I am applying for new cards, not because I have a trip in mind, but because I have nothing better to do. I saw the 150k Amex Business Hilton offer and thought I would give it a shot. After filling out the usual, I clicked submit and received this:
I vaguely recall having a Hilton business account. I had to search my blog to see when I had applied (see Keep Vs. Cancel: Amex Hilton Honors Business Card). Apparently, it was in 2018. Disappointed that I was not eligible, my next reaction was pride. Amex is finally being transparent about who is eligible for their bonuses. This is in contrast with many of my law clients who thought they were eligible, met the spend, and then were denied the bonus (see Amex Shutdown? Remedy & Going Forward). Maybe all those arbitrations made Amex take action. Now, if someone does complain Amex can point to this clear warning as a defense.
Meow! This so-called pop up has been around for ages! I think Amex and Chase are the only ones to use it. Great when it works. But you do see corner cases where applicants claim there was no pop up but Amex says otherwise. In fact, some redditors have taken to recording their apps!!!! https://www.doctorofcredit.com/american-express-adds-signup-bonus-eligibility-check-during-the-credit-card-application-process/