approval

Lifetime Language

Once Per Lifetime Bonus Restriction

Definition

Amex's policy: you can only earn the welcome bonus on a given card 'once per lifetime' per the application terms. Different Amex cards have different lifetime rules.

Why it matters

Workaround: many Amex cards have a 'card family' definition where a downgrade from Platinum to Gold doesn't count as a new card, so you can re-trigger the Platinum bonus 7+ years later. Check pop-up screen during application for confirmation.

Related terms in approval

5/24 Rule

Chase will decline new credit card applications if you've opened 5 or more credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months. Includes business cards from some issuers.

BIS

Business credit cards. From most major issuers (Chase, Amex, Citi, Cap One), business card applications don't appear on your personal credit report, so they don't count against 5/24 or other personal-card limits.

Pop-Up

A warning screen that appears during an Amex application stating you're not eligible for the welcome bonus on this card. Effectively a soft-decline of the bonus, not the card.

Downgrade

Converting an existing credit card to a different card in the same family (e.g., Amex Platinum → Amex Gold) instead of canceling and reapplying.