Overview
The American Express Green Card is the simplest way to start earning Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee. While it won't compete with the Cobalt or Gold on earning power, the Green Card gives you access to the same 1:1 transfer partner network — Aeroplan, Avios, Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, and more — making it a solid option for occasional travellers or as a complementary card in an Amex wallet.
With 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 on all purchases and 2 points per $1 on eligible Amex Travel Online bookings, it's straightforward and uncomplicated. The real value here is the transfer partner access on a $0 annual fee card.
Welcome Offer Breakdown
The Green Card's welcome offer is modest but easy to achieve:
- 10,000 Membership Rewards points — Spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
That's roughly $333/month in spend — very achievable for most Canadians. The 10,000 points are worth $100 at the base 1¢/point redemption, or potentially $200+ when transferred to airline partners for premium cabin flights.
Welcome Bonus Valuation
| Redemption Method | Value |
|---|---|
| Use Points for Purchases (1,000 pts = $10) | $100 |
| Transfer to Aeroplan (1:1) | $100–$200+ |
| Transfer to Avios or Flying Blue | $100–$200+ |
Earning Membership Rewards Points
| Category | Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| Eligible hotel or car rental bookings on Amex Travel Online | 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 |
| All other eligible purchases | 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 |
Earning Strategy
The Green Card earns at a flat 1x rate on almost everything — it's not designed to be a high-earning card. The smart strategy is to pair it with:
- Amex Cobalt for 5x on groceries, dining, and food delivery
- Amex Gold Rewards for 2x on gas, groceries, and drugstores
- Use the Green Card for purchases where you'd otherwise earn nothing, keeping all your points in the Membership Rewards ecosystem
The 2x bonus on Amex Travel Online bookings is a nice perk — if you're booking hotels or car rentals, route them through Amex Travel to double your earn rate.
Redeeming Membership Rewards Points
Despite being a no-fee card, the Green Card earns the same Membership Rewards points as the Cobalt, Gold, and Platinum — with full access to the transfer partner network.
Transfer Partners
| Partner | Program | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Aeroplan | 1:1 |
| British Airways | Avios | 1:1 |
| Air France/KLM | Flying Blue | 1:1 |
| Cathay Pacific | Asia Miles | 1:1 |
| Delta | SkyMiles | 1:1 |
| Etihad | Etihad Guest | 1:1 |
| Hilton | Hilton Honors | 1:1 (but lower value) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Marriott Bonvoy | 5:6 |
Other Redemption Options
- Use Points for Purchases: 1,000 points = $10 towards eligible card purchases (groceries, gas, dining, streaming, and more)
- Amex Travel Online: Book flights, hotels, and car rentals directly
- Gift cards and merchandise: Available but generally lower value per point
Who Should Get This Card?
The Green Card is ideal for:
- First-time Amex cardholders who want to try Membership Rewards with no risk
- Students or low spenders who can't justify the Cobalt's $156/year fee
- Existing Amex cardholders who want a backup card to pool points
- Anyone who wants transfer partner access without paying an annual fee
Who Should Skip It?
If you spend more than $500/month on groceries and dining, the Amex Cobalt at $12.99/month will earn you significantly more points. And if you travel frequently, the Gold Rewards or Platinum cards offer far more value through credits, lounge access, and higher earn rates.
The Bottom Line
The American Express Green Card is the no-frills entry point to one of the most powerful rewards ecosystems in Canada. You won't earn points quickly, but you'll earn them in the most flexible currency available — and you'll pay nothing for the privilege. For occasional spenders or as a second card in an Amex setup, it's hard to argue with free.
