Rules · American Express · Welcome bonus eligibility
American Express: Welcome offer once per lifetime
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.
In the issuer's terms The issuer states this, in a card's terms or an official statement.
What counts, and what doesn't
Applies to: Nearly all American Express personal and business cards
“Welcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had this Card.”
From the card's terms
- It is per card, and each card's terms say which other cards count too (see the family rules).
- "Lifetime" is reported to mean roughly seven years, about how long a closed card stays on your credit file. Amex doesn't say.
- Some targeted mailers and links leave the lifetime language out. When they do, the offer's own terms are what count.
- Amex tells you during the application if you aren't eligible, before you accept the card, so you can stop there.
- The Hilton Honors cards have lifetime language but no family rule as of early 2026: each Hilton card is judged on its own.
Sources
- The Points Analyst: American Express application rules (Jan 2026)
- Frequent Miler: Complete guide to credit card application rules by bank (Feb 2026)
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.
More American Express rules
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.
One card every 5 daysReported by applicants
American Express usually approves no more than one credit card every 5 days.
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.