Introduction
A while back, I had written about my downgrade from the AMEX Business Platinum to the Green card since I didn’t think the $450 AF was justified. Well last week, AMEX emailed me a promo whereby if I upgraded to the Platinum card, I’d earn 50,000 Membership Rewards points if I spent $10,000 in 5 months.
Why you should do it
It was a no-brainer to do this upgrade. The main reason is that the business Plat card signup bonus is once per lifetime, so I’d never be able to get 100K or 150K for signing up again. With this upgrade, I’ll get the 2 x $200 airline credits, the GoGo passes, Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge access, and of course the 50K MR all for a net cost of $50.
Actually, I think I may have issues with the airline credit since I already got the $200 credit back in January 2016, before downgrading to the Green, and since I’m keeping the same number all along, I’m not sure if the system will automatically give it again. If it doesn’t, I’m sure a quick call would resolve it.
Process to upgrade
It was fairly easy to do the upgrade. I just logged onto my account and when I chose the business green card, I got a popup telling me about the upgrade offer. Three clicks later, that was it! On my account, I had issues, and so had to call in. I asked him about the $95 AF on the Green card, and he said that would be prorated and then I’d be billed $450.
Lessons Learned
Since AMEX made their signup bonuses more strict, the only game left is the downgrade/upgrade game (similar to the Hilton cards.)
had my newly re-approved business gold card eligible a few days ago and wanted to wait a bit before i upgrade and now it says i’m not eligible anymore through the link. Anybody see that before? Will it become available for me ever again on that card?
First time I’ve heard of that happening as well as this upgrade offer, so hard to predict down the road.
any point doing it if i never had the amex bs platinum?
No, I wouldn’t risk missing out on the signup bonus.
Fantastic news. Thanks for the article. I have it on my AMEX Business Gold (which just posted it’s first year AF, so I was ready to close it).
I got it on both of my Business Greens. I’m going to hold off until closer to 10/1 because I’ll convert back to Green after I redeem the 2017 airline credit. Or 2018 if I decide to keep one for a year.
The bonus does mention you’re not eligible if you have upgraded the account in he past.
I’ve got several AUs on each account that all have the AT&T offer loaded. That will help toward the 10k. I’m thinking of switching to Verizon soon though and I don’t really want to deal with AT&T refunding directly back to the card.
Ah I didn’t see the wording about the eligibility if you’ve upgraded in past. Good eye.
So this bypasses Amex’s lifetime rule?
It SHOULD Ken. I didn’t see anything in the t&c that says you’re excluded if you’ve had the Plat in past.
That would be great. Keep us posted.