I don't think you can justify the $95 AF on the green. It's why most people say just go for the PRG since it essentially has the same AF after the $100 travel credit, but a far superior rewards structure.
@Anonymous wrote:
okay so i know there are many many cards out there (including amex cards) that the benefits either slightly outweigh the AF or greatly outweigh the AF. one card (with the exception of QS1, surge, credit one, premier one, etc), which is the amex green card, i just don't see the $95 benefit...
i have the ED so i get freeMR points. can someone help me see the true $95 value?
I've got the Green card, and honestly I won't be able to justify paying the AF... which is why it will be getting the axe before the first fee is due in April.
I applied feeling sure they would deny me (I included a Green card in a BK7 15 years ago) but they approved me. When I realized it was approved, I quickly app'd for the BCP, which was also approved, although with only a $1k credit line and with the highest APR once the promo expires. Also, I've been denied three times for a CLI due to the 15 year old bankruptcy, so they definitely didn't forget (incase anybody was wondering...).
Knowing what I know now, I would have simply applied for the PRG instead, to get the 50k MR points. I have considered at some point applying for the PRG, but honestly after harvesting the bonus it would be of little use to me... I haven't flown in years (and don't plan to) so MR points have limited value for me compared to cash rewards.
I'll sheepishly admit that of all the credit cards out there, the Amex PRG (or Gold) is probably the 'sexiest' card there is (to me). This could be a bit of nostalgia, since years ago when 'times were good' the Amex Gold was the only card I wanted but never attained. I never applied for it thinking it was for people who earned (and spent) significantly more money than myself, but knowing what I know now it was definitely within my reach. Now that it's again back within my 'reach', my more sensible side won't allow me to get it because as sexy as it looks, financially it just doesn't make sense. 
@Anonymous wrote:
and i am not trying to justify it for myself i am simply trying to understand. i don't plan on getting the darn thing
It's a very good question. Many times finding out why other people do what they do can be helpful - even if it's not for you.
BTW, congrats on the dark purple... I just noticed, 'Senior Contributor' 
The AmEx Green is simply a card that hasn't been fine-tuned to a dynamic and extremely competitive credit card industry. It doesn't help that the card has faced internal cannibalization with the ED and EDP cards either. Before either of the aforementioned cards was introduced, the Green did serve a valuable purpose of offering access to MR points during a time when the cheaper options (Zync and Blue) were offering MRE points, which could not be transferred to loyalty programs without first being converted. While I certainly don't ever plan on having the AmEx Green in my wallet, I wouldn't really question another's decision to have it.
