I like so many other points and mile enthusiasts decided to apply for the SPG American Express Card this week, during a limited sign-up (or is it sign-on?) promotion offering 30,000 points, instead of the usual 25,000 point promo. Since I already have the personal version of this card, I applied for the business card (offering the same 30,000 point promo). Of course, I waited until the very last day to apply (why do I do this?).
Suffice it to say, I submitted the application online, and – bingo -a message pops up saying We Have a Decision. I doubted the response would be pretty – I keep a block on my credit due to a minor identity theft problem years ago, so I never get automatic approval. Sure enough, I was declined because I have too many American Express Accounts. How many is too many?
I counted. I have 5 personal Amex cards, and 1 Amex business card. I tried to phone American Express customer service/new application/reconsideration lines, but I kept reaching global agents who did not have a script for my conversation. Finally, I spoke to a supervisor, and I canceled one of my Amex cards, and asked that my SPG Amex application be processed.
A day later, I called and checked my application status….. A cheery agent from somewhere on the other side of the world told me that my application was approved. The world can continue revolving.
So now I will have 4 personal Amex cards, and 2 business Amex cards.
It seems that is the limit. What’s your experience?
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
3 personal and 2 business so I’m not much help here.
I had a very similar experience. I think there’s now a limit of 4 total *credit* cards. Mix and match personal/business – your choice. Charge cards don’t get counted towards this limit.
When I went to apply for the 30,000 point, the offer that came up for me was only for 10,000 points. Rather than call, I decided to skip it. I only have 2 AmEx: Hilton and Platinum. I canceled the gold back in March.
Agree with Robert, 4 total (business/personal) credit cards is the limit (put in place last year). Charge cards do not figure in that count. Makes it difficult to keep two SPG cards for stay credits!
Good to know! I was thinking of getting the 30k SPG business card, but left it to the last day, then never did. Time to clean a little house before the next offer comes around.
When I spoke with an agent in a far-away nation about my declined Amex SPG biz application, he used the term “lending” card as a synonym for what I call “credit” card. As others have reported, he said that 4 lending cards was the limit.
I closed one of my credit cards (detectable by the fact that it has a stated credit line), then had to phone in a couple more times before finally getting an approval.