Quick Answer
The short version
I’ll be the rare reviewer who talks you out of a card before talking you into it — because the Amex Green is the one most likely to be the wrong choice, and I’d rather you trust me than click blindly. It’s the in-between rung: real Membership Rewards points, a modest fee, fewer perks. For a narrow group it’s perfect. For most, the free Payback or the better-value Gold is the smarter buy. Here’s how to tell which group you’re in.
What you actually get
The Green is the entry rung into the Membership Rewards ecosystem:
- Flexible Membership Rewards points on your spend, poolable toward flights, transfers and hotels.
- A modest annual fee — lower commitment than the Gold or Platinum.
- Some travel extras and the Amex app, acceptance and security.
- A flexible redemption setup without the premium fee of the cards above.
Think of it as the “I want real Membership Rewards points, but I’m not ready for the Gold’s earning rates or the Platinum’s fee” option.
The honest tradeoffs
- Lower fee than Gold/Platinum
- Earns flexible Membership Rewards points
- Some travel extras
- Gentle entry into the Amex ecosystem
- Fewer perks than the Gold for the money
- No lounges or hotel status
- Still has a fee (the Payback is free)
- Often out-valued by Gold for spenders or Payback for the fee-averse
This is the card that gets squeezed from both sides. If you want free, the Payback does it. If you want to maximise points, the Gold earns more — often with a free first year. The Green only wins in the narrow middle: lower fee than the Gold, but real Membership Rewards the Payback can’t give you. And like any Amex, keep a no-fee Revolut card for places that take only Visa or Mastercard.
Who should get it (and who shouldn’t)
Get the Green if you specifically want flexible Membership Rewards at a lower fee and lighter commitment than the Gold. Skip it if you’d rather pay nothing (Payback) or earn the most points (Gold).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amex Green worth it?
It’s worth it for a specific person: someone who wants real, flexible Membership Rewards points and a gentle entry into the Amex ecosystem, but isn’t ready for the Gold’s fee or chasing its higher earning rates. For many people, though, it gets squeezed — the free Payback card wins if you want no fee, and the Gold wins if you want to maximise points. Check the current offer before deciding it’s your pick.
How much is the Amex Green annual fee?
The Green carries a modest annual fee — lower than the Gold’s, but unlike the free Payback card it isn’t free. Availability and pricing shift, so confirm the current figure on the application page.
Amex Green vs Gold — which is better?
The Gold earns more points (especially on dining and everyday spend) and often comes with a free first year, which frequently makes it the better value despite a higher fee. The Green makes sense mainly if you want a lighter commitment and lower fee while still earning flexible Membership Rewards.
Does the Amex Green earn Membership Rewards?
Yes — the Green earns flexible Membership Rewards points you can pool toward flights, transfers and hotel redemptions, the same currency as the Gold and Platinum. It simply earns at lower rates and with fewer perks than those cards.
Verdict
The Green is a fine card in the wrong-sized gap for most people. If you’re in its narrow sweet spot, apply through my link below. If not, I’d genuinely point you to the free Payback or the Gold — and the full Amex comparison lays them side by side.