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In a world of flashy "premium" cards and aggressive no-fee competitors, does a quiet classic like the American Express® Green Card still have a place in your wallet? The answer for 2025 is more complicated—and interesting—than you might think.
For decades, the Green Card was an icon of American travel. But in today's hyper-competitive market, legacy isn't enough. Following the major devaluation from losing its LoungeBuddy credit, the card now finds itself at a crossroads. Its value proposition has been sharpened to a fine point, forcing a crucial question for any U.S. traveler: Are its remaining benefits worth the $150 annual fee?
The $150 Question: Can You Justify the Annual Fee?
The CLEAR® Plus Credit: A Game-Changer or a Gimmick?
The star of the show is the annual statement credit of up to $199 for a CLEAR® Plus membership. Pay for the membership with your Green Card, and Amex credits you the full amount back. CLEAR Plus works alongside TSA PreCheck® to create the fastest possible path through security.
The Elephant in the Room: The Lost LoungeBuddy Credit
Until early 2025, the value math was much easier. The card offered a $100 annual credit for airport lounge passes via LoungeBuddy. This benefit was completely removed, taking the card's on-paper credit value from nearly $300 down to $199.
Is the Amex "Green" Card Actually Green? A Reality Check
The "green" in the name refers to two things: the physical card is made from 70% reclaimed plastic, and it aligns you with a company that has broad, corporate-level environmental goals. (Sources: Amex GBT Sustainability Report, American Express ESG Page). It is not a tool for directly offsetting your personal travel footprint.
The Real Superpower: Earning 3X Points on Almost All Your Travel
The card earns a potent 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar on an incredibly broad range of purchases, including Travel, Transit, and Dining worldwide. This is its core competitive advantage.
"I use the green for tolls and parking. It racks up quickly."
"The Green card nets you 3x on travel and you don't have to use the portal! You can use it at the branded website or another portal like Airbnb and Expedia."
Case Study: A Weekend Getaway
Imagine a couple’s weekend trip from Philadelphia to New York City totaling $1,345 (Amtrak, Airbnb, Subway, Uber, Dining, Parking). With the Amex Green Card, every dollar earns 3X points, for a total of 4,035 Membership Rewards points.
Head-to-Head Showdown: Amex Green vs. Its Arch-Rivals
| Feature | Amex Green Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $150 | $95 | $95 |
| Primary Credit(s) | Up to $199 for CLEAR Plus | $50 annual hotel credit | Up to $100 for GE/TSA PreCheck |
| Rewards: Travel | 3X (Extremely broad) | 5X (portal), 2X (other) | 5X (portal), 2X (other) |
| Rewards: Dining | 3X (Worldwide) | 3X (Worldwide) | 2X |
Our Final Verdict: Is the Amex Green Card Right for Your Wallet in 2025?
The Urban Professional & Frequent Flier: Verdict - YES
You live in a major city, rely on public transit/rideshares, and fly from an airport with CLEAR. For you, this card is an absolute powerhouse. The 3X rewards are a goldmine, and the CLEAR credit gives you a negative effective annual fee.
The Road-Tripping Family: Verdict - MAYBE
Your travel is mostly by car. The 3X on tolls, parking, and hotels is a unique strength, but the lack of a gas bonus and a potentially useless CLEAR credit means you'll need to do the math.
The Occasional Traveler: Verdict - DEFINITELY NOT
You fly once or twice a year from a smaller airport. The CLEAR credit is wasted, and your spending won't earn enough to offset the fee. A lower-fee card is a much smarter choice.
In conclusion, the Amex Green Card has found a new, sharper focus. It's no longer the card for every traveler, but for the right traveler, it remains one of the most powerful and rewarding tools on the market.
Ready to Add the American Express® Green Card to Your Wallet?
If the CLEAR credit and broad 3X rewards categories align with your lifestyle, this card offers exceptional value.