Most cards establish your initial spending limit when you apply, determining the maximum amount you can spend (or carry) at a given time. However, several American Express cards forego a traditional preset spending limit*—potentially allowing you to spend more on a case-by-case basis.
This flexibility can be a major convenience for cardholders and is less risky for card issuers than permanently raising your spending limit. Not all American Express cards work this way. So if this is a feature important to you, you’ll want to consider this list of the best Amex cards with no preset spending limit.
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Unlike traditional credit cards, American Express cards have no preset spending limit. This flexible spending feature lets your spending capacity adapt based on factors like your purchase history, payment history, and credit record. But how does it all work, and are there ever limits? Let’s break it down
The Short Answer
American Express cards do not have a hard credit limit. Your “soft limit” adjusts automatically based on your financial profile However, Amex may assign a firm limit in some cases This is rare and done for specific reasons like past late payments or high balances.
Flexible Spending Power Explained
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With no preset limit, your Amex card’s spending power fluctuates based on your financial profile and habits.
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As you use your card responsibly over time, available credit typically increases. Making purchases and payments on time helps.
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Amex evaluates factors like your spending patterns, payment history, credit record, and more to determine your “soft” spending limit.
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The limit adapts as these factors change. Your spending power grows as you build a strong history with Amex.
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Wondering if you can make a big purchase? Check your “spending power” in your Amex account anytime.
Building Your Spending Power
Here are tips to maximize your spending capacity with an American Express card:
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Use your card regularly for purchases. This builds a robust history with Amex.
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Make at least the minimum payment every month on time. Ideally, pay in full.
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Gradually increase total monthly payments over time if carrying a balance.
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Keep all accounts with Amex and other creditors in good standing.
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Maintain a strong overall credit profile. Have low balances compared to credit limits.
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Enroll in autopay to avoid ever missing payments. Missed payments can trigger limits.
When Limits May Be Imposed
While rare, Amex may assign a fixed spending limit in certain cases, including:
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Repeated late or missed payments on your Amex card or other accounts
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Maxing out or maintaining very high balances on revolving credit
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Major derogatory marks on your credit reports like bankruptcy or judgments
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Fraudulent activity or suspected abuse/misuse of the account
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Drastic and sudden changes in your financial profile or spending patterns
If Amex places a preset limit for these reasons, they will inform you and explain why. The limit impacts how much credit is available for new purchases.
The Takeaway
American Express credit cards offer the unique advantage of no hardcoded spending cap. Your soft limit fluctuates based on your financial habits and history with Amex. While fixed limits are uncommon, poor credit management may trigger Amex to set a ceiling. Using your card responsibly over time maximizes your spending power.
Why Choose a No Preset Spending Limit Card Over a Traditional Card?
Opting for a No Preset Spending Limit card over a traditional card can offer significant advantages, particularly for those who occasionally make substantial purchases. Traditional cards with preset spending limits can be restrictive, especially if a significant portion of your limit is already utilized with other monthly expenses.
NPSL cards, on the other hand, provide greater flexibility, allowing cardholders to make large transactions without the constraints of a fixed spending limit. This can be especially beneficial for business owners or frequent travelers who need to manage varying expenses and who want to benefit from the convenience and rewards of charging those expenses to a card.
If you consistently pay off your cards in full each month, you may not notice much difference between an American Express No Preset Spending Limit card and a traditional card. However, the Amex NPSL cards typically require that balances be paid in full monthly. The exceptions are the Amex optional extended repayment features, Pay Over Time* and Pay It Plan It. These programs allow certain cardholders to pay off either a portion of their charges or select charges over time.
How To Use Your No Preset Spending Limit Card
If you’ve decided that a No Preset Spending Limit card is right for you or your business, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and stay within your budget.
One effective strategy is to pay off your balance each month. This prevents debt accumulation and avoids late payment charges. Enrolling your card in autopay is an excellent safeguard to ensure timely payments.
Before making a large purchase with your NPSL card, confirm that it will be approved at the time of the transaction. Although the card lacks an official spending limit, this doesn’t mean you can spend unlimited amounts. Fortunately, American Express provides a “Check Your Spending Power” tool, allowing you to enter the amount you plan to spend and instantly see if it will be approved. This advanced knowledge ensures you are prepared with the right card when the time comes.
Having a card without a preset spending limit can be a useful resource for someone who may occasionally need to spend more on their card. This offers extra flexibility and can be another selling point on top of the other benefits, perks and rewards that make these the best Amex cards with no preset spending limit.
To view rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card please visit this page. To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page. To view rates and fees for American Express® Business Gold Card please visit this page. To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page. To view rates and fees for The Plum Card® from American Express please visit this page. To view rates and fees for the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express please visit this page.
Does the American Express Platinum card have a Max Credit Limit Amount? Unlimited Spending Power?
FAQ
What is the maximum limit on an American Express card?
Unlike a traditional credit card, your Card has no preset spending limit, a unique feature that gives you flexible spending capacity. * This means the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.
Does Amex really have no limit?
If you have a Consumer or Business Green, Gold or Platinum Card, your Card does not have a credit limit. Instead, your Card has no preset spending limit unless you have been previously notified otherwise.
Is American Express unlimited money?
What is the highest American Express card you can get?