Introduction

I am currently detailing the downgrade options for various banks' credit cards. This week, we’re focusing on American Express (Amex) cards.

Downgrade Rules for Amex Cards

• Same Family Only: You can only product change a card within the same card family or brand. Personal cards can only be changed to other personal cards, and business cards can only be changed to other business cards.
• Timeframe: Do not downgrade an Amex Card before 12 months from the opening date. This is a common reason for being blacklisted by Amex.
• Annual Fee Refund: If you close your card within 30 days of the statement that includes the annual fee, you will receive a full refund. If you close the card after 30 days, no refund will be issued. Downgrading the card will provide a prorated annual fee refund based on the remaining days in the cardmember year. However, you need to request the prorated refund from the representative, as results may vary by account.
• Losing Rewards: Downgrading an Amex card will not result in the loss of points. However, all perks, benefits, and credits will immediately reflect the new card.
• Multiple Same Cards: Amex allows you to hold multiple cards of the same type. You can downgrade to a card you already have.
• Welcome Bonus: Amex welcome bonuses are only available for cardmembers who have never had the same card product previously. Downgrading a card will forfeit the ability to earn a welcome bonus on that card product in the future.

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Downgrade Options for Amex Cards

The Amex No Preset Limit Card Family: Platinum, Gold, Green*

This family includes the Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, and Amex Green cards. Any personal card in this family can be downgraded or upgraded within the family.

• Amex Green Card - Annual Fee: $150
• Amex Gold Consumer - Annual Fee: $250
• Amex Platinum Consumer - Annual Fee: $695

The business card family also includes the same three options:

• Amex Business Green - Annual Fee: $95
• Amex Business Gold - Annual Fee: $295
• Amex Business Platinum - Annual Fee: $695

Amex Everyday Preferred

• Downgrade Option: Amex Everyday Card
• Annual Fee: $0 (from $95)

Blue Cash Preferred

• Downgrade Option: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Annual Fee: $0 (from $95)

Amex Delta Family

The Delta personal card family includes four cards that can be downgraded or upgraded within the family.

• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card - Annual Fee: $0
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card - Annual Fee: $99
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card - Annual Fee: $250
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Annual Fee: $550

For the business family:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card - Annual Fee: $99
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card - Annual Fee: $250
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card - Annual Fee: $550

The Hilton Card Family

The Hilton Personal card family has three options:

• Amex Hilton - Annual Fee: $0
• Amex Hilton Surpass - Annual Fee: $95
• Amex Hilton Aspire - Annual Fee: $450

There is only one Hilton business card, the Amex Hilton Business card, with no downgrade or upgrade options.

The Amex Marriott Family

For personal cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card - Annual Fee: $650
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card - Annual Fee: $250

For business cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card - Annual Fee: $125
• No downgrade options available.

Amex Plum Business

• Downgrade Option: None available
• Annual Fee: $250

No Preset Spending Limit means the spending limit is flexible, adapting based on factors like your purchase, payment, and credit history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I upgraded my Amex Gold card to the Amex Platinum, can I still get a welcome bonus on a new Platinum card?

A: No. If you’ve had the card before, you’re not eligible for the welcome bonus, even if you never received one.

Q: If I receive an upgrade offer with bonus points from Amex, can I downgrade after getting the bonus?

A: Downgrading within 12 months of receiving a bonus may result in being blacklisted by Amex.

Q: Are charge cards included in the Amex 2/90 rule?

A: No.

Q: Can I downgrade a personal Amex Gold card to a no-annual-fee card?

A: No. The cheapest downgrade option is the Green card with a $150 annual fee.

Q: Can I downgrade an Amex card via chat?

A: Yes, you can downgrade through chat or by calling customer service.

Q: I downgraded my Amex Platinum to Amex Green, then saw a 50k upgrade offer to Platinum. Is there any harm in upgrading again?

A: No. Upgrading is fine. The issue is downgrading within 12 months after receiving a bonus.