Update: This post includes offers that were valid at the time of publication, but have since expired. Please click here to see the best offers currently available.
This is my third round of publishing easy ways to find credit card upgrade offers from American Express online. Over time, Amex has repeatedly changed the way upgrade offers appear on their website. Shown below are updated instructions for finding consumer upgrade offers. This approach has worked at least since June 2014, so maybe it will work for a while longer…
There are significant advantages of upgrading rather than applying new:
- No new hard credit inquiry
- No new account on your credit report
- Keep the same credit card account number
The primary disadvantage is that the upgrade offers tend to be smaller than the best new signup offers. Plus, you do need to wait 13 months after getting a new card before you can qualify for an upgrade.
Note: I don’t know if this approach works for business cards (my guess is no), but I don’t currently have any upgradeable business cards to test with so please let me know if it works / doesn’t work.
Step 1: Log into your Amex account, then click the Menu button
The Menu button should appear at the top, left of your screen:
Step 2: Click Cards… Personal Cards… View all Personal Charge & Credit Cards
Step 3: Find a card that is an upgrade to one you already have, then click “Apply for an Upgrade”
Examples:
- If you have the Hilton HHonors card, look for the
Hilton Honors Surpass - If you have the EveryDay card, look for the EveryDay Preferred
If you have the Gold Delta SkyMiles card, look for the Platinum Delta SkyMiles card or the Delta Reserve cardIf you have the Platinum Delta SkyMiles, look for the Delta Reserve cardetc.
Update: This offer has expired and/or is not currently available through Frequent Miler
In my case, I have the Platinum Delta SkyMiles card, so I see the following when I look for the upgraded Delta Reserve card:
Step 4: Evaluate the upgrade offer
After clicking “Apply for an Upgrade,” you’ll be taken to an application screen with the upgrade offer details shown along the left side. In my case, I see an offer for 5000 bonus miles and 5000 Medallion Qualifying Miles:
I’m not ready to upgrade my card yet, but when I am, I’ll follow the above steps and apply for the upgrade.