Get An Additional Bonus If American Express Doesn’t Give You A Temporary Credit Limit

Introduction

While I was posting about the 30,000 SPG deal, I found something interesting. It seems that American Express will give new cardholders an additional statement credit if they aren’t able to assign them a temporary credit limit. The statement credit you’ll receive seems to depend on the card you applied for.

Examples/Data Points

Here are some examples/data points I was able to find:

• $90 statement credit on American Express Delta card
• $160 statement credit on American Express JetBlue
• $160 statement credit on the American Express SPG card
• $60 statement credit on American Express Hilton HHonors card

Please share any other data points/experiences you have in the comments.

How To Get This Additional Bonus

After you make finish your application, you’ll be asked if you want a temporary number and credit limit, obviously make sure you mark yes to this otherwise you won’t have a chance to receive these additional bonuses. If American Express isn’t able to assign you a temp limit (no idea what triggers this, please speculate in the comments) then you should be automatically receive some type of bonus, if you don’t then give them a call letting them know you were planning to use the card ASAP and they should offer you something.

This is the message you should see:

Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with a temporary credit limit
You have been approved for a <card name> from American Express and you will receive your new Card in the mail in 1-3 business days.
Since you were unable to use your temporary credit limit, we will be awarding you <$x> in the form of a statement credit. You will receive this statement credit within 8-12 weeks on your Credit Card.