Amex 2-in-90 rule
American Express generally approves at most 2 new credit cards in any rolling 90-day window. Like 1-in-5, this cap applies to credit cards; charge cards are generally exempt. A related nuance: Amex generally approves the same card product only once per 90 days, which matters most for no-lifetime-language offers.
Unpublished rule: the issuer does not publish this rule. It is documented by at least two independent guides below — treat it as a reported pattern, not a guarantee.
Key takeaways
American Express generally approves at most 2 new credit cards in any rolling 90-day window. Like 1-in-5, this cap applies to credit cards; charge cards are generally exempt. A related nuance: Amex generally approves the same card product only once per 90 days, which matters most for no-lifetime-language offers.
Applicants for Amex credit cards. Charge cards (Gold, Platinum, Green) generally do not count toward the 90-day cap.
Who it applies to
Applicants for Amex credit cards. Charge cards (Gold, Platinum, Green) generally do not count toward the 90-day cap.
How to count
- List your Amex credit card approvals in the past 90 days.
- Charge-card approvals are generally not counted.
- If you already have 2 credit card approvals in 90 days, wait until the oldest one is more than 90 days old.
- Note: the same product twice in 90 days is generally not approved either.
Calculator (estimate)
Add your approval dates below. The calculator counts how many fall inside the window and shows the earliest date a new slot opens.
This page is general information. Issuer rules change without notice, and actual approval is decided by the issuer's underwriting. Read the terms on the card you are applying for before you apply.FAQ
Do 1-in-5 and 2-in-90 both apply at once?
Yes. You must satisfy both: no credit card approval in the past 5 days, and fewer than 2 in the past 90 days.
Can I get two charge cards within 90 days?
Generally yes: charge cards are usually exempt from the 2-in-90 credit-card cap, though once-per-lifetime bonus terms still apply per card.
Sources
Non-issuer sources are secondary sources (independent guides). If a rule changes, the issuer's page governs. This page is general information. Issuer rules change without notice, and actual approval is decided by the issuer's underwriting. Read the terms on the card you are applying for before you apply. Page updated: November 3, 2026No bank login required