How do I maximize the Amex welcome bonus?

How to maximize the Amex welcome bonus

The welcome bonus is the most lucrative moment of your credit card. With the right timing and strategy, you can earn tens of thousands of extra miles.

Understand the bonus structure

The Flying Blue Amex welcome bonus works differently than you might expect. The bonus is paid out in two parts:

• 50% after 7 months of card membership
• 50% after 13 months of card membership

Requirement: you must spend at least EUR 4,000 in the first period. The current welcome bonuses:

• Flying Blue Amex Gold: up to 40,000 miles (20,000 after 7 months + 20,000 after 13 months)
• Flying Blue Amex Platinum: up to 120,000 miles (60,000 after 7 months + 60,000 after 13 months)

Timing is everything

Plan your application strategically around moments when you already have large expenses:

• Holiday period: booking flights, hotels and rental cars
• Annual insurance: paying health, travel or car insurance in one go
• Large purchases: new laptop, washing machine, or other electronics

The goal is to meet the EUR 4,000 spending requirement with expenses you would make anyway.

Daily expenses count too

Put as many recurring payments as possible on your new card: groceries, fuel, streaming services, telecom subscriptions. All these small amounts add up toward your spending target.

Important warnings

Never spend more than your budget allows. Always pay off your balance in full. Also note: some payments (government transactions, certain money transfers) do not count toward the welcome bonus.

Upgrade strategy

A smart approach: start with the Gold Card, receive the welcome bonus of 40,000 miles, and upgrade to the Platinum after 7-13 months. This way you may receive a welcome bonus twice. Always check the current terms with American Express, as the rules change regularly.

After the bonus

Once you have reached the maximum welcome bonus, evaluate whether the card suits you in the long term. The Gold Card (EUR 16.50/month, 1 mile/euro, 30 XP/year) is the best value for most people long-term. The Platinum (EUR 55/month, 1.5 miles/euro, 60 XP/year) is more interesting if you want to build status quickly.