@Anonymous wrote:I am wondering if you fine folks are willing to give an American Express newbie some overall tips about joining the family. This is a very exciting and important relationship to me. Just wanting to learn what I can.
Main things I'm looking for are--What is a normal/average SL for BCP? $1,000 or $2,000 if it's your first AMEX. Once you have a card with them for a few months, the next cards can have much better SL. But because of the 3X CLI, it doesn't matter what the starting AMEX CL is. In time, you can grow it like no other CC.
What might cause adverse action? It's unlikely. AA with AMEX is through a Financial Review, where they want more details to get comfortable you can pay your bill.
Are they good with balance transfers meaning it wouldn't scare them i.e. Barclay? They should be, but I could not figure out how to get it to work, and I've done dozens of BT with all the other banks, so good luck.
Do they like to see a lot of spend monthly and big chunks knocked off or do they like small transactions & multiple payments? Yes. They like you to pay your bill, carry a balance, pay in full, whatever floats your boat. Just don't ever miss that minimum payment on time. All banks get snippy when you do that.
If I paid my rent would that scare them being a new customer seeing a transaction that's over $1,000? Good luck finding a method to pay your rent or mortgage using an AMEX. MC/VISA usually no problem. If you can use the AMEX, should not be an issue. Suggest strongly that the $1,000+ be paid in full after the statement cuts, before that payment due date.
I know there's a huge thread about the 3x credit line increase but it's a couple of years old. I have read a lot of it but the main question is should I try right away, or should I wait 61 days? Obviously I know it's different for everybody but what is more likely to get the increase, and not scare them? It depends on your profile. Denial means waiting 91 days, so why not wait the 61 to improve your initial chances?
I read somewhere that you can only get an increase every 180 days, is that correct? After one AMEX Revolver gets a requested CLI, all your AMEX Revolvers wait 180 days. The first CLI request does not have to wait 180 days from card opening.
Is carrying a balance not a big deal? I have carried balances on two AMEX revolvers, starting to carry a small balance on SPG. Minimum Payment only would begin to get their attention. Otherwise, big payments to put it on a 12-month pace? no big deal.
Are increases done online, or should I call? Also can you get CLI via chat? Specific "Request A CLI" link in your online account. Use that when the time is right.
Do they randomly shut people down often, or is that highly unlikely? Regular people doing legitimate spend? No. Situations where they think your credit use is raising questions? Yes. Financial Review is possible.
How long for card to usually come in the mail, and do you know if I can see my credit line before it arrives? When you app on line, they can give you a portion of your CL and a temporary account number to use for online purchases. Instapprovals do see the starting limit online.
Thank you all so much! This is a great start. :-)
