Thinking About Getting an Amex Card? 10 Things to Know Before You Apply
American Express offers some great credit cards that can help you save with 0% intro APR offers, earn solid cash back on everyday purchases, or stack points toward your next trip with confidence. But before you apply, it’s important to understand what Amex—and most other banks—consider during the application process.
Here are 10 things to know that can help improve your chances of approval with pointers to help you get the most out of your application.
1. Get approved without an inquiry
When you apply for an American Express card, you can get approved without a hard credit inquiry. They’ll start with a soft pull, which doesn’t affect your credit score at all. If you decide to accept the card offer, that’s when they’ll place a hard inquiry on your Experian report. If you’re already an Amex cardholder, reports suggest they may not pull your credit again at all.
2. Instant Card Numbers
When you're approved for an Amex card, you’ll usually get a temporary card number right away, so you can start using it immediately. You can also add it to your digital wallet or link it to your Amazon account for fast, convenient payments. The physical card typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. However, if you’re approved for a premium card like The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can call 1‑800‑528‑4800 to request expedited shipping—they might be able to get it to you in just 1 to 2 days.
3. Approved? Get Two Cards Same Day
If you’ve just been approved for an Amex card, it might be the perfect time to go for a second one. American Express is known for approving two cards on the same day, which can be a smart way to boost your overall credit limit right off the bat. Just make sure the first card is fully approved before submitting your second application.
Keep in mind, Amex generally limits you to two credit card approvals within a 90-day window. However, their no-preset spending limit cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or American Express® Gold Card don’t count toward that rule. So after getting two credit cards, you could potentially apply for a third charge card without hitting the limit.
4. Application Under Review?
If your Amex application isn’t approved right away, that’s totally normal. You can check your status online or call 1-800-567-1083 to “check the status of your application.” Sometimes they just need to confirm a few details. Whether it’s in verification or underwriting, following up and responding quickly can help you move things along faster.
5. Declined? You Still Have Options
If your application was declined, you can still turn it around! Call Amex’s reconsideration line at 1-800-567-1083 or 877-399-3083 and ask for a reconsideration. Find out the reason for your decline by checking online or asking the rep when you call, then let them know you'd like your application reviewed again. If it’s within 30 days, they may be able to review your application again without another hard credit pull. You can also ask about shifting credit from another Amex card or closing an older account to free up available credit.
Note: Just be careful not to close your oldest card - length of credit history is an important factor in your credit score.
6. Reallocate Credit Between Cards
Need higher limits to swipe? If you have multiple American Express cards, you can shift credit limits between them. For example, if one card has a $20,000 limit and another has $10,000, you could move $9,000 to the card you use more—giving it a $29,000 limit and leaving $1,000 on the other.
7. Welcome Bonuses Are One-Time Per Card
Amex typically only allows one welcome bonus per card per lifetime. If you’ve had a card before—even years ago—you likely won’t get the bonus again. This applies to some card families too. For example, having the Gold Card may disqualify you from the The Platinum Card bonus, and vice versa. Same goes for cashback cards—if you had the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can’t get the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express bonus. However, if you only had Blue Cash Everyday, you can still get the Blue Cash Preferred bonus.
Not sure if you're eligible? Amex will show a pop-up before you apply to let you know if an offer is available to you.
8. Household Income Can Help With Approval
Stated income on a credit card application refers to your total gross annual income and can include more than just your current salary. It can also include money you reasonably expect to earn or have access to, such as income from a partner or spouse, freelance or seasonal work, investment returns, retirement funds, Social Security, or regular financial support from someone you live with. As long as the income is consistent and available to help repay your card, it can be part of what you report.
9. New to Amex? Consider Starting as an Authorized User
If you’re just starting out and don’t have much credit history yet, getting added as an authorized user on someone else’s American Express (Amex) card can be a smart move. It’s a simple way to begin building a relationship with Amex, and as long as the primary cardholder manages the account responsibly, that positive activity can reflect well on your own credit profile. After a few months, once you've built some history, you can consider applying for your own Amex card.
10. Understand the Difference Between No Limit Cards and Credit Cards
Amex offers two types of cards: credit cards and no-limit cards. Credit cards like the Blue Cash Everyday have set limits and let you carry a balance. No-limit cards like The Platinum Card don’t have a preset spending limit and usually must be paid in full each month. They offer premium perks but often come with higher fees.
If you want to carry a balance, choose a credit card. If you plan to pay in full and want top-tier rewards, a no-limit card could be a better fit.
BONUS TIP: 11. You Can Downgrade If a Card No Longer Fits
If you're not sure about getting a card with a high annual fee, know that Amex often lets you downgrade to a lower-fee card within the same family. When you downgrade you'll still keep your account history and credit limit while adjusting to your budget or spending needs.
For example, you can move from The Platinum Card ($695 fee) to the American Express® Gold Card ($250), or from the Blue Cash Preferred ($95) to the no-fee Blue Cash Everyday. Delta cards can also be downgraded—from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350) to the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card ($150, first year waived) or the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card ($0).
Note: You usually need to wait 12 months before downgrading, and you won’t get a new welcome bonus on the lower-tier card. Still, it’s a smart way to simplify without closing your account.
Final Thoughts
Getting an Amex card can open the door to great perks, rewards, and credit-building opportunities—but only if you apply smart. Knowing how their approval system works, how welcome offers are limited, and how to use your existing credit wisely gives you a real edge.
So whether you’re starting out or leveling up, go in with a plan—and let your next card be the right one.
DISCLAIMER:
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
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