So, you've decided to get an American Express card. That's a great choice for many people, especially those looking for premium rewards, travel benefits, and a certain level of status. But before you dive in and start applying, it's absolutely crucial to understand the intricate rules and waiting periods that American Express has in place. Applying too frequently or incorrectly can lead to a denial and even make you ineligible for a valuable sign-up bonus, which is often the main reason people apply for these cards in the first place.
Let's break down the rules and create a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the American Express application process like a pro.
Step 1: Understand the "Once-Per-Lifetime" Rule (This is a Big One!)
This is the single most important rule to grasp when it comes to applying for an Amex card. American Express has a strict "once-per-lifetime" rule for their welcome bonuses.
What it means: You can only earn the sign-up bonus on a specific card once. If you've had The Platinum Card® from American Express before and earned the bonus, you will not be eligible to earn it again, even if you apply for the card years later. The same goes for all other Amex personal and business credit cards.
The fine print: This rule is tied to the specific card product. So, while you can't get the bonus for the personal Platinum Card a second time, you can still apply for and earn the bonus on the Business Platinum Card® from American Express. This also applies to different cards within a "card family" (e.g., the Amex Gold Card and the Amex Business Gold Card).
How to check: Amex has a very helpful feature. When you are applying, after you've filled out your information but before you hit "submit," a pop-up window may appear. This "Pop-up Jail" will tell you if you are ineligible for the welcome offer. This is your chance to withdraw your application before a hard inquiry is placed on your credit report.
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| How Often Can You Apply For American Express Card |
Step 2: Know the Application Velocity Rules (Pace Yourself!)
American Express also has rules about how many new cards you can apply for and be approved for within certain timeframes. These rules are sometimes referred to as "velocity" rules.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Sub-heading: The "1-in-5" Rule
You can only be approved for one American Express credit card every five days. This means if you are approved for a new credit card today, you must wait at least five full days before applying for another. The rule does not apply to their charge cards, which have no pre-set spending limit. For example, you could theoretically apply for a credit card and a charge card on the same day.
Sub-heading: The "2-in-90" Rule
This rule states that you can only be approved for two American Express credit cards within a 90-day period. If you try to apply for a third credit card within this window, your application will almost certainly be denied automatically. This is a hard limit and a key reason to plan your applications carefully.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Step 3: Consider the Total Number of Cards You Can Hold
American Express has an unofficial limit on the total number of credit cards you can have at one time.
The "Five-Credit-Card" Rule: Most people report a limit of five personal and business credit cards from American Express. Once you reach this limit, you will likely be denied for any new credit card applications.
Charge cards are different: This rule does not apply to Amex's charge cards (like the Platinum, Gold, and Green cards), which you can hold in addition to your five credit cards. This offers a lot of flexibility for those who want multiple Amex products.
Step 4: Check Your Creditworthiness (Are you ready?)
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While the application rules are crucial, they won't matter if you don't meet the basic criteria for approval.
Credit Score: For most premium Amex cards like the Platinum and Gold cards, a credit score in the good to excellent range (typically 670+) is recommended. While some have been approved with slightly lower scores, aiming for a higher score will significantly increase your odds.
Credit History: Lenders look at your overall credit history, including the length of your credit history, payment history, and credit utilization. A history of on-time payments and a low credit utilization ratio (below 30% is ideal) are key factors.
Income: You must have a steady income that can support the new line of credit. Amex will ask for your income on the application, and for some cards, they may require verification.
Step 5: The Smart Strategy for Applying
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Now that you know the rules, here's how to put them into practice:
Do your research: Before you even think about applying, research the best Amex card for your needs. Consider the welcome bonus, the annual fee, and the ongoing benefits and rewards.
Check for pre-qualification: American Express offers a pre-qualification tool on its website. Using this tool will not affect your credit score. It will show you which cards you are likely to be approved for and whether you're eligible for a specific bonus.
Space out your applications: If you plan on getting more than one Amex card, be patient. Adhere to the "1-in-5" and "2-in-90" rules. For example, if you get a new credit card, wait 91 days before applying for your next one to be safe.
Avoid "Pop-up Jail": As mentioned in Step 1, if you get the pop-up notification that you are ineligible for the bonus, do not proceed with the application. Withdraw and try again later, or consider a different card product. A hard inquiry will still be placed on your credit report if you proceed, and you won't get the bonus.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
How to find out if I am eligible for an Amex welcome bonus? When you apply online, American Express has a feature that will notify you before you submit your application if you are not eligible for the welcome offer. This is often called "Pop-up Jail."
How to get around the "once-per-lifetime" rule? Generally, you cannot. This is a very strict rule. The only exceptions are rare, targeted offers that don't include the "once-per-lifetime" language. These are not common and you should not rely on them.
How to apply for multiple American Express cards without getting denied? Follow the "1-in-5" and "2-in-90" rules. Wait at least five days between credit card applications and no more than two credit cards in a 90-day period.
How to tell the difference between an Amex credit card and a charge card? Credit cards allow you to carry a balance from month to month, subject to interest. Charge cards require you to pay your balance in full each month and do not have a pre-set spending limit. Popular charge cards include The Platinum Card, Gold Card, and Green Card.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to know my credit score is good enough? While Amex doesn't publish a specific minimum score, a FICO score of 670 or higher is generally considered "good" and gives you a much better chance of approval for their premium cards.
How to improve my chances of getting approved? Pay all your bills on time, keep your credit utilization low (ideally below 10-30%), and ensure there are no errors on your credit report.
How to check for Amex pre-qualified offers? You can use the official American Express pre-qualification tool on their website. It's a soft pull, so it won't impact your credit score.
How to apply for a second Amex card if I already have one? Follow the "1-in-5" and "2-in-90" rules, and make sure your existing account is in good standing with a solid payment history.
How to check the status of my application? You can check your application status on the American Express website by providing your social security number and ZIP code.
How to get another welcome bonus on a card I've had before? As a general rule, you can't. The "once-per-lifetime" rule is firm. However, if you've had a previous version of a card, you might be eligible for a bonus on a newer, rebranded version, but you should always check the offer's specific terms and conditions.
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