+1 on both of these points. The Citi Amex is run under a license from Amex and is not considered anything other than a Citi card. Confusing, yes, but true.

As explained in post #2 in that other thread, the reason you apply for both personal cards on the same day is that Citi's systems will apparently not yet recognize you as a current cardholder. Wait until tomorrow, Citi's systems will recognize you as a current cardholder, and any application for a personal (not business) card will be rejected on those grounds. The received wisdom on reapplying for a personal card after being denied on "first-time customers only" grounds is that you're at least 12-18 months from applying for another personal card. Given that this offer has remained effective well past its expiration date, I wouldn't count on the offer being there that long. So assuming your budget and your credit rating can take the applications and the associated spending requirements, this may effectively be a one-time deal.

I speak with some conviction and experience on this topic. I was a relative newbie when I came upon this offer. I read post #2, did not believe it could really work that way, and applied for only one card. Given the success I've seen others have in applying for two cards in the months since, I count this as one of my biggest blunders since joining FT.

But again, don't do it if your credit rating can't handle the applications or if your budget won't let you meet the spending requirements. I speak with some conviction and experience on that topic as well.