AMEX Optima Oasis

[Anonymous]

Hey Guys,

This is my first time posting in the forum, though I have been reading multiple threads for a little while now.  I thought I would jump in and offer my experience with the American Express Optima card and maybe answer some questions for someone since (as everyone here knows) there is VERY little information on the Optima Card online and even within American Express.

So, as has been the case for everyone else here I had an AMEX card and it eventually went to collections.  Over the course of a few years I (of course) heard from American Express to pay the balance of the card.  I never responded, until last month (January, 2018).  Somehow or other I heard about the Optima Oasis card (I think it was this forum), but anyway when I did finally decide to call in and make the payment I mentioned the Optima Card and the Collection Agency (Global Collections) informed me that by paying the balance in full I would be eligible for an Optima Card.   I got the standard commentary, once the payment is made and processed I would be mailed a paper application that would need to be completed and mailed back in within 30 days and at that time I would get an Optima card.

So, the timeline:

1/2/18 - Called Global Collections to make the payment

1/3/18 - Payment was debited from my account

1/11/18 - Received confirmation letter stating once payment was made I would receive an application in the mail for an American Express Optima Card (note: the letter was dated 1/3/18, so it took about a week to receive the letter)

1/30/18 - Received Optima Form (hardly an application lol)

1/31/18 - Mailed Optima Application in to American Express

2/7/18 - Got an Equifax notification that American Express initiated a hard inquiry

2/7/18 - Checked the American Express application status site to check on the status of my account: APPROVED.

So, I should receive the card within a week or so.  All in all, the process went as it should have gone.  I know it can be a little nerve racking waiting for this paper application and then not being able to find ANY information on the card online or even from AMEX as no one really seems to know about the program.

[Geordi]

---

wrote:

Hey Guys,

This is my first time posting in the forum, though I have been reading multiple threads for a little while now.  I thought I would jump in and offer my experience with the American Express Optima card and maybe answer some questions for someone since (as everyone here knows) there is VERY little information on the Optima Card online and even within American Express.

So, as has been the case for everyone else here I had an AMEX card and it eventually went to collections.  Over the course of a few years I (of course) heard from American Express to pay the balance of the card.  I never responded, until last month (January, 2018).  Somehow or other I heard about the Optima Oasis card (I think it was this forum), but anyway when I did finally decide to call in and make the payment I mentioned the Optima Card and the Collection Agency (Global Collections) informed me that by paying the balance in full I would be eligible for an Optima Card.   I got the standard commentary, once the payment is made and processed I would be mailed a paper application that would need to be completed and mailed back in within 30 days and at that time I would get an Optima card.

So, the timeline:

1/2/18 - Called Global Collections to make the payment

1/3/18 - Payment was debited from my account

1/11/18 - Received confirmation letter stating once payment was made I would receive an application in the mail for an American Express Optima Card (note: the letter was dated 1/3/18, so it took about a week to receive the letter)

1/30/18 - Received Optima Form (hardly an application lol)

1/31/18 - Mailed Optima Application in to American Express

2/7/18 - Got an Equifax notification that American Express initiated a hard inquiry

2/7/18 - Checked the American Express application status site to check on the status of my account: APPROVED.

So, I should receive the card within a week or so.  All in all, the process went as it should have gone.  I know it can be a little nerve racking waiting for this paper application and then not being able to find ANY information on the card online or even from AMEX as no one really seems to know about the program.

---

Congrats.

I got my Optima card in 2013 with a $500 limit.

Although, I spent between $1700 and $2400 monthly by making multiple payments and never allowing a balance it still sits at $500.

I applied for CLI’s and other AMEX cards over the years.  NO DICE!

That is until two months ago. Pre-Approved for PRG, Platinum, and two revolvers. Each revolver has a $1000 SL.

I’ve gotten Discover, Wells Fargo, and a number other cards over the past couple years so I’m happy with my recovery.  Only two baddies left to fall off by June of this year.

My FICO scores are between 644 to 697.

Think I will wait for the last two baddies to fall off before I go for any CLIs from AMEX.

Use your Optima Card and pay in full every month. Soon AMEX will bring you back in from the Dark Side.

[UncleB]

Hi @Anonymous, and welcome to myFICO!  

The thread you replied to was quite old, so I've moved your post to a new thread to give the topic more exposure.

Again, welcome!

--UncleB

myFICO Moderator

[Anonymous]

Thanks for sharing your experience!!  It's interesting that despite never carrying a balance and applying for other cards you continued to be denied until 2 months ago and all of a sudden you were PRE-APPROVED for 4 AMEX cards...either way, glad to hear your progress!

[Anonymous]

Awesome and congrats! I loved my Amex but unfortuantely was unable to keep up with payments and the account was closed. I enrolled in a debt management plan from MMI to pay off Amex and noticed my account on their sight (MMI) says Optima but when I log in to Amex it still has my old green card. I didn't go to collections ever. I assume once I PIF I'll be getting an offer for the Optima card which will be amazing because I really miss Amex  

Does anyone know if there is somewhere to call to ask about getting the card in case they don't offer one to me?

[Anonymous]

I would call MMI and ask about the Optima program.  When I began the process to reconcile my account with American Express I called Global Collections (who was responsible for my AMEX account) and literally said, "When I called in before to determine the amount of my balance to AMEX I was told if I paid in full I would be eligible for the Optima program from American Express." The representative cut me off and said, "Yes, if you pay in full I do show you're eligible for the Optima Card."  He then went on to explain the program to me.

[Anonymous]

Excuse the ignorance, but can someone explain to me what the Optima Oasis card is all about? As OP said there is very limited info on it online, however I have gathered that it is most likely a rebuild card for when you have baddies with AMEX and can't start off with their other cards? Is that true?

I kind of want one after seeing this awesome card design 

[Anonymous]

You're right about it being a rebuilder card with AMEX.  Basically, AMEX identifies certain accounts that are eligible for the program and once their accounts are paid in full an application is mailed for the Optima card.  The Optima card has guaranteed approval as long as certain requirements are met (cannot have declared bankruptcy, must have income, must not have a current AMEX card/ account, cannot have more than 1 Optima card).

If you're interested, you would need to contact whoever holds your debt with AMEX and see if you are eligible. 

[Anonymous]

Ahh dang, I already have some AMEX cards. I literally was inquiring because I think the card looks cool and reminds me of old school CCs 

Thanks though for the info thats really cool and nice that AMEX offers such a program instead of just jumping to a grudge right away since I heard their black lists can be jaw-dropping.

[Anonymous]

Congrats for your card and thanks opening this thread!

My mom have one right now, She got the form in January 2017 with a CL of $2300. (wasn't able to pay Plat and Gold charge card during 2 months) and paid in full right after (CR indicate 30 late only). 

She want to apply for a Platinum again so bad, and was just wondering, where do you see pre approval? When she is logged in, if she click on any card, she just have to add her income and that's it. Not sure how it works.

Amex said that after one year of good use of the card she should be eligible for other cards.