There seems to be a lot published on the Web about the US AmEx policy of (apparently) not doing a hard credit check for people that already have an existing credit card account with AX directly. But depending on where you look, Ive come across wording that says they dont pull the credit if you are denied, but do pull the hard credit if you are approved.... so in the end, it seems like you will have to take a hard inquiry if you in fact get approved for a 2nd card - despite already having an open account with them.

Some additional background. I recently moved to the US and had to restart building my personal credit. Have had a US personal Platinum card for 20 months now and the AX website is suggesting I maximize my rewards by combining another card. Im looking into the Blue Cash Preferred Card as I think that a Credit Card that informs an actual credit line (rather than a another charge card) would be better for my current US credit profile. Ive had to open various new credit accounts over the past months (credit cards, car lease, business credit cards with personal credit pull) so Im being somewhat stingy with my new hard pulls to try to protect my score..... hence my question about how this supposed non-hard pull actually works for AmEx users here in the States.

I would also love to get the Gold Card because of the Bonus MR offer and the statement credits.... but not sure that AX would allow me to combine both cards with my existing Personal Platinum - and of course there would be the issue of another potential hard credit check for this other card.

Am I reading this correctly....?

Sorry for the long post/question and thanks for any insights you all can provide.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K