American Express upgrade and switch offers give you an opportunity to earn bonus Membership Rewards points when you upgrade or switch cards in the Membership Rewards family, like the Green, Cobalt, Gold, or Business Gold.
These bonus points usually come with a minimum spending requirement on the new card. Some of these offers may be publicly available.
You’ll often find targeted offers in your American Express online account or receive them via email, so it’s worth checking regularly.
Here’s how to make the most of American Express upgrade and switch offers.
What are American Express Upgrade and Switch Offers
Unlike first-time welcome offers, upgrade and switch offers are for existing cardholders. You’ll earn bonus Membership Rewards points without applying for a brand-new card.
You’ll receive a new welcome bonus simply by upgrading your card to a higher tier or switching it within the same American Express card family.
You’ll also benefit from any perks that come with the new card without impacting your credit score.
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Best American Express Membership Rewards Cards
Welcome Points: Elevated 100,000
Welcome Value: $4,540
Annual Fee: $799
Welcome Points: Elevated 70,000
Welcome Value: Elevated $1,960
Annual Fee: $199
Welcome Points: 15,000
Welcome Value: $590
Annual Fee: $191.88 ($15.99 Monthly)
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Upgrade and switch offers are only available within the same American Express card family.
This means that you won’t be able to switch from a Marriott Bonvoy card to a Gold Card, for example.
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Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for August 2026.
Past American Express Upgrade and Switch Offers
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Bonus points usually post 8 to 12 weeks after the offer ends, even if you meet the American Express upgrade or switch offer spending requirement earlier.
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New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
Should You Upgrade or Switch Your Amex?
You’ll want to apply for a new American Express card first and earn the full welcome bonus before considering an upgrade or switch. This gives you the best value. Upgrade and switch offers let you “double dip” by earning a second welcome bonus on the same card.
Plus, you won’t overpay card fees, since upgrading or switching comes with pro-rated charges only.
When Should You Upgrade or Switch
When considering upgrading to a higher tier card, like moving from Gold to Platinum, you’ll want to be sure you’ll actually use the extra benefits enough to make the higher annual fee worthwhile.
Upgrading or switching from the no-fee American Express Green is a great opportunity to earn more points if you’ve been keeping it only to maintain access to your Membership Rewards points.
Upgrade if the bonus offer is worth more than the annual fee. Switch if the new card and its bonus better fit your spending habits.
When Should You Not Upgrade or Switch
You should keep your current card if it already matches your spending habits well. As you may not be approved for the same card again. This is particularly true when considering switching from the American Express Cobalt.
AWP TIP
American Express has a once-in-a-lifetime rule for welcome bonuses. This means that you won’t receive a welcome bonus again once you’ve already earned it on a card.
Upgrade and switch offers give you another path to earn a welcome bonus on a card you’ve already held.
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Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Bottom Line
American Express upgrade and switch offers on Membership Rewards cards like the Green, Cobalt, Gold, and Business Gold can be an easy way to earn plenty of points without applying for a new card.
You should only consider these offers if you’ve already earned the welcome bonus on the card you’re upgrading or switching to. Applying for a new card first will always give you the best value.
