New idea for borderline candidates ... Anyone try this yet?

[BullsEye10]

As some of you may recall from prior posts, I am jonesing for an AMEX platinum.  I am planning a trip to Argentina for the end of the summer / early fall and want the points that a $10,000 trip will earn me, I don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees and I want access to the first class lounges while I travel.

It appears as if I would be a borderline applicant for the card.  I have a good income ($150k+), fair score (Experian 684), only one inquiry on Experian and a good AAoA,  but some derogatory marks on my report as well.

After reading about reconsiderations and back door numbers on this (and other) boards, I had an idea and was wondering if anyone else had ever tried this:

Call the recon number first.

Presumably, you would be speaking with a more senior (and knowledgable) CSR who may be able to give insight as to whether the derogatory marks are fatal, or something that a valid explanation will excuse.  I could also ask if I would be better off applying for the green or gold card, and whether I could upgrade in a month or two.  It seems that doing this may save me a hard pull on the file.

Has anyone tried this before?  Thoughts?

[Walt_K]

Just apply for Platinum.  The criteria for approval for green, gold, platinum seems to be the same.  If you apply for green or gold first, you may not be able to upgrade for 13 months. 

How recent are your derogatory marks?

[BullsEye10]

Last derog just over a year ago.

My family business' bookkeeper dropped the ball on payments that were supposed to be made.  I didn't catch it until two months later.  I immediately paid to bring it current but ended up with a derogatory mark.

I thought it might be worth it to discuss that with a reconsideration CSR before wasting the hard pull.

Thoughts?  Advice?

[Crashem]

It won't help to talk to recon analyst first. They don't have your credit report for one. Go ahead and apply. I think you have pretty good chance. If you want to get score higher, you can try and manage your util to report ideally. Also, remember even with platinum, you need to show some use before the trip to help get your npsl limit up. Otherwise, it would stink to get denials while overseas. Unless you have previous history with Amex, 10k to but on any Amex charge card in first couple of months is pushing it.

[SanjeevR]

I agree. A credit analyst will simply tell you that you'd need to apply before they can review your eligibility. I also agree that you've got a good shot at getting approved for a charge card.

Separate note - if you're looking to sign up for the Platinum card for the rewards, I would not recommend the Platinum card. The best rewards are actually offered by the Premier Rewards Gold card (3X Airfare, 2X gas and supermarkets, 1X everything else). You only get 1 point per dollar with the Platinum.