【2020.8 Update】China-issued RMB credit card versions can no longer be added. However, USD-denominated single-network and dual-network cards can still add all offers available in AMEX Connect.

This article was originally published as a 101 Express post on October 24, 2019. Because there have been major recent changes, we have reorganized it into a standalone article. In short, China-issued AMEX credit cards are now allowed to add all AMEX Offers. Previously, they could only add Shop Small, but over the past couple of days everything has become available. And yes, this really means all of them: if an offer appears there, you can add it once. There is also no one-per-person limit, so the more cards you have, the more offers you can add.

AMEX Connet

Previously, the way AMEX allowed AMEX credit cards issued by other US banks to add AMEX Offers was through Twitter, but that method was later banned by AE itself. To put it simply, cards such as AMEX credit cards issued by Wells Fargo are, in theory, also eligible for AMEX Offers. Now they can be added through the link below. Some of the offers are pretty decent, though they are all Cashback offers:

  • You need to enter the following information:

Note: AMEX-issued cards cannot add offers through this site. Just go directly to the official website instead.

This page is intended only for holders of American Express Cards that are not issued by American Express. If you have an American Express Card that is issued by American Express or any of its subsidiaries, please visit your American Express online account page to view available offers for your Card.

In short, there are 3 requirements:

  • An AMEX network credit card not issued by AMEX itself
  • It must be issued in the United States; cards issued outside the US do not qualify
  • It must be a USD credit card

Adding AMEX Offers to Non-US Credit Cards

AMEX Connet previously enforced its Terms strictly. But ever since the Shop Small offer appeared, things seem to have loosened up. At first, only China-issued single-network or dual-network cards (or other cards issued outside the US) could add the Shop Small offer, but not other AMEX Offers. Over the past couple of days, that changed again, and now all offers can be added! My guess is that this may be related to the following news:

One important point: it still needs to be a USD credit card. RMB cards do not work.

Adding the Shop Small Offer

【2020.7 Update 4】It is now confirmed that China-issued AMEX credit cards can receive the cashback (the statement shows AECashBack Shop Small Offer). If you still have not added it, hurry up: the offer enrollment deadline has been extended to August 23, with spending to be completed by September 20. That is basically a free $50 per card. It is still not too late to open a card now, and if you already have one, add it ASAP. Opportunities like this are rare. Based on our testing, the credit posts 1-2 days slower than on US-issued AMEX cards. My guess is that other AMEX cards issued outside the US may also trigger it, so feel free to report your DP!

At the same time, since this does not actually comply with the terms, we do not know whether AMEX may Claw Back the credit in the future. I went for it anyway.

Image from reader Terry; it really reimbursed
Reader disqus_YtVH0h0npC also got reimbursed

【2020.7 Update 2】Unexpectedly, China-issued AMEX credit cards can also use this method to add AMEX Offers, including Shop Small. According to reader Terry, after successful enrollment, AMEX sends a confirmation email, and eligible use also triggers an email notification.

My guess is that other cards issued outside the US may also be worth trying. If you hold an AMEX credit card issued in mainland China or elsewhere outside the US, feel free to test adding AMEX Offers through AMEX Connet. That said, the AMEX Connet Terms only allow US credit cards, so for now it is unclear whether you will ultimately receive the cashback.

Terry used a CMB AE Platinum Card.

After registering through the link below, he received an email notification.

Then he made a purchase at 99 Ranch, which triggered the offer email notification.

The cashback was received.

Adding Other AMEX Offers

When we previously wrote that China-issued credit cards (single-network or dual-network) could add the Shop Small offer, other AMEX Offers were still unavailable. But that changed over the past couple of days, and they are now open too. If you have an AMEX credit card issued in China, or elsewhere outside the US, just try it and you will see. I tested an InterContinental Hotels offer and it worked fine. You can tell from the last digits of the card number that this is a mainland China card. It is still unclear whether RMB versions of China-issued AMEX credit cards work. Please share your DP. We tested several USD versions and had no problems.

Is There Any Risk?

The AMEX Connect Terms clearly state that only credit cards issued in the United States are allowed. However, in practice, it seems that if AMEX lets you add the offer, it acknowledges your eligibility for the cashback. At least that has been true for the Shop Small offer. If you have the card and a real spending need, there is no harm in adding it first. Of course, be prepared for a possible Claw Back.

Unfortunately, aside from Shop Small, the other offers are fairly average.

Conclusion

In any case, this change is not a bad thing. Perhaps going forward, all USD-denominated AMEX credit cards will be eligible to add offers, while RMB versions will not (more DP is needed to confirm). Also, since AMEX has obtained its mainland China license, it is possible that more AMEX USD cards may eventually be converted into RMB cards, meaning the share of USD cards could keep shrinking over time.