As one of Amex's most iconic cards, the American Express Green Card is so much more than just an icon – it's one of the best no annual fee credit cards around.

But what makes the Amex Green Card one of the best? Here are the details.

Earning rewards with the Amex Green Card

What makes the Amex Green Card so special? The rewards.

Thanks to the Amex Membership Rewards program, not only do you have plenty of ways to use your points, but they also come with some top level value as well.

Earning rewards with the Amex Green Card

So what do you earn for rewards? This card keeps it simple – you'll earn 1 point per $1 spent on every single purchase. You'll also get an additional point when you book your hotel or rental car with Amex Travel.

And while that may not seem like much, it's what your rewards are worth that matters. Let's take a closer look.

Amex Membership Rewards value

One of Canada's best rewards programs, Amex Membership Rewards gives you plenty of ways to use your points, including 4 different travel redemption options.

Here's a quick overview of all 4 options.

1. Transfer to Aeroplan and other airline partners

For the best value for your points, you'll want to transfer them to one of Amex's 6 airline partners.

Here are those partners, and the transfer ratio of your points.

We'll focus on Aeroplan, since it will be the most interesting option for most Canadians.

We value an Aeroplan point at 2 cents each, which then gives an Amex point the same value.

That means the Green Card has a return of up to 2% – an incredible number for a no annual fee card.

2. Amex Fixed Points Travel Program

Prefer to not be tied down to only one airline (and its partners)? Then you can also turn to the Amex Fixed Points Travel Program for high value on any flight, from any airline.

For a set amount of points that covers the base airfare, you can fly to a set zone. All you have to do is pay the taxes and fees.

Here's what the chart looks like:

If you can maximize this chart you can get up to 2 cents each. However, since that redemption value is only available for a small number of short haul flights, a more reasonable value to expect is up to 1.75 cents each.

3. Transfer to hotel partners

Amex also has 2 hotel partners you can transfer points to.

Here are those options, and the transfer ratio.

Marriott Bonvoy is by far the better choice. Not only are their points worth more, but the transfer ratio is better.

We value a Marriott point at 0.97 cents when redeemed for a free night, and a Hilton Honors point at 0.64 cents.

For the Hilton transfer, that's only an Amex point value of 0.64 cents. But for Marriott, when you consider the 5:6 transfer ratio, each Amex point is worth 1.16 cents each – almost double Hilton's value.

And, that's still an excellent return on the Green Card of 1.16%.

4. Redeem for any purchase

Finally, there's the easy to use option where you can redeem for any purchase made to the card (including travel).

Apply your points to any purchase you make, and each point is worth 1 cent. This way, you can find the best travel deal out there, and simply use your points to pay for it.

Want more? There are other ways to redeem your points. Here's a summary of your other options, and what each point is worth.

4 benefits of the Amex Green Card

On top of the rewards, here are 4 other reasons to like it.

1. High value rewards

We've already gone over this in detail, but it's worth saying again – these are some incredibly valuable rewards.

Each point is worth up to 2 cents, giving a return of 2% on all your spending – something no other no fee credit card can say.

2. No income requirements

While many no fee cards have income requirements, there are none to worry about here.

In fact, all Amex credit cards have no income requirements. It's one less requirement you have to worry about with American Express.

3. Valuable welcome bonus

Finally, there's a valuable welcome bonus included. You can earn 10,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

Those points can be worth up to $200, which is an incredible welcome bonus for a no annual fee credit card.

4. No annual fee

Did we mention this card has no annual fee? We did?

Well, it's worth saying again. This credit card can provide more rewards than many premium credit cards out there – all while not costing you anything to keep in your wallet.

2 things to think about with the Amex Green Card

All that said, the Amex Green Card isn't perfect. There are 2 things you'll want to keep in mind.

1. Lacklustre insurance

First, the insurance. You'll only get basic extended warranty and purchase protection insurance.

While that's par for the course with most no annual fee cards, there are some no fee credit cards that offer some surprisingly valuable insurance packages. If that's something you're interested in, you won't find it here.

2. Amex acceptance

And of course, there's the little issue concerning Amex acceptance. For some, it can be a deal breaker.

But it might not be as bad as you think it is. Most major retailers take Amex cards, save for Loblaws and Costco. And more and more small businesses are starting to take them now too.

But don't take it from us – check out this map Amex has made. You can see for yourself just how many places will accept your card.

Comparison to the Amex SimplyCash Card

Amex has a terrific credit card lineup, including another no fee credit card you can think about – the SimplyCash^® Card from American Express.

Since this is also a no fee cash back credit card, let's see how the 2 cards compare.

The only real difference in these cards is with the rewards (and whether or not you want a Centurion on your card).

And at first glance, it may seem like the Green Card is the better option, as you can earn up to 2% back on your purchases.

But, there are 2 keywords to remember – "up to." That means it's not guaranteed.

If all you plan to do is redeem points for any purchase, you're better off with the SimplyCash card. Why? You'll earn 1.25% cash back on all your purchases, a 0.25% increase in your rewards.

But, if there's any chance you'll be able to get more from the other travel options, then you'll be better off with the Amex Green Card for the higher potential rewards.

Summary

There's plenty to love with the American Express Green Card – from having no fee to having high value rewards.

Have (or had) the Green Card? Leave us a user review below, so others can see what you think of it.

FAQ

What does the Amex Green Card offer for rewards?

The Amex Green Card offers 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases. And with each Amex point worth up to 2 cents each, the card can offer a return of up to 2% on spending.

Is the Amex Green Card a charge card?

No, the Amex Green Card is not a charge card, just a regular credit card.

Does the Amex Green Card have an annual fee or income requirements?

The Amex Green card has no annual fee and has no income requirements to meet.