Mar 14, 2014, 10:48 am
Last edit by: beltway
It is essential to read the terms of the specific offer, but in general:
This offer is also not available to applicants who have or have had this product.
If we identify you as currently having an American Express® Card account, you may not be eligible for this welcome bonus offer.
Points will be credited to your Membership Rewards account within 6 - 8 weeks after the spend requirement has been reached.
This offer is also not available to applicants who have or have had this product.
- You can only earn one new account bonus for each personal card issued by American Express in the USA. We do not know precisely how far back American Express looks to see if you have previously held the same card, but there is anecdotal evidence that the Customer Service database looks back only seven years. This means that if you cancelled a card in 2007 or earlier, and have not held it since, you will probably qualify for a new account bonus in 2015.
- Holding a related card does not disqualify earning a new account bonus. Examples: Green, Gold, and Platinum are each separate products. Delta Gold, Platinum and Reserve are each separate products. The Hilton credit card is a different product than Hilton Surpass.
- Holding a Supplementary Card (authorized user) on someone else's account does not disqualify you from earning a new acount bonus if you open the same card type in your own name.
This rule does not apply to business cards.As of mid-February 2016, Amex appears to be adding the same restriction to its business card products.- If you receive a targeted offer, online or through the USPS, for a card which you have previously held you may, or may not, actually receive the bonus. Be certain to save a copy of the offer, and to read and save every screen which appears during the application process.
- Upgrade offers are different from new account offers. You may be offered a bonus to upgrade (for example) a Gold Card to a Platinum Card, and you may be eligible for that bonus even if you previously held a Platinum card. It is still essential to read and save the terms of the offer.
If we identify you as currently having an American Express® Card account, you may not be eligible for this welcome bonus offer.
- This language appeared in the Spring of 2013, a year before the once-in-a lifetime policy was announced. The key term is "may", which gives American Express discretion to award or withhold the bonus.
- To reduce the risk that the automated system will deny a new account bonus, RIGHT click the application link and open the application in a Private or Incognito browser window. American Express will still know that you are a current cardholder, but the system will not flag your application.
Points will be credited to your Membership Rewards account within 6 - 8 weeks after the spend requirement has been reached.
- In practice it is not possible to know when American Express's system will credit a bonus to your rewards account. It may happen immediately after you meet the target spend, or it may happen when the next statement (or the following statement) is generated, or it may take the full eight weeks.
Put a fork in it 5.1.2014: One bonus per personal card per person "lifetime" [USA]
Apr 15, 2014, 8:40 am
#151
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Posts discussing a thread in the Chase forum have been quarantined here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...uarantine.html
I will consult with the Chase moderators about where to put these posts.
Thank you. No question (in my mind) that American Express is on the warpath against churners, and they may try a variety strategies to prevent or discourage it. Nonetheless I don't think it will include broadly blocking bonuses for first time applicants of co-branded cards, though I wouldn't be surprised if there are some isolated incidents of CSR's offering that as an explanation. Using the term "may" gives American Express substantial flexibility to choose who they want as a customer.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...uarantine.html
I will consult with the Chase moderators about where to put these posts.
Thank you. No question (in my mind) that American Express is on the warpath against churners, and they may try a variety strategies to prevent or discourage it. Nonetheless I don't think it will include broadly blocking bonuses for first time applicants of co-branded cards, though I wouldn't be surprised if there are some isolated incidents of CSR's offering that as an explanation. Using the term "may" gives American Express substantial flexibility to choose who they want as a customer.
Last edited by mia; Apr 15, 2014 at 8:49 am
Apr 15, 2014, 9:48 am
#152
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA, SPG, MR, UR, Cash Back!
Posts: 606
So is there any need/benefit to signing up for an AMEX card you've never held in the past by May 1? For example, I've never held the Personal Platinum card. Whether I get one before or after May 1, I'll be limited to the one-time bonus rule. Correct?
It really only matters for I card I've had and cancelled. In that case I could try and grab the bonus one more time before May 1. Is that right?
It really only matters for I card I've had and cancelled. In that case I could try and grab the bonus one more time before May 1. Is that right?
Apr 15, 2014, 10:34 am
#153
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,188
Dont know if ppl have seen what DD is reporting: http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/42972#comments
It appears we are in a window where the 12 month rule is not in effect, and the new rule is not in effect.
In other words, for example, if you had a SPG card and cancelled it last month you could theoretically get it now with the bonus.
I have not tried it, and will see what shakes out on the DDFs
It appears we are in a window where the 12 month rule is not in effect, and the new rule is not in effect.
In other words, for example, if you had a SPG card and cancelled it last month you could theoretically get it now with the bonus.
I have not tried it, and will see what shakes out on the DDFs
If 12-mo rule is not in effect, can i apply for another while I have a SPG personal card (using incognito mode)? It would bypass the cookies but AMEX will still see it against the ssn.
Apr 16, 2014, 7:38 pm
#154
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,147
So no reports of success or failures from applications done under the new language? I was thinking I might go for it...
Apr 17, 2014, 9:50 am
#155
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Apr 17, 2014, 11:14 am
#156
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,188
Does the lifetime limitation only towards personal cards or biz cards as well?
I think, I am going to apply for a second personal SPG card this weekend to test the 12-mo rule. How long/ much does a hard-pull affect the credit score for future? Incase, this doesn't work I will like to open some other cc in next 4-6weeks.
I think, I am going to apply for a second personal SPG card this weekend to test the 12-mo rule. How long/ much does a hard-pull affect the credit score for future? Incase, this doesn't work I will like to open some other cc in next 4-6weeks.
Apr 18, 2014, 9:41 am
#157
Used to be 'cfras701'
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Posts: 26
Posted by MIA - Post#142: This notice was introduced about a year ago. It is triggered by browser cookies which show that you currently have an account. If you revisit the page using a Private or Incognito browser window the cookies will not be read, and the warning will not be displayed. If you then apply, and do not identify yourself as an existing account holder, the application will be processed normally. American Express will, of course, know immediately that you are an existing customer when it matches your Social Security number. Nonetheless, you are likely to obtain the bonus, unless you are disqualified for another reason, but no one can guarantee success.
Any predictions as to how you think this will play out? I hope MIA is correct in his/her “you are likely to obtain the bonus” prediction.
Apr 19, 2014, 2:07 pm
#158
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
3 Browser App Today
I just used IE, Chrome, and Safari, all in private mode, to put in 3 apps.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
Apr 19, 2014, 10:04 pm
#159
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA Gold, IHG Plat AMB, Hilton Gold, SPG
Posts: 156
I just used IE, Chrome, and Safari, all in private mode, to put in 3 apps.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
Apr 19, 2014, 10:53 pm
#160
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: CA
Programs: BA, AA, United
Posts: 429
In March I applied for amex brg and personal Hilton card on the same day and got it approved on the same day.
In April my SO applied for business platinum and amex blue card on the same day and got approval on both right away.
However last Aug, I applied for spg personal and business on the same day and the business card was approved after about a week.
So based on my experience, something has changed recently.
There is a time when AMEX allow you to do multi apps in a day, but it has been changed for a while, at least when I tried to do a 2BM on AMEX during August, I was told that I need to wait 5-6 days for my second app.
In April my SO applied for business platinum and amex blue card on the same day and got approval on both right away.
However last Aug, I applied for spg personal and business on the same day and the business card was approved after about a week.
So based on my experience, something has changed recently.
I just used IE, Chrome, and Safari, all in private mode, to put in 3 apps.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
SPG, which I canceled last August
PRG, which I canceled 2 months ago
Everyday Preferred, which of course I have never had before.
None of them were instantly approved.
Two had "please call us" messages, and one said we'll let you know in 10 to 14 days. 10 days still puts me in April, but 14 would be after the dreaded May 1st.
So I called in, and used the reference number for the Everyday card. After @5 minutes on hold with the computer, a CSR (in India I think) looked up the app, and said "oh, you also applied for" and mentioned the other two apps. All I said was "Yes".
In just a couple of minutes he approved the PRG. He said I needed to call back in 4 or 5 days about the other two apps, because right now the computer is considering them duplicate apps. I at first thought that meant the computer was going to throw them out, but no, it's just a delay in considering them.
The way he said it sounded positive for approval. At any rate, he was definitely encouraging me to call about them. Not sure if he meant I could get a decision on both of them on that next call, but it sounded like it.
Time is running out, get your apps in now.
Apr 20, 2014, 9:56 am
#161
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 15
I applied for a Plat. and Everyday preferred last week and got approved for both. My target letter wasn't working well so I called in and applied for the Everyday Preferred online about an hour later.
Apr 20, 2014, 1:10 pm
#162
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Apr 20, 2014, 2:17 pm
#163
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA Gold, IHG Plat AMB, Hilton Gold, SPG
Posts: 156
You can in fact apply for several AMEX cards at the same time. All the CSR said was he could not approve all of them on the same Recon call. I have to wait 5 days for approval for another card. But the multiple apps weren't canceled, they are just on hold. He did not say I should not have applied for several at once. He did not even ask why I had done that. He very much encouraged me to call back to get the other cards approved.
Apr 20, 2014, 5:21 pm
#164
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 567
I have had amex deny me a bonus after spending $10k since I had another card <12 months back. If we get approved, how can we be sure we will get the bonus? Am I missing something? Or is everyone ok with the risk?
Apr 20, 2014, 8:03 pm
#165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,762
I cannot see why the 2 pulls done on same day would not merge unless different cards generate pulls from different entities inside AMEX. That does not seem to be the case though as AMEX seems to not even differentiate the entities between personal and business app.