UK Amex Strategy: Maximize Rewards on Under £35k Income

In July 2023, American Express introduced new minimum income requirements for its UK credit cards, moving away from a holistic view of household finances. Now, ‘high-fee' cards like British Airways American Express Premium Plus and The Platinum Card require a minimum income of £35,000. Other cards, including Preferred Rewards Gold and the Nectar Credit Card, have lower thresholds of £15,000 or £20,000.

A crucial definition change is that only those earning £35,000+ can qualify for multiple sign-up bonuses by strategically applying for cards like The Platinum Card and British Airways American Express Premium Plus. For individuals earning under £35,000, options are limited to cards with lower income requirements, and they can typically only receive a bonus on their first Amex card (assuming no previous Amex card in 24 months).

The recommended strategy for those earning between £20,000 and £35,000 is to first apply for the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card. This card offers a significant benefit of 20,000 Membership Rewards points (valued at £200, transferable to Avios), is free for the first year, and includes four airport lounge passes and £120 in Deliveroo credits. After benefiting from the first year, the advice is to cancel it and switch to the ‘free for life' American Express Rewards Credit Card, which earns 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent and offers flexible redemption options.

For those earning £15,000 to £19,999, the immediate recommendation is the free American Express Rewards Credit Card, as they don't meet the £20,000 income for the Gold card. A primary risk across all cards is the high APR; users are strongly advised to clear their balance monthly to avoid interest charges. The article highlights that annual fees on cards like Marriott Bonvoy or Nectar may not be justified for lower earners if spending isn't high enough to offset them, emphasizing the value of free-for-life options.

(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/11/01/best-american-express-for-low-earners/)