Should I use my Amex for everything?

Using an American Express (Amex) card for everything can be a sound strategy if you pay your balance in full monthly and accept certain limitations, but it's generally recommended to pair it with a backup Visa or Mastercard for optimal acceptance and rewards.

Should I put everything on my Amex?

If it will drive your credit utilization ratio too high: If you're paying for everything on your credit card, you may be using up your available credit. Using too much available credit may have a negative impact on your credit score. It's a good idea to avoid using more than 30% of your available credit.

What is the 2 in 90 rule for American Express?

The Amex "2/90 Rule" (or 2-in-90 rule) means American Express (Amex) generally approves you for a maximum of two new credit cards within a 90-day period, with a third application in that window likely to be automatically denied. This rule applies specifically to Amex's traditional credit cards, not necessarily hybrid cards like the Platinum or Gold, though applying for too many Amex products too quickly can still trigger manual reviews or "pop-up jail" for welcome offers. 

What are the downsides of having Amex?

The primary drawback of American Express cards is the fact that they charge companies for the payments that they process. This is because they have their own payment network and don't rely on companies like Visa and Mastercard. This means that some businesses, especially smaller ones, may not accept American Express.

Is it smart to use your credit card for everything?

Yes, using your credit card for almost everything is smart if you're disciplined, allowing you to build credit, earn rewards (cashback/points), and get fraud protection, but it's risky if it leads to overspending; the key is to pay the full balance monthly to avoid interest and keep utilization low (under 30%). It builds credit history, tracks spending easily, and is safer than cash, but requires strict budgeting to prevent debt. 

Amex Platinum Card - 13 Things You MUST DO

How many Americans have $20,000 in credit card debt?

A majority of Americans (53%) carry some, with an average balance of $7,719. However, a third of those carrying debt (32%) owe $10,000 or more, while almost 1 in 10 (9%) have credit card debt over $20,000.

What is the 2 3 4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, famously associated with Bank of America, that suggests you'll have better approval odds if you apply for 2 new cards in 30 days, 3 new cards in 12 months, and 4 new cards in 24 months, helping manage the hard inquiries and avoid triggering automatic denials from lenders. It's a strategy to space out applications for better financial health and approval chances, rather than a hard-and-fast law for all banks, though other lenders have similar, unofficial limits.
 

Do the rich use Amex?

American Express cards have long been favored by the wealthy. Amex historically charges merchants higher transaction fees compared with other card issuers, leading many retailers to refuse Amex payments or pass the fees back to customers through higher prices.

What is the credit card limit for $70,000 salary?

With a $70,000 salary, you could expect initial credit limits ranging from around $14,000 to over $20,000, potentially reaching higher with excellent credit, but the actual limit depends heavily on your credit score, existing debt (Debt-to-Income ratio or DTI), and the card issuer's policies, as lenders focus more on your ability to repay than just income. 

Why do people not use Amex?

When you're out and about, it's possible to visit a restaurant or retailer that doesn't accept Amex card payments. That's because American Express charges merchants a higher fee than competitors do. All credit card networks charge processing fees for businesses to accept card payments from that network.

What is the hardest Amex card to get?

The hardest American Express card to get is the Centurion® Card, also known as the "Black Card," because it's strictly by invitation only, requiring immense spending on other Amex cards (rumored $350k+ annually) and high income (often $1M+), plus hefty fees ($10k initiation, $5k annual). It's a symbol for the ultra-wealthy, offering exclusive concierge services and elite perks, making it the pinnacle of Amex exclusivity.
 

What triggers Amex pop-up jail?

Since they already suspect you're abusing their welcome offers—hence why you're in Amex pop-up jail—if they see you're trying to apply for lots of their cards, they're less likely to allow you to get the welcome offer. You won't know if the pop-up has gone away if you don't apply for a new card.

What credit card has a $100,000 limit?

You can get a $100k credit limit on cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®/Reserve or premium Amex cards, but usually after building history; business cards like Brex can offer high limits from the start, requiring excellent credit, high income, and low utilization for such large limits. While some issuers don't advertise $100k limits, online reports show users reaching them on popular rewards cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, though starting limits are much lower. 

What salary do you need for Amex Platinum?

While there's no strict minimum income, American Express generally suggests applicants for the Platinum Card should have an income around $50,000 or higher, sufficient to cover living expenses and card repayments, along with a strong credit history and score, though approved users often have significantly higher incomes. The Amex Business Platinum offers more flexibility for business owners, including part-timers.
 

Is it better to pay Amex early or on time?

Making at least the minimum payment due on time can help to prevent late fees and help to keep your account in good standing. However, if you can, paying off your full balance by the due date can help to prevent interest charges (in most cases) from accruing.

What places is Amex not accepted?

American Express (Amex) isn't accepted everywhere, primarily due to higher merchant processing fees, with notable exceptions including Costco (which only takes Visa/Mastercard) and many small, independent businesses, local restaurants, and sometimes certain government services or parking meters, especially outside the U.S. where acceptance is more limited than Visa or Mastercard. Always look for the Amex logo or carry a backup Visa/Mastercard for better coverage.
 

What credit score do you need for a $400,000 house?

Credit Score

When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

Should a $20000 credit card have a $6000 balance?

How Much You Should Spend With a $20,000 Credit Limit. Spending between $200 and $2,000 per month is best for your credit score. You should avoid having a balance above $6,000 when your monthly statement gets generated. Even if you spend $0, your credit score will still improve just by having the account open.

What credit score is needed to buy a $30,000 car?

To qualify for a $30,000 car loan, most lenders prefer to see a credit score of at least 660 to 700. That being said, your credit score is only one part of the equation. Lenders will also consider: Your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe compared to how much you earn)

Is having an Amex impressive?

Reasons Amex Is a Prestigious Credit Card Brand

Luxury travel perks: Select Amex cards give cardholders access to luxurious Centurion® Lounges in certain airports around the world, plus annual travel credits, travel insurance, and more.

Does Jeff Bezos use a credit card?

Jeff Bezos has publicly acknowledged that he has had his credit card declined. In an interview, when asked about having a credit card denied, Bezos chuckled and said yes, it had happened to him.

What do 90% of millionaires have in common?

The famed wealthy entrepreneur Andrew Carnegie famously said more than a century ago, “Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined.

How many people have $10,000 in credit card debt?

1 in 4 Americans who carry credit card balances currently owe $10,000 or more in credit card debt. Key insights from a survey of 1,447 Americans who have a credit card and do not pay their bills in full*:

How to get a 700 credit score in 30 days?

You can potentially boost your credit score towards 700 in 30 days by rapidly paying down credit card balances to lower utilization (under 30%, ideally 10%), paying bills on time (or even multiple times a month before reporting), getting added as an authorized user on a trusted account, disputing errors on your report, and strategically asking for credit limit increases, though a huge jump depends on your current profile. Focus heavily on reducing revolving debt and maintaining low balances to see fast results. 

What is the golden rule of credit cards?

When using a credit card, remember the golden rule: only spend what you can afford to pay off in full each month. Carrying a balance leads to interest charges that can grow quickly. Paying off your statement balance each billing cycle keeps your costs down and your credit score in good shape.