What We Love and Hate About American Express Green
The American Express Green from American Express is one of the most competitive credit cards in the rewards credit cards category. With a rating of 7/10, it offers a $150 annual fee and impressive rewards including 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else.
In this comprehensive review, we break down everything you need to know about the American Express Green: rewards structure, fees, APR, welcome bonus, and how it compares to competitors. Whether you are looking for your first rewards card or adding to your wallet, this guide covers it all.
American Express Green Overview
The American Express Green is issued by American Express and is designed for consumers with Good-Excellent (700+). It carries a rating of 7/10 from our experts. For those with good to excellent credit, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $150 |
| Intro APR | N/A |
| Regular APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Rewards | 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else |
| Welcome Bonus | 40,000 points after $3,000 in first 6 months |
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent (700+) |
| Foreign Tx Fee | 0% |
Rewards & Benefits Breakdown
The American Express Green earns 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else. Here is the detailed breakdown of earning rates:
| Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| All Purchases | 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else |
| Welcome Bonus | 40,000 points after $3,000 in first 6 months |
| Intro APR | N/A |
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent (700+) |
To offset the $150 annual fee, make sure you earn at least $7500 in rewards annually through everyday purchases.
Fees & APR Analysis
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 |
| Purchase APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Balance Transfer APR | 19.24% - 27.24% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 0% |
American Express Green vs Competitors
See how American Express Green stacks up against similar cards.
| Card | Fee | Rewards | Bonus | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Walmart Rewards | $0 | 5% Walmart.com, 2% Walmart, 2% dining/gas, 1% else | N/A | 7/10 |
| Best Buy Visa | $0 | 2.5% Best Buy, 1.5% dining/gas/grocery | 10% back in rewards on first purchase | 6/10 |
| Macy's American Express | $0 | 3x Macy's, 2x dining/gas, 1x else | 25% off first day | 5/10 |
| Nordstrom Visa | $0 | 3x Nordstrom, 2x dining/gas, 1x else | $40 Nordstrom Notes | 6/10 |
| Gap Good Rewards | $0 | 5x Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic/Athleta | 20% off first purchase | 5/10 |
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Competitive rewards rate: 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else
- Welcome bonus: 40,000 points after $3,000 in first 6 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- Issued by reputable American Express
❌ Cons
- Annual fee of $150
The American Express Green is best for consumers who spend heavily in bonus categories and can justify the annual fee. If you have Good-Excellent (700+) credit and spend $1728/month on average, this card could earn you significant value.
How to Apply for American Express Green
Applying for the American Express Green is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step process:
- 1
Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, check your credit score. You need Good-Excellent (700+) for the best approval odds.
- 2
Compare Your Options
Compare the American Express Green with similar cards from other issuers to ensure it is the right fit.
- 3
Gather Required Information
You will need your Social Security number, income information, and address to apply.
- 4
Complete the Online Application
Visit American Express.com or the American Express mobile app. The application takes about 5-10 minutes.
- 5
Await Approval Decision
Most applicants receive an instant decision. If approved, your card will arrive in 7-10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need Good-Excellent (700+) credit to be approved for the American Express Green. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your overall credit profile.
The $150 annual fee can be easily offset if you earn the welcome bonus and use the card for everyday spending.
The purchase APR is 19.24% - 27.24% Variable.
No, the American Express Green does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel.
Rewards can be redeemed through your American Express online account. Options typically include statement credits, gift cards, travel bookings, and direct deposits.
Conclusion
The American Express Green is a solid choice in the rewards credit cards category. With a $150 annual fee and competitive rewards, it offers good value for the right consumer.
We recommend this card for anyone with Good-Excellent (700+) credit looking for cash back on their everyday spending. Compare it with other cards in our list to find the best fit for your wallet.
The American Express Green earns 3x dining/travel/transit, 1x else. With a rating of 7/10, it is one of the better options in the rewards credit cards space. Recommended for consumers with Good-Excellent (700+) credit.