Churn American Express Credit Card Every 12 Months?

American Express used to allow a person to re-apply the same credit card every 24 months and earn sign-up bonus points again.  They no longer reward sign-up bonus points again for the same card applicant since 2014.

There seems to be a loophole.  I found via my American Express account, that referring a friend may be another story.

The clause "who have had this product within the last 12 months" is the key difference.  The phrase " .... you MAY NOT be ..." means it is still possible that you may be.  Both Isa and I were able to earn sign-up bonus points when we applied for American Express Premier Gold late last year and early this year, even though we have been American Express card members.    It was our first time getting the American Express Premier Gold card though.  That may be the eligibility determinant.

If we apply an American Express card via non-referral channel, the offer term explicitly spells out the offer is not available to applicants who have or have had this product, regardless of 12 months ago or not.

OFFER TERMS

If we identify you as currently having an American Express® Card account, you may not be eligible for this welcome bonus offer. This offer is also not available to applicants who have or have had this product.



I would apply this card again for sign-up bonus if

• have not had the same card for the last 12 months.
• applying through the referral link from a friend.  (Email me if you need one)
• currently do not hold more than 3 AMEX credit cards
• and, there are no other AMEX credit cards with better sign-up bonuses. 

I would also call AMEX via the phone number in the referral email.  Both Isa and I have AMEX Premier Gold cards, so we will not be thinking about applying again at least for the next 12 months.