Amex 1/10

Understanding the Amex 1/10 rule:

American Express won't allow you to get a sign-up bonus if you currently have -- or have had -- the exact version of that card. Fortunately, if you're logged into the Amex site, they usually will warn you if you are not eligible. It's worth noting that if they re-release a card -- as they did the Amex Gold card in 2018 -- you're immediately eligible again, even if you had the old card. Because this rule is based on having the card (and not based on receiving the bonus) we generally don't recommend card downgrades on Amex. We write and track this rule as 1/10 because there's information suggesting it might actually only be a 10-year prohibition on the sign-up bonus, and not a lifetime. Plus most Amex cards are refreshed every ten years.

About Approval Rules

Collecting credit card points is largely driven by understanding and abiding by bank rules regarding approval (or disapproval) of cards.  So here’s what you need to know:

• Approval rules are rarely fully publicized by the banks
• We use our own research and data points from other users in creating the rules listing
• Our goal in sharing/using the rule listings is to provide you guidance to avoid getting declined
• There can sometimes be exceptions to the rules, but we try to take a more cautious approach in advising you.