Why did American Express stop accepting new credit card applications in March 2025?

I’ve been eagerly waiting to apply for an American Express credit card, but I noticed they stopped accepting new applications in March 2025. Can you shed some light on why this happened and what changes have been made since then?

In March 2025, American Express temporarily halted the acceptance of new credit card applications in India. The company cited the need to integrate new platforms into its domestic card-issuing operations as the primary reason for this pause.

This integration aimed to enhance their technological infrastructure and improve service delivery for existing and future customers .

Impact on Existing Cardholders:

It’s important to note that this pause did not affect existing American Express cardholders. All current cardholders continued to enjoy uninterrupted access to their cards and associated benefits during this period.

Resumption of Applications:

After a hiatus of approximately six months, American Express resumed accepting new credit card applications in September 2025. Initially, applications were reopened for their premium offerings:

• American Express Platinum Charge Card: A high-end card offering extensive travel and lifestyle benefits.

• American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card: A mid-premium card providing a balance of benefits and fees.

This selective reopening allowed American Express to test the newly integrated systems with a limited customer base before expanding to other card variants .

Looking Ahead:

While the initial focus was on premium cards, American Express is expected to gradually open applications for its other card offerings. This phased approach ensures that the new systems are robust and can handle the diverse needs of all potential cardholders.

If you’re interested in applying for an American Express card, I recommend visiting their official website for the most up-to-date information on available products and application processes.

For more details, you can refer to the official American Express India website: