Upgrade = Pre-Approval?

[RobD3]

If I'm offered an upgrade from Amex for the Aspire card, does that mean I'm automatically prequalified for the Aspire card?

[blindambition]

If you mean to apply separately, possibly, but not necessarily. That depends on internal credit limit they're willing to give.

The upgrade would be granted though. Based on relationship and payment/spend history.

[jkry]

I have wondered the same thing.... if I qualify for an "upgrade" from

BCE to the Blue Cash Preferred ; would that signal that I'm qualified to app directly?  I'm pretty sure if I take an upgrade, it does not come with the SUB.   🤔

[RobD3]

Also, it seems that Amex restricts a person to upgrading only while the upgrade offer is in effect. I saw no way around this. I was unable to make a new application for an Aspire card, thereby preventing me from obtaining a new card bonus. Once I typed my personal info in for pre-approval, whether incognito or on another browser, it recognized me and required me to sign in.

This brings 2 questions to mind. 1. How long does the anniversary upgrade offer last? 2. How do you make application for a new account if you know an upgrade offer for that card is in effect or is soon to come? My Gold card will birthday in May and it's likely an upgrade to Platinum will be offered. I don't want to give up my gold but I'd love to have the Platinum.... 

[coldfusion]

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@jkry wrote:

I have wondered the same thing.... if I qualify for an "upgrade" from

BCE to the Blue Cash Preferred ; would that signal that I'm qualified to app directly?  I'm pretty sure if I take an upgrade, it does not come with the SUB.   🤔

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As @blindambition pointed out above, AMEX upgrade offers do not infer any enhanced odds of approval if you choose to directly app for the better card instead of upgrading.   You can however still check for a preapproval for that better card.

AMEX does fairly regularly have promotions where an upgrade offer includes a bonus, so if that's an important consideration for you to upgrade it may be worth holding off this time around and instead wait for a better offer.