Is The Amex Green Worth The Annual Fee? – Forbes Advisor

The new welcome offer alone can cover the annual fee for the Amex Green Card several times over. But a credit card is more than just its welcome bonus.

The American Express® Green Card*’s annual fee isn’t the highest in this tier, but it may be tough for some people to get that value back in perks alone. While the CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy credits have a good theoretical value, their actual value will depend on whether you can utilize them. That may be tough if you don’t live near an airport with lounges or CLEAR® Plus access.

Also, note that the card doesn’t come with a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry benefit, which is the best way to maximize CLEAR® Plus membership. And while LoungeBuddy lounge access starts at $25 per person, some cost as much as $100, using up your annual credit at once.

In addition to evaluating the card’s benefits, also make sure that its rewards program aligns with your spending, so you can maximize the card’s bonus rewards categories. And, of course, before you submit an application, compare the Amex Green Card to other credit cards to ensure you’re getting the best card offer for you.