The Definitive Amex 3X CLI Guide

[Indo]

I only have a limit of $1k on my BCE. I've had the card for almost 2 year s now. I managed (somehow, I don't even know how) to get approved for it when I was 20. I've asked for a CLI twice in the past, both were declined.

I recently got a new job and I've been charging almost 3 times what I've normally charged in the past and paying in full. I jumped the gun and asked for a CLI and got the 4-7 day wait. Hoping for some good news this time... I'm tired of being stuck at $1k.

[dcdcdc]

Some people have indicated that that AMEX does NOT do a hard inquiry for a CLI.  I just called Amex to inquire whether its a hard or soft inquiry and was transffered to their credit bureau department (apparantly by mistake according to their credit bureau representative).  Anyways, she said she could answer my question and was certain that requesting a CLI would result in a hard inquiry.  I don't know if this is acocunt specific or not.  I opened a Blue Cash Preferred account almost 6 months ago ($4k credit line) and was looking to request $12K that after reading this thread.  However, considering I may be applying for a mortgage in about 2-3 months, I don't want a hard pull on my credit report - I already have a few.

[djrez4]

If you request through the website, it is NOT a hard pull.  I'm guessing the phone analysts cannot use a soft pull.

On a different note, Amex finally gave me a 3x on the 9th.  Paid to $0 balance the day before and then requested it.

[Ancalagon]

For what it's worth, got my first Credit Karma update after the CLI of $5k to $15k was reported.  My score went from 743 to 759, so it definitely had an effect.

[Swapmeet]

I just got my 3x CLI on my BCE to 3k this morning. I called the number on the back of my card and went through the automated system. As is commonly known, they went off the last time that they SP me, which was March 31..

[scenery_guy]

I am about 42 days away from being able to request a CLI on one of my cards. I am now rethinking requesting one as I understand the chance of getting a 4506T are pretty good if your request would put your combined revolving total over $34,500. My request would do this by quite a bit. I currently have $31,700 available as follows in order of oldest card first. 

Delta Platinum $6,000 (started at $2,000 and was my only CLI to date)

Delta Reserve Business $5,000

SPG Business $3,000

Hilton $17,700

They put me in an odd place with the Hilton card's awesome starting limit. I would rather have that card at $5,000 and the Delta Reserve at $17,700 as I stand to gain more in rewards with that card's spend bonuses. 30,000 MQM for $60,000 yearly spend is almost imposable with such a small limit unless I max it out and PIF every month plus one or two additional times. 

I will still make the request and decide what to do if I get the 4506T request. What's the procedure for moving limits between cards? That would be a great solution and keep me below the FR threshold. 

[codesingh]

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@Ancalagon wrote:

For what it's worth, got my first Credit Karma update after the CLI of $5k to $15k was reported.  My score went from 743 to 759, so it definitely had an effect.

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Congrats! How long did they take to decide? Was it instant?

[MustangSaluki]

 1) Click on "Profile and Preferences -> More Options -> Manage Credit Limit" under Account Management. With the card highlighted, you will get the option to "Transfer Available Credit to Another Card"

Clicking Start takes you to this screen where you have the choices and other questions.

2) Call and talk to CSR to initiate the transfer.

The 13 statement rule is in effect for both methods. Sometimes the CSR taking the request may not know about the rule.

[scenery_guy]

Thanks for the instructions on transferring limits. I received the Hilton card on 2/12/2013 so it's going to be quite a wait. Sad thing is I was hoping to churn the card but I don't think I can bear to close a card with a $17,700 limit. 

I just followed the instructions and it looks like I can't move limits between personal and business cards. "You can request to have a portion of your available credit transferred between two of your eligible consumer credit cards or two of your eligible business credit cards." Ouch. Now I need a new plan. 

I guess I will try the 3X request and submit the 4506T when it comes. Would rather wait a year before FR as 2012 was a spectacular year for me, AGI better than 2X what was on my applications. If that's the case I will be staying put where I am now, no new apps with AMEX, no card changes, no closing cards to wait for 12+ months for a churn opportunity. 

Bummed. 

[SnackTrader]

Does the business card report on your personal credit reports?