, transferring points to airline partners for international premium cabin flights tends to provide the highest value per point—you should easily be able to get over 2 cents per point.

Membership Rewards Transfer Partner Analysis

Understanding transfer partners is crucial for maximizing your points value. Let’s examine each major partner:

Airline Transfer Partners

You’ll typically be able to get the best value out of your Membership Rewards points by transferring to Amex’s airline transfer partners.

Delta SkyMiles (1:1)

• Best for: Domestic flights, partner awards
• Sweet spots: Delta flash sales
• Transfer time: Instant
• Notable partners: Virgin Atlantic, Air France

Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1)

• Monthly promo rewards
• Competitive rates to Europe
• Dynamic pricing opportunities
• Notable partners: Delta

British Airways Executive Club (1:1)

• Distance-based award chart
• Short-haul flight value
• Access to Oneworld partners, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines
• Peak/off-peak pricing structure

ANA Mileage Club (1:1)

• Exceptional business-class values
• Partner award sweet spots

Emirates Skywards (1:1, effective Sept. 16, the Emirates Skywards transfer ratio will drop from 1:1 to 5:4) 

• First-class award opportunities
• Fifth-freedom routes
• JetBlue partnership benefits
• Upgrade potential on cash tickets
• Mixed cabin booking options

Hotel Transfer Partners

While Amex offers transfer partners for Membership Rewards, you typically won’t find as good of a value for these as for Amex’s airline transfer partners.

Marriott Bonvoy (1:1)

• Fifth night free on award stays
• Cash + Points options
• Status benefits recognition
• Transfer to additional airlines

Hilton Honors (1:2)

• Double points conversion ratio
• Fifth night free for elite members
• Points & Money rewards
• Room upgrades with points

Advanced Maximization Strategies

• Combining points from multiple cards
• Timing transfers with bonus promotions
• Strategic category spending
• Leveraging elite status with airline and hotel partners

Is the Amex Green Card Worth Its Cost?

Whether or not the Amex Green Card is worth its cost depends on how you use its benefits.

Breaking Down the Annual Fee

The Amex Green Card fee stands at $150 annually, positioning it in the mid-tier category of travel cards. While this fee might initially seem steep compared to some competitors, the card offers ways to offset this cost through its benefits and credits.

The most significant offset comes from the CLEAR Plus credit—you receive a yearly statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership with the card. This benefit alone can more than cover your annual fee if you regularly use CLEAR’s expedited security service at participating airports and venues.

Maximizing the Value of Benefits

Let’s look at some realistic scenarios where the American Express Green Card can provide substantial value:

The Urban Commuter:

• Daily subway rides: $120 monthly x 3X points = 4,320 points annually
• Weekend rideshares: $200 monthly x 3X points = 7,200 points annually
• Restaurant spending: $500 monthly x 3X points = 18,000 points annually
• Total potential earnings: 29,520 points + CLEAR Plus credit

The Weekend Traveler:

• Quarterly hotel stays: $1,000 x 4 x 3X points = 12,000 points annually
• Flight bookings: $2,000 yearly x 3X points = 6,000 points
• Dining out: $400 monthly x 3X points = 14,400 points annually
• Total potential earnings: 32,400 points + travel protections value

And that doesn’t take into consideration the additional value you get from the card’s travel protections.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Value

Understanding how to maximize the American Express Green Card requires looking beyond basic earning and burning points. One of the most effective strategies involves combining it with other American Express cards to create a comprehensive rewards strategy. For instance, pairing the Green Card with The Platinum Card® from American Express allows you to maximize both cards’ strengths—using the Green Card for its 3X categories while leveraging the Platinum’s premium travel benefits and higher earning rates in specific categories.

For urban commuters, the Green Card’s 3X earning rate on transit expenses can be particularly lucrative. This category includes:

• Public transportation fares
• Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft
• Parking garage fees
• Toll payments
• Train tickets
• Ferry services

Making the Most of Your CLEAR Plus Credit

The CLEAR Plus credit deserves special attention in any maximization strategy. While many cardholders focus solely on using CLEAR at airports, the program also provides access to expedited security at numerous stadiums and venues across the country. Family members can be added to your CLEAR membership at a discounted rate, potentially increasing the value you get from this benefit. Here’s how to maximize this benefit:

Airport Usage

• Available at 50+ airports nationwide
• Works in conjunction with TSA PreCheck
• Particularly valuable at busy hubs like JFK, LAX and ORD

Beyond Airports

• Access to expedited entry at select sports stadiums
• Available at some concert venues
• Works at certain convention centers

Family Benefits

• Add up to three family members
• Children under 18 are free
• Sharing your CLEAR Plus membership increases the benefit’s value

How Does the Amex Green Card Stack Up Against Competitors?

When comparing the American Express Green Card to its competitors, several key differences emerge. Let’s examine how it measures up against popular alternatives in the mid-tier travel card segment.

American Express Green Card Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands as one of the Green Card’s primary competitors, offering a lower annual fee of $95 compared to the Green Card’s $150. While the price difference might initially sway potential cardholders toward the Sapphire Preferred, the actual value comparison is more nuanced.

The Sapphire Preferred earns 5X points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. This diverse earning structure might seem more appealing than the Green Card’s straightforward 3X on travel and restaurants, but the Green Card’s unique 3X on transit expenses can provide substantial value for urban dwellers.

Where the Sapphire Preferred truly differentiates itself is in its travel protections. It offers primary rental car insurance, which can be more valuable than the Green Card’s secondary coverage since it doesn’t require you to file with your personal insurance first. However, the Green Card’s CLEAR Plus credit, which can more than offset its annual fee, provides a unique value proposition that the Sapphire Preferred can’t match.

In terms of transfer partners and point flexibility, each card brings something unique to the table. The American Express Membership Rewards program, accessible through the Green Card, offers valuable partnerships with airlines like Delta, Air France-KLM and British Airways, along with hotel partners like Marriott and Hilton. While Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program, used with the Sapphire Preferred, has fewer partners overall, it includes some exclusive relationships with airlines like United and Southwest.

American Express Green Card Vs. Capital One Venture X

Moving up the premium scale, the Capital One Venture X Card presents an interesting alternative for those willing to pay more for additional benefits. With its $395 annual fee, it’s clearly in a different category, but its value proposition deserves consideration. This card offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, 10,000 anniversary miles and access to both Priority Pass and Capital One lounges.

The Venture X’s earning structure is simpler than the Green Card’s, offering 10X points on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X points on flights through their portal, and 2X points on everything else. While the Venture X clearly offers more premium benefits, the Green Card’s lower annual fee and focused bonus categories might actually provide better value for moderate travelers who don’t need extensive lounge access.

Capital One’s transfer partner list has grown impressively, but American Express still maintains some unique partnerships that can provide exceptional value for international travel.

American Express Green Card Vs. Capital One Venture

For those interested in a simpler earning structure, but averse to a higher annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is worth considering. This card charges $95 annually and takes a simpler approach, with 2X miles on all purchases. While this might be easier to track, the American Express Green Card’s 3X points categories can provide significantly more value for those who spend heavily on travel and dining. The Capital One Venture Card offers access to the same transfer partners as the Venture X.

American Express Green Card Vs. Citi Strata Premier

The Citi Strata Premier® Card provides perhaps the most direct competition to the Green Card in terms of target audience. With a $95 annual fee, it offers 3X points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants and supermarkets. This broader range of bonus categories might be more appealing to some than the Green Card’s travel-focused structure.

However, the Citi Premier has limited travel protections, while the Green Card maintains a solid suite of travel insurance benefits. The Strata Premier’s annual $100 hotel savings benefit only applies to single stays of $500 or more, making it less flexible than the Green Card’s CLEAR Plus credit—though depending on how you travel, one could have significantly more value to you than the other.

Citi ThankYou Points can also be transferred to various airline and hotel partners. Citi’s partners include more international airline programs, which may mean you need to invest a little more time into learning about the programs—but incredible value exists for those willing to do so.

Amex Green Card Bonus: Is It a Game-Changer?

While welcome bonuses can vary, the Amex Green Card bonus has historically been competitive within its category. The welcome bonus, when available, typically requires meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of card membership. The value of these points can be particularly impressive when transferred to airline partners, potentially funding international business-class flights or multiple domestic round-trips.

10xTravel’s Insights: User Experiences and Expert Reviews

After analyzing user experiences and conducting our own testing, several pros and cons of the American Express Green Card emerge:

Pros:

• Generous 3X earning rate on broad travel categories
• Valuable transfer partners through Membership Rewards
• CLEAR Plus credit that exceeds the annual fee
• Solid travel protections for a mid-tier card

Cons:

• Higher annual fee compared to similar cards
• Limited luxury travel perks
• No lounge access benefits
• Must book through American Express Travel^® or use the card directly for travel protections

Who Should Consider the Amex Green Card?

The American Express Green Card is particularly well-suited for specific types of travelers and spenders. Understanding these profiles can help you determine if this card aligns with your lifestyle and spending patterns.

Urban Professionals

Urban professionals stand to gain significant value from this card, particularly those living in major cities with robust public transit systems. If you regularly commute via subway or bus, use rideshare services for weekend outings and frequently travel through major airports where CLEAR is available, you’ll find multiple opportunities to maximize the card’s benefits.

The 3X points on transit expenses can quickly accumulate through daily commuting costs, while the CLEAR Plus credit provides expedited security access at both airports and select venues. When combined with regular dining expenses, whether business lunches or evening outings, urban professionals can easily generate $800 or more in annual value from the card.

Regular Restaurant Diners

Regular restaurant diners can find exceptional value in the American Express Green Card’s rewards structure. Whether you’re someone who enjoys exploring new dining establishments, frequently orders takeout or regularly hosts business meals, this card’s 3X points on all restaurant spending provides substantial earning potential. This category extends beyond traditional dining to include everything from fine dining establishments to casual cafes, and importantly, encompasses food delivery services and takeout orders within the U.S.

A cardholder who spends $500 to $800 monthly on dining can accumulate 18,000 to 29,000 points annually from restaurant spending alone. The flexibility of these earnings is particularly valuable, since Membership Rewards points can be transferred to various travel partners or used directly through the Amex travel portal for future trips.

Regular Business Travelers

Regular business travelers who take between six and twelve trips annually will find the card’s combination of travel benefits and earning structure particularly appealing. If you typically book directly with airlines and hotels, need reliable travel protection benefits and value expedited security screening, the Green Card offers a strong value proposition.

The card’s travel insurance suite provides peace of mind during trips, while the earning structure rewards both travel bookings and on-the-road dining expenses. Business travelers who maintain moderate dining expenses can expect to generate around $650 or more in annual value from this card’s benefits and rewards.

Weekend Explorers

Weekend explorers represent another group that can extract substantial value from the American Express Green Card. These cardholders typically take frequent short trips, rely on public transportation at their destinations and enjoy dining out at local restaurants. The card’s 3X points earning rate on both transit and dining makes it an ideal companion for these weekend adventurers.

Additionally, if you regularly attend sporting events or concerts where CLEAR is available, the membership credit adds another layer of value. Weekend explorers can reasonably expect to generate $500 or more in annual value from the card, particularly when factoring in the travel protections for their frequent short trips.

Frequent but Not Luxury Travelers

Frequent but not luxury travelers represent an ideal demographic for the Green Card’s benefits structure. These are travelers who might take four to eight trips annually but don’t necessarily need or want the premium perks that come with higher-end cards like extensive lounge access or elite status benefits. Instead, they value practical benefits like comprehensive travel insurance, expedited security screening through CLEAR, and the ability to earn substantial points on their travel purchases.

The Amex Green card’s 3X earning rate on broad travel categories, combined with the included travel protections, provides exactly what these travelers need without paying for extras they won’t use. This type of traveler might book their own flights directly with airlines, stay at mid-tier hotels, and use local transit at their destinations—all categories where the Green Card excels in rewards earning. When combined with regular dining expenses during trips, these cardholders can easily accumulate enough points for future travel while enjoying practical protections that enhance their journey experience without paying for premium benefits they don’t need.

Final Verdict: Is the American Express Green Card Worth Your Money?

After examining the card’s benefits, earning structure, and real-world applications, we can now address the central question: Is the Amex Green Card worth it? The answer depends heavily on your lifestyle, spending patterns and travel habits, but certain factors make the decision clearer.
This card provides exceptional value if you can maximize these three core elements:

• CLEAR Plus Credit: The CLEAR Plus credit serves as the foundation of this card’s value proposition. By using this benefit alone, you can effectively reduce the net annual fee to below zero, making every other benefit pure icing on the cake. Regular travelers through major airports or sports enthusiasts who frequent stadiums where CLEAR operates will find this particularly valuable.
• Spending Categories: The 3X points bonus categories on this card represent the second pillar of value. Urban dwellers who regularly use public transportation, frequent travelers who book their own arrangements and regular restaurant patrons can accumulate points quickly. The broad definition of these categories—including everything from subway passes to food delivery—makes it easier to maximize your earnings without changing your spending habits.
• Membership Rewards Transfer Partners: The ability to transfer points to American Express’s airline and hotel partners provides the flexibility you need to extract maximum value from your rewards. While the transfer process requires some planning and knowledge of partner programs, the potential value far exceeds what you’d get from simple cash back or statement credits.

However, there are specific situations where another card might serve you better. The American Express Green Card might not be the ideal choice if:

• You rarely leave your home city or use public transportation, as you’ll struggle to maximize the transit and travel categories.
• You prefer the simplicity of cash back rewards and don’t want to learn about transfer partners.
• You’re seeking premium travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel elite status.
• The $150 annual fee feels too steep, even with the CLEAR Plus credit.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Addition to Your Travel Strategy

The American Express Green Card exists in a unique space in the travel rewards card market. While it lacks the premium benefits of higher-end cards like the Platinum Card® from American Express, it offers substantial value through its focused earning structure, practical travel protections, and valuable CLEAR Plus credit.

For urban dwellers who frequently use public transportation and dine out, or regular travelers who value simplicity over premium perks, the American Express Green Card can be a valuable asset. The card’s strength lies in its versatility—whether you’re commuting to work, taking a weekend trip, or dining at your favorite restaurant, you’re consistently earning valuable Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline partners for future travel.

The math becomes particularly compelling when you consider the potential annual earnings:

• $2,400 in annual transit spending = 7,200 points
• $6,000 in dining = 18,000 points
• $3,000 in travel bookings = 9,000 points
• Total: 34,200 points plus the CLEAR Plus credit value

Remember that credit card offers and benefits can change over time, so it’s always wise to review the current terms and conditions before applying. Whether this card ends up in your wallet should ultimately depend on how well it fits into your overall financial and travel goals.