[Full Guide] How to Climb the American Express Ladder in 2024

[@kingsgold]

Black card is 99% for the concierge service you get with the card. You call, ask what you want and they make it happen. Sold out shows, sporting events, concerts, restaraunts, plane tickets to anywhere on the world, whatever it is you can think of and Amex will make it happen and charge you accordingly. When you have black, costs aren’t usually an issue.

[@bladeddavid1144]

There’s no such thing as an American Express ladder anyone with good credit can get any of there cards. Get the card that fits your lifestyle the best. Don’t get travel or hotel cards if you don’t travel or stay at hotels, don’t get the gold card unless you spend thousands on food. If you can afford the annual fee keep the card for one year and get the sub and cancel only card you should never close is the BBP

[@JeremiahBronx]

Technically, there is an American Express ladder, because if you get the cards out of order, you will not get the sign up bonus. American Express has been hard at work and trying to stop the card turners and trying to encourage people to go tear by tear in their credit card system.

[@ryansebers396]

@@JeremiahBronxSure, but using a ladder model implies working upward, which is patently false outside of invite-only, considering qualifications generally apply across the board regardless of AF tier

[@JeremiahBronx]

@@ryansebers396 A few years ago you could apply to any AMEX card whichever order you wanted without the ladder.

[@gnomegrinding]

100% agree with this. Get whatever card you wanna get that makes sense for you provided you are approved. Theres no ladder.. this video is really overthinking it trying to do way too much. Obviously the exception would be the Black card but 99% of people will just never have access to that card anyway

[@Mobiledds]

Poor advice unless catered to extremely lazy people who dont care to maximize their gains

[@kingkobra_1945]

for anyone that doesn’t know, if you are active duty military, your fee is waived by AMEX

[@thenovelshark]

Important to let people know that if you get the Gold it disqualifies you from the Green's welcome offer (similar to what happens if you get the Platinum first with both the Gold and Green). Honestly, I'd think the Green works as a better step 2 anyway, considering it's

[@williamjackson6294]

Agree. Green is a better general use charge card. The gold and Plat are for those who have high spending in dining or travel

[@newagain9964]

Green 3x travel. Nada for gold. Side bar, plat should come with primary CDW, and maybe green to, or least have option to pay for it.

[@cliftonjohnson7478]

The key was doing it like shopping for a car. I had platinum which I got in 2016 with bonus. I recently got gold, gold business, Marriott bonvoy brilliant, and delta all in the same week. All bonuses, zero issues

[@horsemen601]

in same week? isnt there a 2 card limit within 90 days?

[@kayeangeleevillaflor6170]

Never been this early, just wanted to thank you for all of your Credit insight you’ve given us. I just turned 21 and I already have the Amex Gold card among other cards with a 758 credit score. I appreciate the team.

[@LUCKIEONASIS]

I got my platinum card with a 637 credit score through credit karma 🤷🏾

[@thadswashesed9076]

Platinum benefits more than cover the annual fee if you use them. $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, $200 uber/uber eats (15/mo plus extra 20 in dec credit, $100 Saks credit (50 once each 6 months), Walmart +, $240 digital/streaming credit, $199 clear plus credit, hertz/marriott status, and several others. Also there are different platinum cards, Schwab platinum for example allows transfer of points to brokerage account credits.

[@denziiey]

Streaming credit? As in my hulu, tidal, netflix, disney whatever streaming service music or video?

[@thadswashesed9076]

@ specific ones listed are Disney+, , espn+, Hulu, New York Times, peacock, Wall Street journal. Credit is $20/month so generally needs to be a monthly subscription to one or more of the above, as an annual subscription charged in a specific month would only get the 20 off for that month

[@Youshares]

I love American express! I get out of debt because of their personal loans. You just need to know how to use their offers. I just got the platinum and I got $0 before I will start using it.❤❤❤

[@mosephinebaker]

Personal loans? Do tell

[@E1ara]

​@@mosephinebakeryeah, personal loans on low low Apr, using those as well

[@timhill1196]

I love watching these videos and the more i do the more i realize you can technically start this game too early. I started when i was 19 and moved really fast and ended up in the 750s after only a year or so. (Without any AU treatment either). I only make like 40k a year rn and cant really justify getting anything fancier than the CSP. Im learning to have patience but its tough to actively try not to advance any higher.

[@GideonR-r7s]

lol I’m in the same exact situation. Just sitting with the Amex blue cash everyday and the PayPal credit card. I want to get a 2% back everything card and then I’ll be set for now

[@cowgoesmoo9981]

I know this ain’t AMEX. But I just got the BILT mastercard and got the 5X for 5 days on Monday when it came in the mail. I got the BILT app on my phone and made an account then applied for the card. Not sure if that is what gets you the 5X bonus but that’s what I did and I got it.

[@JessicaHolmes]

My husband’s first card was the Amex platinum in 2017. I’m going to start from the bottom up with Amex to get all the SUBs since he can’t lol. But he has gotten them for the Hilton cards (surpass & aspire). I really want to jump on the delta SUBs, but we’re currently working on the CSR. Thanks for the video!!

[@AxelXBrian]

Bro Now they're teaching Credit Cards and Financial Stuff In Highschool Under One Course Called Personal Financials

[@lorettaknoelk3475]

They are here in Florida too. But, high-school ended in 2000 for me. So I am going to watch these.

[@ryanmartin7033]

As they should considering all the idiots that apply for student loans that have no clue what interest rates are and how they work. Then after they finish school (or drop out) want their loans forgiven. Not to mention most don't understand how to save or invest. Arguably would be the most beneficial subject that they'll learn.

[@hollymartin3291]

FINALLY 👏🏻

[@lilos01]

lol😂😂😂

[@AxelXBrian]

@@lilos01 they're Even now are teaching us about stocks

[@Jaceun-OU812]

19:46 The Bonvoy Brilliant actually has Titanium Elite status with Marriott as a card benefit. You don’t need the second card or the 75 nights to qualify for it, but you get all the benefits of the Titanium Elite level. Makes it totally worth the card fee.

[@AymanDaredia]

I just skipped the beginner-tier cards and went for the Gold. It just makes sense for me.

[@Tommyluu809]

Same

[@noblegirl1991]

Same here

[@mike-xu9qv]

Same

[@greglopez8206]

Same. Though I did add a Blue just for kicks

[@Thetheobaudry]

Yep

[@vnsomeshwar]

18 here and got the gold amex with a credit score of 760 and a history of 9 months. It’s very easy to get tbh

[@syh2211]

How? What’s your credit usage looking like???

[@vnsomeshwar]

@ I spend 2-3k a month in credit cards, utilization fluctuates between 2-10%. My credit score has since dropped to 720 sadly because utilization went up

[@syh2211]

@@vnsomeshwar damn how many cards do you currently have, my utilization is around 1.5k and my credit is sub 700 with around 7 months of history

[@vnsomeshwar]

@ before I got the Amex gold, 2 of my own and 1 of my parents with my name added

[@cwill2127]

Pretty dumb to get a 325 annual fee card at 18 tbh. Like very lol

[@philbertshevitz3113]

Good video, adding chapter tabs to move about the video would be even better, thanks

[@Tomatos_family]

if you have money lets say your like a multi millionaire you dont have to really "spend" 400k to try to get an invite just buy something that doesnt really lose its value like a car just buy like 400k worth of silver then once you hopefully got your black card you can just resell all the silver you just got. so as long as the price of silver doesnt drop like a rock you basically got the black card for free

[@MrZorbatron]

Except for the $2500 (last I saw, probably higher now) annual fee.

[@is643]

So lets say I want to apply for a platinum fast, but want the gold bonus, shall I apply for the gold now, and once approved apply for the platinum?

[@hollymartin3291]

I have a Delta sky-miles Platinum Am Ex with a score under 600 but had a previous relationship, of which I paid off, finally. Hoping to get some other cards with Am Ex to bolster my score

[@coreygoree1256]

Sir in 8:25 you said American Express Everyday cc and the next card your recommended on the beginner level 9:16 was the American Express Everyday cc again.... 👀

[@SparkyUTAU]

It’s funny that I got approved for the delta platinum card as my first AMEX card with a 600 score hahaha I guess I got lucky!

[@esco.letsgo]

In the UK you can get the bonus from another card after 2 years with your current AMEX card.

[@josephtaylor3857]

Here in Canada we have the Amex Cobalt card and it is excellent e.g 5x the points on all eats and drinks etc.

[@32028Eduardo]

I started my grind for the amex and happily i got approved for blue card. Because chase denied my freedom flex application

[@FutbolWorld_25]

Thank you man!

[@gregg_nw]

Thanks for your help. Quick question: I use capital one secure card now and would like to move to American Express at some point. Would American Express be the one to send a card when they see my credit is good at capital one or I have to apply?

[@ahmadshehadeh3705]

I don't think there's any amex ladder, I literally got approved for the platinum as my first amex

[@barbaraday7662]

It’s not about whether you’re approved or not. It’s the best way to optimize intro bonus offers and learn how to use them. Because you got the platinum first, you’re no longer eligible to get any intro bonus offers for any other cards of that family (green and gold cards).

[@joshuafryar5794]

Never had a credit card , first one was Amex platnium . There is no ladder , make a lot of money , have above a 700 , u get whatever card u want

[@SnazzySki98]

That’s horrible advice and not to mention almost certainly a lie.

[@joshuafryar5794]

@@SnazzySki98 horrible advice ? It’s not advice it’s what I’d did lol.

[@barbaraday7662]

And now you missed out on thousands of points in intro bonuses since you’re no longer eligible.

[@joshuafryar5794]

@@barbaraday7662 I got 120k.

[@SnazzySki98]

@@joshuafryar5794 I highly doubt that buddy. First, the plat is a pretty awful card, second, it’s not something you get without prior credit history.

[@franciscomontilliano4721]

Awesome video. Thanks 😎

[@40thzx6]

been debating on a gold card cuz i dont travel alot but i do spend around 2 grand a month on food

[@40thzx6]

and my current card i use for foods first year bonus just ended

[@40thzx6]

and everytime i do travel the flights are free anyways so the only cost would be food or drinks and possibly a hotel

[@nikki9611]

778 trans/793 equifax, three total credit accounts all low utilization, no loans no car note no mortgage and i can't get approved for an amex blue everyday, what am i doing wrong?

[@UNTEMPTFULL]

It’s not the score but the credit profile itself. If they are thin you won’t get approved. Happened to me.

[@lubafenniman4758]

Find someone with an Amex to add you as AU, sign up for their Free Credit Monitoring program, this gets you at their door, within 2 weeks then you can apply,

[@joseotero1967]

Great card to have just don't Go Crazy thank u. 👍

[@JoseCarrillo-u8l]

im 18 i have three cards, freddom unlimted, quicksilver one, and amex everyday. My credit utilization is 3 percent. I have had capital one for 7 months, chase for 3 and amex for 1. What should i do next? chase or amex, which is better and how long shiuld i wait. My fico is 720

[@nishankamin]

Always chase first to avoid being locked out with 5/24.

[@newagain9964]

Chase. But u should pace yourself. At this rate ur file in a few years will be labeled “churner” and won’t be able to get cards u want. Lots of ppl still can’t get VX or altitude reserve etc for that reason.

[@iFrankie.]

Try to get chase trifecta if not duo is fine. AMEX will always be there once you’re out of 5 rule Chase will no longer accept

[@iFrankie.]

I’m at 3/5 and debating about getting Amex Gold before the welcome offer ends on 11/6. Really wanted to get the trifecta from Chase but the duo will suffice. I do want to close one of my capital one cards tho or get a venture x

[@zyxdao]

Approved new Amex credit card CL can be reallocation from existing other card(s) without informed consent at the time of approval decision.

[@vegeta488053]

What's the first American express someone should get?

[@felixcruz2376]

I started with the everyday cash back card.

[@vegeta488053]

@@felixcruz2376 thank u i appreciate it.

[@soapa4279]

Everyday card, or Hilton Honors no AF version

[@calvinvarnerXXIII]

GOLD!!!

[@herodailylife..3993]

Hi John thank you for the awesome video. Just wanna ask make sure went you say 5. Is that 5 of amx or 5 of mix cc. Thank you

[@LoveToBeSassy]

Your like a smart ass in a good way 🧠 😂

[@petersmith2040]

Instead of spending $10K on the initiation fee plus $5K annual fee on the AmEx Centurion Card, why not just use the money to buy a First Class roundtrip ticket to Europe and stay in a 5-star hotel for a week long vacation. Or, just invest the money in American Express stock to get richer.

[@FinancialCharles]

The first two cards are called the American Express everyday?

[@greentechgiraffe]

Looks like AMEX has removed their lower Everyday cards... we might need an update !!

[@blobtower7348]

The 4th point is wrong, they did a hard pull two days ago when i got the gold card but I already have blue cash and I'm already a member.

[@ledwigfernandez9062]

If someone could respond to this ill love you FOREVERER! Is the best way to get max points be get the GOLD and the SUB, then the PLAT and SUB, then either downgrade or cancel the PLAT to the GREEN? (probly will be a downgrade cause ik closing an account is bad, but Id love to just have the AF for the gold) Any guidance would be appreciated!!

[@GymLeaderRay]

Do you have a video like this for Chase cards?

[@KeithW901]

Great video, but given that Amex does their financial review bs with no warning often I have no reason to use their cards.

[@francis5944]

how can I apply for the Black card? :)

[@vlonevogue6373]

i have the amex delta gold card as an authorised user my score rn is a 743 I want to apply for the gold/platnum card but the problem is I have no annual income since I'm only 17 would it be possible if I turn 18 then apply for this card ? thank you

[@aakshaytomlinson6281]

can you make a video about your real estate calculator?

[@matheusd.soldatelli6817]

Dear John, thank you for your channel! I am a big fan of yours. Which Visa or Mastercard do you recommend I pair with my current amex gold and platinum for travel? This is because some places don’t take amex and I would like a good non-amex travel card for daily shopping when needed abroad. Thank you.

[@WesleySchwartz-ty7sg]

BCE also has 0 APR for 15 months

[@xvenom2145]

I’ll use your affiliate link only to finally checkout after using honey 😋

[@vegeta488053]

I have a 710 credit score I know it's not the best but I want a card that helps me travel more, so what's the best card for me? Any recommendations?

[@tristinmikes]

Chase sapphire preferred or capital one venture or venture x

[@vegeta488053]

@@tristinmikes oh I see thanks for the help very much appreciated

[@calvinvarnerXXIII]

AMEX GOLD and PLATINUM!!!!!

[@vegeta488053]

@@calvinvarnerXXIII thank you

[@reed-c]

Honestly, speaking go for the Chase Sapphire, preferred, reserve at the very highest. Everybody raves about the Amex platinum, but I honestly feel that I’ve gotten my moneys worth much more with the Chase side of things, plus their travel in red redemption portal is absolutely superior.

[@Saternoc]

So is it now impossible to get the Gold Card offer if I only have the Platinum card?

[@barbaraday7662]

You can get the card but not the intro bonus

[@Saternoc]

@@barbaraday7662 Thank you for clarifying. This is one of several reminders of how I’ve made poor life decisions and wish I could reset my life. I hope the kids watching this video learn from my mistakes.

[@staywinningpod]

Good video.

[@justincredible214]

Which would you consider to be the easiest card to get?

[@DetBull]

I got denied for citi custom cash with a 766 credit score and they gave me no reason it's been 3 weeks what should I do

[@isaiahnieves]

I think you should file a complaint with the FTC but idk other than that

[@DetBull]

@@isaiahnieves ftc?

[@louiv4257]

I heard if you have a lot of inquires they will deny you

[@louiv4257]

Call Citi bank and ask for a reason , they need to have a reason to why they deny you

[@isaiahnieves]

@@DetBull Federal Trade Commission. Technically citi bank violated the law because they are required to give you a reason for denial no matter what

[@somin3d1080p]

If I was rich enough, it seems the black card is not worth the fees compared to the gold and platinum. But I guess some people like to flex

[@weing]

If you spent the 23 minutes listening to this , you need to spend twice that amount of the listening to Dave Ramsey.

[@stacy_marie]

Argh. Any Amex card w an elevated offer sends me to pop up jail. So frustrating 😢

[@kirk0831]

No green card？

[@denziiey]

No such thing. Amex is literally begging me to get the platinum card. At the end of the day if you're not late on paymnets and have good credit they dont care they want more people to have the card and paying 675 a year. It benefits them. These are no longer status cards its just whoever wants it. Except the black card that one is 10k a year fee lol

[@ricobuttonpusher7061]

Do Chase next

[@fernanchacon]

I got a platinum as my first Amex at 18. This ladder thing is bs

[@kml.]

Centurion is cool

[@RomanVarl]

You should really stop "climbing" at BCP or Gold at most

[@cynthiahoggatt6911]

I have AE card ❤❤

[@annieseaside]

If you want Platinum just pay the annual fee. You do NOT need to start lower. There is NO LADDER. Come on

[@soapa4279]

While this is true, you lock yourself out of the Green and Gold SUBs. It’s not a “ladder” but it is still a worthwhile order to follow to get the most out of the lifetime SUBs.

[@newagain9964]

But you’ll find out eventually u want/need more MR pts. But you’ll be locked out of their most lucrative offers.

[@soapa4279]

@@newagain9964 yup exactly. Green is min 40K points, sometimes 60K. Gold is 60K-100K. I wouldn't want to lose potentially 120-160K points by being impatient going straight to a Plat. Amex and their family language, it sucks but it's there.

[@marine698]

Actually you don’t have to pay off the Platnium. It’s called pay over time.

[@greglopez8206]

Same for Gold

[@newagain9964]

U still have to pay off balance. And with POT ur paying more.

[@plasma_45]

Its no different than a regular credit card. APR is about the same as visa and master card in my case. ​@newagain9964

[@ctbt1832]

American Express should have a secured credit card as a starter card

[@estheticsguru]

The closest thing they have is the American Express Serve Card. It's a prepaid card.

[@Jon-bu4bh]

#4 is a lie, they do pull your credit report

[@ServiceAceStud]

Unfortunate timing with them closing down applications on the everyday cards 2 daya after you posted this. Its likely temporary, but could throw a wrench in peoples gameplan.

[@kylo.ehlinger]

yes i know i was planning on this strategy being that i would be able to apply for the everyday next month to build points but it looks like its discontinued… 😢

[@ServiceAceStud]

@@kylo.ehlinger I'm hopeful that when amex CEO announced 40+ cards would be refreshed that this isn't a full axe and that they will be replaced, likely with an AF cards with added benefits is my guess.

[@cynthiahoggatt6911]

I don't need anyone cards

[@Moneymike29]

I have a question, why doesn’t anybody teach people how to stay OUT of debt instead of using credit cards? Why do you teach that credit is a necessity when it’s not?

[@horsemen601]

it is necessity. in order to buy, rather finance the large purchases in life you have to build your credit history unless you plan to pay cash for your car, trip and house

[@Moneymike29]

@ why don’t we teach people to save and then they can buy things with cash. Debt is pointless and stupid.

[@hauluong1016]

stupid ads

[@2010-BTC-yep]

What a stupid, stupid lesson. Spend, spend, spend…. 😢… invest invest invest…. Then spending is easy.. 25M dollars 💵 earning 8% -10% a year is awesome. Just funnel that through credit cards.. 💳 I call that NYC broke/woke coffee shop lifestyle. No one knows you have $25M you just pop up daily like Kramer. Amex will love you. 🥰

[@pmj2854]

FIRST!

[@johnsfinancetips]

let's go!

[@clint120]

nobody is impressed.

[@TheKingOfCasuals]

Credit is a scam

[@Mosarezaiee]

😂

[@barbaraday7662]

How so? It’s a way to prove that you’re responsible and pay your debts timely…

[@soapa4279]

Poor person’s mentality

[@greglopez8206]

Your comment is a scam. Probably from the Debit card of America’s union

[@newagain9964]

Scam? No. But having debt is never a thing to be celebrated. The goal is to clear debt asap.