American Express
American Express Green Card
Premium travel and dining rewards card with 3X points on travel, transit, and restaurants. Includes $219 CLEAR+ credit and premium travel protections.
Annual fee
$150
Top rate
3x flights
Welcome bonus
$1,200
Quick look
3X Points on Travel & Dining
Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel, transit, and dining worldwide
3.7
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
Frequent travelers and regular restaurant diners who can extract at least $150+ annually in value from the 3X rewards and CLEAR+ credit, and who accept the charge card payment model.
The verdict
The Amex Green Card targets frequent travelers and restaurant enthusiasts willing to pay for breadth. Its 3X points on travel, transit, and dining, combined with a substantial $219 CLEAR+ credit, can offset the $150 annual fee for the right profile. But it's a middle-ground play: it doesn't earn like specialized airline or hotel cards, doesn't offer premium lounge access, and functions as a charge card requiring near-full monthly payments. Unless you can reliably extract value from the CLEAR+ benefit and your regular travel and dining spend, the more focused Chase Sapphire Preferred or a single-airline card may serve you better.
Importantly, this card may no longer be available to new applicants; confirm availability before applying.
Pros
- 3X points on travel, transit, and dining covers most frequent expenses for business travelers
- Up to $219 annual statement credit for CLEAR Plus membership—likely the strongest value driver if you use airport security regularly
- No foreign transaction fees makes international spending friction-free
- Pay Over Time feature allows revolving balances on eligible purchases (despite charge card model)
Cons
- $150 annual fee is steep relative to general travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95)
- 1X on everything else leaves everyday non-travel, non-dining spend unrewarded, pushing the card's effective value down for hybrid spenders
- Charge card design (full monthly payment required) appeals to fewer people than revolving alternatives
- Ranked 24th in flights, 27th in hotels, 33rd in non-category spend—generous 3X rates don't translate to best-in-class rewards
Reward rates
| Category | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 3x | 3X points on eligible travel purchases including airfare, hotels, tours, car rentals, cruises, and vacation rentals |
| Hotels & car rentals | 3x | 3X points on hotel and travel accommodations |
| Dining & restaurants | 3x | 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US |
| Everything else | 1x | 1X point on all other eligible purchases |
The 3X rate on travel, transit, and dining is respectable but not exceptional. In the catalog, the Green Card ranks 15th in dining (solid), 24th in flights (middle-pack behind United and Delta co-brand cards), and 27th in hotels (well behind hotel-specific cards like IHG Premier). The 1X elsewhere rate leaves a gap in everyday spend; complementary cards or cards with broader earning may offset this weakness.
Fees and APR
Does it pay for itself?
The $150 fee is on the higher end for non-premium cards. The key to justifying it is the $219 CLEAR Plus credit—if you travel via airport at least a few times yearly, the credit alone can cover most of the fee. Without CLEAR usage, the effective cost becomes harder to defend. For comparison, Chase Sapphire Preferred costs $95 with a $100 dining credit; the Green Card's edge is the CLEAR benefit and zero foreign fees.
Welcome bonus
Is it worth chasing?
40,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 spend in 6 months is straightforward and achievable for most applicants. At typical redemption rates (1.25–1.5 cents per point via travel partners), this translates to roughly $500–$600 in value. It's respectable but trails premium card bonuses like Sapphire Reserve's 100,000 points.
Similar cards
Cheaper entry ($95 vs $150) with better base earning on dining (5X vs 3X) and travel purchases; Sapphire Preferred is the default choice for all-in-one travel if you want to avoid the charge card model.
Better flights earning (9X vs 3X) plus free checked bags and United Club passes; worth considering if flying United regularly justifies the $150 fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Green Card still available?
According to recent reviews, the card may no longer be available to new applicants. Confirm with American Express or your application status before assuming it's open.
How much value does the CLEAR Plus credit actually provide?
CLEAR Plus (airport security fast-track) costs $200–$219 per year and is most valuable for frequent fliers who pass through airport security multiple times monthly. If you fly internationally or on business regularly, the credit can nearly eliminate the $150 annual fee. If you fly once or twice yearly, the credit's value drops sharply.
Can I carry a balance on the American Express Green Card?
It's technically a charge card, meaning you're expected to pay your full statement balance monthly. However, American Express offers Pay Over Time for eligible purchases, allowing you to revolve a balance with interest. This is less flexible than a standard credit card but an option if needed.
How does the welcome bonus compare to other travel cards?
40,000 points ($500–$600 value) is solid but middle-tier. Chase Sapphire cards offer 100,000+ point bonuses, and premium cards like the Aspire offer even higher. The Green Card's bonus is earned quickly (achievable in daily spend within 6 months) but not best-in-class.
Should I get the Green Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred?
If you want 3X dining and 5X travel earning, plus a revolving balance option and lower annual fee, choose Sapphire Preferred ($95). If you fly enough to maximize CLEAR Plus and accept the charge card model, the Green Card's 3X earning and CLEAR benefit may offset its $150 fee. Otherwise, Sapphire Preferred is the safer pick.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 11, 2026