Amex - How many cards?

hb13

Hi All,
I've been in the UK one year, so still navigating the process of credit cards and credit in general in the UK. I currently have an Amex Gold and a BA Amex Premium Plus, however, I wanted to also get the Marriott Amex for the 15 nights you get as credit to help boost my status with Marriott.

I know I'm not eligible for the bonus points with the Marriott card if I get it, however, do individuals in the UK get three of four individual Amex cards? Is that doable here? I know everyone's personal situation is different, however, I just wanted to understand if getting a few credit cards here was achievable.

I came from Australia where holding 5 - 8 credit cards was easily done. I know in the US people often have 10 - 20 cards, so just wanting to know how it works in the UK.

Thanks all.

Fighter1986

While there technically is a limit to holding four Amex cards, it is uncommon for any Brit to hold that many.

Credit scoring in the UK might be quite strict compared to the examples you've quoted, especially in the last ten months. Opening more than one or two new lines of credit in any twelve month period can adversely affect ones creditworthiness here as can submitting more than two or three credit-scored applications in any six month period - this includes applications for bank accounts, loans, mortgages, utilities, telephony services and insurance policies paid monthly. 

I can't talk for how foreign credit scoring models work but stability is a big key here. Length of time at your current address, with your employer, with your bank... Having a history of long running accounts rather than new accounts, all that good stuff.

Having been in the UK for one year I'm very impressed you already have two cards. I'd say you'd be lucky to be approved for a third in such a short timeframe. Usually one has to have three years of history here at the very least in order to be considered for any kind of credit card let alone amex.

You must have some unusually positive aspects about your current circumstances. 

msallen

There used to be a maximum of four Amex - two earning MR points and two earning other points or cashback, but I haven't been "playing the points game" for a couple of years now so I can't say whether that stlll applies.

hb13

Fighter1986 said:

While there technically is a limit to holding four Amex cards, it is uncommon for any Brit to hold that many.

Credit scoring in the UK might be quite strict compared to the examples you've quoted, especially in the last ten months. Opening more than one or two new lines of credit in any twelve month period can adversely affect ones creditworthiness here as can submitting more than two or three credit-scored applications in any six month period - this includes applications for bank accounts, loans, mortgages, utilities, telephony services and insurance policies paid monthly. 

I can't talk for how foreign credit scoring models work but stability is a big key here. Length of time at your current address, with your employer, with your bank... Having a history of long running accounts rather than new accounts, all that good stuff.

Having been in the UK for one year I'm very impressed you already have two cards. I'd say you'd be lucky to be approved for a third in such a short timeframe. Usually one has to have three years of history here at the very least in order to be considered for any kind of credit card let alone amex.

You must have some unusually positive aspects about your current circumstances. 

Thanks for that information, it is much appreciated. My first Amex was a global transfer by American Express - and I had, at least I believe I had pretty good standing with them in my history with Amex. I try and make sure every bill I have is paid in full and on time, so I guess I have been very lucky that way. 

I'll heed the advise however and hold off for maybe another 6 months before I do anything else. 

dr_adidas01

hb13 said:

Hi All,
I've been in the UK one year, so still navigating the process of credit cards and credit in general in the UK. I currently have an Amex Gold and a BA Amex Premium Plus, however, I wanted to also get the Marriott Amex for the 15 nights you get as credit to help boost my status with Marriott.

I know I'm not eligible for the bonus points with the Marriott card if I get it, however, do individuals in the UK get three of four individual Amex cards? Is that doable here? I know everyone's personal situation is different, however, I just wanted to understand if getting a few credit cards here was achievable.

I came from Australia where holding 5 - 8 credit cards was easily done. I know in the US people often have 10 - 20 cards, so just wanting to know how it works in the UK.

Thanks all.

It used to be that you could only have 2 personal credit cards and 2 personal charge cards with Amex so 4 in total. I don’t know if that’s changed recently since they have reduced the charge cards available in the U.K. market.