American Express (Amex) has a somewhat complex set of rules regarding how many cards an individual can hold. While there's no single, universally advertised number, common data points from communities like Reddit suggest specific limits and application strategies. Understanding these rules is crucial for maximizing your Amex benefits and avoiding application denials.
Step 1: Discovering the Amex Card Categories and Your Current Holdings
Before we dive into the numbers, let's understand that not all Amex cards are created equal in the eyes of their application rules. Amex primarily offers two types of cards that factor into their limits:
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Credit Cards: These are your traditional credit cards with a pre-set credit limit. Examples include the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles cards.
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Charge Cards: These cards typically have no pre-set spending limit, but require you to pay your balance in full each month. Popular charge cards include The Platinum Card, the American Express Gold Card, and the Green Card.
Your first step is to take stock of any American Express cards you currently hold. Are they credit cards or charge cards? This distinction is absolutely vital for understanding how many more cards you might be eligible for.
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| How Many American Express Cards Can You Have Reddit |
Step 2: Understanding the "Hard" Limits on Amex Cards
Based on widely shared information, particularly from Reddit communities dedicated to credit cards and points, American Express generally has the following limits:
Sub-heading: The Credit Card Limit
Most users report a limit of five (5) American Express credit cards at any given time. This applies to both personal and business credit cards. So, if you have three personal credit cards and two business credit cards from Amex, you've likely hit this ceiling.
Sub-heading: The Charge Card Limit
Charge cards are generally not counted towards the five-credit-card limit. This is a key differentiator! It's widely understood that you can have a significantly higher number of charge cards, with reports often suggesting up to ten (10) charge cards. This flexibility allows savvy cardholders to accumulate various Amex charge cards to leverage their diverse benefits.
Step 3: Navigating Amex Application Rules
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Beyond the total number of cards, American Express also has specific rules governing the frequency of applications and bonus eligibility. These are often referred to as "soft" rules because Amex doesn't always explicitly state them, but they are consistently observed by applicants.
Sub-heading: The "One-Per-Lifetime" Welcome Bonus Rule
This is perhaps the most well-known and often frustrating rule. Amex generally offers a welcome bonus once per lifetime for a specific card product. This means if you've had The Platinum Card before and received its welcome bonus, you typically won't be eligible for another welcome bonus if you apply for it again, even if you closed the original card years ago. However, there can be exceptions, and Amex occasionally targets individuals with offers that bypass this rule, so always check the specific offer terms.
Sub-heading: The "1-in-5" Rule (One Card Per Five Days)
You can generally only be approved for one (1) American Express credit card every five days. This rule helps prevent you from applying for multiple credit cards too quickly. Note that this rule typically does not apply to charge cards. This means you could potentially apply for a credit card and a charge card on the same day or within a few days of each other.
Sub-heading: The "2-in-90" Rule (Two Cards Per Ninety Days)
This rule is even more restrictive: you can only be approved for two (2) American Express credit cards within a 90-day period. Again, this rule specifically applies to credit cards and not charge cards. So, if you get approved for two credit cards today, you'll need to wait at least 90 days before being approved for a third Amex credit card.
Step 4: Crafting Your Amex Card Strategy
Given these rules, here's how you can approach your Amex card strategy:
Sub-heading: Prioritize Based on Needs
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
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If you're focused on maximizing welcome bonuses and don't plan to hold many cards long-term, strategically apply for cards you haven't had before, keeping the "one-per-lifetime" rule in mind.
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If you're looking for a diverse portfolio of benefits, consider mixing credit and charge cards. Remember, charge cards don't count towards the five-credit-card limit, offering more flexibility.
Sub-heading: Space Out Applications
To avoid denials, always adhere to the 1-in-5 and 2-in-90 rules for credit cards. Waiting a few extra days or weeks between applications can save you a hard inquiry and a potential denial. For charge cards, the frequency is much more flexible.
Sub-heading: Monitor Your Credit Profile
While Amex often does soft pulls for existing cardmembers when you apply for new cards, your overall creditworthiness and recent credit activity still play a role. Ensure your credit score is healthy and you're not opening too many accounts with other lenders simultaneously, as this can still trigger a denial from Amex or other issuers (e.g., Chase's 5/24 rule).
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Sub-heading: Consider Downgrading or Closing Cards
If you're at or near your credit card limit and want a new Amex credit card, you might need to close an existing Amex credit card to free up a slot. Before doing so, consider the impact on your credit history (average age of accounts) and any outstanding benefits or points. Sometimes, downgrading to a no-annual-fee version of a card might be a better option than outright closing it.
Step 5: What Reddit Says (and Why it Matters) ️
The information presented above is largely derived from the collective experience of credit card enthusiasts on platforms like Reddit. While Amex doesn't always publish these specific limits, the consistent "data points" shared by users who frequently apply for and manage multiple Amex cards provide a highly reliable picture. These communities are invaluable resources for:
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Real-time updates: Rules can change, and Reddit users are often the first to notice and report new application trends or policy shifts.
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Niche scenarios: Users often discuss very specific situations and their outcomes, offering insights that official channels might not provide.
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Community support: It's a place to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others' successes and mistakes in the complex world of credit cards.
It's important to remember that while these "rules" are widely accepted, they are based on observed patterns and not official, published American Express policy. There can always be rare exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to determine if a card is a credit card or a charge card?
Typically, American Express cards with a stated credit limit (e.g., "Credit Limit: $X,XXX") are credit cards. Charge cards (like the Platinum, Gold, or Green Card) will usually state "No Pre-set Spending Limit" on their terms, though they do have internal spending limits that adjust based on your spending habits and payment history.
How to get approved for more than five Amex credit cards?
Generally, you cannot. The five-credit-card limit is a firm rule observed by Amex. If you want a new Amex credit card and are at the limit, you'll likely need to close an existing Amex credit card.
How to bypass the Amex "one-per-lifetime" rule for welcome bonuses?
While not guaranteed, some users report success when targeted with specific offers directly from Amex (often via mail or email) that explicitly state they are eligible for a welcome bonus even if they've had the card before. Always read the offer terms carefully.
How to apply for multiple Amex cards safely?
Follow the 1-in-5 and 2-in-90 rules for credit cards. For example, apply for one credit card, wait 6 days, then apply for another. Then wait 90 days before applying for a third. Charge cards offer more flexibility in application frequency.
How to check my current Amex card count?
You can log into your Amex online account or the Amex app to see all your active cards. Distinguish between credit and charge cards based on their stated limits or card type (e.g., "The Platinum Card" is a charge card).
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
How to manage annual fees with multiple Amex cards?
With multiple cards, annual fees can quickly add up. Evaluate the benefits of each card against its annual fee. Many Amex cards offer significant value that can offset the fee, especially if you utilize all the benefits. Consider downgrading or closing cards that no longer provide sufficient value.
How to avoid a financial review from American Express?
While not directly related to the number of cards, sudden, unusually large spending on new or existing cards, or a rapid accumulation of high credit limits across multiple cards, can sometimes trigger a financial review. Maintain responsible spending habits relative to your income.
How to use different Amex cards effectively for rewards?
Many Amex cards offer bonus points in specific spending categories (e.g., dining, groceries, travel). By having multiple cards, you can strategically use the card that offers the highest reward rate for a particular purchase, maximizing your overall points earning.
How to leverage Amex customer service for multiple cards?
American Express is known for its strong customer service. If you have questions about your card portfolio, application rules, or benefits, don't hesitate to call their customer service line. They can often clarify specific situations or provide guidance.
How to decide which Amex card to get next?
Consider your spending habits, travel goals, and desired benefits. Research different Amex cards and their respective reward structures, annual fees, and perks. Tools like online card comparison sites and Reddit's credit card communities can be very helpful in making an informed decision.
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