Amex getting tougher on SUBS

[redpat]

Amex added new language restricting SUBS.  They look at closed and open accounts.

So it's just not once in a lifetime anymore.  

Just more to remember about your credit report / profile before applying.

[K-in-Boston]

Big and bold now at the top of the offer terms:

Welcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had this Card. We may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.

That's in addition to the language that they added not that long ago:

If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with the welcome offer in any way or that you intend to do so (for example, if you applied for one or more cards to obtain a welcome offer (s) that we did not intend for you; if you cancel or downgrade your account within 12 months after acquiring it; or if you cancel or return purchases you made to meet the Threshold Amount), we may not credit Membership Rewards points to, we may freeze Membership Rewards points credited to, or we may take away Membership Rewards points from your account. We may also cancel this Card account and other Card accounts you may have with us.

[simplynoir]

I think if you're a regular customer but you churn a card or two I *think* you should be okay staying off AMEX's radar but man that statement on their T&C is a real blanket statement to cover pretty much everything. Imagine applying for a card and them giving a generic "you're not eligible" statement like when banks give denials for CLIs. This is going to be interesting to say the least with future datapoints.

[Anonymous]

I am not really concerned about the new language.  I think they are just clarifying their previous warnings about SUBs.  Unless you are the type of person who constantly gets a new card and cancels immediately after getting the SUB,  I don’t think they will come after the majority of us, even if you have had multiple Amex cards now and in the past.

[Anonymous]

Wow, i'd imagine we may start seeing people coming in here in the future to let us know that AMEX has denied their bonus due to the language above.

[Anonymous]

I’d much rather see this than nerfing MRs somehow. It’s frustrating when a small subculture of any sort ruins a good thing for the majority. While hard core churners may not have done anything technically “wrong”, these outcomes are utterly inevitable.

[nenuco]

Thanks for the info!

I understand wanting to stop those from gaming the system, but there is already language in place that indicates that the bonus could be reversed or denied if the particular card was downgraded or cancelled within 12 months. Also there is explicit language for obtaining a bonus once per lifetime. Now it's up to AMEX to decide if a customer is worthy of a bonus after initial spending and thinking you are eligible for said bonus?

When applying for a card AMEX should let you know then if you qualify for the bonus. With some preliminary information you would be able to see where you stand. Then proceed with the application if you like.

I am all for cutting out the bad apples that result in the majority to loose out on benefits. Hopefully as general as this language is, it ends up targeting those who abuse the system, with minimal crossfire to loyal customers. 

[AverageJoesCredit]

Churn baby CHURN

[red259]

This language is confusing. When are they going to decide if you can have the SUB? After you have made all the required spend? If they don't want to give somebody another card fine or warn the person in advance they won't get the bonus. If its a situation where Amex is denying points after the spend is made then that crosses a major line. 

[K-in-Boston]

I agree that transparency could be a lot better on whether a customer will be eligible for the welcome offer or not.  On the other hand, I can completely see why it's in place.  I cringe every time I see someone suggest signing up for a waived AF Platinum cobrand, double-dipping the airline credit and closing the card.