Review: American Express Business Green Rewards

Everyone has a different idea about what a rewards card should look like. But for many Americans, we instantly think of the iconic green American Express card. And while there are now hundreds of different rewards cards available, the Green card is still one of the best.

The American Express Business Green Rewards card stays relevant by offering valuable rewards and perks. As cardholders’ business expenses evolve, so do the rewards points they accumulate.

Advantages:

• Earn Membership Rewards points. These points are valuable because they can be transferred to the mileage programs of more than a dozen airlines, and you’ll get 5,000 bonus points on your first purchase. That’s why I called this one of the three cards that help you travel in style. Earn 1 point with every $1 you spend.
• Get cash back with OPEN Savings. All American Express business cards are eligible to participate in their OPEN Savings program. This allows cardholders to save up to 10 percent with vendors like FedEx, OfficeMax, and Hertz. See a list of participating vendors, along with discounts offered, here.
• Travel benefits. Cardholders automatically receive baggage insurance, roadside assistance, and access to a Global Assist hotline with 24/7 medical, legal, financial, and emergency assistance.
• Purchase protection. Eligible purchases are covered from theft and accidental damage up to $1,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per cardholder account per calendar year. This coverage is good for up to 90 days from your purchase.
• Extended warranty. This benefit extends your manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year for items costing as much as $10,000.
• Charge card. This is not a credit card, it is a charge card. That means you must pay every statement balance in full. While not as convenient as a credit card, at least you’ll never pay interest.
• No present spending limit or finance charges. As always, subject to Terms and Restrictions.

Disadvantages:

• Annual fee. $0 for the first year, $95 annual fee afterwards.
• Foreign transaction fees. American Express continues to charge a 2.7 percent foreign transaction fee on all charges processed outside of the U.S.
• Small sign-up bonus. Their current offer is for 5,000 Membership Rewards points after the first use of your card. This is a relatively small bonus; many other credit cards are offering 25,000 points or miles.

Bottom line:

Get it if: You want the least expensive American Express card that still earns Membership Rewards points.

Forget it if: You are holding out for a higher sign-up bonus, need to carry a balance, or want to avoid annual fees.

This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program. Also note that any terms, rates or other features described in this article can change without notice. Always double-check everything with the issuer before applying for any credit card.