AMEX keeps sending pre-approvals despite a charge past SOL

[ScarletFever]

Okay. For the second time in a couple weeks, I received AMEX pre-approval letters for gold card. As I previously posted, I have an alleged $410 charge, way past SOL. Should I call and take care of both at the same time, pay the $410, then apply for the card, or just apply for the card? TU FICO around 715, EQ a little lower, don't know about Experian. Also have a couple 30-day baddies over three years old, 0% util, no collections, judgments, etc..but am disputing an incorrect DOFD on an old charge-off as we speak...thanks for any suggestions..

[ngerasimatos]

I would do nothing with that old account that has passed SOL, dont want to wake a sleeping dragon. Even though the SOL has passed, I sometimes think its best to let the past stay in the past. 

How does EX look as compared to your other to reports? 

[ScarletFever]

Don't have a recent report...TU my best score...but I know there is an incorrect DOFD on an old HSBC account I am disputing on EXP...score guesstimate..700? How might a sleeping dog awake?

[Anonymous]

---

@ScarletFever wrote:

Okay. For the second time in a couple weeks, I received AMEX pre-approval letters for gold card. As I previously posted, I have an alleged $410 charge, way past SOL. Should I call and take care of both at the same time, pay the $410, then apply for the card, or just apply for the card? TU FICO around 715, EQ a little lower, don't know about Experian. Also have a couple 30-day baddies over three years old, 0% util, no collections, judgments, etc..but am disputing an incorrect DOFD on an old charge-off as we speak...thanks for any suggestions..

---

It's not uncommon for those on the blacklist to get pre-approval offers in the mail.  When you apply, though, they will decline the application -- hopefully before they pull your credit report.

[ScarletFever]

That is what I thought....should I pay CO and wait, or ask to apply immediately?

[Uniqua]

It may be well past SOL, but AmEx pretty much won't let you back in until you pay off that debt.  They used to have some program (Oasis?) that would help people get back in their good graces by slowing paying off what was owed.  I believe they also back-dated their new CCs with the date of the old CCs which gave them a pretty good AAoA on the CC.  Don't know the exact details, but do a search on it.

I think it's great that you want to pay back that debt.  If I were you I'd call up AmEx and explain what you want to do.  If they agree to it, have them put it in writing.  The last thing you want is for that debt to resurface on your CR because you paid it off.  They'll more than likely work with you, so give them a call.  Which CR are you disputing?  If it is EX, wait until your dispute is finalized.  I believe AmEx pulls EX exclusively, but also double check that as I may be incorrect. 

[ScarletFever]

Thank you for your insights.I am disputing EQ & EX. You make a good point, I don't want the debt to re-surface as paid, and am concerned. Whenever they"ve sent me these settlement offers, I do my due diligence and ask them to validate, which they never do. But, I would like to get it over with, and move on. Should I get something in writing? I"ve seen board members say Oasis has been discontinued...but I have gotten 3 gold card offers in the mail the past two weeks, and it is me itchy to do something...

[chasmith]

Are Gold Cards directly issued by Amex, or through other banks?  You could be getting offers from bamks for Amex branded cards, I don't know whether an Amex blacklist prevents the bank fromissuing you a Gold Card.

[Uniqua]

Yes, definitely get it in writing that they won't report that payment on your CRs.  Just because they don't validate, doesn't mean they've forgotten that debt.  I do understand your concern and share your sentiments in wanting to get it paid and out of the way.  It's okay to be anxious every now and then, but don't be desperate as you may do something that may haunt you in the long run.  A settlement offer may look good, but don't do it unless you get in writing from AmEx that they won't report it and they'll open a new CC.  You may find some very good information on this board regarding this, but I believe your best answers will come from AmEx themselves.  Get on the phone with them and work something out.  Tell them you've had some financial trouble in the past but that you want to make things right with them.  For that small amount, I can't see why they wouldn't work with you.  They always want what is owed to them.  I think you have a good chance, just make sure those disputes are complete; and whatever AmEx offers you GET IT IN WRITING.   

[ScarletFever]

Thank you Uniqua. I plan to pay in full...it's only $411. I don't want to scare them off with demands of afgreements in writing. Should I wait to respond to pre-selected, or ask at the time of payment?