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If you're an American Express Gold card holder considering upgrading to Platinum, you're not alone. Many cardholders are in the same boat, weighing the pros and cons of making the switch.
The upgrade process is relatively straightforward, with American Express offering a direct upgrade path from Gold to Platinum. This means you can apply for the Platinum card and, if approved, your benefits and rewards will be transferred over.
To qualify for the upgrade, you'll need to have had your Gold card for at least 12 months and have a good payment history. This is a key factor, as American Express takes into account your creditworthiness and payment behavior when considering your upgrade request.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to Platinum depends on your individual needs and spending habits. If you frequently use your card for high-end travel, dining, or entertainment, the Platinum card's benefits may be a good fit for you.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already have the Amex Gold Card, you might be wondering if it's worth upgrading to the Amex Platinum Card. The answer depends on your spending habits and needs.
If most of your spending is on dining and supermarkets, the Amex Gold Card's 4X rewards can be immensely valuable. However, if you have substantial travel expenses, the Amex Platinum Card might be a better choice with its 5X rewards on direct airline purchases, prepaid hotels, and Amex Travel bookings.
You won't receive the American Express Platinum card's welcome bonus offer of 80,000 points if you upgrade from Amex Gold Card to American Express Platinum card. The card number, credit limit, and APR won't change, but the new card will come with a different expiration date and security code.
There's no hard inquiry associated with an upgrade, so there's no effect on your credit score. You'll get perks like 5 points / $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 spent per year) and prepaid hotels booked with Amex.
Here are some key differences to consider:
Keep in mind that the Amex Platinum Card's annual fee is significantly higher than the Amex Gold Card's, but it offers more rewards and benefits. If you can take advantage of the card's travel and entertainment credits, it might be worth the upgrade.
Why Upgrade to Platinum?
The Amex Platinum Card offers 5X rewards on direct airline purchases, prepaid hotels, and Amex Travel bookings.
If you have substantial travel expenses, the Amex Platinum Card is a better choice.
The card includes over $1,000 in travel and entertainment credits, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers.
The Amex Platinum Card comes with a hefty $695 annual fee, so it's essential to weigh the benefits against the cost.
If most of your spending is on dining and supermarkets, the Amex Gold Card's 4X rewards can be more valuable than the Amex Platinum Card's benefits.
However, if you're a frequent traveler, the Amex Platinum Card's rewards and credits can make it well worth the annual fee.
Upgrade Information
Upgrading to the Amex Platinum Card from the Amex Gold Card can be a great decision, but it's essential to consider the costs and benefits.
To be eligible for an upgrade, you should wait until you've had the Amex Gold Card for at least 12 months. This allows you to redeem any non-transferable reward points you've previously earned.
If you upgrade from Amex Gold Card to American Express Platinum card, you won’t receive the American Express Platinum card’s welcome bonus offer of 80,000 points. This is a significant consideration, especially if you're looking to earn a large number of points.
Here are some key points to know about upgrading from Amex Gold to Amex Platinum:
- To be eligible for an upgrade, you should wait until you’ve had the card for at least 12 months.
- If you upgrade from Amex Gold Card to American Express Platinum card, you won’t receive the American Express Platinum card’s welcome bonus offer of 80,000 points.
- American Express will credit the pro-rated portion of the Amex Gold Card’s annual fee that you’ve already paid toward the new American Express Platinum card.
- The card number, credit limit, and APR won’t change. But the new card will come with a different expiration date and security code.
- There’s no hard inquiry associated with an upgrade, so there’s no effect on your credit score.
The upgrade process typically takes 7-10 business days, and you'll receive your new card with the upgraded benefits and features.
To Platinum?
If most of your spending is on dining and supermarkets, the Amex Gold Card's 4X rewards can be immensely valuable.
The Amex Gold Card is a great choice for those with dining and supermarket-heavy spending habits, making it a solid option for many cardholders.
The Amex Platinum Card, on the other hand, offers 5X rewards on direct airline purchases, prepaid hotels, and Amex Travel bookings, making it a better choice for those with substantial travel expenses.
The Amex Platinum Card's annual fee is $695, which is a significant amount, but the card's benefits can be worth it for frequent travelers.
If you have travel expenses that outweigh the benefits of the Amex Gold Card, it might be time to consider upgrading to the Amex Platinum Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Amex Gold bonus if I already have Platinum?
To earn the Amex Gold bonus, you must spend only with the Gold Card, not with the Platinum Card. If you have both, earning the Gold bonus is separate from earning Membership Rewards points.
Can I get Amex Gold Sub if I have Platinum Reddit?
No, having an Amex Platinum Reddit subscription makes you ineligible for the Gold SUB. To get both, upgrade to Gold first.
Can I have both Amex Gold and Amex Platinum?
Yes, you can have both Amex Gold and Amex Platinum, but consider waiting for a better offer on one of them to avoid unnecessary fees.
Sources
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/AMEX-Gold-to-Platinum/td-p/6750878
- https://www.pointchaser.com/guide/amex-gold-to-platinum-upgrade/
- https://frequentmiler.com/amex-adds-one-in-a-lifetime-family-language-to-gold-card/
- https://militarymoneymanual.com/upgrade-amex-gold-platinum/
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/upgrade-amex-gold-to-platinum-2140710211/
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