Amex Upgrading/Converting Card Policy

[Anonymous]

Here's my situation: I have had two Amex cards since 1999. I have had the Amex Blue since it first came out, and had the Amex Optima Platinium also since '99. I converted the Amex Optima Platinium to an Amex Everyday card a couple of months ago since the orignal card was no longer being offered. That was suposedly my only option to convert to.

Now Amex is saying they are going to convert the Amex Blue to an Amex Everyday. I don't want to have two Amex Everyday cards, but they are saying that they can only convert a card within the same family. They told me I can apply for another card, but obviously that woud be a HP and effect my AAOA. 

Is there no other way to change the card to another card by a back door approach? Is this a situation where I contact the EO?

I'm irritated since I've been with them since 1999, they know my EX score, have a perfect track record, but it seems somewhat of an inflexible stance that you can convert only within a card family. I'm sure others have encountered this before. 

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Here's my situation: I have had two Amex cards since 1999. I have had the Amex Blue since it first came out, and had the Amex Optima Platinium also since '99. I converted the Amex Optima Platinium to an Amex Everyday card a couple of months ago since the orignal card was no longer being offered. That was suposedly my only option to convert to.

Now Amex is saying they are going to convert the Amex Blue to an Amex Everyday. I don't want to have two Amex Everyday cards, but they are saying that they can only convert a card within the same family. They told me I can apply for another card, but obviously that woud be a HP and effect my AAOA. 

Is there no other way to change the card to another card by a back door approach? Is this a situation where I contact the EO?

I'm irritated since I've been with them since 1999, they know my EX score, have a perfect track record, but it seems somewhat of an inflexible stance that you can convert only within a card family. I'm sure others have encountered this before. 

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Right, who would?!

In general, Amex policy is or has been to disallow PCs when transitioning from one uinque rewards structure to another.  In this case, the Blue has MR Rewards, and the ED cards are the only consumer revolvers with a similar rewards program.  

While I haven't been attempted this personally (will so soon, and request a PC from HHonors to SPG), you may be able to request an exception.  With Amex's, regardless of their "set" policy, they do tend to make more "exceptions" than other Issuers.  In your case, worth a try to plead your case.

Good luck!

[kdm31091]

I agree that although a CSR may tell you a "policy", it seems Amex has somewhat more leeway with it when it comes to PCs. They don't allow anything and everything of course but if you plead your case, you may get better results.

You say "they told you" they are PCing your card to the ED -- I can only imagine they are discontinuing the Blue, as there is little point to its existence with the Everyday.

[Anonymous]

A CSR told me yesterday that they are PCing the Blue card into an ED card soon. 

So is this something to email the EX or more so a call with a request to speak with a supervisor, since when speaking or chatting with a CSR, even though I state umpteen times I already have an ED card and they should be able to see that from my account, they repeat rebotically that I can PC the Blue to an EV?

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

A CSR told me yesterday that they are PCing the Blue card into an ED card soon. 

So is this something to email the EX or more so a call with a request to speak with a supervisor, since when speaking or chatting with a CSR, even though I state umpteen times I already have an ED card and they should be able to see that from my account, they repeat rebotically that I can PC the Blue to an EV?

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While there are no assurances of success, I'd write a letter to their Executive Offices explaining your situation.  Their office will give you a call, where hopefully they'll grant you an exception, once you explain your situation.

Good luck!

[NRB525]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Here's my situation: I have had two Amex cards since 1999. I have had the Amex Blue since it first came out, and had the Amex Optima Platinium also since '99. I converted the Amex Optima Platinium to an Amex Everyday card a couple of months ago since the orignal card was no longer being offered. That was suposedly my only option to convert to.

Now Amex is saying they are going to convert the Amex Blue to an Amex Everyday. I don't want to have two Amex Everyday cards, but they are saying that they can only convert a card within the same family. They told me I can apply for another card, but obviously that woud be a HP and effect my AAOA. 

Is there no other way to change the card to another card by a back door approach? Is this a situation where I contact the EO?

I'm irritated since I've been with them since 1999, they know my EX score, have a perfect track record, but it seems somewhat of an inflexible stance that you can convert only within a card family. I'm sure others have encountered this before. 

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I can understand that you want to stay away from two EveryDay cards, but they will keep the same original opening date, and are no AF cards, so there's really no penalty from this.

With scores 775-800, you could afford the HP to get another card, and you are aware, I presume,.that nearly all the AMEX cards that are interesting have a sign up bonus, in amounts ranging from "that's nice" to "That Really Is Nice!".

Good luck with trying to convert the ED cards, but if it were me, I wouldn't worry too much about it, and realize there are several familes of cards in AMEX, each with some rather lucrative sign up bonus structures.

[Open123]

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@NRB525 wrote:

With scores 775-800, you could afford the HP to get another card, and you are aware, I presume,.that nearly all the AMEX cards that are interesting have a sign up bonus, in amounts ranging from "that's nice" to "That Really Is Nice!".

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Moreover, with Amex, PC'ing into a card will not only cause one to miss out on a current bonus, but be disqualified from any potential future bonuses.  When backdating existed, it was Rewards 101 to *NEVER* PC Amex cards (unless an upgrade bonus was available), and *ALWAYS* initiate a new App in private browser mode.  And, with backdating, no HP if declined, and only an HP on EX with AAOA enhancement, since new Amex TLs were never treated as such.  It was truly remarkable the amount of PC'ing Amex cards that was taking place here.

Now, with backdating gone, the price for a new Amex is HP and new TL.  So, if one places the price of an HP/New TL greater than, say, the PRG offer of 50K MR, no first year fee, 2X dining, 3X travel, $200 Airline GC credit, and roadside service, then PC, and don't app.

*Edited*  PS - One could only have sympathy for those unfortuante souls who were advised to PC (especially when backdating existed, missing out on 10 years of AAOA enhancements, all to avoid an HP which is meaningless after 12 months, and disappears after 24) from the Green, to the PRG, and then to the Plat, missing out not only on every bonus along the way, but every future bonus until time immemorial, unless Amex changes their one per lifetime policy.  This is clearly a vivid example of well meaning advice that made abslutely no sense.

[Anonymous]

Guess I'd like to find a work around for a PC without a HP. I'm HP adverse. What about where is says, "If we identify you as currently having an American Express® Card account, you may not be eligible for this welcome bonus offer. This offer is also not available to applicants who have or have had this product." I'm interested in the Premier Rewards Gold Card, and those 50,000 points. I might be tempted to take the HP. 

So Open13, what are your scores and CCs? 

[kdm31091]

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@Open123 wrote:

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@NRB525 wrote:

With scores 775-800, you could afford the HP to get another card, and you are aware, I presume,.that nearly all the AMEX cards that are interesting have a sign up bonus, in amounts ranging from "that's nice" to "That Really Is Nice!".

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Moreover, with Amex, PC'ing into a card will not only cause one to miss out on a current bonus, but be disqualified from any potential future bonuses.  When backdating existed, it was Rewards 101 to *NEVER* PC Amex cards (unless an upgrade bonus was available), and *ALWAYS* initiate a new App in private browser mode.  And, with backdating, no HP if declined, and only an HP on EX with AAOA enhancement, since new Amex TLs were never treated as such.  It was truly remarkable the amount of PC'ing Amex cards that was taking place here.

Now, with backdating gone, the price for a new Amex is HP and new TL.  So, if one places the price of an HP/New TL greater than, say, the PRG offer of 50K MR, no first year fee, 2X dining, 3X travel, $200 Airline GC credit, and roadside service, then PC, and don't app.

*Edited*  PS - One could only have sympathy for those unfortuante souls who were advised to PC (especially when backdating existed, missing out on 10 years of AAOA enhancements, all to avoid an HP which is meaningless after 12 months, and disappears after 24) from the Green, to the PRG, and then to the Plat, missing out not only on every bonus along the way, but every future bonus until time immemorial, unless Amex changes their one per lifetime policy.  This is clearly a vivid example of well meaning advice that made abslutely no sense.

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One still gets the 2x dining/3x travel/airline credit/roadside service whether they PC or cold app. They only lose the bonus and first year fee waiver (which may be important, but your list makes it seems like PCing makes you lose every benefit).

[NRB525]

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@kdm31091 wrote:

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@Open123 wrote:

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@NRB525 wrote:

With scores 775-800, you could afford the HP to get another card, and you are aware, I presume,.that nearly all the AMEX cards that are interesting have a sign up bonus, in amounts ranging from "that's nice" to "That Really Is Nice!".

---

Moreover, with Amex, PC'ing into a card will not only cause one to miss out on a current bonus, but be disqualified from any potential future bonuses.  When backdating existed, it was Rewards 101 to *NEVER* PC Amex cards (unless an upgrade bonus was available), and *ALWAYS* initiate a new App in private browser mode.  And, with backdating, no HP if declined, and only an HP on EX with AAOA enhancement, since new Amex TLs were never treated as such.  It was truly remarkable the amount of PC'ing Amex cards that was taking place here.

Now, with backdating gone, the price for a new Amex is HP and new TL.  So, if one places the price of an HP/New TL greater than, say, the PRG offer of 50K MR, no first year fee, 2X dining, 3X travel, $200 Airline GC credit, and roadside service, then PC, and don't app.

*Edited*  PS - One could only have sympathy for those unfortuante souls who were advised to PC (especially when backdating existed, missing out on 10 years of AAOA enhancements, all to avoid an HP which is meaningless after 12 months, and disappears after 24) from the Green, to the PRG, and then to the Plat, missing out not only on every bonus along the way, but every future bonus until time immemorial, unless Amex changes their one per lifetime policy.  This is clearly a vivid example of well meaning advice that made abslutely no sense.

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One still gets the 2x dining/3x travel/airline credit/roadside service whether they PC or cold app. They only lose the bonus and first year fee waiver (which may be important, but your list makes it seems like PCing makes you lose every benefit).

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You do lose all the benefits, if you PC, because the first year AF is no longer waived, so you have to start trying to earn out of the AF from day one, not on day 366 if the card is still open and the AF is charged.