Is the American Express Business Green Rewards Card worth the annual fee? Answer is – The American Express Business Green Rewards Card might be worth the annual fee for businesses that frequently book travel through AmEx Travel and value the card’s other perks, such as the welcome bonus, no preset spending limit, and employee cards. However, if your business doesn’t prioritize travel or you’re seeking a card with more robust rewards on everyday spending, other options might be more suitable. It’s essential to consider your business’s specific needs and spending patterns before making a decision.

Amex Business Green Rewards Card

The American Express Business Green Rewards Card is a charge card designed to cater to the needs of small business owners.

It strikes a balance between simplicity and valuable perks, making it an attractive option for those seeking a straightforward rewards program and essential business tools.

Key Features and Benefits

Welcome Bonus: The card typically offers a generous welcome bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of card membership. This bonus can provide a significant boost to your rewards potential.

Membership Rewards Points: Earn Membership Rewards points on all eligible purchases, with the potential to earn more points on select categories like travel booked through Amex Travel. These points can be redeemed for a wide range of options, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and even statement credits.

No Preset Spending Limit: Unlike traditional credit cards, the Amex Business Green Card operates as a charge card, meaning there’s no pre-set spending limit. This flexibility can be beneficial for businesses with fluctuating expenses. However, it’s important to note that the balance must be paid in full each month.

Employee Cards: The card allows you to add employee cards at no additional cost, helping you manage business expenses and track spending across your team.

Travel and Purchase Protections: Enjoy a suite of travel and purchase protections, including travel accident insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.

Global Assist Hotline: Access the Global Assist Hotline for emergency assistance while traveling, including medical, legal, and financial referrals.

While the Amex Business Green Rewards Card doesn’t offer the extensive perks of some premium travel cards, it provides a solid foundation for small businesses looking to earn rewards and manage expenses efficiently.

Rewards Program

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card offers a straightforward yet valuable rewards program that allows you to earn Membership Rewards® points on both AmEx Travel purchases and everyday business spending.

1. Earning Points

You’ll earn:

• 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible travel booked through Amex Travel. This includes flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
• 1 point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases. This encompasses a wide range of business expenses, from office supplies to client dinners.

2. Maximizing Your Rewards

To get the most out of your Amex Business Green Rewards Card, consider these strategies:

• Book Travel Through Amex Travel: Prioritize booking your business travel through Amex Travel to earn the accelerated 3x points on eligible purchases.
• Utilize Amex Offers: Take advantage of Amex Offers, which provide limited-time discounts and bonus points opportunities with select merchants.
• Refer Friends: Refer friends and colleagues to the Amex Business Green Card and earn bonus points for each successful referral.

3. Redeeming Points

Membership Rewards® points offer a diverse range of redemption options, allowing you to tailor your rewards to your preferences:

• Travel: Redeem points for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, and other travel-related expenses through Amex Travel.
• Gift Cards: Choose from a vast selection of gift cards from popular retailers and brands.
• Merchandise: Shop for electronics, home goods, fashion, and more through the Amex rewards portal.
• Statement Credits: Apply points as a statement credit to offset eligible charges on your account.
• Charitable Donations: Donate points to select charitable organizations.

Jason Steele Expert Opinion

According to travel rewards expert, Jason Steele, the Amex Membership Rewards® program is known for its flexibility and diverse redemption options. “The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners is a significant advantage for frequent travelers,” says Steele. “This allows you to maximize the value of your points by leveraging partner loyalty programs.”

Card Benefits and Perks

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card offers a suite of benefits and perks designed to streamline your business operations and provide added value beyond the rewards program.

1. Welcome Bonus Offer

New cardholders are typically eligible for a welcome bonus offer after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of card membership.

This bonus can provide a significant boost to your Membership Rewards® points balance, allowing you to quickly redeem for travel, gift cards, or other valuable rewards.

2. No Preset Spending Limit

One of the unique features of the Amex Business Green Card is that it operates as a charge card, meaning there’s no preset spending limit.

This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for businesses with variable or seasonal expenses. However, it’s crucial to remember that the balance must be paid in full each month to avoid interest charges.

3. Employee Cards at No Additional Cost

The Amex Business Green Card allows you to add employee cards at no extra charge. This feature enables you to easily track and manage employee spending, simplifying expense reporting and ensuring better control over your company’s finances.

4. Travel and Purchase Protections

The card provides a range of travel and purchase protections, including:

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Coverage for theft or damage to a rental car when you use your card to pay for the rental.

Purchase Protection: Covers eligible purchases against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases by up to one additional year.

Return Protection: Get a refund on eligible items if the merchant won’t accept a return within 90 days of purchase.

Travel Accident Insurance: Coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier (e.g., plane, train, bus) when you use your card to pay for the fare.

Baggage Insurance: Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged checked or carry-on baggage while traveling on a common carrier when you use your card to pay for the fare.

Beverly Harzog Expert Opinion

Credit card expert, Beverly Harzog, highlights the value of travel and purchase protections, especially for business owners. “These protections can provide peace of mind and potentially save you money in unexpected situations,” Harzog explains. “For example, if your luggage is lost or damaged during a business trip, the baggage insurance can help cover the cost of replacing your belongings.”

Fees and Charges

While the Amex Business Green Rewards Card offers a range of benefits and perks, it’s essential to be aware of the associated fees and charges to make an informed decision.

1. Annual Fee

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card comes with an annual fee of $150. This fee is charged annually and is billed to your account.

It’s crucial to weigh this cost against the potential value you can derive from the card’s rewards and benefits.

2. Foreign Transaction Fees

If you frequently conduct business overseas or make purchases from international merchants, be aware of the foreign transaction fee, which is 2.75% of each transaction made in a foreign currency.

This fee can add up quickly, so consider if your international spending habits justify this additional cost.

3. Other Potential Fees

In addition to the annual fee and foreign transaction fee, there are other potential fees associated with the Amex Business Green Rewards Card, including:

• Late Payment Fee: If you fail to pay your balance in full by the due date, you may incur a late payment fee.
• Returned Payment Fee: If your payment is returned due to insufficient funds or other reasons, you may be charged a returned payment fee.

Jason Steele Expert Opinion

Credit card expert, Jason Steele, advises that before applying for any credit card, it’s essential to carefully review the fee schedule and consider how the fees might impact your overall costs. “While the Amex Business Green Card’s annual fee may seem high for some businesses, it’s important to factor in the potential value of the welcome bonus, rewards program, and other benefits,” Steele explains. “If you can effectively utilize these features, the card can potentially outweigh its costs.”

Who Should Consider the Amex Business Green Rewards Card?

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card is a versatile tool that can benefit a variety of small businesses. However, it’s particularly well-suited for those that meet certain criteria.

1. Businesses that Frequently Book Travel Through Amex Travel

If your business regularly incurs travel expenses, the Amex Business Green Rewards Card can be a valuable asset.

The card offers 3x Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel booked through Amex Travel, making it a lucrative option for earning rewards on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

By consolidating your travel bookings through Amex Travel, you can quickly accumulate points that can be redeemed for future travel or other rewards.

2. Businesses that Value the Card’s Additional Perks

Beyond the travel rewards, the Amex Business Green Card offers several additional perks that can enhance your business operations:

No Preset Spending Limit: This flexibility can be crucial for businesses with unpredictable expenses or seasonal fluctuations. However, it’s important to manage your spending responsibly and pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Employee Cards: Adding employee cards at no additional cost allows you to streamline expense management and track spending across your team. This can simplify accounting processes and provide better visibility into your business expenses.

Travel and Purchase Protections: The card’s suite of protections, including car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage, can provide peace of mind and potential savings in unexpected situations.

Ramit Sethi Expert Opinion

Financial advisor, Ramit Sethi, emphasizes the importance of choosing a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. “The Amex Business Green Card is a great option for businesses that prioritize travel and value flexibility,” Sethi explains. “If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for everyday spending, there might be other options that better suit your needs.”

Who Should Avoid the Amex Business Green Rewards Card?

While the Amex Business Green Rewards Card offers valuable benefits for certain businesses, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Let’s explore scenarios where this card might not align with your needs:

1. Businesses Seeking Rewards on Everyday Spending:

The Amex Business Green card shines when it comes to travel rewards, especially those booked through Amex Travel. However, it only offers 1x points on other eligible purchases.

If your business primarily focuses on everyday expenses like office supplies, utilities, or advertising, you might find more value in a card that offers higher rewards rates or cashback on these categories.

“For businesses with diverse spending patterns, it’s crucial to choose a card that aligns with their specific needs,” says Brian Kelly, The Points Guy. He suggests exploring cards that offer bonus categories on common business expenses like gas, dining, or advertising for a more tailored rewards experience.

2. Businesses with Low Annual Spending

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card comes with a $150 annual fee. If your business has relatively low annual spending, this fee might outweigh the benefits you receive from the card.

It’s essential to evaluate your expected spending and rewards earnings to determine if the card’s value proposition justifies the annual fee.

Credit card expert Jason Steele advises, “If your annual spending is under $15,000, it’s unlikely that the rewards and benefits of the Amex Business Green Card will offset the annual fee. In such cases, it might be wise to explore no-annual-fee alternatives.”

Alternatives to the Amex Business Green Rewards Card

While the Amex Business Green Rewards Card is a solid choice for many businesses, it’s worth exploring alternative cards that may better align with your specific needs and preferences. Here are two main categories to consider:

1. Other Business Travel Rewards Cards

If you’re seeking a card that prioritizes travel rewards, consider these alternatives:

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card offers a substantial welcome bonus, excellent rewards on travel and select business categories, and the flexibility to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Its annual fee is higher than the Amex Business Green, but the enhanced rewards and benefits may justify the cost for frequent travelers.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: This card provides unlimited miles on all purchases, a generous welcome bonus, and no foreign transaction fees, making it an attractive option for international travelers.

2. Business Cashback Cards

If you prefer cashback rewards over travel points, these options are worth considering:

Capital One Spark Cash Plus: This card offers an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a sizeable welcome bonus, and no annual fee. It’s a simple and straightforward option for businesses that want to maximize their cashback earnings.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: This card provides bonus cashback on select business categories, including office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services, and restaurants. It also offers a welcome bonus and no annual fee.

Ted Rossman Expert Opinion

Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst at Bankrate, suggests considering your business’s unique spending patterns when choosing a credit card. “If you spend heavily on travel, a travel rewards card might be the way to go,” Rossman advises. “But if you prioritize cashback or have diverse spending habits, a cashback card could offer more value.”

The Bottom Line

Is the Amex Business Green Rewards Card Worth It?

Deciding whether the Amex Business Green Rewards Card is worth it for your business requires a careful weighing of the pros and cons, as well as an assessment of your specific needs.

Pros:

• Welcome bonus offer: A potential boost to your Membership Rewards® points balance.
• 3x points on eligible travel booked through Amex Travel: A lucrative reward rate for frequent business travelers.
• No preset spending limit: Flexibility for businesses with fluctuating expenses.
• Employee cards at no extra cost: Simplified expense management and tracking.
• Travel and purchase protections: Added peace of mind and potential savings.

Cons:

• $150 annual fee: A significant cost to consider, especially for businesses with lower spending.
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee: Can add up quickly for international transactions.
• 1x points on everyday spending: Not the most competitive rewards rate for non-travel purchases.

Factors to Consider Based on Your Business’s Needs:

• Travel frequency: If you frequently book travel through Amex Travel, the 3x points can be a significant advantage.
• Spending habits: If you primarily make everyday purchases, the rewards rate may not be as appealing.
• Budget: Consider whether the annual fee and potential foreign transaction fees fit within your budget.
• Value of perks: Determine if the additional benefits, such as employee cards and travel protections, outweigh the costs.

FAQs

What is the annual fee for the Amex Business Green Rewards Card?

The annual fee for the Amex Business Green Rewards Card is $150.

Does the Amex Business Green Rewards Card have a preset spending limit?

No, the Amex Business Green Rewards Card operates as a charge card, meaning there is no preset spending limit. However, the balance must be paid in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Can I add employee cards to my Amex Business Green Rewards Card?

Yes, you can add employee cards to your Amex Business Green Rewards Card at no additional cost.

What travel and purchase protections does the Amex Business Green Rewards Card offer?

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card offers various travel and purchase protections, including car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection, travel accident insurance, and baggage insurance.

Is the Amex Business Green Rewards Card the right card for my business?

The Amex Business Green Rewards Card is a good fit for businesses that prioritize travel rewards and value flexibility. However, if you’re seeking a card with higher rewards on everyday spending or have low annual expenses, other options might be more suitable.