Amex has been slowly updating its products, one of which is the new Amex (Rose) Gold Card. And now, its time to meet the new American Express Green card, which represents a massive change to their most basic charge card.
Recently, the Doctor of Credit noticed that Amex pulled applications for the Green Card. And with rumors abound, the only explanation is that a revised version of the card would be coming soon. Well, the wait is over, and the new American Express Green Card is finally here.
New Design
The change that’ll draw you in first is the redesigned card. Unsurprisingly, the basic design of the card strongly resembles that of the Gold and Platinum cards. Only, this card, you know, remains green and plastic. That said, the new Green Card is made with 70% upcycled plastic from the ocean and coastlines.
Features
The new design is nice, and the environmental aspect is commendable, but the most important aspect of the new card are its features. And, one of the biggest changes to the card is its earning structure. You see, the old version earned one measly point per dollar spent. Period. But the new version earns 3x points on travel, transit, and dining. That puts it right in line with the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR), especially since parking counts! In fact, here’s what qualifies for travel/transit:
- airfare
- hotels
- cruises
- car rentals
- campgrounds
- trains
- taxicabs
- rideshare services
- tours
- ferries
- tolls
- parking
- buses
- subways
- on third party travel websites
- amextravel.com
With the change in earning structure, we, unfortunately, also get an annual fee bump. Previously, the annual fee was $95, but going forward, it’s $150. That’s a not insignificant bump and is the same as my base, net annual fee for the CSR.
Other benefits of the card include an annual $100 Loungebuddy credit and $100 CLEAR credit. So, if you maximize both benefits, you end up receiving more credit than you pay in annual fees. And, as far as signup bonuses go, new cardholders receive 30,000 Membership Rewards points for spending $2,000 in the first three months, and a $100 Away Luggage credit for those that apply by January 15, 2020. It’s important to note, though, that Clear membership typically costs around $179 per year, and Away’s cheapest bag is a small backpack costing $145.
How The New American Express Green Card Stacks Up
Initial stated that the new Greed Card would come with an Amazon Prime Membership credit. That, of course, didn’t happen. And that’s too bad, because that would’ve made getting the card a no-brainer for me. But it didn’t, and it’s earning structure strongly overlaps with that of the CSR and the Gold Card. As a result, this isn’t a card for me. And while it could be a viable Gold Card replacement, it wouldn’t make much sense for me. After all, Honolulu doesn’t have CLEAR, nor do we have any (worthwhile) Loungebuddy lounges.
Heck, I actually think this card is a lost opportunity. I mean, why make its earning structure overlap so much with the Gold Card? Though, I suppose, outside of gas and retail shopping, there really aren’t other bonus categories to offer.
The New American Express Green Card, Final Thoughts
Well, the new American Express Green Card is certainly a much more compelling card now than it originally was. But, unless I decide to drop the Gold Card or the CSR, this isn’t a card I’d pick up. That isn’t what’s going to happen, though, as Ultimate Rewards points are more useful to me. Especially with transfer partner Southwest Airlines. Plus, my effective CSR annual fee remains below $150 anyway as, not only do I always take advantage of the travel credit, but the card saves me a bunch on things like car rentals too.