Another day another British Airways Amex card update: Remember when Amex used to say, “We’ll take a holistic view” of your finances? That was 2016–2023. A simpler time when a part-time avocado-toast blogger could still get a Gold Card. Well, those days are officially over.
As mentioned on HFP today, in 2023, American Express UK brought back strict minimum income requirements for personal and small business cards. And now, in 2025, they’ve done a little trimming. It’s not a full-on makeover, more like a tidy fringe cut. Some cards now need less income to qualify. None need more.
Let’s break it down.
In This Post
What’s Changed?
Here are the new personal income thresholds:
- Amex Rewards Credit Card: Now £15,000 (was £20,000) Click here to find the review.
- Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card: Now £15,000 (was £20,000) Click here to find the review.
- British Airways Amex Credit Card: Now £15,000 (was £20,000) Click here to find the review.
That’s it. All other cards, including the Gold, Platinum, and Premium Plus, stay untouched. So, if you were hoping The Platinum Card might open its pearly gates to the £25k club, think again.
Who Actually Benefits?
The winners here are:
- Retirees with decent pensions
- Part-time workers
- Anyone just shy of £20k per year
Basically, if you’ve got decent credit and a modest income, you might now sneak your way into the Amex lounge, metaphorically speaking.
Think You’re Eligible? Use This First
Before diving into an application, use the Amex Eligibility Checker. It’s a soft search tool with no impact on your credit score, and it’ll tell you whether you’re likely to be approved.
WingTips Tip: Even if you meet the income threshold, Amex still runs a credit check. Maxed-out cards, missed payments, or applying for too many cards recently could still see you declined.
Business Cards: Don’t Confuse Turnover With Personal Income
For the small business range, Amex looks at your personal income, not your company’s revenue.
So if you’re a sole trader making £18k personally, but your business turns over £100k, it’s the £18k that counts.
That catches a lot of freelancers and directors off guard.
Why the Sudden Drop?
Amex hasn’t said much, but it’s not hard to guess. Other lenders are pulling back or tightening their belts. By reducing income limits slightly, Amex might be:
- Growing their customer base
- Scooping up applicants turned away elsewhere
- Positioning themselves as a more “approachable premium” brand
This is a strategic shuffle, not a wholesale rethink.
Are the Limits Actually Low?
They look friendlier, but let’s not pretend this is 2016. Income limits haven’t kept up with inflation:
- The Platinum Card needed £40,000 in 2016. Now it’s £35,000 but should be £55,000 in today’s money.
- BA Premium Plus went the other way: from £20,000 up to £35,000.
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex dropped from £30,000 to £20,000.
If anything, these are still conservative tweaks. Amex could’ve gone further or raised the rest.
How Do They Compare to the Competition?
Let’s be clear: Amex isn’t trying to compete with balance transfer cards like those from Barclaycard or Virgin.
Instead, they’re leaning into:
- Strong welcome bonuses
- Airline and hotel point transfers
- Airport lounge access (on higher-end cards)
That travel sweet spot is still their niche. The lower-income floor just lets a few more folks step onto the tarmac.
Final Boarding Call
This is less of a bold leap and more of a gentle nudge. But if you’ve been stuck on the tarmac due to income rules, now might be your moment. Fire up the eligibility checker and see if Amex has made room for you in the cabin.
And if you’re still eyeing the Gold or Platinum? You’ll need more than just a good credit score. You’ll need the right income and a taste for fancy airport lounges.
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