Review: American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card

Detailed Review of the American Express Green Card

The American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card is one of the most recognizable credit cards in the world and has a played an important role in the history of credit cards. Known by some simply as the “Amex Green” card, this card dates back to 1958 is still available today and is popular among those looking for exceptional service and great rewards. With the exception of the new American Express Zync Card, the American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card is American Express’s entry level charge card and is catered towards new American Express clients and frequent travelers. If you are looking for a card that provides valuable benefits and rewards to travelers but with a modest annual fee, this card is an ideal choice.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card is a charge card. Unlike a credit card, charge card holders are not able to carry a balance for an extended period of time. With charge cards, the monthly balance must be paid off in full on a monthly basis. The main benefit behind this form of payment is that charge cards promote financial responsibility and by taking away the ability to carry a balance for months or even longer, they encourage consumers to not spend beyond their means.

This card is highly recommended for anyone looking to establish responsible financial habits but still get access to American Express’s excellent benefits and rewards.

Rewards

The American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card is a part of the Membership Rewards program by American Express. You receive one point in this program for every dollar you spend. You are given opportunities to earn additional bonus points by any purchases made on the American Express Travel website or through the American Express Bonus Points Mall.  You receive 2x rewards points for any purchases made through the American Express Travel website and you can receive from 2x to 10x rewards points on purchases made through the Bonus Points Mall.

Points received through the Membership Rewards program can be redeemed for gift cards from numerous retailers, various merchandise found on the Membership Rewards website, or another popular option is to transfer your points to various airline and hotel rewards programs and use those points to pay for flights and hotel rooms. With enough Membership Rewards points you can easily pay for almost an entire vacation!

Card Benefits

As with all credit and charge card products from American Express, you receive car rental loss and damage protection, purchase protection, travel accident insurance, and emergency travel insurance.

The card caries a modest $95 annual fee, which is an excellent value if you make use of the Membership Rewards program and the generous benefits offered from American Express.

You also receive the benefit of having “no preset spending limit,” which is a feature found on all of American Express’s charge cards.

Final Thoughts

The American Express Preferred Rewards Green Card is a great alternative to the Zync Card if you’re a heavy traveler because you rewards are awarded though the Membership Rewards program, instead of the Membership Rewards Express program.  In the Membership Rewards program you are able to transfer your points to airline and hotel programs to book rooms, flights, or purchase upgrades.  This is a tremendously useful feature because of the great value rewards points can carry when transferred to certain programs.  We highly recommend this card to anyone who is looking to use their rewards points for travel purposes but does need the premium benefits found in other higher end cards.