Niche query – When *precisely* does my two-year wait end?

[Jan M]

Hi,

This is a pretty niche query, but I’m looking to re-apply for an Amex Gold after a long two-year break. I dug out the cancellation letter (dated 11 August 2022) which reported that “your account was cancelled from 09/08/2022”. I also have a final statement dated 10 August.

Suppose the safest course would be to wait till the 11th? Going on holiday in a few days, so the earlier I could apply for the card the better.

Thanks!

[JDB]

@Jan M – after what you describe as a long wait, I wouldn’t try to cut this too fine. You would be better advised to leave it for good couple of weeks rather than get caught out by a day count or similar and then have to engage in a fight with Amex.

[can2]

Double check with a chat and add few weeks. For Player 2, we added a month just to make sure.

[Jan M]

If you don’t know the precise date of closing your last account, then it makes sense to wait a few extra weeks or a month to be sure.

But I should be eligible from the 11th at least, right? Given the letter mentioning the 9th and the closing balance statement from the 10th?

Or am I missing something obvious?

[redethernet1]

Pretty much 365*2 days, how more precise do you want to be?

[Jan M]

Oh. I can’t double check in the chat because I don’t have an account. 😅

[Jan M]

Pretty much 365*2 days, how more precise do you want to be?

That wasn’t the query. I was asking if anyone knew what date they’d use as the start of the period “closed from” the 9th suggests it should be today. But then I have a final balance statement dated the 10th. And the closure letter is dated the 11th…

[JDB]

redethernet1 wrote:

Pretty much 365*2 days, how more precise do you want to be?

The “pretty much” qualification already spoils the notion of precision!

If Amex operated in the manner you suggested, this question wouldn’t be regularly asked. The reality is that Amex doesn’t start the count from the day you cancel (or other interim cancellation milestones) and even after the cancellation letter, the count can start from the next business day. Unless someone wants a tedious punch up with Amex which they aren’t guaranteed to win, leave a good margin of error.

@JanM – the earliest point you should consider is the date of the letter. I would still be inclined to leave it some days after that for the reasons above.

[TGLoyalty]

It was cancelled on the 9th, the day you asked for it be be closed the account will say cancelled asap. But you aren’t eligible for 2 years from the day after you cancelled. The statement and letter dates are irrelevant.

But I’d wait until 12/8/24 at least as on the day is far too risky and Saturday/Sunday makes no real difference vs first thing Monday morning.

[zio]

can2: “Double check with a chat and add few weeks. For Player 2, we added a month just to make sure”

Very dubious advice. So many reports of forum users relying on Amex chat and then ending up in, to use JDB’s phrase, a tedious punch-up with Amex.
Indeed just 90 minutes after this suggestion there came such a report in the platinum welcome bonus thread currently also at the top of the current thread page.

[TGLoyalty]

Especially when the OP has the cancellation letter which is all the confirmation of date they need.

[zio]

My view is one business day after the date of the letter makes any punch-up one I would be confident of winning even if it is tedious. Here the OP has kept good records.
Actually I should add an apology to can2 who did say to add time for safety. That is admitting that any information from Amex via chat or phone is essentially useless.

[Jan M]

Thanks all. I will wait to the 12th to be on the safe side. I have the cancellation letter so prepared to wage that fight, if need be.

[Rob]

Given that if you get it wrong you are stuck for ANOTHER two years (because you get a card, don’t get a bonus, cancel it and restart the clock) you really don’t want to mess this up.