Update 6/20: Reader Clara reports getting two offers over the phone: the 180K+10K Business Gold offer AND an offer for the Business Platinum for 250K + 10K (after $30K spend in 6 months) via the authorized user addition. She was sent links to both and wasn’t able to find any “once in a lifetime language” in the terms. She was then able to finish the application online. This is a different Business Platinum offer than the one that we reported was being sent via mailer last month, as that one was a straight 250K and didn’t have an authorized user component. We’re going to do some more digging, but in the meantime this phone option may be more widely applicable (and lucrative) than was originally thought.
Last week, we wrote about a targeted 130K welcome offer for the American Express Business Gold that’s available via certain referral links in some browser configurations. That’s the biggest offer that we’d ever seen on the Business Gold.
At the same time we began seeing reports of an even bigger 180K welcome offer that was being mailed out to certain Amex cardholders. Similar to the 130K offer, the 180K did have Amex’s usual “once in a lifetime” language, meaning that you were ineligible for the welcome offer if you were already a Business Gold cardholder (or if you previously had been in the last 4-7ish years). The problem was that, without receiving a mailer, there was no way to try and find out if you were targeted for the offer.
That’s changed, however, as Doctor of Credit is reporting that you can find out if you’re eligible over the phone…and that some folks are getting an offer for an additional 10K Membership Rewards by adding an employee card, bringing the total welcome offer to 190K. I was able to get access to the 180K offer (which I declined), but wasn’t offered the +10K employee sweetener.
The Deal
- American Express Business Gold targeted welcome offer: Earn 180,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 within the first 6 months of card membership
Check eligibility by calling Amex at 855-531-3491, decline the first offer, and specifically ask for the 180K offer. It will be necessary to apply over the phone.
Key Card Details
| Card Name w Details & Review (no offer) |
|---|
Quick Thoughts
This would qualify as the biggest welcome offer that we’ve ever seen on the Business Gold…and among the largest that we’ve seen on a Membership Rewards-earning card period. But…is it actually better than the 130K referral offer?
I actually turned down the 180K offer, instead opting for the smaller referral offer of 130K. The reason? The spending requirement on the card is doubled to $20K over six months. That’s twice the requirement of the $10,000 required for the 130K referral, but you also have twice as long to make the spend (six months instead of three), which is completely reasonable.
Normally this would be sensational. But, in comparison to the 130K offer, it effectively means that I’m spending an extra $10,000 for an additional 50,000 Membership Rewards. I can also sign-up for the 130K offer using a household referral that gives me another 15K, for a total of 145K. That means that the extra $10K in spend only gets me 35K MR points.
3.5x MR earning is nice, but with all of the other gaudy “No Lifetime Language” offers on both flavors of Platinum and Gold, I’d much rather put that additional spend towards a second welcome offer (or towards a no-annual fee Chase Ink Cash) and be earning 10X+. I would even prefer to spend that $10K on one of my current Ink Cash cards using the 5x office supply category and take the 50,000 Ultimate Rewards instead.
It says something about the profligacy of Amex over the last two years that the opportunity to earn 3-5x on $10K in spend seems ho-hum…but that’s where we are.
That said, I went into the call knowing that I had the option of the 130K offer. If I hadn’t been able to find/trigger that offer, but still was able to get the phone rep to offer me the 180K, I’d have jumped at it…and I would recommend that anyone in that situation give it a shot (assuming that they’re able to make the additional spend). If you haven’t had a Business Gold within the last 4-5 years, it’s certainly worth a phone call to check.
(h/t: DOC)
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[…] 2022.6 Update: There’s a 250k+10k offer (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires adding an authorized user) via phone call, 855-531-3491. Please verify the welcome offer is 250k+10k, not some low ball offer. HT: FM. […]
[…] 2022.6 Update: There’s a 250k+10k offer (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires adding an authorized user) via phone call, 855-531-3491. Please verify the welcome offer is 250k+10k, not some low ball offer. HT: FM. […]
[…] 2022.6 Update: There’s a 250k+10k offer (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires adding an authorized user) via phone call, 855-531-3491. Please verify the welcome offer is 250k+10k, not some low ball offer. HT: FM. […]
Just had my (reluctant) P2 do this. She completed the application while on speaker phone. I heard the rep verify that she had never had a Biz Plat before. P2 did not have to ask for another offer, the initial offer was the 250K + 10K. Even she was excited about the huge offer in the end plus it gives us another chance to visit the Centurion lounge at the US Open!
Fabulous! Get that reluctant player 2 a glass of wine and enjoy the Open!
[…] 2022.6 Update: There’s a 250k+10k offer (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires adding an authorized user) via phone call, 855-531-3491. Please verify the welcome offer is 250k+10k, not some low ball offer. HT: FM. […]
Just called. Rep straight up asked if I’ve had the Business Gold or Business Platinum in the past. I said yes and he said I wouldn’t qualify for either as I’ve gotten a bonus in the past. gonna call back and try again as most have indicated no lifetime language (NLL).
Was told the same but I insisted that he sends me the link so I can check the terms myself – not seeing any lifetime language there. I guess it only pops up if you apply over the phone?
Thank you so much for posting! Just got the 180k gold card offer. Just finished my Morgan Stanley 100k plus 10x small business restaurants welcome offer so on to the next! You guys are the best!!
[…] to specifically mention the 180,000 or 250,000 Membership Rewards bonus as appropriate. (Thanks to FM for […]
[…] 2022.6 Replace: There’s a 250k+10k provide (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires including a certified person) by way of telephone name, 855-531-3491. Please confirm the welcome provide is 250k+10k, not some low ball provide. HT: FM. […]
[…] 2022.6 Update: There’s a 250k+10k offer (spending requirement $30k in 6 months, the latter 10k requires adding an authorized user) via phone call, 855-531-3491. Please verify the welcome offer is 250k+10k, not some low ball offer. HT: FM. […]
[…] 【2022.6 更新2】现在通过电话有可能搞到250k开卡奖励！消费要求是6个月内消费满$30k。电话号码：855-531-3491。申请时请自行确认开卡奖励是250k而不是低offer。HT: FM. […]
This NOT NLL. A friend tried calling and amex rep had a popup for having the product previously.
Ok, thanks! That’s good to know that the Amex rep can see the pop-up, as it still gives a measure of protection from signing up without realizing that you’re ineligible.
[…] although you can ask them to send you the terms and finish the application online, as reported by Frequent Miler. This way you can make sure that there lifetime language is not […]
I called the number and was offered 70 k ….is there a referral link ?
Most people report that you’ll be offered the standard bonus first. You have to decline that and ask for the larger bonus specifically (but keep in mind that not everyone is targeted)
[…] 6/20/22: FM reports that the calling in method that works for the American Express Business Gold 180k-190k offer also […]
For the authorized users of the Business Platinum card, are purchases made on the employee Green card still eligible for the 1.5x points earnings for purchases made above $5000? I’m assuming that the best way to earn the 10k employee card is to get a Green card and that there’s no benefit worth the additional $45 and $300 fee for the employee Gold and Platinum cards?
Yes
Hi Tim, I just called the 800 number and got the application link over the phone – got 2 links, biz gold for 190k (180k + 10k employee offer) and biz plat for 250k ((240k+10k). The application can be continued online for the next 30 days.
I do NOT see the lifetime language there (searched for “have or have had” this card), wondering if anyone who has this card before can also take advantage of this great offer?
I’d probably go for this offer, yes its bigger spending but amex gives you 6 months instead of the regular 3 months. If apply some time in July, it should cover the holiday season.
Earn 180,000 Membership Rewards Points
To be eligible to earn the points associated with this offer you must charge $20,000 (the “Threshold Amount”) of eligible purchases during the first 6 months of membership on an eligible Business Gold Card from American Express. Eligible purchases can be made by the Basic Card Member and any Employee Card Members on a single Card Account. Eligible purchases are purchases for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases to meet the Threshold Amount do NOT include fees or interest charges, purchases of traveler’s checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Limit one offer per Card Account. Offer may not be combined with any other special offer. Your Card account must not be canceled or past due at the time of fulfillment of any offers. The 180,000 points will be credited to your Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after you have met the Threshold Amount.
You can earn 180,000 points after you spend $20,000 or more on eligible purchases on your Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership starting from the date your account is approved. In rare instances, your period to spend $20,000 may be shorter than 6 months if there is a delay in receiving your Card. Also, purchases may fall outside of the 6 month period in some cases, such as a delay in merchants submitting transactions to us or if the purchase date differs from the date you made the transaction. (For example, if you buy goods online, the purchase date may be the date the goods are shipped). The 180,000 points will be credited to your Membership Rewards® account 8-12 weeks after you have met the Threshold Amount.
Hi Clara, thanks so much for the head’s up…I’m going to update the post with your info. Does the link that you were sent have any personally identifying info? If not, could you forward it to us? We’d love to have a look at the terms.
that link is unique to the business info I provided over the phone, but I’m happy to send it to you via email. Can you send me your email address? thanks!
Now I read it more carefully, its actually 260k for biz plat (250k + 10k employee card).
What is the spend for the 250k biz plat offer?
$30k spending req
What’s the spending requirement for the platinum card?
Here’s the term for biz plat 250k offer:
Earn 250,000 Membership Rewards Points
To be eligible to earn the points associated with this offer you must charge $30,000 (the “Threshold Amount”) of eligible purchases during the first 6 months of membership on an eligible Business Platinum Card from American Express. Eligible purchases can be made by the Basic Card Member and any Employee Card Members on a single Card Account. Eligible purchases are purchases for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases to meet the Threshold Amount do NOT include fees or interest charges, purchases of traveler’s checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Limit one offer per Card Account. Offer may not be combined with any other special offer. Your Card account must not be canceled or past due at the time of fulfillment of any offers. The 250,000 points will be credited to your Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after you have met the Threshold Amount.
You can earn 250,000 points after you spend $30,000 or more on eligible purchases on your Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership starting from the date your account is approved. In rare instances, your period to spend $30,000 may be shorter than 6 months if there is a delay in receiving your Card. Also, purchases may fall outside of the 6 month period in some cases, such as a delay in merchants submitting transactions to us or if the purchase date differs from the date you made the transaction. (For example, if you buy goods online, the purchase date may be the date the goods are shipped). The 250,000 points will be credited to your Membership Rewards® account 8-12 weeks after you have met the Threshold Amount.
At the rate Amex is pumping out NLL 160k for $15k biz platinum offers, it might be better to do that and hope the gravy train continues.
unless you’re specifically targeted for these NLL offers via snail mail of account offer, you run risk of RAT team,.
Is there any 0% Pay Over Time language?
Maybe I’m missing something here guys but to spend $300 AF seems like a lot when there’s no opportunity to cover that cost with reimbursements. As far as I can see there are no ways to earn back that annual fee so I’m really spending $300 for 190K MR. Because I’m not planning to spend on the card after I meet the minimum for the SUB, I wouldn’t be taking it vantage of the 4X opportunities
That’s how I see it as well but I’m leaning towards the 130k offer with 10k spend.
But 300$ for 130k MR isn’t a bad deal at all. Since you can potentially cash them out at 1.1 cents per point
Yeah, as Josh said, that’s how I look at it as well. But, I’d conservatively value those MR points at around $2K, so it’s worth the annual fee. It is unfortunate that it doesn’t have the credits to offset the fee like many of the other MR cards.
Do you buy gas? That’s 4x on points. At today’s rates, that would not take long to makeup for $295. And my evaluation is more like 1.77 cents/mile
I think you mean it’s harder to recover the gold annual fee than platinum. One advantage of gold is later you might also get an upgrade offer to platinum.
I’ve been a business gold and business platinum card holder in the past.
When applying on line we can always print the offer rules with no lifetime requirements but if you just speak with someone over the phone, how are you going to be able to prove it later in case Amex doesn’t credit you the bonus ???
This one isn’t an NLL offer. If you’ve had a Business Gold within the last 4-5 years, you most likely won’t be eligible for the bonus (but, in answer to your question, you can have them send you the offer terms)
Great Article Tim! I was in the same situation and totally agree with you. I had a 25k referral offer for the 130k gold biz for P2. Another $10k spend for 25k points? No thanks, especially since I have applications for another 160k Platinum biz NLL and another 100k gold biz NLL waiting in the wings before they expire.
Nice! Congrats!
Thanks Tim. I pulled the trigger on this.
I got 190K
I was not targeted for the 130K offer
The other option wsa 2 player mode $10K + $10K spend for 200K MR, but that will be over 3 months.
Here 6 mos for 20K is better than 2 X 10K over 3 months
(last day for that public offer is Sept 30th)
Raghu
Completely agree! Thanks for letting us know about the 190K, I was hoping to get another data point on that after I only got the 180K.
The bigger question is, how had you never had the Business Gold before now?
I’d love to take either of the 180k/130k offers, but will have to stick with the NLLs only 🙁
This is exactly what I was about to say. I haven’t even gone 4-5 months without another gold let alone 4-5 years.
Ha! I have, it was just a few years ago and Amex has forgotten it.
Is that a few years since you applied for it? Or a few years since you canceled it?
If it’s based on application date then there’s a few cards I should try again on, but I still have them so wouldn’t work if it’s based on cancellation date.
Cancellation, unfortunately. It used to be that seven years post-cancellation was when Amex would forget, but it’s seemed to be closer to 4 or 5 years recently. You might be able to get some of the No Lifetime Language offers though…did you see this post? I know it’s “only” 100K, but still a pretty nice haul if you already have the card.
Yeah, I’ve been doing NLL offers whenever I can.
So it sounds like I’ll never be eligible for a non-NLL Biz Gold/Plat sub as long as they keep handing the NLL ones out
Effectively, if you’re doing them on all flavors. I’ve been hitting both flavors or platinum and the consumer golds, so ended up with a brief window of biz gold opportunity. But it will be awhile (if ever) before I can get a normal offer again.