Amex 3/90

Understanding the Amex 3/90 rule:

You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days. Since American Express cards aren't subject to the 5/24 rule (and Amex business cards don't count towards 5/24) this rule might be easier to trigger if you have a business with a considerable spend -- and are applying for multiple Amex business cards in a short span. We'll keep track and warn you if you attempt to apply for a card in this time period. Some people have been approved for a third card, but we generally don't suggest pushing the limits, so when we warn you that you've tripped this rule, we will use two cards.

Charge cards vs. credit cards

One thing you should be aware of regarding American Express is the difference between charge cards and credit cards. Some of Amex’s cards are charge cards, which are different from credit cards in that you must pay off the balance in full each month. There is no pre-set spending limit on these cards. American Express does offer the ability to pay over time, essentially turning these charge cards into credit cards, by having a minimum payment and charging interest, usually at a very high rate.

Important to know:

The following cards are considered charge cards:

• American Express Plum
• American Express Green
• American Express Gold
• American Express Platinum
• American Express Business Green
• American Express Business Gold
• American Express Business Platinum

If you research this rule more, you'll see some sites say that this rule does not apply to the above charge cards and is a way to get around being approved for more than two cards in 90 days. You'll see other sites that say this rule does indeed apply to charge cards and you will be denied for a third card regardless of whether or not it's a charge card or a credit card. If you peruse points and miles forums, you'll see more of the same - some people say they have applied for and been approved for two credit cards and then for a charge card (or two) in a 90 day period. Some say they have not. So what to make of this?

We leave the charge cards out of this rule, meaning you won't trip this rule if you've applied for two "credit cards" from American Express then apply for one of the above "charge cards" in a 90 day period. This means you can get any of the above cards plus two traditional credit cards from Amex within 90 days and not trip this rule. Just because you could do that doesn’t necessarily mean you should though. We always suggest taking a more cautious approach to points and miles because that will keep you in the hobby longer.

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.