Overview

For many individuals, the American Express® Green card is a “gateway” into American Express® membership. Traditionally, excellent credit is required to qualify for Amex cards, but individuals with FICO scores as low as the mid-600s have been approved for the Green Card. The Green Card, which has been around since 1958, offers many of the outstanding benefits of the splashier offerings later introduced by American Express®.

Who Is the American Express® Green Card Designed For?

The American Express® Green card is a charge card, as opposed to a credit card, which makes it an ideal choice for individuals who pay off their balances in full every month. It is somewhat easier to obtain than other Amex cards. Holding a Green card for a number of years could provide a means to qualify for other Amex cards. It is not intended for students or for business use.

Are There Annual Fees?

The annual membership fee is 95 dollars, but the fee is waived for the first year. 

Does the American Express® Green Card Offer Rewards?

The American Express® Green Card awards cardholders nearly all the benefits of its excellent Membership Rewards program, including 2 points for every 1 dollar spent at amextravel.com and 1 point for every 1 dollar spent elsewhere. Other perks associated with the Membership Rewards program include Baggage Insurance, Roadside Assistance, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance coverage, Travel Accident insurance, card member-only access to hot entertainment events and the acclaimed Global Assist Hotline. Shoppers are protected by the Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Return Protection and Dispute Resolution programs.

Are There Foreign Transaction Fees?

Foreign transactions are charged 2.7 percent, after conversion into US Dollars.

Are There Late Payment or other Penalty Fees?

Returned and late payments incur a $38 fee.

Summary

The American Express® Green card is a great way to gain the benefits of Amex membership if your credit is a bit less than perfect. If you never carry a balance, you can get the benefits of making purchases with a grace period. But if your financial discipline is not up to making full payments every month, you're best off going with a credit card with a low APR rather than a charge card.