American Express has stopped accepting new applications for its Green Card as the company prepares to rename the product and potentially introduce a replacement card with different benefits.
In June 2026, AmEx informed existing cardholders that the American Express® Green Card would be renamed the Classic Green Card effective August 20, 2026. However, the company has not yet confirmed what, if anything, will replace the current product.
The Green Card’s application page was removed from the American Express website last week, further fuelling speculation that the card is being phased out in its current form.
The existing Green Card has been positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the premium American Express Platinum Card®, offering rewards across travel, dining and transportation.
Cardholders earn three Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible travel, restaurants worldwide and transit purchases. The points can be redeemed for travel, cash back and gift cards or transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programmes.
The card also offers up to $219 in annual reimbursement for CLEAR+ membership and does not charge foreign transaction fees on eligible purchases made outside the United States.
However, reports and industry rumours suggest that a replacement could come with a higher annual fee and revised rewards structure.
The potential new card could reportedly cost between $195 and $250 annually, compared with the current $150 fee.
There is also speculation that the travel rewards could become more restrictive. Instead of earning bonus points on all eligible travel purchases, cardholders may need to make bookings through AmEx Travel to qualify for a higher rate of four points per dollar.
The replacement could also introduce additional rewards categories covering everyday expenses such as groceries and fuel.
A revised welcome offer is also reportedly under consideration, potentially offering between 60,000 and 80,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting a spending requirement of about $3,000 within three months.
American Express has not confirmed these reported changes, so the details remain speculative.
For consumers seeking an alternative, the American Express® Gold Card remains an option for earning rewards on everyday spending. The card carries a $325 annual fee and offers points on categories including restaurants, US supermarkets, flights and eligible travel bookings through AmEx Travel.
The Gold Card also provides several annual credits, including dining, Uber, Resy and Dunkin’ benefits, subject to their respective terms and eligibility requirements.
