Indubitably, I was shocked to hear the representative welcome me to the American Express familiy. I do have several bad accounts including a foreclosure. However, they have all been paid or settled (excluding a second mortgage). Notably, most of these accounts are nearing the 7 year mark and should start falling off latter this year.
For my remaining open accounts in good standing, I have significantly reduced the account balances and try hard to PIF each month. Also, I was added as an authorized user to several accounts with sizeable limits.
Now that I have gotten the AMEX Green card, Discover IT and a LOC from Citi; I have slowly begun removing myself as an authorized user. And too, I have voluntarily closed 2 Capital One accounts with $300 and $500 limits respectively. In the past, I recall receiving decline letters which notated small credit limits as a factor.
Lastly, I am certain that my current income had some influence on the decision to approve the AMEX app.
Overall, I have taken a lot of actions over the past 2 years which appear to be positive. My credit score has continued on an upward trajectory. I am currently at 632 and I hope to get to around 700 by the end of the year. For now, I am in a "gardening state" --no more new apps/inquiries (with the exception of the Discover It card which I would like to get to $2,500 to align with other credit lines).
