The American Express Green Card is a great fit for people who travel often or spend a lot on transit, dining, and experiences. With points on every dollar and strong travel perks, it’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to turn everyday spending into rewards.
Plus, it’s a charge card, not a traditional credit card. That means there’s no preset spending limit, giving you flexibility—as long as you pay off your balance each month.
Why You Might Want the Amex Green Card in 2025
The American Express Green Card remains one of the most rewarding travel and lifestyle cards for frequent spenders. It offers 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel (including transit), restaurants, and even rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. The $150 annual fee remains unchanged, and it’s still one of the most cost-effective travel cards out there.
The Green Card comes with perks like:
- $100 CLEAR Plus statement credit
- $100 LoungeBuddy credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Because it’s a charge card, there’s no preset spending limit—but you must pay your balance in full every month. That gives more flexibility but also requires responsible usage.
Amex Green Card Eligibility Requirements
To apply and get approved for the Amex Green Card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (or 19 in states like Alabama and Nebraska)
- Have a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN
- Be a U.S. resident with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes)
- Have a good-to-excellent credit score, generally 670 or above
- Show sufficient income to cover monthly charges (Amex doesn’t publish a minimum, but $35,000+ annually is typically competitive)
Understanding the “One Bonus Per Lifetime” Rule
Amex applies a strict once-per-lifetime rule for welcome offers. If you’ve ever received the intro bonus for the Green Card in the past—even if it was years ago—you won’t be eligible again.
However, there are some rare exceptions. If Amex makes changes to the card (such as a rebranding or benefit overhaul), they may reset eligibility, but that hasn’t happened for the Green Card as of mid-2025.
Does Having the Gold or Platinum Card Affect Approval?
Holding the Amex Gold or Amex Platinum card does not disqualify you from applying for the Green Card. You can have all three cards at the same time.
But Amex does consider your full profile across all open accounts. If your total debt load is high or you’ve missed payments on other Amex products, you might be denied.
This Card Doesn’t Count Toward the 5 Amex Credit Card Limit
American Express generally limits users to five credit cards at any one time (some get approved for six, but it’s rare). However, since the Green Card is a charge card, it doesn’t count toward that limit.
That makes it a smart choice for people already maxed out on Amex credit cards but still want to earn Membership Rewards® points.
About the Application Pop-Up Warning
Amex continues using the pop-up message system to warn you during an application if you’re not eligible for a welcome bonus. This pop-up typically appears if:
- You’ve already had the Green Card before
- Your card usage history raises red flags (like bonus-hunting or inactivity)
If you see this message, you can cancel the application before a hard inquiry is made.
Recommended Credit Score for the Amex Green Card
While there’s no official number, here’s what works best:
- Excellent approval odds: 720+
- Good approval odds: 680–719
- Possible but tougher: 660–679 (requires solid income and clean credit history)
Beyond credit scores, Amex reviews your debt-to-income ratio, credit utilization rate, and overall relationship with the company.
Frequently Asked Questions on Amex Green Card Approval
Is It Hard to Get Approved for the Amex Green Card?
Not especially. The Green Card is considered a mid-tier product, easier than the Platinum but tougher than entry-level cards. If you’ve had another Amex card with good history, your chances are even better.
How Long Does Amex Take to Approve the Green Card?
- Instant approval: In 50–60% of applications
- Pending review: Usually resolved in 1–5 business days
- Manual verification: Sometimes you’ll be asked to submit income documents or ID
What’s the Minimum Credit Line?
The Amex Green Card doesn’t come with a preset limit, since it’s a charge card. Your purchasing power adjusts based on your spending habits, payment history, and credit profile.
If you want to check your card’s limit-like behavior, use Amex’s “Check Spending Power” tool inside your account.
Which Credit Bureau Does Amex Pull From in 2025?
Amex most commonly pulls from Experian, though they may also use Equifax or TransUnion, depending on your location. The inquiry is a hard pull, but often just on one bureau.
Does Getting Denied Hurt Your Score Badly?
A denial will still create a hard inquiry, dropping your score by 3 to 7 points temporarily. But as long as you don’t apply for multiple cards in a short time, the impact is minimal.
Can You Reapply If Denied?
Yes. Amex recommends waiting at least 30 days before reapplying. Use that time to:
- Pay down existing credit card balances
- Dispute any errors on your credit report
- Boost income or reduce monthly obligations
You can also call Amex reconsideration at 1-800-567-1083 to discuss your case.
Are There Easier Cards to Get From Amex?
Yes. In 2025, the following Amex cards are considered easier to qualify for:
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card (recommended credit score: 660+)
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card (recommended credit score: 670+)
These cards can help you build a relationship with Amex before going for the Green Card.
Final Thoughts: Is the Amex Green Card a Good Fit for You?
The American Express Green Card remains a top pick for frequent travelers. With 3X points on common categories, valuable travel credits, and strong Membership Rewards® value, it delivers solid ROI for the $150 annual fee.
Approval is within reach if your credit score is good and your finances are stable. Just remember the one-time bonus rule and pop-up warning system before you apply.
At TheMilesAcademy, we strongly recommend this card for travelers who want flexible rewards without diving into ultra-premium cards like the Platinum.
Use your application wisely, and the Amex Green Card can be a long-term keeper in your wallet.
