AMEX pre-approvals

[floweryu]

I used to have AMEX blue student card that I closed about 10 years ago. I never missed a payment. I recently cleaned up my credit reports and now all my scores are in the range 740-780, but I still can't see any pre-approvals on AMEX web site. I got pre-approvals for Chase, Capital1 etc. but nothing on Amex. It's a bit strange, so I was wondering if they do a soft pull when you go to their pre-approval site or they have their internal database that they refresh every once in a while. If the latter is true, how long does it take for their database to be refreshed? I am not in a hurry, but would like to see if I am pre-qualified for Starwood rewards card since I frequently stay in their hotels and it would be useful to have their credit card.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure about the answer to your question, but remember preapprovals aren't everything. I wasn't preapproved with Amex, yet got an instant approval.

With those scores, I'd say you're good to go provided you didn't burn them.

[Anonymous]

amex pre quals are funny, i also never got a pre qualified amex offer while everyone else gives them to me.  with your scores, go for it.  

[takeshi74]

Never rely on prequals.  Not getting a prequal doesn't necessarily mean that you wouldn't be approved.  Getting a prequal doesn't necessarily mean that you would be approved.

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@floweryu wrote:

It's a bit strange

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Nothing strange about it.  Many people have similar experiences.

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@floweryu wrote:

I am not in a hurry, but would like to see if I am pre-qualified for Starwood rewards card since I frequently stay in their hotels and it would be useful to have their credit card.

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If a card suits you and your credit is in good shape then apply.  Don't wait for a prequal.

[floweryu]

Thanks for all the answers! I will wait for June until my first credit card hits 1 year mark and see if I can get rid of 2 small (paid in full) collections: $90 phone bill (calling card company) that I thought I had paid, but didn't and it was sent to collections while I didn't have a permanent place to live. They were paid in full 2 years ago.

[myjourney]

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@floweryu wrote:

Thanks for all the answers! I will wait for June until my first credit card hits 1 year mark and see if I can get rid of 2 small (paid in full) collections: $90 phone bill (calling card company) that I thought I had paid, but didn't and it was sent to collections while I didn't have a permanent place to live. They were paid in full 2 years ago.

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Try the GW method to get rid of those baddies

[Anonymous]

I've never received a prequal from Amex and I have four. If your profile is good it won't matter

[floweryu]

Yes, that's my strategy. I will first try to call and talk to the manager and if that doesn't work out, I will start sending out the letters.