American Express refreshed its classic Green Card yesterday — and it’s something from which Delta flyers, in particular, could benefit.
All information related to the American Express® Green Card was collected independently by Eye of the Flyer and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
Just what I need — another Amex card, you may think.
Well, this card will be in my next batch of applications.
Here’s how and why it might be worth your investment, too.
The American Express® Green Card earns 3X Membership Rewards on all eligible travel purchases. Not just airfare — but hotels, rideshares, taxis, city tours…you get the point.
Restaurants worldwide earn 3X Membership Rewards with the card, too.
All of this may sound familiar: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the same earnings but for a $450 annual fee. The American Express® Green Card‘s annual fee is only $150.
Cardholders also enjoy a $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit.
(Call me crazy but it’s certainly more exciting than the other credit card announced yesterday.)
Why Travelers May Like the Amex Green Card
Here’s why many flyers should strongly consider getting the Green Card.
Cardholders receive an annual $199 CLEAR Plus statement credit.
Accounting for the Annual Fee’s Other $50
To break even on the American Express® Green Card $150 annual fee, you must earn $50 worth of Membership Rewards points each year (assuming you take advantage of the CLEAR credit).
So if we value Membership Rewards at an ultra-conservative bare minimum of one cent each, you need to accumulate 5000 points.
So that’s about $1700 annually in the travel and/or restaurant categories. That’s not a hard feat for most of us.
If you don’t have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® — or do but want to ditch for something else — the American Express® Green Card is a great alternative to earn 3X on rideshare, taxis, parking, subways, other trains…
Will You Apply for the Amex Green Card?
Please share your thoughts about this card’s big refresh!
— Chris
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I see that the CLEAR benefit is for CALENDAR year, so you if you are married, a person could get one year of CLEAR in December, and spouse could get a year of CLEAR in January. Does that sound right?
@Scott: That does sound right!
I don’t think I’ll apply for this. There’s no lounge benefit and AMEX already has the Gold card and the Gold business card. I’m not sure what niche this green card is going after. There’s lots of credit cards with bonus categories on restaurants and Travel.
@Nora: The interesting thing about the Green Card’s Travel category is that it covers much more than just airfare. The Platinum and Gold cards reward only airfare purchases. There is a lounge benefit — albeit a $100 annual statement credit to LoungeBuddy. Certainly not as good as Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, or Delta Sky Clubs. But better than nothing.
You can do that but that’s just for first year. when your membership renews in December next year, you don’t have a credit any more. So if you are planning to try the card and also the CLEAR membership for free for just a year and you know you will likely not hold onto the card or CLEAR membership, that would be the route to go for $18 out of pocket cost for both of you.
or you can add your spouse or any adult family members for $50 more per person. Children under 18 can tag along for free. So it will be $59 total for family of 4 every year if you are planning to hold onto the amex green card continuously.
No. My Chase Sapphire Reserve® has the 300 dollar travel credit so effectively has a $150 annual fee. Add the enhanced travel insurance, Priority Pass membership, and 3x restaurant and travel and I see no reason to change or add the Amex.
Pretty soon Clear lines will look like TSA ie; everybody and their brother will be there