Increased Referral Bonus On American Express Cards

Starting today American Express has launched an increased referral bonus on many of their personal cards. Cardholders will receive an enhanced bonus when they refer their friends or family to an American Express card.

Will the referred friend get a sign-up bonus?

Yes in addition to the referrer receiving an increased referral bonus the referred friend will also receive an increased sign-up bonus if eligible.

If you have held or hold a personal card from American Express in the past 24 months you aren’t eligible for a sign-up bonus from an American Express card. There are two major exceptions to this:

1) British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card

You cannot of held or currently hold an Avios earning card in the last 24 months to be eligible for a sign-up bonus. You can hold another personal American Express card and still be eligible for the sign-up bonus.

2) The Platinum Card

You cannot of held or currently hold a personal Membership Reward points-earning card in the last 24 months to be eligible for a sign-up bonus. You can hold another personal American Express card and still be eligible for the sign-up bonus.

This is my experience using the points system and is not a recommendation of any financial product. There are other credit cards that can earn you travel points including IHG credit card, Tesco Credit Cards (by exchanging Clubcard points for Virgin points, hotel stays and more) & Virgin Atlantic credit card. If you use one of my referral links to an American Express card upon you being accepted I will receive points, this varies between 9,000 – 18,000 depending on the card I refer you from.

What cards can I get an increased referral bonus on?

The following cards have an increased referral & sign-up bonus…

Don’t forget you don’t need to have the same card as the user being referred. They can choose from any American Express card they want with you receiving the same bonus your card entitles you to.

If you already have a BA Amex…

If the recent changes and increased ‘taxes & fees’ on Avios redemptions have put you off having a BA Amex you might consider switching to a membership reward earning card & enjoy the extra flexibility it brings you. With a membership reward earning card you have the flexibility to use your points in multiple Airline or hotel partners – https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/rewards/membership-rewards – including Avios.

Conclusion

With the increased referral and sign-up bonuses on American Express cards now is a great time to get one if you were considering it. Don’t forget even if the referred friend isn’t eligible for a sign-up bonus you can still get a referral bonus by referring them.