American Express Platinum Card Upgrade Offer: Check If You Qualify

Sometimes, you get an offer you can’t refuse – even if it means giving up one of your favorite cards.

This is what happened to me a few weeks ago when I was searching the internet for great welcome offers after the refresh American Express Platinum Card®. I’m excited about all of the card’s new benefits – from lucrative Resy points to enhanced digital entertainment points and extensive airport lounge access.

Welcome offers for the American Express Platinum Card are targeted and personalized. New Cardmembers can learn about their offers and see if they qualify for up to 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in purchases within the first six months of becoming a Cardmember. Welcome offers vary and you may not qualify for one.

I used to be a happy person American Express® Gold Card Been a member for a while and don’t plan on upgrading or product changes.

However, when I compared my top personalized Platinum card offer (80,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $8,000 within six months of card ownership) to the Gold upgrade offer (125,000 points when you spend $6,000 within six months of upgrading), it’s clear that the upgrade route offers more value.

That’s why if you’re considering buying a new travel card, I recommend checking out the upgrade offers.

My American Express Platinum Card Welcome Offer

It took several days of trying to find it. American Express Platinum Card An offer that excites me.

That’s because American Express limits cardholders to earning bonuses on their cards only once in a lifetime, so the stakes are high in finding a good card. I’m praying for the top bonus of 175,000 points, but I’ll be happy with anything worth 100,000 points or more.

Unfortunately for me, I came across some pretty lackluster quotes.

One of the most insulting bonuses popped up when I was using the pre-approval tool. I had the opportunity to earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on the card within six months of becoming a member.

Of course, it was nice to know I was approved. But fifty thousand points? This is quite insulting, especially considering the public quote American Express Gold Card New applicants are provided with information in My Wallet to check the offer and see if they are eligible for up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of becoming a cardmember. Welcome offers vary and you may not qualify for one. Come on, American Express.

I tried several methods to get better deals on the American Express Platinum Card, including using an incognito window in Google Chrome, using different browsers and checking over multiple days. The best I could get was the chance to earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on the card within six months of becoming a member.

It’s nothing special, though. In fact, this is an old public offer before American Express launches the personalized bonus feature in June 2025.

After a few days of searching for job opportunities that wow me, I think I have to throw in the towel.

But to my surprise, the best option for increasing my Membership Rewards balance was already in my account.

RELATED: New benefits, more value: Why I’m more excited than ever to become an American Express Platinum member

Check your American Express account

I logged into my American Express Gold Card account and find one platinum card A bonus I couldn’t resist.

As it turns out, the offer appeared on my homepage – I just had to scroll through my recent deals to find it. After spending $6,000 in my first six months as a cardmember, I received the upgrade offer and received 125,000 bonus points.

Bingo.

Not only did it beat the 100,000-point goal I set for the bonus, but the payout threshold was lower—$6,000 over six months instead of $8,000 in the same time frame.

Do I want to say goodbye to my American Express Gold Card? Not necessarily, but I can always apply again in the future (although I won’t qualify for the welcome bonus). However, I really wanted to give Platinum membership a try and this offer was the final push I needed to make the decision.

I certainly wasn’t expecting to upgrade to my Gold card to start my journey to Platinum Rewards, but when I tried to apply directly, I didn’t find anything close to 125,000 points.

RELATED: Something Shiny, Bright: Why I Got the Beautiful New Mirrored American Express Platinum Card and How You Can Too

bottom line

Upgrading a card you already have in your wallet doesn’t guarantee the best rewards every time – and I didn’t expect it to be the best way in my search to open an American Express Platinum card.

I love my Platinum membership and I’ve received a great welcome bonus. Now, I’m daydreaming about what I would do with 125,000 Membership Rewards points.

If you’re considering the American Express Platinum Card and already have an American Express card, it’s worth checking your account to see if you’re also eligible for the surprisingly high upgrade offer. You may find over 100,000 points waiting for you.

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card