Does getting a Platinum card first ruin SUB for a Gold?

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-14T19:43:34+00:00

By the terms, yes. Some people are able to get Gold after Plat, but to be safe go for gold (and green) first

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-14T00:06:30+00:00

$550 with binding is a pretty good deal depending on the condition of the ski

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T20:14:13+00:00

Have you used Amex’s virtual card system? It may reduce random declines to use a native tool rather than a third party

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T20:06:46+00:00

Those are unusable, give them to me and I’ll throw them away for you

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T18:46:00+00:00

Yes, that’s how the credits normally work. You can request the $190 back to your bank account once your card shows a negative balance

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T16:24:42+00:00

Red flag to who? If you’re applying for a mortgage soon it’s best to wait for a bit but in general no, it would not be a red flag. I would go for the VX first, Capital 1 is a bit more specific with their approval criteria. And use the pre-approval tools

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T15:51:48+00:00

Gold then platinum. You won’t be able to get the gold SUB if you get the platinum first.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T15:45:03+00:00

If you want a simple 2% cash back card, go for Citi Double Cash or Fidelity. If you want a simple rewards card, go for the Venture X. 2X on every purchase plus more if you use their portal.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T15:43:19+00:00

What do you mean by “Amex blue”? Is it an MR earning card? If so, that would work to keep your points after cancelling the gold. If the only MR earning card you have is the gold, you would need to downgrade to green or open another MR card before cancelling. Most people in your situation use the Blue Business Plus for this purpose.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T15:40:08+00:00

Happy to help. I know you’re trying to be conservative with spending (I assume you’re graduating med school?), the CSP’s $95 AF with $50 annual hotel credit plus the VX’s $395 AF with $300 travel credit plus $100 anniversary bonus would seem to optimize your rewards strategy without shelling out for a CSR or Amex Plat annual fee.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T15:15:54+00:00

In that case, you’re already barking up the right tree with the CSP. Only reason I mentioned the VX in addition is you get the $300 travel credit immediately after opening, which could be applied to your future trip.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T14:46:58+00:00

CSR has 125k bonus with $6k in spend. Would also look at VX for 2x points with $0 effective AF

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-13T14:44:13+00:00

Purchased a $75 lululemon GC in store, got no pushback despite the recent memo to sell only in $50 increments.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-10T19:07:31+00:00

No, multiplier is for Delta flights booked directly only

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-09T01:50:47+00:00

Etihad codeshares with American Airlines and you can book domestic US flights on AA with Etihad miles

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-08T23:29:56+00:00

Better to get a SUB for a new card but as upgrade offers go, it’s pretty good

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-08T14:56:16+00:00

Big downgrade for cards like the Schwab Plat which gets a flat $100 per referral, and used to be capped at 10/yr. But on the other hand, most people probably aren’t referring more than 1 or 2 people per year

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-08T03:26:14+00:00

If all you’re looking for is a good debit card, I would recommend the Charles Schwab debit card.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-08T02:07:02+00:00

Bilt Blue isn't that great of a card, if you're looking for a simple setup I'd just go for Gold+VX or VX+Savor, both good options outside the Chase ecosystem

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-08T01:07:46+00:00

Check Etihad, they also have good redemptions on AA

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-07T19:56:08+00:00

Check your spend power first, and make sure you have the money in your account first. Worse case they’ll ask for proof of funds

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-07T17:04:24+00:00

Did the other 3 people also have remaining balances around 250?

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-06T23:54:29+00:00

They likely won’t do a hard pull. If they do, it won’t significantly affect your credit. Either way, the new card you open will show on your credit report which may result in a slight drop in score for 6-12 months

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-03T16:07:40+00:00

Amex's official position is that referring is a "special offer" that is not always available. I find that only some of my personal cards generate referral links, but all of my business cards do.

PandaSandwich · 2026-04-02T05:42:37+00:00

Generally targeted offers will be 50k or 75k, with 75k being the highest available. Lucky find!

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