How to treat new AmEx

[FrugalRican]

We don't know this, but I leave nothing to chance. I take it on faith, just like I do many other things in life.

Plus, it's much more convenient to have just one reminder a month to pay a card, rather than trying to keep up with it every week.

[adavis425]

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@trumpet-205 wrote:

AMEX's internal risk score prefers large payment vs multiple small payments. So answer to your question is try to consolidate your payment.

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+1

This is what I have done for 11+ years and also what I have read here on the forum. Just one payment.

[TheConductor]

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@distantarray wrote:

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Amex likes LARGE charges and LARGE payments =)

pretty much if you look like you need it, you'll get it.

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This!  Really, the way to treat your new AmEx is like it says on the card....use it for your Everyday spending. If you're spending a lot, they'll want you to spend more. Especially if you're making big purchases.

They seem to not only bucket people by risk, but by lifestyle...and both of those factor into what you get when you Check Spending Ability.

[Cadillac-XTS]

+1

[armbenderc]

I enrolled in autopay and make bi weekly payment for my Amex Green card. I always PIF before statement cut (don't know if this will help). I also have multiple checking accounts listed on payment center with them.

I hope to get BCE/P with them in early 2013.

Is the underwriting the same on BCE/P?

Thanks

[Repo-ed]

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@FrugalRican wrote:

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@trumpet-205 wrote:

AMEX's internal risk score prefers large payment vs multiple small payments. So answer to your question is try to consolidate your payment.

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This is EXACTLY why I only pay once a month and about 2-3 days before the statement cuts.

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+1

[Revelate]

Re: BCE/BCP underwriting: nearly or exactly identical. Has been suggested that the BCP is easier because it has an AF but hasn't been much to support it.

[ficojoe]

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@TheConductor wrote:

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@distantarray wrote:

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Amex likes LARGE charges and LARGE payments =)

pretty much if you look like you need it, you'll get it.

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They seem to not only bucket people by risk, but by lifestyle...and both of those factor into what you get when you Check Spending Ability.

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Yesterday I used the card for a $1.50 to buy a hot dog and $3.50 at Jack in the Box. Does that put me into a crappy lifestyle bucket?

Seriously, should I not charge some things so I get in the right bucket?

I also spent $300 online and bought gas...

[ficojoe]

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@armbenderc wrote:

I enrolled in autopay and make bi weekly payment for my Amex Green card. I always PIF before statement cut (don't know if this will help). I also have multiple checking accounts listed on payment center with them.

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I do not like the idea of autopay when I do not know the amount. Is it possible to use autopay as a safety net? Perhaps set it for the minimum payment in case I forget to PIF?

Does having autopay make you look better to AmEx?

[cranston3]

DW and I use our car for everthing we can, from 35 cents bag of sugar to a 5k medical bill. 

I always PIF but to get there I make multiple small payments each month. 

Never had any problems or issues.