Product Switching

[trippin_the_rift]

Anyone else had success in switching their existing Amex credit card => Amex Explorer?

Now that Amex is hard stance on 18 months between product and no signup bonuses it no longer makes sense to cancel and reapply.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I don't follow. People are still getting bonus points by churning Amex cards even when they still have some. Exception seems to be if the new card is the same awrads program type as the old card.

 

[wxxnxs]

Anyone else had success in switching their existing Amex credit card => Amex Explorer?

Now that Amex is hard stance on 18 months between product and no signup bonuses it no longer makes sense to cancel and reapply.

I have tried, and AMEX said at this stage, Explorer is not opened to switch from any AMEX cards.

 

[hummel]

Mr Specter,

Some have experience applying while already holding other Amex card and receiving the sign-on bonus.

I am seriously contemplating it and just risking it. Could easily use the $400 Travel Credit anyway...

 

[nightelves]

Hahaha Mr Specter

 

[jackthomas]

My explorer application just got put on "24 hour hold" because I forgot about 2 card maximum rule and had to cancel my DJ's card.. Hoping it doesn't negatively impact the application.. And that it arrives before next Friday because I want to hit the points minimum spend on hotels next weekend.

 

[Buzzard]

My explorer application just got put on "24 hour hold" because I forgot about 2 card maximum rule and had to cancel my DJ's card.. Hoping it doesn't negatively impact the application.. And that it arrives before next Friday because I want to hit the points minimum spend on hotels next weekend.

Are you saying that you can only have 2 other credit cards?
I have a total of 9 credit cards ATM so better not apply.

 

[bismarck]

Are you saying that you can only have 2 other credit cards?
I have a total of 9 credit cards ATM so better not apply.

I think the rule is a total of 3 direct issued Amex card products.

Not necessarily how many cards you have with other issuers.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Are you saying that you can only have 2 other credit cards?
I have a total of 9 credit cards ATM so better not apply.

Amex allows 2 CREDIT Cards issued by them. Charge cards are in addition. Ccs issued by banks etc are not included in the limit, and indeed I have always had CCs from other issuers.

So for example if you currently have the Amex Edge and Velocity CC and want the new Explorer Card you will need to let one go. At least this is what they have told me several times over the last 8 years when i occassionally try and get more than 2 CCs with them.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

I asked the same question re: product swapping from my QF Discovery AMEX (which sits in a cupboard unused aside from a few handy Apple Pay transactions - I have better cards now) and reinforced that as an existing customer I'd be willing to pay the new product's annual fee and not receive the bonus points. Answer still no, that it's not currently available for product swaps or transformations (in the way that when you apply for some other cards, you enter your current AMEX number and you have the option of closing that card if the new card is approved). Instead, the only way is to apply for it as a completely new product and to hold it alongside your existing card.

Will try again in a few months and see if the position has changed. Currently use WBC Black AMEX for everyday spend but am mindful that the earn rate will probably tank once the new interchange regs kick in on July 1 next year, so want to have an alternative lined up.

 

[jackthomas]

Called AMEX today and my explorer was accepted, after cancelling second existing card...

Glad I called as I haven't received the usual acceptance text or email.

 

[Buzzard]

I feel another credit card coming on.

 

[shuuy]

I cancelled my Velocity Amex thinking I could get the Explorer and the 100,000 sign-up bonus.

Rep said it was a **13** month wait (not 18). Have that date circled in my diary...

 

[jackthomas]

Many current AMEX holders are receiving the bonus points anyway (myself included)

However it is a risk!

 

[Robbo3]

Called AMEX yesterday to cancel one of my 2 AMEX issued cards (have a work charge card as well) and was informed I can hold 3 'personal cards', so can sign up for the Explorer without cancelling either of the other 2 (Velocity and Edge). I was checking this by online chat and needed to call to request points for keeping one of the cards and asked the operator to confirm what her colleague had written, which she did. I have not applied as yet to see it works but wanted to post as it is different advice to other posts on this site which state 2 credit cards only.

 

[wxxnxs]

Called AMEX yesterday to cancel one of my 2 AMEX issued cards (have a work charge card as well) and was informed I can hold 3 'personal cards', so can sign up for the Explorer without cancelling either of the other 2 (Velocity and Edge). I was checking this by online chat and needed to call to request points for keeping one of the cards and asked the operator to confirm what her colleague had written, which she did. I have not applied as yet to see it works but wanted to post as it is different advice to other posts on this site which state 2 credit cards only.

3 personal cards means max 2 credit card + 1 charge, you have to cancel one of your credit card if you get approved by explorer, AMEX will call you to let you choose which one you'd like to keep. However, if you do end up with 3 credit cards with AMEX, then please share that information here, and I believe you will be the first one to get that.