Last week, Doctor of Credit pointed out that American Express is showing a notice for Amex Green Card holders saying that the name of their card will change on August 20th, 2026, to become the “American Express Classic Green Card”. While no changes are expected on the existing Green Card at this time, one has to wonder whether Amex intends to launch a new Green Card product of some sort.
In my 2026 predictions, I said that American Express would likely refresh the consumer Green Card this year, as it has been on a bit of a couponization cycle in recent years, refreshing various cards. We haven’t heard anything about a Green Card refresh yet, but this name change for existing Green Card holders could potentially be meaningful.
On the one hand, it is possible that nothing will change at all but the name. On the other hand, it is possible that Amex is looking to differentiate between Classic Green Card holders and new Green Card holders. Perhaps Amex plans to launch some sort of new Green Card with a new set of benefits that they intend to be available only to new applicants. We don’t yet know what to expect.
That seems a little strange, as most Amex refreshes in recent years have had all of the new details apply to existing cardholders. That said, every now and then I hear about someone with a decades-old Amex card that doesn’t have the same benefits as its modern counterpart. Maybe Amex intends to leave existing cardholders with what they have and launch something new and different.
The bottom line is that we don’t yet know much for sure, apart from the fact that the name for existing Green Card holders is set to change in August. We’ll see whether that foreshadows bigger changes to come for the Green Card.
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I have been on the fence about downgrading my Platinum to Green, think it’s time to take the leap…
Out of the blue, Amex decides to change the name for NO reason? Don’t kid yourself.
Amex is phasing out non-travel/dining MR-earning cards. They will be cash back only. Don’t be surprised if the BBP gets retired.
Travel/dining MR-earning cards will all be coupon-ized.
Hi Jack, I’m genuinely curious what you think the move will be here. I would think that they would just refresh and couponize this card with a higher AF. Why keep the “classic” at all? Thanks!
“Amex is phasing out non-travel/dining MR-earning cards.” Which, if that’s true, would exclude the Green which is a travel/dining MR-earning card.
It’ll be a real shame if they change the earn rate on that card. For people who spend too much on travel to be chasing welcome offers and spend bonuses all the time, the 3X for general travel on the Green card is really unbeatable, especially after Chase nerfed and couponized the CSR.
100%. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.