I'm not quite sure how to ask this, but here goes.

I am a current Skymiles AMEX holder (base model, no annual fee). I see offers to upgrade to Gold but wonder if I have enough income to qualify. It is significantly less than what it was when I got the card (as in sure-enough poverty level now).

I don't want to get rejected and take a hit to my credit score. I REALLY don't want to get rejected AND get the card I currently have canceled.

Also, I see the offers for cards with other FF programs and the bonuses they offer and wonder if I would qualify for them.

So�does anyone know what the minimum income levels are for applying for different cards and/or for upgrading DL AMEX to Gold? (or even Platinum�I have gotten those offers as well)

I don't have any debt (of any kind) at present and pay off my balance on time each month. I just figure with my low income, issuers would be hesitant to give me a new or upgraded card, but if that's not true, I might as well get whatever bonuses/benefits I can.

My experience upgrading amex HH to surpass is soft credit pull only

Thanks for the reply, stupidzbu!

Unfortunately, I have no idea what it means.

I think that you should try applying for non Amex cards if you are concerned about Amex canceling your existing card. Search for issuers that you don't already have a card with. Try to stay away from "signature," "platinum," and other such card types as these may have higher minimum credit limits, which they may not be able to approve you for.

Apply, they are more worried, that you pay your bill in time, than your income.,,

Remember often retired people's income decline, but so does their spending habits..

when you get an offer to UPGRADE an amex product to one that has a higher annual fee and better benefits, AMEX does NOT do a hard pull, which is what you normally get when you apply for a credit card

instead, they do a SOFT pull, which means they get (possibly limited) information to check that you don't have any delinquencies and that's it

it does not negatively affect your credit score and shouldn't negatively affect your amex CC. you either qualify for the upgrade or do not, no retribution from AMEX

I have a very low income because of where I live and working while in university... I've never had anything but an instant approval (1x Capital One, 2x Citi, 3x Amex, 1x HSBC, 2x Chase, 1x Discover, 1x Bank of America).

Thanks for the explanation! That is good information to know.

Especially since the Gold card does not have an annual fee for the first year. I can always convert back to the no-fee basic card after the year is over.

Thanks for the replies so far, everyone. My big concern has been getting rejected and then ruining my credit score by applying for cards that I don;t qualify for. But I have no way to know ahead of time whether my income is high enough for them (assuming there is a minimum income they look for).

A credit card rejection has no effect on your credit score. When you apply for credit the issuer checks your credit report and score. This is called an inquiry. An inquiry will temporarily lower your score by a small amount. If your application is approved, a new account will be reported to the credit bureaus. This may lower or raise your score, depending on your specific circumstances. If the application is not approved, nothing is reported, and your score is unchanged.

I have never thought this to be the case. I think a credit pull and rejection counts the same as an approval and with no new credit line, actually hurts your score.

If you apply, AMEX may ask you to close one account before opening another one.

AMEX did ask for the front page of my tax returns many years ago, at the present time
I have 4 AMEX Cards.