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Sustainable Rewards for Daily Travelers
Earn 3X on travel, transit, and dining with $289 in annual credits that offset your $150 fee
$150
Annual Fee
40,000
Membership Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$35
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Amex Green
Rewards Currency
American Express Membership Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
40,000
Membership Rewards points
$3,000
Spend Required
6 months
Time Period
3X
3X on travel worldwide (flights, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals)
3X
3X on transit worldwide (trains, subways, buses, taxis, rideshare, ferries, tolls, parking)
3X
3X on dining worldwide (restaurants, takeout, delivery)
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Book a roundtrip flight for $500 with your Amex Green and earn 1,500 Membership Rewards points, worth approximately $33 toward your next trip to Europe or hotel redemption.
Spend $200 monthly on rideshare, trains, tolls, and parking with your Amex Green and earn 600 Membership Rewards points monthly, or 7,200 points annually.
If you dine out 25 times monthly spending $20 each ($500 total), you earn 1,500 points monthly. Transfer these to airline partners for premium cabin redemptions.
All other purchases earn 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar, including groceries, shopping, utilities, and subscriptions.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
22 transfer partners: 19 airlines + 3 hotels across all alliances
Amex Membership Rewards offers the most extensive transfer network in the industry with 19 airline and 3 hotel partners. The program's strength lies in premium cabin redemptions, with exceptional sweet spots like ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic and Delta One awards through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Unlike competitors, Amex frequently runs transfer bonuses (15-40%) to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and British Airways, often 3-4 times per year. These bonuses can dramatically improve redemption value, making MR points worth 2-3+ cents per point for savvy users who time their transfers. The program covers all three major alliances with multiple partners in each, providing unmatched redundancy. If one partner has poor availability, you have alternatives. This flexibility, combined with instant transfers to most partners, makes Membership Rewards ideal for last-minute premium cabin bookings.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex Family | If you have received a signup bonus from a higher tiered card, you are ineligible to receive a bonus from a lower tiered card in that same card family |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Cash Advance APR | 26.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $35 |
Media & Resources
Sustainable Rewards for Daily Travelers
Earn 3X on travel, transit, and dining with $289 in annual credits that offset your $150 fee
$150
Annual Fee
40,000
Membership Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$35
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Amex Green
Rewards Currency
American Express Membership Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
40,000
Membership Rewards points
$3,000
Spend Required
6 months
Time Period
3X
3X on travel worldwide (flights, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals)
3X
3X on transit worldwide (trains, subways, buses, taxis, rideshare, ferries, tolls, parking)
3X
3X on dining worldwide (restaurants, takeout, delivery)
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Book a roundtrip flight for $500 with your Amex Green and earn 1,500 Membership Rewards points, worth approximately $33 toward your next trip to Europe or hotel redemption.
Spend $200 monthly on rideshare, trains, tolls, and parking with your Amex Green and earn 600 Membership Rewards points monthly, or 7,200 points annually.
If you dine out 25 times monthly spending $20 each ($500 total), you earn 1,500 points monthly. Transfer these to airline partners for premium cabin redemptions.
All other purchases earn 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar, including groceries, shopping, utilities, and subscriptions.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
22 transfer partners: 19 airlines + 3 hotels across all alliances
Amex Membership Rewards offers the most extensive transfer network in the industry with 19 airline and 3 hotel partners. The program's strength lies in premium cabin redemptions, with exceptional sweet spots like ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic and Delta One awards through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Unlike competitors, Amex frequently runs transfer bonuses (15-40%) to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and British Airways, often 3-4 times per year. These bonuses can dramatically improve redemption value, making MR points worth 2-3+ cents per point for savvy users who time their transfers. The program covers all three major alliances with multiple partners in each, providing unmatched redundancy. If one partner has poor availability, you have alternatives. This flexibility, combined with instant transfers to most partners, makes Membership Rewards ideal for last-minute premium cabin bookings.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex Family | If you have received a signup bonus from a higher tiered card, you are ineligible to receive a bonus from a lower tiered card in that same card family |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Cash Advance APR | 26.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $35 |
Media & Resources
Sustainable Rewards for Daily Travelers
Earn 3X on travel, transit, and dining with $289 in annual credits that offset your $150 fee
$150
Annual Fee
40,000
Membership Rewards points · Welcome Bonus
3X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$150
Authorized User Fee
$35
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
Amex Green
Rewards Currency
American Express Membership Rewards
Point Valuation
1.5–2 cpp (mid: 1.8)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
40,000
Membership Rewards points
$3,000
Spend Required
6 months
Time Period
3X
3X on travel worldwide (flights, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals)
3X
3X on transit worldwide (trains, subways, buses, taxis, rideshare, ferries, tolls, parking)
3X
3X on dining worldwide (restaurants, takeout, delivery)
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
3X
Earn 3X points on transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
Book a roundtrip flight for $500 with your Amex Green and earn 1,500 Membership Rewards points, worth approximately $33 toward your next trip to Europe or hotel redemption.
Spend $200 monthly on rideshare, trains, tolls, and parking with your Amex Green and earn 600 Membership Rewards points monthly, or 7,200 points annually.
If you dine out 25 times monthly spending $20 each ($500 total), you earn 1,500 points monthly. Transfer these to airline partners for premium cabin redemptions.
All other purchases earn 1X Membership Rewards point per dollar, including groceries, shopping, utilities, and subscriptions.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
22 transfer partners: 19 airlines + 3 hotels across all alliances
Amex Membership Rewards offers the most extensive transfer network in the industry with 19 airline and 3 hotel partners. The program's strength lies in premium cabin redemptions, with exceptional sweet spots like ANA first class via Virgin Atlantic and Delta One awards through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Unlike competitors, Amex frequently runs transfer bonuses (15-40%) to partners like Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, and British Airways, often 3-4 times per year. These bonuses can dramatically improve redemption value, making MR points worth 2-3+ cents per point for savvy users who time their transfers. The program covers all three major alliances with multiple partners in each, providing unmatched redundancy. If one partner has poor availability, you have alternatives. This flexibility, combined with instant transfers to most partners, makes Membership Rewards ideal for last-minute premium cabin bookings.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Amex Family | If you have received a signup bonus from a higher tiered card, you are ineligible to receive a bonus from a lower tiered card in that same card family |
| No 5/24 | Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule |
| Amex 1/7 | Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card) |
| Amex Popup Jail | After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus |
| Cash Advance APR | 26.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
| Authorized User Fee | $35 |
Media & Resources
Combined Protection Value
$62,850
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Secondary coverage for rental car damage or theft when you pay with your card and decline the rental company's CDW
Automatically extends manufacturer warranties by 1 year for items with original warranties of 5 years or less
Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during common carrier travel when you book with your card
Coverage against damage or theft of eligible purchases for 90 days after purchase, up to $50,000 per year
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 12+ hours or requires overnight stay
Transfer your Membership Rewards points to 20 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:8 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1.35 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe Economy via Iberia | 3,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Business on a Partner | 6,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Canada in Economy | 10,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 12,500 | — | first | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 14,400 | — | economy | central_america |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Japan in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Asia in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Hong Kong in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
Showing top 20 of 47 sweet spots
If you’re beginning your American Express journey, the Green Card is an ideal first choice. Its position as the initial card ensures eligibility for subsequent bonuses while offering enough value to justify its cost.
If you haven’t started collecting American Express cards yet, the **American Express Personal Green card is a solid place to begin**. American Express has rules requiring you to open its personal cards in a specific order to qualify for each sign-up bonus. While the 40,000-point sign-up bonus isn’t the highest ever offered, it’s still worthwhile — and the $199 Clear Plus membership credit alone can more than cover the card’s **$150 annual fee**.
The standard **sign-up bonus is 40,000** points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. In the past, there have been elevated offers as high as 60,000 points.
Once you meet the spending requirement for the Green card, you can move on to the Gold and then Platinum cards, as they must be opened in sequence to qualify for each sign-up bonus.
Although the card’s annual fee is $150, the **Clear Plus credit (worth $199)** easily offsets that cost. Beyond that, there aren’t many other standout benefits. However, if you renew Clear Plus each year, the card essentially pays for itself — and you still earn the 40,000-point sign-up bonus.
This card may not be the best option if:
- You already have Clear Plus and won’t benefit from the credit.
- You’ve already opened the American Express Gold and/or Platinum cards, making you ineligible for the Green card’s sign-up bonus based on American Express rules.
**Amex points are great in theory. We just find them harder to collect and more expensive to hold than Chase points.**
- If you’re in the points game long enough, you’ll dabble in both main systems (Chase & Amex).
- Amex has a one card bonus every 7 years rule, so ultimately, there will be more of a limit to how many you can collect via sign-up bonuses.
- There is only one no-fee card that allows you to earn and keep Membership Rewards points - the Blue Business Plus card.
- Delta and Hilton are solid transfer values and having Amex points gives you top-off flexibility if you are invested in either of those systems.
- We do find Amex travel a higher quality of service over the Chase travel portal.
Because American Express enforces a “one card bonus per lifetime” rule for each personal card, you should begin with the Green Card if you plan to build a portfolio of American Express products. While it’s often wise to wait for an elevated sign-up bonus, there’s no guarantee one will appear. If you’re ready to start now, you can open the Green Card, earn the bonus, and then move on to the Gold and Platinum.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$185.40
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
+$35.40
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for a statement credit at only 0.6¢ per point. With an Amex Business Checking account you can reach 1¢ per point, which still isn’t great value. For the best return, transfer points to airline or hotel partners before booking.
The best place to use Amex points is with transfer partners. Move points to an airline or hotel program and book award travel for more than 1¢ per point you'll earn from the Amex Travel Portal. Partner sweet spots often yield much higher value once you get more advanced in the hobby.
You can upgrade, but it’s usually not recommended. Amex limits welcome offers to roughly once every 7 years per card. Upgrade bonuses are typically much smaller than new-card offers, so applying for a new Platinum card generally provides better long-term value.
There’s no way to avoid the [Amex Platinum](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-personal) annual fee. The card’s benefits and welcome offer can offset year one, but ongoing value depends on your use of credits and lounges. If the math no longer works, your options are to cancel or downgrade to a lower-fee card.
Yes. Upgrading with points often costs less than paying cash, but you’ll usually get better value by transferring points to the airline and booking business class from the start. Amex partner sweet spots can produce excellent premium-cabin redemptions when available.
Transfer to airline partners when redemption value exceeds 1.5 cents per point (common for business/first class). Use the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp for economy flights when transfer partners offer poor availability or require fuel surcharges. Portal bookings earn 5x on Platinum for effective 5 cpp value, making them competitive with mediocre transfer redemptions.
Log into your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, click "Transfer Points," link your loyalty account with your chosen airline partner, select the partner and amount, then initiate the transfer. Transfers are irreversible once completed, so verify all details before confirming.
There is a federal excise tax of $0.0006 per point (maximum $99 per transaction) when transferring to US-based airline partners like Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue. No transfer fees apply to other partners, hotel programs, or international airlines. Always check the specific partner's terms before transferring.
Points from multiple Amex Membership Rewards cards automatically pool under one login for flexible redemptions. You cannot directly transfer points between different Amex accounts or to unauthorized users, but you can transfer pooled points to an authorized user's loyalty account after a 90-day waiting period.
Comprehensive review covering rewards structure, credits, and welcome bonus for the Amex Green Card
Detailed review with WalletHub ratings, editor's analysis, and user reviews of the Amex Green
Canadian perspective on the Amex Green Card with focus on accessibility and Membership Rewards
U.S. News analysis of the Amex Green with pros, cons, and comparison to competitors
Credit Karma's overview of benefits, rewards, and who should apply for the Amex Green
Analysis of key reasons to get the Amex Green Card with detailed benefit breakdown
CNBC Select analysis on whether the $150 annual fee provides enough value
NerdWallet's guide to Amex Green benefits including travel protections and credits
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Combined Protection Value
$62,850
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Secondary coverage for rental car damage or theft when you pay with your card and decline the rental company's CDW
Automatically extends manufacturer warranties by 1 year for items with original warranties of 5 years or less
Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during common carrier travel when you book with your card
Coverage against damage or theft of eligible purchases for 90 days after purchase, up to $50,000 per year
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 12+ hours or requires overnight stay
Transfer your Membership Rewards points to 20 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:8 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1.35 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe Economy via Iberia | 3,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Business on a Partner | 6,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Canada in Economy | 10,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 12,500 | — | first | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 14,400 | — | economy | central_america |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Japan in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Asia in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Hong Kong in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
Showing top 20 of 47 sweet spots
If you’re beginning your American Express journey, the Green Card is an ideal first choice. Its position as the initial card ensures eligibility for subsequent bonuses while offering enough value to justify its cost.
If you haven’t started collecting American Express cards yet, the **American Express Personal Green card is a solid place to begin**. American Express has rules requiring you to open its personal cards in a specific order to qualify for each sign-up bonus. While the 40,000-point sign-up bonus isn’t the highest ever offered, it’s still worthwhile — and the $199 Clear Plus membership credit alone can more than cover the card’s **$150 annual fee**.
The standard **sign-up bonus is 40,000** points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. In the past, there have been elevated offers as high as 60,000 points.
Once you meet the spending requirement for the Green card, you can move on to the Gold and then Platinum cards, as they must be opened in sequence to qualify for each sign-up bonus.
Although the card’s annual fee is $150, the **Clear Plus credit (worth $199)** easily offsets that cost. Beyond that, there aren’t many other standout benefits. However, if you renew Clear Plus each year, the card essentially pays for itself — and you still earn the 40,000-point sign-up bonus.
This card may not be the best option if:
- You already have Clear Plus and won’t benefit from the credit.
- You’ve already opened the American Express Gold and/or Platinum cards, making you ineligible for the Green card’s sign-up bonus based on American Express rules.
**Amex points are great in theory. We just find them harder to collect and more expensive to hold than Chase points.**
- If you’re in the points game long enough, you’ll dabble in both main systems (Chase & Amex).
- Amex has a one card bonus every 7 years rule, so ultimately, there will be more of a limit to how many you can collect via sign-up bonuses.
- There is only one no-fee card that allows you to earn and keep Membership Rewards points - the Blue Business Plus card.
- Delta and Hilton are solid transfer values and having Amex points gives you top-off flexibility if you are invested in either of those systems.
- We do find Amex travel a higher quality of service over the Chase travel portal.
Because American Express enforces a “one card bonus per lifetime” rule for each personal card, you should begin with the Green Card if you plan to build a portfolio of American Express products. While it’s often wise to wait for an elevated sign-up bonus, there’s no guarantee one will appear. If you’re ready to start now, you can open the Green Card, earn the bonus, and then move on to the Gold and Platinum.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$185.40
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
+$35.40
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for a statement credit at only 0.6¢ per point. With an Amex Business Checking account you can reach 1¢ per point, which still isn’t great value. For the best return, transfer points to airline or hotel partners before booking.
The best place to use Amex points is with transfer partners. Move points to an airline or hotel program and book award travel for more than 1¢ per point you'll earn from the Amex Travel Portal. Partner sweet spots often yield much higher value once you get more advanced in the hobby.
You can upgrade, but it’s usually not recommended. Amex limits welcome offers to roughly once every 7 years per card. Upgrade bonuses are typically much smaller than new-card offers, so applying for a new Platinum card generally provides better long-term value.
There’s no way to avoid the [Amex Platinum](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-personal) annual fee. The card’s benefits and welcome offer can offset year one, but ongoing value depends on your use of credits and lounges. If the math no longer works, your options are to cancel or downgrade to a lower-fee card.
Yes. Upgrading with points often costs less than paying cash, but you’ll usually get better value by transferring points to the airline and booking business class from the start. Amex partner sweet spots can produce excellent premium-cabin redemptions when available.
Transfer to airline partners when redemption value exceeds 1.5 cents per point (common for business/first class). Use the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp for economy flights when transfer partners offer poor availability or require fuel surcharges. Portal bookings earn 5x on Platinum for effective 5 cpp value, making them competitive with mediocre transfer redemptions.
Log into your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, click "Transfer Points," link your loyalty account with your chosen airline partner, select the partner and amount, then initiate the transfer. Transfers are irreversible once completed, so verify all details before confirming.
There is a federal excise tax of $0.0006 per point (maximum $99 per transaction) when transferring to US-based airline partners like Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue. No transfer fees apply to other partners, hotel programs, or international airlines. Always check the specific partner's terms before transferring.
Points from multiple Amex Membership Rewards cards automatically pool under one login for flexible redemptions. You cannot directly transfer points between different Amex accounts or to unauthorized users, but you can transfer pooled points to an authorized user's loyalty account after a 90-day waiting period.
Comprehensive review covering rewards structure, credits, and welcome bonus for the Amex Green Card
Detailed review with WalletHub ratings, editor's analysis, and user reviews of the Amex Green
Canadian perspective on the Amex Green Card with focus on accessibility and Membership Rewards
U.S. News analysis of the Amex Green with pros, cons, and comparison to competitors
Credit Karma's overview of benefits, rewards, and who should apply for the Amex Green
Analysis of key reasons to get the Amex Green Card with detailed benefit breakdown
CNBC Select analysis on whether the $150 annual fee provides enough value
NerdWallet's guide to Amex Green benefits including travel protections and credits
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Combined Protection Value
$62,850
You're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Amex covers 100% of fraudulent transactions when reported promptly.
Secondary coverage for rental car damage or theft when you pay with your card and decline the rental company's CDW
Automatically extends manufacturer warranties by 1 year for items with original warranties of 5 years or less
Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during common carrier travel when you book with your card
Coverage against damage or theft of eligible purchases for 90 days after purchase, up to $50,000 per year
Get reimbursed for meals, hotel, and essentials when your common carrier travel is delayed 12+ hours or requires overnight stay
Transfer your Membership Rewards points to 20 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:8 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 5:4 | instant | — | 1.35 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe Economy via Iberia | 3,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Business on a Partner | 6,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Canada in Economy | 10,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| Domestic US in First Class | 12,500 | — | first | united_states |
| US to Mexico in Economy | 14,400 | — | economy | central_america |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Iceland in Economy on a Partner | 17,000 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Japan in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Asia in Economy | 20,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Hong Kong in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
Showing top 20 of 47 sweet spots
If you’re beginning your American Express journey, the Green Card is an ideal first choice. Its position as the initial card ensures eligibility for subsequent bonuses while offering enough value to justify its cost.
If you haven’t started collecting American Express cards yet, the **American Express Personal Green card is a solid place to begin**. American Express has rules requiring you to open its personal cards in a specific order to qualify for each sign-up bonus. While the 40,000-point sign-up bonus isn’t the highest ever offered, it’s still worthwhile — and the $199 Clear Plus membership credit alone can more than cover the card’s **$150 annual fee**.
The standard **sign-up bonus is 40,000** points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. In the past, there have been elevated offers as high as 60,000 points.
Once you meet the spending requirement for the Green card, you can move on to the Gold and then Platinum cards, as they must be opened in sequence to qualify for each sign-up bonus.
Although the card’s annual fee is $150, the **Clear Plus credit (worth $199)** easily offsets that cost. Beyond that, there aren’t many other standout benefits. However, if you renew Clear Plus each year, the card essentially pays for itself — and you still earn the 40,000-point sign-up bonus.
This card may not be the best option if:
- You already have Clear Plus and won’t benefit from the credit.
- You’ve already opened the American Express Gold and/or Platinum cards, making you ineligible for the Green card’s sign-up bonus based on American Express rules.
**Amex points are great in theory. We just find them harder to collect and more expensive to hold than Chase points.**
- If you’re in the points game long enough, you’ll dabble in both main systems (Chase & Amex).
- Amex has a one card bonus every 7 years rule, so ultimately, there will be more of a limit to how many you can collect via sign-up bonuses.
- There is only one no-fee card that allows you to earn and keep Membership Rewards points - the Blue Business Plus card.
- Delta and Hilton are solid transfer values and having Amex points gives you top-off flexibility if you are invested in either of those systems.
- We do find Amex travel a higher quality of service over the Chase travel portal.
Because American Express enforces a “one card bonus per lifetime” rule for each personal card, you should begin with the Green Card if you plan to build a portfolio of American Express products. While it’s often wise to wait for an elevated sign-up bonus, there’s no guarantee one will appear. If you’re ready to start now, you can open the Green Card, earn the bonus, and then move on to the Gold and Platinum.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$185.40
Annual Fee
-$150
Net Annual Value
+$35.40
You can redeem Membership Rewards points for a statement credit at only 0.6¢ per point. With an Amex Business Checking account you can reach 1¢ per point, which still isn’t great value. For the best return, transfer points to airline or hotel partners before booking.
The best place to use Amex points is with transfer partners. Move points to an airline or hotel program and book award travel for more than 1¢ per point you'll earn from the Amex Travel Portal. Partner sweet spots often yield much higher value once you get more advanced in the hobby.
You can upgrade, but it’s usually not recommended. Amex limits welcome offers to roughly once every 7 years per card. Upgrade bonuses are typically much smaller than new-card offers, so applying for a new Platinum card generally provides better long-term value.
There’s no way to avoid the [Amex Platinum](https://pointsnav.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-personal) annual fee. The card’s benefits and welcome offer can offset year one, but ongoing value depends on your use of credits and lounges. If the math no longer works, your options are to cancel or downgrade to a lower-fee card.
Yes. Upgrading with points often costs less than paying cash, but you’ll usually get better value by transferring points to the airline and booking business class from the start. Amex partner sweet spots can produce excellent premium-cabin redemptions when available.
Transfer to airline partners when redemption value exceeds 1.5 cents per point (common for business/first class). Use the Amex Travel portal at 1 cpp for economy flights when transfer partners offer poor availability or require fuel surcharges. Portal bookings earn 5x on Platinum for effective 5 cpp value, making them competitive with mediocre transfer redemptions.
Log into your Amex account, navigate to the rewards section, click "Transfer Points," link your loyalty account with your chosen airline partner, select the partner and amount, then initiate the transfer. Transfers are irreversible once completed, so verify all details before confirming.
There is a federal excise tax of $0.0006 per point (maximum $99 per transaction) when transferring to US-based airline partners like Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue. No transfer fees apply to other partners, hotel programs, or international airlines. Always check the specific partner's terms before transferring.
Points from multiple Amex Membership Rewards cards automatically pool under one login for flexible redemptions. You cannot directly transfer points between different Amex accounts or to unauthorized users, but you can transfer pooled points to an authorized user's loyalty account after a 90-day waiting period.
Comprehensive review covering rewards structure, credits, and welcome bonus for the Amex Green Card
Detailed review with WalletHub ratings, editor's analysis, and user reviews of the Amex Green
Canadian perspective on the Amex Green Card with focus on accessibility and Membership Rewards
U.S. News analysis of the Amex Green with pros, cons, and comparison to competitors
Credit Karma's overview of benefits, rewards, and who should apply for the Amex Green
Analysis of key reasons to get the Amex Green Card with detailed benefit breakdown
CNBC Select analysis on whether the $150 annual fee provides enough value
NerdWallet's guide to Amex Green benefits including travel protections and credits
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Get refunded for eligible purchases (up to $300/item) if the merchant won't accept a return within 90 days
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 94% |
| — |
| 1:1 | instant | 88% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | 1.2 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | instant | 63% | 0.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 2:3 | instant | 44% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Gold Card:** This card has a $325 annual fee and a 100,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first few months. It offers valuable statement credits and spending multipliers, and you can redeem points with 18 airline or 3 hotel partners.
- **Platinum Card:** With a $895 annual fee, it’s the highest-tier American Express card for personal use. The 175,000-point sign-up bonus is paired with an extensive list of statement credits and travel perks, making it a strong choice if you travel frequently.
In short, if you aim to maximize American Express Membership Rewards, starting with the Green Card sets you up for long-term success. Once you meet its spending requirement and secure the bonus, you can progress to more lucrative cards like the Gold and Platinum.
Get refunded for eligible purchases (up to $300/item) if the merchant won't accept a return within 90 days
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 94% |
| — |
| 1:1 | instant | 88% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | 1.2 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | instant | 63% | 0.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 2:3 | instant | 44% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Gold Card:** This card has a $325 annual fee and a 100,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first few months. It offers valuable statement credits and spending multipliers, and you can redeem points with 18 airline or 3 hotel partners.
- **Platinum Card:** With a $895 annual fee, it’s the highest-tier American Express card for personal use. The 175,000-point sign-up bonus is paired with an extensive list of statement credits and travel perks, making it a strong choice if you travel frequently.
In short, if you aim to maximize American Express Membership Rewards, starting with the Green Card sets you up for long-term success. Once you meet its spending requirement and secure the bonus, you can progress to more lucrative cards like the Gold and Platinum.
Get refunded for eligible purchases (up to $300/item) if the merchant won't accept a return within 90 days
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 94% |
| — |
| 1:1 | instant | 88% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | 1.2 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 75% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 69% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | instant | 63% | 0.5 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 1-2 days | 44% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 2:3 | instant | 44% | 0.6 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | instant | 81% | — |
- **Gold Card:** This card has a $325 annual fee and a 100,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first few months. It offers valuable statement credits and spending multipliers, and you can redeem points with 18 airline or 3 hotel partners.
- **Platinum Card:** With a $895 annual fee, it’s the highest-tier American Express card for personal use. The 175,000-point sign-up bonus is paired with an extensive list of statement credits and travel perks, making it a strong choice if you travel frequently.
In short, if you aim to maximize American Express Membership Rewards, starting with the Green Card sets you up for long-term success. Once you meet its spending requirement and secure the bonus, you can progress to more lucrative cards like the Gold and Platinum.
