Thinking about adding another American Express card to your wallet? It's a common question among enthusiasts of travel, rewards, and premium benefits! While American Express is known for its diverse card portfolio, there are limits to how many personal Amex cards you can hold. Understanding these limits is key to strategically building your credit card arsenal.
Step 1: Discover the "Five-Card Rule"
First things first, let's talk about the "Five-Card Rule". Did you know American Express generally limits individuals to a total of five personal and business credit cards at any given time? This is one of the most important rules to be aware of when planning your Amex strategy.
What Does "Credit Card" Mean Here?
When Amex talks about "credit cards" for this rule, they're referring to cards that have a revolving credit limit. This includes popular options like:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card
Cash Magnet® Card
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
Step 2: Understand the "Hybrid Card" Exception
Now, here's where it gets interesting and offers some flexibility: the "Five-Card Rule" doesn't typically apply to hybrid cards (also known as "charge cards"). Charge cards are distinct because they generally have no pre-set spending limit, and you're usually required to pay the balance in full each month.
Identifying American Express Charge Cards
Some of the most sought-after Amex charge cards include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Green Card
The Centurion® Card (Black Card) - This is an invite-only, ultra-exclusive card.
This distinction means you could, for instance, have five credit cards and several charge cards, potentially expanding your total number of Amex accounts beyond five.
Step 3: Consider Co-Branded Cards and Their Nuances ✈️
Another important aspect to factor in are co-branded cards. American Express partners with various airlines (like Delta) and hotel chains (like Hilton and Marriott) to offer cards with specific travel benefits.
Are Co-Branded Cards Part of the Five-Card Limit?
Generally, yes, most co-branded credit cards issued by American Express do count towards the five-credit-card limit. This means if you have a Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, those would each take up one slot in your five-card limit.
Some popular co-branded Amex cards include:
Delta SkyMiles® Cards (e.g., Gold, Platinum, Reserve)
Hilton Honors American Express Cards (e.g., Aspire, Surpass, No-Annual-Fee)
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cards (e.g., Brilliant, Bevy)
It's crucial to evaluate which co-branded cards align best with your travel habits and preferences before applying.
Step 4: Don't Forget About Business Cards
American Express offers a robust suite of business credit and charge cards, which operate under a separate set of rules and limits from personal cards.
Business Cards and the "Five-Card Rule"
While the general "five-card rule" applies to a combination of personal and business credit cards, it's often observed that Amex may be more flexible with the total number of business cards a user can hold. However, your overall creditworthiness and relationship with American Express will always play a significant role.
Popular Amex business cards include:
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Business Gold Card
Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
If you own a business, exploring business cards can be an excellent way to expand your Amex portfolio without necessarily hitting the personal card limit.
Step 5: Understand the "2-in-90 Day" Application Rule and Other Factors ⏳
Beyond the "Five-Card Rule," American Express also has other unwritten application rules that can affect your ability to get a new card. One commonly observed rule is the "2-in-90 Day" rule, meaning you can typically only be approved for two credit cards within a 90-day period. This rule is specific to credit cards and generally doesn't apply to charge cards.
Other Factors American Express Considers
When you apply for an American Express card, they consider a variety of factors:
Your Credit Score: A strong credit history and a high credit score are paramount for approval, especially for premium Amex cards.
Existing Relationship with Amex: If you're an existing customer with a good payment history, Amex may be more inclined to approve you for additional cards.
Income and Debt-to-Income Ratio: Your ability to repay new debt is crucial.
Recent Applications: Applying for too many cards in a short period (even with other issuers) can make you appear risky.
Welcome Offer Eligibility: Be mindful of Amex's once-per-lifetime welcome offer policy for many of their cards. If you've had a specific card before, you might not be eligible for its sign-up bonus again.
Step 6: Strategically Plan Your Amex Card Portfolio
Given these rules, it's wise to approach your American Express card strategy with a clear plan.
Tips for Strategic Card Acquisition:
Identify Your Needs: Do you prioritize travel points, cash back, or business expenses?
Prioritize Charge Cards: If you want many Amex cards, consider adding charge cards first, as they don't count towards the five-credit-card limit.
Space Out Applications: Adhere to the "2-in-90 Day" rule for credit cards to avoid automatic rejections.
Evaluate Co-Branded Needs: If you frequently fly a specific airline or stay at a particular hotel chain, a co-branded card can be incredibly valuable, even if it counts towards your credit card limit.
Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit score and report for accuracy and to ensure you're in good standing.
By understanding these nuances, you can navigate American Express's policies and build a powerful card portfolio that maximizes your rewards and benefits.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check how many Amex cards I currently have?
You can easily check your current American Express card count by logging into your online Amex account or by contacting customer service directly. All your active cards will be listed in your account dashboard.
How to apply for another American Express card?
You can apply for another American Express card online through their website, or sometimes through targeted mail offers. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and consider the application rules mentioned above.
How to know if a specific Amex card is a credit or charge card?
American Express typically indicates the card type on its product pages. Generally, cards with "no pre-set spending limit" are charge cards, while those with a clearly stated credit limit are credit cards.
How to cancel an American Express card to make room for a new one?
To cancel an Amex card, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Be sure to redeem any rewards points before closing the account.
How to maximize rewards with multiple Amex cards?
To maximize rewards, strategically use different Amex cards for their bonus categories (e.g., Gold Card for dining/supermarkets, Platinum for travel). Pay attention to welcome offers and Amex Offers.
How to manage multiple American Express cards effectively?
Use the American Express online portal or mobile app to manage all your cards in one place. You can view statements, track spending, and pay bills for all your accounts.
How to get approved for premium Amex cards?
To get approved for premium Amex cards like the Platinum or Gold Card, focus on maintaining a high credit score, a strong income, and a positive payment history with Amex or other lenders.
How to add an authorized user to my American Express card?
You can add authorized users (also known as additional card members) through your online Amex account or by calling customer service. You'll need their basic information, and they typically receive their own card linked to your account.
How to get around the Amex 5 credit card limit?
The most common way to "get around" the five-credit-card limit is by focusing on American Express charge cards, as they do not count towards this specific restriction. Business credit cards also have separate limits.
How to understand the "once per lifetime" welcome offer rule for Amex?
American Express generally limits welcome offers to "once per lifetime" for each specific card product. This means if you've ever had a particular card (even if you canceled it), you likely won't be eligible for the sign-up bonus again if you apply for it in the future.
