According to other threads in this forum, you cannot upgrade from one Amex card to another within 12 months of opening an account. This is reportedly due to the new credit card regulations banning an increase of the annual fee in the first 12 months. So be careful if you plan to get the Gold card this year because you won't be able to upgrade to Platinum or Reserve for 12 months, at which point it may be too late to meet the spend threshold for the extra MQMs.