What is American Express's One card every 5 days?

Rules · American Express · How fast you can apply

American Express: One card every 5 days

American Express usually approves no more than one credit card every 5 days.

Reported by applicants The issuer has never stated this. It is a pattern many applicants have reported, consistent enough to plan around, but not a guarantee.

What counts, and what doesn't

Applies to: American Express credit cards

Charge cards (Green, Gold, Platinum and the business Platinum and Gold) are reported not to count.

Sources

Issuers can approve, decline or withhold a bonus for any reason. These rules describe what usually happens, not a promise of what will. Last verified September 26, 2026.

See what your cards are costing you

More American Express rules

Welcome offer once per lifetimeIn the issuer's terms
American Express generally pays a card's welcome offer once per lifetime: if you have had that card before, you most likely won't get its offer again.
Green, Gold and Platinum familyIn the issuer's terms
Having a more expensive Membership Rewards card blocks the welcome offer on a cheaper one: the Platinum blocks the Gold, and the Gold or Platinum blocks the Green. To earn all three, apply Green, then Gold, then Platinum.
Delta SkyMiles familyIn the issuer's terms
On the personal Delta SkyMiles cards, you can only earn a welcome offer on a card more expensive than any Delta card you have or have had.
Two cards in 90 daysReported by applicants
American Express usually approves no more than two credit cards in any 90 days.
Five credit cards at onceReported by applicants
American Express usually lets you hold up to 5 of its credit cards at one time. Charge cards sit outside that limit.
Marriott Bonvoy cards across Amex and ChaseIn the issuer's terms
Marriott Bonvoy cards are issued by both American Express and Chase, and each card's terms can block its bonus if you recently opened, or recently earned a bonus on, a Marriott card from either bank.