The American Express® Green Card continues to stand as a top-tier entry-level travel rewards card. It’s a compelling option for those looking to earn valuable Membership Rewards® points while enjoying a suite of travel-friendly benefits. As of 2025, the American Express Green Card offers a competitive welcome bonus, generous rewards on everyday purchases, and important perks for both frequent and occasional travelers.
In this article, we’ll explore the current welcome offer for the American Express Green Card, unpack its key features, and explain why it might be the perfect addition to your wallet this year.
Current Welcome Offer (2025)
As of May 2025, new applicants for the American Express Green Card can earn a welcome bonus of 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months of card membership. This extended spending window gives cardholders ample time to meet the requirement without rushing major purchases or disrupting their regular spending habits.
The 40,000 Membership Rewards points can be extremely valuable depending on how they are redeemed. Points are typically worth around 1 cent each when used for travel through Amex’s portal, making the bonus worth approximately $400. However, savvy travelers who transfer their points to Amex’s airline or hotel partners can often extract significantly higher value—sometimes exceeding 2 cents per point—especially for premium cabin flights or luxury hotel stays.
Earning Rewards with the Green Card
The American Express Green Card offers straightforward and rewarding earning structures. Cardholders earn:
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3X points on travel, including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, and even rideshares like Uber or Lyft.
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3X points on dining, both in the U.S. and internationally, making it ideal for foodies and frequent travelers.
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1X point on all other purchases.
What makes this particularly appealing is the broad definition of travel. Unlike some cards that limit travel points to just airfare and hotels, the Green Card includes buses, trains, subways, tolls, and even parking. This inclusive approach makes it easy to accumulate points even without international trips.
Annual Fee and Value
The American Express Green Card carries a $150 annual fee, which is relatively modest considering the rewards and benefits provided. While it does not offer the ultra-premium perks of higher-tier cards like the Amex Platinum, the Green Card holds its own with valuable credits and protections that easily justify the fee for many users.
Travel Perks and Credits
Cardholders receive up to $189 per calendar year in CLEAR® Plus credits, helping travelers speed through security at select airports and stadiums. This benefit alone can exceed the annual fee if used regularly.
Additionally, the card offers up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits each year. LoungeBuddy grants access to airport lounges around the world, allowing travelers to enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing pre-flight experience. Even occasional flyers can take advantage of this benefit to improve their travel days.
While the card does not include Priority Pass or Centurion Lounge access, the combination of CLEAR® and LoungeBuddy credits helps bridge the gap for those who desire more convenience and comfort during their travels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Amex Green Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a reliable companion for international travel. Many entry-level cards still charge around 3% on purchases made outside the U.S., but American Express waives this fee, enabling you to make global purchases with peace of mind.
Travel and Purchase Protections
American Express includes a solid suite of travel and purchase protections with the Green Card, such as:
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Trip delay insurance
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Car rental loss and damage insurance (secondary coverage)
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Purchase protection (up to 90 days for accidental damage or theft)
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Extended warranty protection (on eligible purchases)
These protections can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency or mishap and are often overlooked when comparing credit card benefits.
Who Should Get the Amex Green Card?
The American Express Green Card is best suited for:
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Frequent travelers who spend regularly on transit, flights, and hotels.
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Food lovers who dine out often and want to maximize their restaurant spending.
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Young professionals or digital nomads beginning to build travel reward strategies.
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Anyone looking to enter the American Express Membership Rewards ecosystem with a simple yet powerful card.
If you’re aiming to build a strategy around earning transferable travel rewards and appreciate added perks like lounge access credits and travel protections, this card fits seamlessly into a well-rounded financial plan.
Comparison with Other Amex Cards
While the Green Card is an excellent mid-tier option, it’s worth noting how it compares to its siblings:
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Amex Gold Card: Offers 4X on dining and groceries but carries a higher annual fee ($250). Better for domestic spenders.
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Amex Platinum Card: Comes with luxury perks, airport lounge access, and elite status, but has a hefty $695 annual fee. Better for frequent flyers and luxury travelers.
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Amex EveryDay® Preferred Card: Ideal for those looking to earn Membership Rewards points through grocery and gas purchases, but with capped bonus categories.
If you’re looking for high travel rewards without the hefty annual fees or complexity, the Green Card sits comfortably in the middle ground.
Final Thoughts
The American Express Green Card’s current welcome offer—40,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 in purchases over 6 months—makes it a strong contender in the travel credit card landscape. Add in 3X points on dining and travel, a suite of travel credits, no foreign transaction fees, and robust protections, and it becomes clear why this card appeals to so many in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone just stepping into the world of points and miles, the Green Card offers a valuable combination of simplicity, flexibility, and rewards. For those who want to explore more of the world without the weight of premium fees, this card remains a smart and rewarding choice.
