BonusCeilingAmex once-per-lifetime rule explained (Oct 2026)
Short answer: you can usually earn each Amex card's welcome offer only once, ever. Amex terms say you may not be eligible if you have or have had the card, and some terms include related cards. Amex shows a pop-up before the hard pull if you're ineligible. 13 Amex cards in our data carry this rule.
By TK · Updated
Card families
Some terms include related cards, e.g. Gold terms list Platinum: holding Platinum first can block the Gold bonus. Hilton Surpass terms include Ascend.
Amex cards and current offers
| Card | Current public offer | All-time high | Annual fee | vs. record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American ExpressAmerican Express Business Gold Card | As high as 200,000 points after $15,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) | As high as 200,000 points (since Mar 2026) | $375 | Business AT RECORD |
| American ExpressAmerican Express Gold Card | As high as 100,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) | As high as 100,000 points | $325 | AT RECORD |
| American ExpressThe Business Platinum Card from American Express | As high as 300,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) | As high as 300,000 points (since Mar/Apr 2026) | $895 | Business AT RECORD |
| American ExpressThe Platinum Card from American Express | As high as 175,000 points after $12,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) | As high as 175,000 points (since Jun 2025) | $895 | AT RECORD |
| American ExpressHilton Honors American Express Surpass | 130,000 points + Free Night Reward after $3,000 spend in 6 months | Up to 180,000 points (130,000 after $2,000 in 3 months + 50,000 after $10,000 in 6 months) per The Points Guy | $150 | 72% of record |
| American ExpressBlue Business Cash Card from American Express | As high as $500 statement credit after $5,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) | Unknown (not verified) | $0 | Business History unknown |
| American ExpressBlue Business Plus Card from American Express | As high as 50,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (offer varies) | Unknown (not verified) | $0 | Business History unknown |
| American ExpressBlue Cash Everyday Card from American Express | $150 cash back after $2,000 spend in 6 months | Unknown (not verified) | $0 | History unknown |
| American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | $300 cash back after $3,000 spend in 6 months | Unknown (not verified) | $0 first year, then $95 | History unknown |
| American ExpressDelta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | As high as 80,000 miles after $3,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) | Unknown (not verified) | $0 first year, then $150 | History unknown |
| American ExpressDelta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card | As high as 90,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 6 months (offer varies) | Unknown (not verified) | $350 | History unknown |
| American ExpressHilton Honors American Express Card | 70,000 points + Free Night Reward after $2,000 spend in 6 months | Unknown (not verified) | $0 | History unknown |
| American ExpressMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card | 85,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months | Unknown (not verified) | $250 | History unknown |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Amex once-per-lifetime rule?
Amex terms: you may not be eligible for a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card. Amex tells you before the hard pull if you're ineligible ('pop-up').
Does Amex tell you if you're ineligible?
Yes. Amex terms say you may not be eligible if you have or have had the card, and Amex shows a pop-up before the hard pull if you won't get the welcome offer, so you can stop without a credit inquiry.
Do related cards count?
Some terms include related cards, e.g. Gold terms list Platinum: holding Platinum first can block the Gold bonus. Hilton Surpass terms include Ascend.
Which Amex cards have this rule?
All 13 Amex cards in our data: American Express Business Gold Card, American Express Gold Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The Platinum Card from American Express, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass, Blue Business Cash Card from American Express, Blue Business Plus Card from American Express, Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card.
What does 'as high as' mean on Amex offers?
Amex shows the maximum possible offer. After you apply, Amex shows your actual offer before you accept the card, and it can be lower.