American Express Card Refusal: Causes, Solutions and Advice
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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.
How do I know if my American Express credit card application has been declined?
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.
What Does a Delayed Response Mean?
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.
Why can American Express refuse a card application?
The exact reasons vary according to the profile of each customer, but here are those most often found in rejection letters:
- The proportion of your revolving credit balances relative to your total amount of credit are above our required thresholds
- The length of time your accounts and/or credit history has been established
- The number and/or type of credit reporting agency inquiries made in the last six months
- The number of payment products you have opened and/or cancelled in the past
- The terms and conditions of your cancelled or existing American Express Cards were not maintained
The Real Approval Criteria at Amex
It’s important to understand that it’s not just your income or credit score that counts, regardless of the financial institution.
Total Debt Ratio
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.
Behaviour Associated with a Points Chaser
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 :
- Opening several credit cards over a short period of time
- Close cards quickly after receiving the bonus or after just one year
- Hold a large number of credit cards, but do not actively use them
These elements, clearly visible on your credit file, can damage your image with Amex, even if your personal finances are sound.
How long should you wait before reapplying after an American Express credit card refusal?
American Express generally recommends waiting six months before submitting a new credit card application after a rejection.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Approval?
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:
- Reduce your unused credit limits to improve your debt-to-equity ratio
- Avoid closing your old cards too quickly, especially after only 11 months.
- Use all your credit cards regularly and continue to use your cards even after receiving the welcome bonus.
- Pause new credit applications for a few months
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.
Changing Cards Rather Than Closing Them: Good or Bad Idea?
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:
- The card continues to count in your debt ratio
- Some institutions, such as National Bank or Scotiabank, do not offer a welcome bonus if you have held a card with the institution in the last 24 months.
Can I Change Products with American Express?
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.
Can I reapply for the Cobalt Card after upgrading to the Amex Gold Card?
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:
- The risk of permanently losing access to the American Express Cobalt® Card.
- Against the simplicity and comfort of an easy upgrade
- Or the higher potential value of an entirely new application for the American Express® Gold Rewards Card, with a full welcome bonus.
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.
Bottom Line
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.
- Annual fee
- $250
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$1,020Total$1,020Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $1,020
- Welcome offerAfter $12,000 in 12 months
- Up to 60,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Why was my application for an American Express card rejected?
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.
Is minimum income a requirement for approval at Amex?
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.
How long do I have to wait after a refusal to reapply for Amex?
American Express recommends waiting at least six months before re-applying, to allow time for your credit profile to improve.
Can I do a product change with Amex instead of submitting a new application?
Yes, but only if a change offer is available in your account. Please note: there is no welcome bonus for product changes.
Should I accept the upgrade from the Cobalt card to the Amex Gold card?
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.
Why does Amex decline my credit limit increase request?
A credit limit increase is never guaranteed, even with an excellent credit score. As of September 2026, American Express Canada says your chances improve if you have been a Cardmember for a period of time, always pay on time, can show proof of income, have a satisfactory credit score and don’t carry too much other debt. Account age, reported income and total debt therefore count too. Amex may also offer you an increase without a request, but you must consent before it is applied to your account. You can apply through your online account, the Amex App or by phone, as explained in American Express Canada’s tips.
Can a merchant refuse my Amex card after the payment was approved?
It can happen, and it is not a credit decision. The authorization comes from American Express, but the merchant decides which payment methods it accepts. The Code of Conduct for the Payment Card Industry in Canada, monitored by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), aims to let merchants freely choose which payment options to accept. It also lets them offer different discounts depending on the card network. If the merchant cancels the transaction, check that the refund appears on your Amex statement. If it doesn’t, call the number on the back of your card.
