American Express® Green Card review
May 21, 2025
While we adhere to strict editorial guidelines, partners on this page may provide us earnings.
Overall rating
First year value
$340
Get this card if you:
- want rewards without paying an annual fee
- want to earn points on everyday spending
- want a flexible rewards program with exclusive perks
At a glance
The American Express® Green Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows cardholders to earn points on all purchases, with additional points for eligible hotel and car rental bookings made through American Express Travel. It also provides benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty and access to exclusive events through American Express® Experiences.
Highlights
$340
First year value
10,000 points*
Welcome bonus
$0
Annual fee
No annual fee
Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase APR
21.99%
Cash advance APR
Eligibility
Good
Recommended credit score
Quick overview
The American Express® Green Card is a no-fee travel card with a simple yet valuable rewards system—you earn one Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you spend on purchases and redeem them for travel, gift cards, Amazon.ca purchases and more—all without an annual fee.
Despite the no annual fee, Amex still gives you a welcome bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you reach its spending requirements within the first three months (which is valued at around $100 towards shopping or dining out). And when you’re ready to upgrade to an annual fee card, your points easily transfer over.
Who the American Express® Green Card is best suited for
The American Express® Green Card is a great option for individuals looking to build credit while enjoying benefits like Amex’s Membership Rewards® program. Here’s who this card is ideal for:
- Students or new credit card users: With no annual fee, this card is a solid starting point for building credit.
- Moderate spenders: Spend about $340 per month in the first three months to unlock the welcome bonus and earn Membership Rewards® points.
- Fans of exclusive experiences: Enjoy early Amex privileges like Front Of the Line presales and reserved tickets.
- Everyday spenders: Ideal for general spending without focusing on specific reward categories like groceries or travel.
This card strikes a balance between accessibility and rewards, making it a strong choice for those new to credit or looking for flexible spending benefits.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- No income requirements (unlike many other no-fee cards)
- Welcome bonus up to 10,000 points (a $100 value)
- American Express® Experiences
Cons
- The card only offers basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. No travel insurance or rental car coverage
- Some places might not accept American Express®. However, most major retailers do (more small businesses are starting to as well)
- Fewer perks: No specific benefits for travel or dining and no accelerated earning rates on grocery
- Lower earn rates: The reward earn rates are lower than some other no-fee credit cards
Welcome bonus
-
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points* when you spend $1,000 on your Card within the first 3 months as a new Cardmember.*
- Earn 1x the points on Card purchases
- 1 additional Membership Rewards® point for every $1 you charge to your card on eligible hotel or car rental bookings made with American Express Travel
-
1,000 points = $10 for all eligible purchases.
- Travel: Use points to book flights, hotels, car rentals and more via the American Express Travel website. Or you can easily transfer your Membership Rewards® points to airline partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Avios for flights.
- Gift cards: Redeem Membership Rewards® points for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Hudson’s Bay.
- Statement credits: Easily use your Membership Rewards® points to cover recent charges on your American Express card.
- Merchandise: Redeem points for items from the American Express Rewards website, including electronics and home goods.
- No income requirements or annual fee, but still a valuable welcome bonus.
- Membership Rewards® points transfer 1:1 to several loyalty programs (e.g. Aeroplan, Marriott, Bonvoy).
- Redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, Amazon.ca purchases, or travel.
- With Amex Experiences and its Front Of The Line program, you gain special access to advanced film screenings, food festivals, private shopping experiences and can skip the lineups at certain event venues.
- Extended warranty: Up to 1 additional year.
- Purchase protection: Coverage for up to 90 days.
Extras
- The card offers the Plan It™ installment program, allowing cardholders to split large purchases into monthly installments without additional credit checks.
What people have to say about the American Express® Green Card
Around the internet, card users are praising its reward system and lack of an annual fee. One user mentioned that it's an excellent starter card for those new to Amex, while another highlighted its strong earn rate for a no-fee card.
Over on r/churningcanada, a great subreddit about credit card hacking, Redditors commented that the Amex Green card may be the “most versatile no annual fee card in Canada.” This is due to its transfer partners like Aeroplan and Bonvoy.
However, many voiced concerns about Amex’s acceptance rate. They pointed out that if you have no credit or poor credit, you might consider another no annual fee card to build your credit before applying so you don’t hurt your credit score. On the subreddit r/amexcanada, several Redditors suggested starting with a student card from a traditional bank.
How the American Express® Green Card compares
The American Express® Green Card offers a competitive rewards system, especially for a no-fee card. Let’s look at some comparable no-fee cards, student cards and others to help you make a decision.
bonus 5% back
Welcome Bonus
$438
First Year Value
$338
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
Get this card if you...
- want to earn cash back, without an annual fee
- value purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
- want to maximize cash back rates, with no spending caps
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for eligible gas and grocery store purchases in Canada, up to a specified annual limit. Cardholders benefit from purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders
- Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate
Cons
- Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year
- Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
2%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
1.25%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Our Take
The SimplyCash® Card from American Express is a no-annual-fee credit card offering cash back on everyday purchases, with elevated rates for eligible gas and grocery store purchases in Canada, up to a specified annual limit. Cardholders benefit from purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$0
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee for primary or additional cardholders
- Solid regular cash back rate on all eligible purchases - up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn at the base rate
Cons
- Cash back is only applied as a statement credit once a year
- Amex cards aren’t accepted by every merchant
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
25.99% - 29.99%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
$29
Over The Limit Penalty
$45
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada
2%
cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $300 cash back annually)
1.25%
cash back on all other purchases
Insurance Benefits
$100,000
Travel accident insurance amount
Earn a bonus 5% cash back on purchases in your first 3 months (up to $2,000 in purchases).
That’s on top of your everyday cash back earn rates.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for this offer. Other terms apply.
Both cards have no annual fee, extended warranty and purchase protection. The biggest difference is the SimplyCash card is a cash back card offering 2% cash back on grocery store and gas station purchases, and 1.25% cash back on everything else. The American Express SimplyCash Card also offers up to $100,000 of travel accident insurance and charges no foreign transaction fees.
So, if you’d prefer a cash back card with an average cash back rate and you spend a bit of money in the U.S., consider the SimplyCash card. If you’d rather build up those Membership Rewards® points and their flexible redemption for travel, get the Amex Green Card.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
$216
First Year Value
$0
Annual Value
Get this card if you...
- want to avoid paying any foreign transaction fees
- want straightforward cash back rewards
- want to a no annual fee rewards card
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
21.99%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Home Trust Preferred Visa is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers cash back on all eligible purchases, with no maximum cash back cap. It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it advantageous for international purchases; however, cash back is not earned on transactions in foreign currencies, and the card is not available to residents of Quebec.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap
- No foreign transaction fees
- Purchase protection included
- Ideal for frequent travelers and online shoppers
Cons
- No cash back on transactions in foreign currency
- Not available to Quebec residents
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
21.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap.
Insurance Benefits
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Our Take
The Home Trust Preferred Visa is a no-annual-fee credit card that offers cash back on all eligible purchases, with no maximum cash back cap. It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it advantageous for international purchases; however, cash back is not earned on transactions in foreign currencies, and the card is not available to residents of Quebec.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$15,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap
- No foreign transaction fees
- Purchase protection included
- Ideal for frequent travelers and online shoppers
Cons
- No cash back on transactions in foreign currency
- Not available to Quebec residents
Annual Interest Rates
21.99%
Purchase
21.99%
Cash Advance
21.99%
Balance Transfer
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
0.00%
Foreign Transaction
Rewards cash back
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap.
Insurance Benefits
$65,000
Rental car insurance amount
Neither card charges an annual fee. The Green Card offers Membership Rewards® Points, the Home Trust Preferred Visa provides a straightforward 1% cash back on all eligible purchases.
One significant advantage of the Home Trust card is its no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid pick for those who frequently shop abroad or online with foreign merchants.
On the other hand, the Green Card's strength lies in its flexibility, allowing cardholders to transfer points to various loyalty programs and offering exclusive experiences through the American Express® Experiences program.
Both cards come with extended warranty and purchase protection, but the Green Card's focus on Membership Rewards® points may appeal more to those who value flexible redemption options.
10% cash back
Welcome Bonus
$484
First Year Value
$384
Annual Value
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10% cash back for 2 months†(up to $100). Expires Jan 30, 2026
Get this card if you...
- want flexible cash back categories
- want unlimited cash back
- want to avoid paying an annual fee
Annual Fee & Annual Interest Rates
$0
Annual Fee
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months†(up to $100).
Our Take
The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a no-annual-fee cash back card that allows cardholders to earn a higher cash back rate in two spending categories of their choice, such as groceries, gas, or restaurants, and a lower rate on all other purchases. By opening a Tangerine Savings Account and directing cash back earnings there, a third higher rate cash back category can be added. Additional benefits include purchase assurance and extended warranty protection, with cash back rewards automatically applied monthly.
Eligibility
Good (620 - 670)
Recommended Credit Score
$12,000
Required Annual Personal Income
Pros
- No annual fee
- Choose the spending categories where you want to earn the most cash back
- Unlimited cash back—no maximum spending limit for any purchase category
- Cash back is paid out monthly rather than annually
- Periodically includes a special welcome offer where you can get extra cash back
- 1.95% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months (1% transfer fee applies)*
Cons
- Regular cash back rates are still lower than what you can get from a card with an annual fee
- Limited extra perks or benefits beyond the cash back and balance transfer promotion
- Generally not a good fit for shopping at warehouse clubs or wholesale grocers like Costco or Walmart
- Tangerine does not have any physical bank branches
Annual Interest Rates
19.95% - 24.95%
Purchase
19.95%
Cash Advance
1.95% - 19.95%
Balance Transfer
1.95%
Balance Transfer (Introductory)
24.95%
Penalty
Fees
$0
Annual Fee
2.50%
Foreign Transaction
3.00%
Balance Transfer
$3.5
Cash Advance
$25
Over The Limit Penalty
$25
Return Penalty
Rewards cash back
2%
Earn 2% cash back on 2 categories of your choice (e.g. groceries, recurring bills, gas, drug stores, etc.)
3
Get a Tangerine Savings account and add a 3rd 2% cash back category.
0.5%
Earn 0.50% on all your other everyday purchases.
Earn 10% cash back for 2 months†(up to $100).
Neither card charges an annual fee, so the question is do you want cash back or Membership Rewards® points? The Amex Green Card offers one Membership Rewards® point for each $1 spent on eligible everyday purchases and an additional point for hotel and car rental bookings through the Amex travel portal.
On the other hand, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 2% cash back in up to three categories of their choice and 0.5% cash back on all other everyday purchases. This may be appealing if you spend a lot in specific categories like groceries, dining out and refilling your car (or taking Ubers).
Is the American Express® Green Card worth it?
Given its high-value rewards, lack of annual fee and still a decent welcome bonus, the American Express® Green Card is definitely worth considering. However, potential cardholders should be aware of its limited insurance coverage and the acceptance issues associated with American Express® cards.
Disclosures:
Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
FAQs
Tyler Wade
Personal finance content strategist & writer
Tyler Wade has worked in personal finance for over 5 years writing for brands like Ratehub, Forbes, KOHO, and now Money.ca.
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