Introduction
For the longest time, AMEX has had a rule where you can only concurrently have 4 CREDIT CARDS at a given time. You can have as many charge cards as you want (Platinum, Gold, Green, etc.) However, a few months ago, there were some reports on Reddit that people have gotten a FIFTH AMEX credit card.
AMEX Mercdes Benz Platinum 75K
A week ago or so, when AMEX increased the MB Plat to 75K MR, I decided to apply for that card for my wife since she currently has no Platinum card (and we need it for the AS Boardroom at Seatac with Priority Pass.) Well, since she was already going to get a HP, I figured I’d also apply for the free AMEX Hilton 75K as well. Her current AMEX CREDIT CARDS at the time were – SPG, Business SPG, Simply Cash, and Surpass. I applied for the MB Plat 75K first and got an INSTANT APPROVAL.
AMEX Hilton 75K
When I applied for this card, it went pending. I thought about having her call to maybe close one of the SPG cards, but I just kept trying to value the SPG card over the 75K one-time bonus with the HH card. Eventually I decided to just let the chips fall where they may. A week later, I got a fat envelope from AMEX in the mail – BOOM! She got approved for it as well!
Long Term Goal
Next year, when the AF comes due for the Surpass, I plan on cancelling it and then hoping to be able to ‘upgrade’ the free HH to the Surpass for some extra points. I haven’t decided whether I want to push and get a 6th cc yet (I think I’ll wait for some Reddit data points first.) For me, I am definitely getting my 5th AMEX on my next round of apps.
Four Cards? I recently had six total, although one was the standard gold charge. I had an Optima platinum, a gold Delta, a blue Delta, a gold premier rewards card, and an everyday preferred card. I have since dropped the blue Delta, the standard gold charge, and the optima.
When did you apply for the 5th CREDIT card?
Just within the last 5-6 weeks. I did the cancellation this week. Got 50K on the gold premier but sadly only 10K for the everyday, not the 25K I wanted. My first payment is due on the everyday in a week, so I guess it has been 6 weeks.
Isnt the Amex 4 card limit only for credit cards and not charge cards? I thought the MB Plat was a charge card…
The Hilton is the 5th card.
By next year you won’t be able to upgrade the no AF card to Surpass and get the points since she’d have already have had the Surpass card before. Or am I missing something?
No I hear the ‘upgrade’ bonus is immune to the ‘had this card already t&c’
Well damn, that’s good to know.
Yeah I have read of people doing it a couple times now…basically every other year since you have to have the no fee 12 months I think. The 100k upgrade offer was nice a few weeks ago -normally 50k!
So I should get a Surpass now in hopes of the upgrade path working down the line?
I would get the No AF card and then upgrade it to the surpass in 12 months. 2 Bonuses for 1 pull.
I already have the $0AF card. I could get the Surpass now, then cancel the Surpass and upgrade the $0AF card later.
that’s the play. don’t upgrade w/o getting the card first [for the signon bonus].
Ok, I thought I had it right but wasn’t sure. Thanks for confirming.
Good point!