Can you get the signup bonus as an existing Amex cardholder?

[NewSurrender]

Can't remember where, but I read that if you apply for another Amex card while you're logged in, you're not eligible for any signup bonuses, since it's for new cardholders only.

When I do apply for my BCP, I'd like to do while signed in, since in case I get denied (small chance by that time, I think, but you never know), it'll only be a SP, but if I have to forfeit the $150, I'd rather just take the risk.

Any insight on this? Sorry for the silly question, just wanted to clear this up.

[Smerri1029]

Correct. If you are logged in as an "existing customer" then you are not eligable for any signup bonus. If you are logged out and just apply you are. Me personally, I'd rather the signup bonus (sometimes it's the only point of signing up for a card).

[emptypockets]

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@Smerri1029 wrote:

Correct. If you are logged in as an "existing customer" then you are not eligable for any signup bonus. If you are logged out and just apply you are. Me personally, I'd rather the signup bonus (sometimes it's the only point of signing up for a card).

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I don't know if it is true that you are not eligible for ANY signup bonus. The AMEX Gold and Plat specifically state that you cannot get the bonus if you have had those cards within the past 90 days.When I received my BCP in March (already had Gold PR, and Hilton Honors, and Delta) I still got the $150 bonus. Also received HH sign up bonus when I got the card (60k miles) even though I already had the other cards. These apps were done while signed in on the website. Read the fine print on the app, and/or call customer service to confirm. I have read that sometimes you may not be eligible for the bonuses, but they will give you them to you if you talk to them nicely.

[NewSurrender]

So what's the consensus? If it's the first time I'm applying for a particular card, will I get the sign up bonus regardless of whether or not I'm signed in, or does that vary from card to card?

[Open123]

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@NewSurrender wrote:

So what's the consensus? If it's the first time I'm applying for a particular card, will I get the sign up bonus regardless of whether or not I'm signed in, or does that vary from card to card?

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Usually, when logged into your existing cardmember account, many of the signup bonus id codes will not prefill or reflect on your sign up page.  All things being equal, with Amex, it is always best to apply when not logged into your account with cookies cleared to ensure you will receive a particular sign up bonus.

One way to receive the sign up bonus as an existing member is to call in and apply with a CSR over the phone.  If you mention the bonus id code, they will often help you apply as an existing member with the bonus reflected by your code.

In short, if you prefer online, do not apply as an existing member or upgrade (unless specificially targetted).  If you prefer to apply as an existing member, then call into and app with a CSR.