Amex eligibility checker: which UK cards are open to you?

Amex's rules around who gets a welcome bonus aren't complicated. They're just a bit annoying. Income decides which cards you can apply for. The 24-month rule decides which welcome bonuses you'll actually receive. Our Amex eligibility checker handles both, for all nine UK personal Amex cards, in under a minute.

How our Amex eligibility checker works

Type in your personal income. Tell it whether you've held an Amex in the last 24 months. If you have, tick which ones, mark any supplementary cards, and say when you cancelled.

The tool sorts the nine personal Amex cards into three groups: welcome bonus available, can apply but no bonus, or above your income threshold. Each card shows the standard welcome bonus so you can see what's on the table at a glance.

Just a quick word, this tool does not collect nor track anything you put into it. It simply gives you a result, nothing else.

FAQ

What is the Amex 24-month rule?

The 24-month rule blocks you from earning the welcome bonus on most American Express UK cards if you've held any personal Amex card in the previous two years. Seven of the nine personal Amex cards work this way. The Platinum Card and BA Premium Plus are the exceptions. The Platinum bonus is only blocked by previous Membership Rewards cards (Gold, Platinum, Rewards Credit Card). The Premium Plus bonus is only blocked by previous BA Amex cards (the free BA Amex or a previous Premium Plus).

What's the minimum income for an Amex card in the UK?

£15,000 personal income is the threshold for the no-fee cards, these being the free BA Amex, the Rewards Credit Card and the Cashback Everyday. £20,000 unlocks the Gold, Marriott Bonvoy, Nectar Credit Card and Cashback Credit Card. £35,000 is needed for The Platinum Card and BA Premium Plus.

What counts as personal income for an Amex application?

Salary, pensions, rental income, dividends, savings interest, and most state benefits. Personal income only though, so not your household income. Full breakdown in our Amex income requirements guide.

Can I get the Amex Platinum welcome bonus if I already have a BA Amex?

Yes. The Platinum bonus is only blocked by previous Membership Rewards cards (Gold, Platinum, Rewards Credit Card). The free BA Amex isn't one. You can hold a BA Amex, a Marriott Bonvoy, a Nectar or a Cashback card and still qualify for the Platinum welcome bonus.

Do supplementary Amex cards count toward the 24-month rule?

No. If you were a supplementary cardholder on someone else's Amex (say, your partner added you to their Platinum), that doesn't count as you having held the card. Amex treats the card as belonging to the primary cardholder. The 24-month rule applies to primary cardholders only.

When does the Amex 24-month clock start after I cancel?

The clock starts when Amex fully closes the account on their internal system. If you're unsure, you can speak to Amex for clarification on when you cancelled. I personally note down when I cancelled and then add a few days on top for safety.

Will this tool guarantee my Amex application is approved?

No. The tool checks the published rules around income and welcome bonus eligibility. Amex makes the actual decision, and they factor in credit history, existing borrowing, how recently you've applied for other credit, and other things they don't publish. The income threshold is a minimum, not a guarantee.

Does the tool cover Amex Business cards?

No. The tool is for personal American Express cards only. Business cards have separate eligibility rules and aren't included.

Any questions, feedback, or improvements you want to see, please leave them in the comments below.

Sam

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