How do I upgrade Amex Gold to Platinum?

Yes, Amex Platinum is worth it for travelers with good credit who spend a lot and can take advantage of the card’s benefits. Amex Platinum benefits include a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit, airport lounge access, up to $200 in Uber credits per year and up to $200 in airline fee credits annually, and more. The card’s initial bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months also goes a long way toward making the card worth its $695 annual fee.… read full answer

For the first year alone, you could wind up with at least $1,600 in net value (rewards and other perks, minus the $695 annual fee). The American Express Platinum card’s second year will have the same annual fee, but the total value of your benefits in year two would only be about $800 if you spent the same amount on the card as year one, according to WalletHub's research.

To really make money with this card after the first year, you’d have to spend a lot more. That said, many of the card’s perks are ongoing. You’ll benefit more if your purchases qualify for Amex Platinum’s ongoing bonus rewards rates, and if you utilize Amex Platinum’s complimentary Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors hotel loyalty programs (enrollment required).

All in all, Amex Platinum is a good card for big spenders who travel all the time and can wring every drop of value out of its benefits. But it’s far too expensive for light spenders and occasional travelers.

The easiest way you can check your American Express upgrade offers is by logging in to your Amex account. Another way to find Amex upgrades is to look through recent emails, which might include special offers.

How to Check Your American Express Upgrade Offers Online

1. Log in to your American Express account.… read full answer
2. Select “Cards” from the menu.
3. Choose “View all Credit Cards.”
4. Scroll down to check for upgrade offers at the bottom of the page.

It’s also possible to get upgrades by calling American Express at (800) 528-4800. Even if you haven’t found a targeted upgrade offer online or in the mail, a representative might extend a deal over the phone when asked about offers. There are, however, eligibility requirements that representatives must consider before handing out upgrades.

Amex tends to wait a year – though it could be less – between each upgrade offer for cardholders. This is to prevent members from abusing the welcome bonuses that may come with targeted offers. When Amex does allow you to change products, they limit you to the same card type (charge card or credit card) and rewards type (points, miles, or cash back) as your previous Amex. Your account must also be in good standing for you to qualify for an upgrade.

You can get an American Express card upgrade through a targeted online or mail offer. Amex cardholders may also contact customer service at 1 (800) 528-4800 to request an upgrade, which is commonly known as a product change.

When you request an American Express card upgrade, understand that Amex will only upgrade to a card within the same card family and with the same rewards structure as the original card. For example, you cannot upgrade from a regular credit card to a charge card, nor can you upgrade from a regular Amex card to an Amex co-branded card. As a general rule of thumb, the account should also be open for at least 12 months before you request an upgrade, and it should have a history of on-time payments.… read full answer

A common reason for an American Express card upgrade is access to better rewards and benefits. For example, some of the most popular upgrades are from Amex Gold to the Platinum card and from Amex Blue Cash Everyday to Amex Blue Cash Preferred. Just take note that upgrades to cards with better benefits and rewards will usually come with a higher annual fee. If you upgrade to an American Express card with an annual fee, that charge will appear on the new card’s first monthly billing statement. And if you’re due a refund on your current card’s annual fee, Amex will credit that amount to your new card’s account as a separate transaction.

Finally, if you are approved for an American Express card upgrade, you should receive your new card in around 7 business days from the date of approval. The card number will stay the same, but the new card will have a different expiration date and security code. Your existing APR, credit limit and any unredeemed rewards will also transfer to the new card. However, you won’t qualify for any welcome bonus offers unless it’s part of the upgrade offer.