American Express Membership Rewards - Timing of Amex applications

I have about 8 apps in the last year, 5 in the last six months. Two Amex cards: a Platinum that's 12 months old and an Amex Gold Business that's seven months old.

I'm going to cancel the Platinum to avoid the fee. I want to apply for the SPG offer, which seems to be the best Amex deal out there for me right now. Should I cancel the Platinum first, so I have one fewer Amex when I apply? Or apply for the SPG first and then cancel the Platinum, due to the potential impact of the cancellation on my credit score?

Anything else I may be missing?

Thanks very much. I searched but couldn't find this exact issue.

Should I cancel the Platinum first, so I have one fewer Amex when I apply? Or apply for the SPG first and then cancel the Platinum, due to the potential impact of the cancellation on my credit score?

I doubt there's often an issue with having too many Amex cards. FWIW I currently have two PLT (regular, then MB to get the 50K bonus), two premier rewards gold (one personal, one business for 20K and 75K bonuses), an SPG and a Corporate Green card. I was honestly a bit surprised they gave me a second PLT, and even more surprised to get the PR Business after that. Four of the six (including both PLT and the business PR Gold) were applications since December.

Assuming you have a reasonable history, I don't think they really care how many total cards you have.

I doubt there's often an issue with having too many Amex cards. FWIW I currently have two PLT (regular, then MB to get the 50K bonus), two premier rewards gold (one personal, one business for 20K and 75K bonuses), an SPG and a Corporate Green card. I was honestly a bit surprised they gave me a second PLT, and even more surprised to get the PR Business after that. Four of the six (including both PLT and the business PR Gold) were applications since December.

Assuming you have a reasonable history, I don't think they really care how many total cards you have.

It's obviously your choice, but I would have waited until the first Plat was almost expired to get the MB Plat. The bonus points are nice, but the card benefits are too - by spacing them out you get two years of lounge access (and other card perks) rather than one.

Should I cancel the Platinum first, so I have one fewer Amex when I apply? Or apply for the SPG first and then cancel the Platinum, due to the potential impact of the cancellation on my credit score?

I can't see how it would matter either way for the cards you mention. Just do what is most convenient for you.

I can't see how it would matter either way for the cards you mention. Just do what is most convenient for you.

Thanks, everyone. I went ahead and applied for the SPG and was instantly approved. I'll cancel the Platinum sometime after I'm billed the annual fee, probably later this month.