Maximize Your AmEx Green Card: Points, Benefits, and Application Strategies
Published by Geo on 2024-10-05
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2024 Update: The $100 LoungeBuddy Credit has been discontinued for new applicants. Existing cardholders have until January 13, 2025, to use the credit. Given LoungeBuddy’s imminent closure, this change makes it harder to justify the AmEx Green’s annual fee.
2023 Updates: The enticing 60k+$200 offer ended on August 23. Currently, the offer is reduced to 40k. Earlier in May, we saw the best-ever offer of 60k+$200, making it an attractive choice.
Benefits Overview
- 40k Offer: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards (MR) Points after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. Previously, the top offer was 60k+$200.
- Value of MR Points: estimated at 1.6 cents/point. The previous top offer translates to an approximate value of $1,160.
- Reward Earnings:
- 3 MR Points per dollar spent on dining and travel.
- 1 MR Point on other purchases.
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Annual Credits and Features:
- $189 CLEAR credit per year to expedite airport security processes.
- [Removed] $100 Lounge Buddy credit.
- Zero foreign transaction fees.
- Extra Perks: Access to Amex Offers for discounts at select stores.
- Referral Bonuses: Earn 5,000 bonus MR points per approved referral, up to 55,000 points annually.
- Easy Approval: As a charge card, it requires full balance payment each month, subject to a credit pull similar to credit cards.
- No Pre-set Spending Limit: Flexible spending without rigid limits.
Disadvantages
- Annual Fee: $150, not waived initially.
- Additional Card Fees: $30 for each additional card (up to 5), waived for the first year.
Introduction to MR Points
- Earn MR points with various American Express cards, including AmEx ED, EDP, Green, Gold, and Platinum variants.
- MR points integrate into a singular account.
- Points never expire unless all MR cards are closed.
- MR points are redeemable for airline miles or through the AmEx travel portal.
- For cash redemption, the value varies based on specific card ownership.
Application Timing
- Lifetime Bonus Limit: Earn the welcome bonus once in a lifetime, so apply during optimal offers.
- Family Language Impact: Possession of Platinum or Gold may affect Green’s welcome offer eligibility.
- Credit History: Recommended to apply with a six-month credit history.
Summary
The AmEx Green Card seeks to compete with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Despite a comparable net annual fee, it lacks perks like Priority Pass and primary car insurance. The $100 AWAY luggage credit is appealing yet questioned for its quality. Await a strong offer before applying.
Downgrade Options
- No annual fee credit card downgrade option available; consider closing if benefits cease to meet expectations.
Post-Application Steps
- Check your AmEx application status here.
- AmEx reconsideration contact: 877-399-3083, primarily for request submissions.
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