I’m Locked Up in Amex Pop-Up Jail — Here’s How I’m Getting Out

American Express offers some of the best rewards cards for consumers and business owners. I’ve had many cards with the issuer since 2013, but unfortunately, good things can’t go on forever.

After working through countless applications for American Express cards, I’m now in the dreaded “Amex pop-up jail.” Not many end up in this place, but it’s quite frustrating if you aim to earn more American Express Membership Rewards points through a welcome bonus offer.

Here’s how I found myself in Amex pop-up jail and how you can try to escape the same prison I’m currently locked up in.

How I Ended up in Amex Pop-Up Jail

I’ve had many American Express cards over the years. I’ve earned Membership Rewards points with personal cards like the American Express^® Gold Card and The Platinum Card^® from American Express. Additionally, I’ve had business cards like the American Express^® Business Gold Card and The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Over the decade, I’ve had 10 to 15 different American Express cards.

So, when you combine earning welcome bonus offers on multiple cards with not spending regularly on cards, American Express does not seem to be very pleased. When I apply for a new American Express card, I get this pop-up notification.

This notice removes the incentive to complete the application. I spoke with a customer service representative about the situation, and they confirmed it was because of the large number of canceled cards.

Keep in mind that American Express has a once-per-lifetime application rule, which means you can generally only earn a welcome bonus offer once per card. So, I’m starting to run out of American Express cards that fit my spending and travel habits. The only one I would like to apply for is The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express for its stack of benefits and generous welcome bonus offer.

In recent years, I’ve leaned away from American Express and into Chase Ultimate Rewards. In my recent travels, I’ve found much more value with Chase’s transfer partners than Amex. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll stick with Chase forever. If my travel habits shift to Amex’s transfer partners — and I can get out of application jail — I’ll switch my focus.

So for me, Amex pop up jail isn’t too big of a deal. I look at it this way: if they don’t want my business, I can find another issuer with valuable transferable rewards that will support my business.

3 Ways To Get Out of Amex Pop Up Jail

There are a few strategies for circumventing this predicament. Be sure to try all of them to see if you can bypass the Amex pop-up jail.

1. Call In To Apply

When I spoke with the customer service representative about my situation, he offered an alternative solution. You may want to try calling in to see if the Amex pop up notification will still apply when applying over the phone.

2. Try Applying for Different Cards

If you’re finding yourself getting the dreaded pop-up from Amex, try applying for cards from different families. For instance, if you were looking to apply for a Delta card, you could check if the pop-up notification shows up for Hilton cards. Or, if you have a small business, try applying for an Amex business card rather than an Amex consumer card, which may have different rules.

3. Try To Spend on Existing Cards

Any card issuer isn’t too keen on offering welcome bonus offers without you returning the favor of spending with them. Some have reported luck with spending consistently on their current American Express cards for several months in order to be reconsidered for future welcome offers.

Final Thoughts

Credit card issuers can have finicky rules and regulations to abide by — and that’s especially the case with American Express.

But not all hope is lost if you’re having trouble getting through American Express jail. You can move your focus to another issuer with valuable rewards like Citi or Chase, or simply give it a few months and check back with Amex to see if they’ve let you out of jail.

Until then, spend away on other cards with valuable points with your next vacation in your sights.