@Anonymous wrote:First of all I wanted to briefly thank everyone on this forum for providing all of the incredible advice, tips, and information that I've been eagerly absorbing for the past week. I've only recently become interested in building my credit after many years of boring, unrewarded debit card spending. I also wanted to give hope to my fellow FICO fanatics and AMEX enthusiasts by relating my recent experience getting approved for my first prime card through a recon with the executive office (a process I never would have even thought to attempt before finding this forum!).
Briefly, I applied online and was greeted with an instant denial. Woof. I immediately called the executive office number and was quickly transferred to the new accounts department. The rep I spoke with informed me that the reason for my denial, despite a 701 Experian FICO and no baddies, was that I didn't have any recent revolving account history (most recent was a joint Best Buy card for $5k opened in 2001 and closed in 2005 with perfect payment history). I asked him if my application could be reconsidered and he said it could be sent to "Level 2" for manual review, however I would incur a second HP. I thanked him and said I would call back after deciding if I wanted to proceed.
I then called the executive office again and spoke with Jessica who was gracious enough to listen to my passionate personal appeal. When I had finished she told me that she would forward the application along for manual review and promised to call me back within 24-48 hours with a decision. Of course being the impatient type I obsessively checked and re-checked my application status until, just now, the status changed from "in progress" to "approved"! Not quite Homer's Odyssey, but hopefully my story will be helpful to anyone looking for some confidence before AMEX apping.
Thanks again to all of the unsung heroes and heroines of the myFICO Forums! Happy apping!
Welcome to the forums!!!
CONGRATS!
Welcome to the AMEX family!! 
wow Congrats!!!
@Anonymous wrote:First of all I wanted to briefly thank everyone on this forum for providing all of the incredible advice, tips, and information that I've been eagerly absorbing for the past week. I've only recently become interested in building my credit after many years of boring, unrewarded debit card spending. I also wanted to give hope to my fellow FICO fanatics and AMEX enthusiasts by relating my recent experience getting approved for my first prime card through a recon with the executive office (a process I never would have even thought to attempt before finding this forum!).
Briefly, I applied online and was greeted with an instant denial. Woof. I immediately called the executive office number and was quickly transferred to the new accounts department. The rep I spoke with informed me that the reason for my denial, despite a 701 Experian FICO and no baddies, was that I didn't have any recent revolving account history (most recent was a joint Best Buy card for $5k opened in 2001 and closed in 2005 with perfect payment history). I asked him if my application could be reconsidered and he said it could be sent to "Level 2" for manual review, however I would incur a second HP. I thanked him and said I would call back after deciding if I wanted to proceed.
I then called the executive office again and spoke with Jessica who was gracious enough to listen to my passionate personal appeal. When I had finished she told me that she would forward the application along for manual review and promised to call me back within 24-48 hours with a decision. Of course being the impatient type I obsessively checked and re-checked my application status until, just now, the status changed from "in progress" to "approved"! Not quite Homer's Odyssey, but hopefully my story will be helpful to anyone looking for some confidence before AMEX apping.
Thanks again to all of the unsung heroes and heroines of the myFICO Forums! Happy apping!
Congrats to you. I called as u did and also faxed recon letters and CR's and was still denied. Last CSR i spoke too was helpful..advised score was good 743-TU (they pulled EX about 3 times) and lastly TU...had a few late mtg pmts, but GW'd them w/Wells Fargo.. Rep told me to apply for the Green after 30 days (Jan 15th)....basically said it looks like I will get it. I want AMEX becuz I had them in 87 (young n dumb) went to CO..so it will help my history...I'm glad u had a successful recon. Njoy
Congratttt.....
You are very lucky man ........
Starting Score: 560
Congrats and welome to the AMEX family. Treat them well and they will do the same
