Hi all. I'd like some advice regarding applying for an AMEX card. A little background: I'm relatively new to the US; I moved here a little over two years ago.
My current cards are:
-Capital One Platinum ($750 limit, 1 yr old)
-Amazon Storecard ($1700 limit, 9 months old)
-Barclaycard Visa ($1300 limit, 6 months old)
My normal mode of operation is to pay my cards in full each month; after a series of unfortunate life events in January (car needed to be fixed/hospital bills/more hospital bills), I found myself owing a total of just over $2000.00. That debt maxed out my Capital One and Barclaycard. I was able to pay off little bits over the last three months, but it wasn't until last week that I was able to pay the remaining balances ($800 on the Barclay, $300 on the CapOne). Because of this my current scores are: TU:630/EX:638. 
I use the Capital One as my primary card; as such I currently have a balance of $200 on my Capital One and a zero balance on my other cards.
My questions are:
1) Barring any more unforeseen life events, if I keep my cards at a low utilization (less than 25%) and continue to pay them off when due, how long will it take for my scores to go back up?
2) What sort of score do I need to apply for an AMEX, considering that my credit history is pretty new?
3) When I do apply for an AMEX, which is the better card to start out with? Is there a 'best time' to apply? I've been tossing up between the Zync, AMEX green and the Clear. I'd eventually like to apply for the Starwood, as I travel a lot for work (15+ times a year) and I prefer to stay at Starwood properties.
@KaizenNeko wrote:Hi all. I'd like some advice regarding applying for an AMEX card. A little background: I'm relatively new to the US; I moved here a little over two years ago.
My current cards are:
-Capital One Platinum ($750 limit, 1 yr old)
-Amazon Storecard ($1700 limit, 9 months old)
-Barclaycard Visa ($1300 limit, 6 months old)
My normal mode of operation is to pay my cards in full each month; after a series of unfortunate life events in January (car needed to be fixed/hospital bills/more hospital bills), I found myself owing a total of just over $2000.00. That debt maxed out my Capital One and Barclaycard. I was able to pay off little bits over the last three months, but it wasn't until last week that I was able to pay the remaining balances ($800 on the Barclay, $300 on the CapOne). Because of this my current scores are: TU:630/EX:638.
I use the Capital One as my primary card; as such I currently have a balance of $200 on my Capital One and a zero balance on my other cards.
My questions are:
1) Barring any more unforeseen life events, if I keep my cards at a low utilization (less than 25%) and continue to pay them off when due, how long will it take for my scores to go back up?
2) What sort of score do I need to apply for an AMEX, considering that my credit history is pretty new?
3) When I do apply for an AMEX, which is the better card to start out with? Is there a 'best time' to apply? I've been tossing up between the Zync, AMEX green and the Clear. I'd eventually like to apply for the Starwood, as I travel a lot for work (15+ times a year) and I prefer to stay at Starwood properties.
the Zync is the best to start with, you should get all your current cards to report a 0$ balance before you apply.. do you have any negative remarks on your credit report, such as late payments or collections?
FICO 9: 
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
the Zync is the best to start with, you should get all your current cards to report a 0$ balance before you apply.. do you have any negative remarks on your credit report, such as late payments or collections?
No, I have no negative remarks on my credit reports. Those scores I quoted were from a month ago before the debt was paid in full. What makes the Zync the best card in this scenario? Thanks.
@KaizenNeko wrote:
the Zync is the best to start with, you should get all your current cards to report a 0$ balance before you apply.. do you have any negative remarks on your credit report, such as late payments or collections?No, I have no negative remarks on my credit reports. Those scores I quoted were from a month ago before the debt was paid in full. What makes the Zync the best card in this scenario? Thanks.
Your scores were low because of your balances, once those balances update, you'll be a good candidate for their Zync, which is designed for young professionals who are on the go. Its also their newcomer card, so they are a little more forgiving of thinner files, and some negative remarks.
FICO 9:
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Thanks for the replies/advice, everyone. 
I'm going to wait until my CC balances update and then apply. Fingers crossed.
Is there a difference between Green & Gold for AMEX charge cards in terms of likelihood to be approved? Or is it just a difference in annual fees and benefits?
So I've taken the last few weeks since I wrote this original thread to get my finances in tip top shape. I applied for the AMEX Zync today and was approved. 
I'm very happy to have my credit scores on the upswing and my financial life heading in the right direction. Not to mention now being an AMEX customer!
Thanks so much for all your advice.