AmEx Credit Line Increase question???

[Greg34]

Hey all,

I have had my AmEx blue for students for just about 14 months now and it has a $1000 CL on it. I just graduated from college and am looking to start putting more money through the AmEx now that I have bills and rent to pay (yes I can pay my rent with American Express).

I pay my bill in full every month, have never carried a balance, and never intend to.

This is my question. Would it be appropriate to apply for a credit line increase, or is it too soon? I don't want to raise any red flags, but with my history, though short, I think I might be okay. If it would be okay to apply for one, how much would you think is appropriate? A $2000 limit? Or more like a $3500 limit?

Like I said, I don't intend to carry a balance, but if I already have a $900-$1100 outstanding balance for the month, I don't want to be declined when I go out to a nice dinner or to the bar with friends. This is more for wiggle room if you will. 

I have one more quick question... Since I'm no longer a student, I don't need the student card and am thinking about a product change to Blue Sky, or maybe just the regular Blue. How do product changes with AmEx work? Do you apply for one? Or do they just switch you no questions asked if it's a similar product i.e. Blue for Students to Blue Sky. Would it be okay to switch shortly after a credit line increase? I just don't want AmEx to think I'm being shady.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

If your credit scores r high enough I say go for it. The last time I tried for 1 I was told my score was to low. When  I last checked EX it was just over 700.

Message Edited by l9ikjam on 08-02-2009 11:36 PM

[Greg34]

Was your EX score 700 when you applied for the Credit Line Increase?

[Anonymous]

It really is a toss up.  They may oblige since your CL is not too high.  But AMEX will sometimes do a Financial Review (FR) as well to determine not only by credit, but by income proven through tax returns.

[doood71]

Hi, I'm in a similar boat as well, I received my AMEX blue for Students in Nov. of 2007.  I applied for a CLI in 2008 sometime after the 6 month mark and they sent me a letter saying that the card wasn't eligible for a CLI until the 5 year mark.  I was given an initial limit of 3700, and my EX was over 700 when applying initially and for the CLI.  So, to answer your question, I would try the product change first and while you have them on the line ask them about CLI maybe?  Let me know how it goes, I'm looking to do a product change soon myself.

Message Edited by doood71 on 08-02-2009 11:47 PM

[Red1Blue]

If you continue to do PIF why not get a charge card in addition to your blue and keep it seperate. That way you can have the benefit of both charge and credit cards.

[Anonymous]

I tried the CLI the same day EX stopped us from having access to r score and it was like 708. I tried a few weeks ago and got the same response. Seeing that my EX score for the last 2 year has been 10 to 12 points higher than EQ i figure my score is at least 720 at this point. I think Amex went back to wanting to see top notch scores. I have been stuck at $1000 for almost 2 years.

Message Edited by l9ikjam on 08-02-2009 11:30 PM

[Anonymous]

Good luck with your credit line increase with AMEX. I did mine last week on my Blue Sky card and I was going through a drama with them. I wrote a complaint email through online account service and receive a response back and hopefully to hear someone back again. My Score with All 3 CB were all over 700s..

Message Edited by CreditCard101 on 08-03-2009 02:09 PM

[Greg34]

Thanks for all of the responses!!!

So now you guys got me a little nervous about the CLI deal... I think maybe I will just go with a charge card since I do pay in full every month. Then I will product switch to blue sky and maybe like just put my rent and groceries on that one and everything else on the charge card.

I will keep everyone updated though!!

[Karatz]

My brother has had nothing but problems with them, they keep giving him CLD and I make peanuts compared to him, go figure. I have an Amex through Citibank and they give me luv every three months. I would call the back door number, make sure you speak with a credit specialist, tell em your thing and ask what they could recommend for you. They can't be wrong (if it's good). Maybe don't give them your account number unless you like their recommendation.