Is There A New 4 Credit Card Limit From American Express?
Yesterday Doctor of Credit shared some news that there may be a new 4 credit card limit from American Express. This came from a few reports and people were actually told by Amex reps that this was a new rule. This comes just a few days after people reporting denials from American Express for various reasons other than the 4 card limit. Up until now Amex has allowed most people to get 5 credit cards (and that did not include charge cards like the Amex Gold). But it appears that could be changing.
UPDATE: It appears charge cards are being including in the 4 maximum some of the time as well.
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Why This Matters
It is hard to say for sure if this is a hard and fast rule yet. But with reps coming out and saying the 4 credit card limit is the reason for the denial does give it a lot of credence. We all know Amex reps give bad info from time to time but since there are multiple reports it seems likely. Some are even being cited the 4 limit and it is including their charge cards as well.
This change would mean you would need to close down a few cards before getting a new American Express credit card, assuming you are at the old 5 card cap currently. That makes it difficult for some people because they keep cards around for the perks or spending opportunities.
Let’s say you have an Aspire card for the perks, the Surpass card for grocery spend and the $15K free night and the Blue Business Plus for all around spend. You are already coming up against the barrier if 4 cards is the new norm. That doesn’t include people that use multiple Delta cards (some up to 4) to spend towards status etc. I think many of us could be dealing with this exact scenario.
Final Thoughts
This would be a pretty limiting rule for everyone in this space if it is in fact a new rule. It would make sense in this economic climate that Amex would want to limit their exposure. This along with them increasing denials could be a shade of things to come. We could be in for a bumpy ride folks so buckle up.
Share your data points in the comments.
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Mark, I have been told – on more than one occasion – that AMEX NEW ACCOUNT REPS are based ONLY in New Delhi, India. As such there is NO TIME WHATSOEVER to speak with such a U.S. based rep. While I find that hard to believe, it is not surprising. The “minimum wage” is much lower in southeast Asia than in the U.S. Regards, Charles
[…] may be at it again: Is There A New 4 Credit Card Limit From American Express? i am sensing the answer is yes. I am also sensing there may be higher increased credit card offers […]
Not what the DOC story said. Reps are saying a limit of 4 “lending products” not just credit cards.
I will add that in Tom – thanks
I have been an American Express member since 1975! and currently have four (4) AMEX cards; two (2) personal. two (2) business. Earlier today I applied for the Lowes Business card. I received an almost immediate response – DECLINED! After several attempts to get a reason, I searched for a tel# for new business accounts. I called 800 492 3344. The automated system directed me to 800 567 1083. I spoke to a rep in New Delhi, India (oh how I wish all AMEX employees were in the U.S.) who advised me that I was at the (new) limit of four (4) cards and could not be approved for a fifth account. He advised that the “Executive team” was not available on Sat/Sun and to call again on Mon May 18. He speculated that if I “closed” one of my business accounts, the exec team “might” approve me for the Lowes card. I have no other option than to call again on May 18.
Thanks for the info Charles – let us know what they say on Monday when you call.
Mark, You would not believe the ENORMOUS HASSLES I’ve just experienced with AMEX. Timeline: Call#1. 8:01AM EDT – Disconnect. Call#2. 8:03AM – Advised rep of what had transpired on 5/16. Rep says he’ll connect me with someone who will assist. 8:06AM – 2nd rep (in Manila) says he is in “customer service” (NOT NEW ACCOUNTS) and cannot help. 8:09AM – Third rep (in New Delhi) gives me long winded speech saying at some point that I have already agreed to close a business account. I tell her I have not agreed to anything and will close a current account only if AMEX opens the Lowes business account. Rep further says that the “executive team” doesn’t answer calls until 9AM EDT. At approx 8:38AM and 38 minutes into today’s attempts, I told the rep in no uncertain terms, to send me an e-mail with AMEX’s decision and hung up!!
It is tough with everyone spread out all over the place. We are getting reps that are not well versed in things lately and they have little assistance to rely on while at home etc. I would try a little later in the day and hopefully you get a US based rep.
FWIW, all of a sudden I can not link more than 4 AMEX Cards to use points via Amazon. I’ve tried everything including removing cards and then re-adding, etc.
I get strange messages too, like after trying to link a Blue for Business card, “American Express reports that you do not have a Membership Rewards account.” I mean, WTH? I checked my accounts and just recently used a few points on the last Amazon deal and they worked fine.
Something weird is going on, that is for sure.
Strange – thanks for sharing Carl