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Since the summer of 2024, many members of the Milesopedia community and our team have noticed a marked increase in credit card application refusals at American Express Canada.
Each financial institution periodically adjusts its risk assessment criteria in line with the economic, regulatory or strategic context.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re concerned.
When you apply for a credit card with American Express, approval is usually instant online. Since Amex has no physical branches, the entire process (including identity verification) is done online.
Unlike other financial institutions, no minimum income is required for approval, although income is requested and may be taken into account in the overall assessment.
If you do not receive an immediate response, a message will appear telling you that your request is being processed, with an expected response time of 7 to 10 working days.
You’ll also see a reference number and a telephone number for customer service. When you call, an agent will usually be able to confirm quickly whether the application has been accepted or rejected, but they won’t tell you why. Even if you insist on more details, this information will not usually be disclosed.
In the event of refusal, a letter will be sent to you by post, stating the reasons for the rejection.
The exact reasons vary according to the profile of each customer, but here are those most often found in rejection letters:
It’s important to understand that it’s not just your income or credit score that counts, regardless of the financial institution.
Even if you pay all your balances on time, too much total credit can be a problem. For example, an annual income of $60,000 combined with credit limits (whether credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, etc.) of up to $900,000 may be considered inconsistent by issuers.
This represents a risk for the bank you apply to for credit, even if you’re an exemplary customer with a high credit score and income. In the eyes of the financial institution, you have the potential to fill up all your credit cards overnight.
A recently opened file or a short history can also work against you, especially if you don’t have many active accounts.
American Express seems to be paying more and more attention to the typical behaviors of points hunters (for which only Amex knows the precise definition criteria), which can be such as :
These elements, clearly visible on your credit file, can damage your image with Amex, even if your personal finances are sound.
American Express generally recommends waiting six months before submitting a new credit card application after a rejection.
If your application for an American Express card has been declined, there are concrete steps you can take to maximize your chances for a future attempt.
It’s not just a matter of waiting for your credit rating to improve. What Amex is looking at first and foremost is the image you project as a credit user. So you have to wait for your image to improve.
If Amex has identified you as a bonus chaser, the goal is to reverse this perception. To do so, you need to adopt the profile of a traditional cardholder, as valued by financial institutions.
Here are some effective strategies to implement:
American Express seeks to build lasting relationships with its customers. It is therefore essential to demonstrate stability in the use of credit. Amex wants to see a committed, stable and predictable customer. Someone who keeps their cards for the long term, who uses them regularly and who doesn’t open and close accounts over and over again.
In short, show that you are a trusted customer, not a short-term opportunist. This is the image you need to rebuild to regain Amex’s trust and win approval for your next application.
If you have a credit card with a free first year and no annual fee, it’s better to switch to a card with no annual fee than to close it.
This helps maintain the longevity of your credit record. However, keep in mind that:
Product changes at Amex are not guaranteed. A specific transfer offer must be available in your account at the time of the request. The agent who takes your call will be able to verify the possibility of doing this, or not, with you.
Plus, a change of product does not entitle you to a welcome bonus. It’s a trade-off between continuity of history and the loss of a potential bonus.
The offer to upgrade from the American Express Cobalt® Card to the American Express® Gold Rewards Card may seem very attractive, especially because of the welcome bonus offered with a much lower spending threshold than what is required for a new application. In fact, although a new application for the American Express® Gold Rewards Card entitles you to a greater number of points, it also requires a significantly higher volume of spending.
However, this offer does come with a significant opportunity cost: it requires giving up your American Express Cobalt® Card, which is one of the most rewarding cards in Canada for earning points. With its earn rate of up to 5 points per dollar on everyday purchases, the American Express Cobalt® Card provides exceptional value, especially since Amex points are known for their versatility and flexibility.
It’s up to you to decide:
Take the time to weigh the options according to your points strategy, spending habits and long-term goals.
The welcome bonus on the American ExpressMD Gold Rewards Card, which expires on August 18, 2025, is very good, and you can sign up for it without parting with your American Express CobaltMD Card.
Read our article comparing the Gold Rewards Card and the Cobalt Card to find out more.
Credit card refusals at American Express are on the rise, and it’s not always due to your income or credit score. Your personal credit management strategy, your history, and even the way you use your cards now strongly influence Amex’s assessment.
If your application is refused, don’t panic. Take the time to understand the reasons, adjust your behaviour if necessary, and wait a few months before trying again. American Express seeks to build lasting relationships with its customers, which involves a long-term approach to managing your credit. So it’s essential to demonstrate stability in your use of credit. Above all, adopt a responsible, consistent and sustainable approach to using credit.
Several factors can explain a refusal: a debt ratio that is too high, a credit history that is too short, too many recent applications, or behaviours associated with points chasers.
No. No Amex card in Canada requires a minimum income, but your entire financial profile is taken into account, including your debt-to-income ratio.
American Express recommends waiting at least six months before re-applying, to allow time for your credit profile to improve.
Yes, but only if a change offer is available in your account. Please note: there is no welcome bonus for product changes.
It all depends on your priorities. You gain a bonus that’s easier to reach, but you lose access to the Cobalt card, considered one of the most advantageous in Canada.
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