I applied for this card and they pulled EX only. I was denied with a 692 lender pulled EX score a few weeks ago. AMEX generally likes to see a good two-year history, but it can't hurt to call and ask. Call new accounts and discuss it. They will do a hard pull though, and soft pulls each month thereafter.
Starting Score: 585
700
Have you tried American Express pre-select site for any approval of their cards, it is a soft pull, if any offers appear and you apply it is then it is a hard pull. I went on the pre-select site in October, 2009 offer came up for a green or gold card applied for the green and was approved hard pull. My foot was in the door then one month later upgraded to the gold card and this month now have the premier gold card, and to add I a couple of baddies on my ex report when I first applied. So good luck if you go for it, you just never know.
Yea if preselect doesn't give you any options, don't apply.
I don't know how that works. For one thing, your Canadian credit history doesn't apply in the US. If you were to move here, you'd be starting from scratch with credit. 
I'd call American Express and ask about Canadian applications. Do they have a phone number specifically for Canadian applicants?
Your Canadian FICO scores don't necessarily match US FICO scores, so it's not a very useful guide.
All this being said, FICO scores aren't that big a deal with American Express. They have their own internal scoring system. Yes, if your FICO's are awful, you probably won't qualify, and if they're great, you probably will. But more important is what's in your credit file --any late payments, carrying high balances, previous problems with AmEx, and so forth.
Your thin file might make things a bit shaky, but the charge cards, like the Gold card, are easier to get. There's less risk to AmEx, because they can control how much you charge on it per month, thus limiting their liability.
I'd call American Express and ask about Canadian applications. Do they have a phone number specifically for Canadian applicants?
Your Canadian FICO scores don't necessarily match US FICO scores, so it's not a very useful guide.
All this being said, FICO scores aren't that big a deal with American Express. They have their own internal scoring system. Yes, if your FICO's are awful, you probably won't qualify, and if they're great, you probably will. But more important is what's in your credit file --any late payments, carrying high balances, previous problems with AmEx, and so forth.
Your thin file might make things a bit shaky, but the charge cards, like the Gold card, are easier to get. There's less risk to AmEx, because they can control how much you charge on it per month, thus limiting their liability.
@Anonymous wrote:Hi there,
I am looking to apply for the Amex Gold Charge card and I am wondering what the requirements may be in terms of score. I have a score of 730 but a credit file that has only been open for a year. I meet the income requirements but I am afraid of denial due to my length of credit history. Should I call a CSR to bypass the online application. I don't want a hard inquiry on my report that ends up being useless.
whats the required income for the Amex Gold? where is your source from?
@Anonymous wrote:Hi there,
I am looking to apply for the Amex Gold Charge card and I am wondering what the requirements may be in terms of score. I have a score of 730 but a credit file that has only been open for a year. I meet the income requirements but I am afraid of denial due to my length of credit history. Should I call a CSR to bypass the online application. I don't want a hard inquiry on my report that ends up being useless.
you can also try going to the pre-selected website and give it a shot, it is a soft pull, but if they pre- select you it means you have a60% chance of getting it(since its a soft pull, we can not assume you are going to get approved.)