When it comes to premium rewards credit cards, American Express stands out. But if you’re planning to open multiple Amex cards, there’s one big rule to know: the Amex Five Credit Card Limit. This long-standing rule has confused and surprised many applicants. In this guide, we break down what it really means in 2025 and how you can manage your credit card strategy around it.
What the Five Amex Cards Rule Means in 2025
American Express usually lets you hold up to five credit cards at once. This limit includes both personal and business cards that are traditional credit cards. These are the ones where you can carry a balance from month to month. Think of cards like the Amex Blue Cash Preferred or the Amex Business Platinum.
If you’re already holding five of these and try to open another, your application will probably be denied. Even if your credit score is excellent and you have a spotless payment history, Amex sticks to this rule pretty strictly.
Let’s say you already have the Amex Gold, Blue Cash Everyday, Business Gold, Hilton Honors Surpass, and Delta SkyMiles Platinum. That’s five credit cards. Applying for a sixth will likely result in an automatic denial. Some cardholders online have mentioned being approved for six cards, but these are rare exceptions.
Which Amex Cards Don’t Count Toward the Limit?
Not all Amex cards count toward the five-card limit. Some card types are handled differently by Amex’s internal system.
Charge cards, for example, aren’t included in the five-card cap. These include the Amex Platinum, Gold, and Amex Green Card. Even though these now offer a “Pay Over Time” feature, Amex still treats them separately from traditional credit cards. Corporate cards and cards where you’re just an authorized user also don’t count.
There have also been reports of some co-branded cards, like those from Hilton or Marriott, being treated differently. But this can vary depending on your account history and how Amex categorizes the card. If you’re unsure whether a card counts, your best bet is to call Amex directly or check your account dashboard.
Is This Rule Still Being Enforced?
Yes, as of this writing, the Amex Five Credit Card Limit is still being enforced. Recent reports from applicants confirm this rule is active and hasn’t changed much. Even those with strong credit scores and long-term relationships with Amex are still subject to this limit.
That said, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Amex uses automated systems to evaluate applications. If you already have five credit cards, applying for a sixth one will likely result in an instant denial. Calling the reconsideration line rarely helps unless you’re planning to close one of your current credit cards.
However, long-term customers who have been with Amex for over a decade and spend significant amounts might occasionally get approved for a sixth card. But again, this is the exception, not the norm.
Smart Ways to Manage Your Amex Card Strategy
To make the most of your relationship with Amex, you need to be strategic about the types of cards you open.
One smart move is to mix credit cards with charge cards. This lets you hold more Amex cards overall without hitting the five-card ceiling. For example, you might choose to have the Amex Green and Amex Platinum (both charge cards), along with a few credit cards.
If you’re not using a card anymore, consider closing it or downgrading it to free up a slot. You should also regularly check your account dashboard to see how many active cards you have. Sometimes an old account that looks closed may still show up as open internally, and that could count against your limit.
Plan ahead before applying for a new American Express credit card. Know which cards offer the best value for your spending habits, and time your applications to avoid getting stuck at the limit.
Also, consider complementing your Amex credit cards with cards from other issuers. Chase, Capital One, and Citi all offer competitive rewards cards that work well alongside your Amex lineup.
Final Thoughts from TheMilesAcademy
The Amex Five Credit Card Limit is something every rewards enthusiast should understand. It’s not a penalty; it’s a way for Amex to manage credit risk. By learning how the rule works and which cards are counted, you can stay ahead and avoid any surprise denials.
The key is to be intentional with your applications. Choose cards that truly match your goals and spending patterns. And don’t forget to take advantage of Amex’s charge cards, which don’t count toward the limit and still offer excellent rewards.
