We have researched the process of upgrading your American Express credit card. We will show you how to upgrade your card, and when it is worth it.
You can upgrade your credit card to get a card that offers more benefits. You might be able to get 3% gas rewards with a lower-level card, but you could also get 6% gas rewards if you upgrade to the next-level credit cards in the series.
You may be required to pay more annually if you upgrade to a higher-level card. Before you upgrade, consider whether the benefits outweigh the cost.
We will share information about American Express credit card upgrades, including when and how they can be done.
It makes sense to upgrade your American Express Card
Your financial situation and financial goals will influence your decision to upgrade your American Express Card. Upgrades to other cards may result in a higher annual cost. However, it is worth considering whether the benefits (e.g. points or rewards) are more important than the additional expense.
Providers often look at your credit history to determine whether they will grant you an upgrade. The circumstances of your request might lead to a card issuer conducting a “hard credit inquiry”.
These are just a few of the things you can do to ensure a reliable payment history. You should also ensure that you pay all of your bills on time. Credit utilization should not exceed 30%.
It’s a good idea to clean up your credit before you consider an upgrade. You can make timely payments and reduce your credit card balance.
There are limitations to upgrading your AmEx Card
The upgrade to your American Express card is subject to the card type.
Your card can be upgraded or downgraded within the same card category. If you have an American Express Blue Card, you can upgrade to a different card within the same series (e.g., Delta Blue to Delta Gold).
Your American Express card cannot be upgraded to another card type. You cannot upgrade your AmEx card to a Hilton Honors card or a Delta SkyMiles(r). However, you may be able to upgrade Amex Platinum Delta to a Delta Reserve Card.
How to upgrade your American Express credit card
Logging in to American Express will allow you to explore the possible upgrades and terms. You might be eligible to upgrade your American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card to an American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card.
Logging in to your account will allow you to apply online for the upgrade. For any questions, please contact American Express customer support.
Prior to applying for an upgrade, it is important to evaluate the benefits that you may receive and to compare them with any additional costs. Upgrades should only be granted if they are worth the cost.
Consider, for example, the upgrade card costs $95, but you get 6% back on your grocery purchases. Do the math and decide if it is worth it.
After upgrading, you will see changes to your American Express credit cards account
In most cases, when you upgrade your American Express credit cards, there is nothing that will change other than the following:
- Type of card
- Associate benefits
- The card itself
Your card terms (e.g. rates, due dates, and limits) as well as your account number will not change.
Your card can be used until it arrives. The card issuer will simultaneously send the new card to an authorized user if you add them when you upgrade your card. The new card should allow you to transfer your rewards and balance.
These changes can be requested to make changes to your credit card terms (e.g. limits, due dates) simultaneously with the upgrade. To determine if you are eligible, your issuer will examine them separately from the upgrade.
American Express will conduct a hard credit review to determine if the upgrade or other changes to your credit score are affecting it. A hard credit check will be authorized before you authorize any upgrades or other terms changes.
What if your American Express card was not upgradeable?
The next steps will depend on your situation if you are unable to upgrade your American Express credit cards. AmEx may deny you an upgrade due to credit problems. This could be your credit score, balance, late payments, or credit history. You can work on these issues before applying for another card.
AmEx might offer other options if you are denied an upgrade. For example, if you request an upgrade too quickly (e.g. before you have had your card for one year). You can wait until you have had your card for one year to apply if you don’t feel you need it immediately.
You can also choose to forgo the upgrade and get a new card. You should remember that additional credit cards can affect your credit score. If you close your existing card, your score could also be affected.
These potential negative effects on your credit score can be temporary and last for a year in some cases. However, they are worth considering. If the benefits are not worth the risks, such as credit score and monetary impacts, it may be wise to keep your card the same.