topic Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals in Credit Card Approvals

AMEX and PenFed approvals

sauciefarr — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 18:39:51 GMT

I am mostly a lurker, but I do post every now and then. I have been on a credit rebuild for about five years. Had I found this forum sooner, I think I would be further along in my credit journey, but I absolutely believe that all of my credit success is due to the things I read on this forum.

I periodically check the AMEX preapproval site, and never have had any offers. A couple of days ago, to my surprise, I had three preapproved AMEX cards pop up --- gold, platinum, and the Blue Cash Preferred. My credit has been steadily improving, and I had no inquiries in the past twelve months (although I did recently get a SG Visa with a SP using the SCT), so I decided to go for it. After reading about the differences between the gold and platinum, I decided that the hefty AF of the platinum compared to the benefits wasn't a fit for me, so I pulled the trigger on the gold and was instantly approved. I then went to the forum to find out if I could get a second card with the same HP. After reading some of the threads, I applied for the BCP and was instantly approved. Only one HP for both cards.

I then went to my Sync accounts and requested CLIs -- received $9000 of increases.

Emboldened by my success, I sauntered over to PenFed (I had opened a savings account there a couple of years ago, following advice on the forum) and requested a Gold VISA -- instantly approved for $10,000 with a 12-month 0% balance transfer! Since I already had the HP, I went ahead and requested another PenFed card (Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature) and received the message "we are reviewing your application". I assumed it was going to be a decline and decided that it is obviously time to wait it out in the garden!! While typing this message (for real), I received an email congratulating me on my approval -- $12,500 SL on the PCR card! Again, one HP. Interest rates aren't the best, but time will take care of that. I cannot stress enough how important this forum has been to me these past few years. After my 20-year marriage ended and my company went bankrupt, it was so demoralizing to have no money and eventually no credit. It is empowering to stand on my own two feet and feel like a responsible consumer, and I couldn't have done it without all of the help and encouragement found here. For those of you just starting your rebuilding, hang in there -- there is a light at the end of the tunnel that is NOT a train!

Now, oddly enough, there are more cards coming up as preapproved with AMEX, but I haven't applied. I did see that some people got three cards in a short period of time, but I'm not feeling that brave......

Thanks again for everything. This forum does real work and allows for real accomplishment.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

ocheosa — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 19:16:09 GMT

That's what I would call going all in and WINNING !!!

Congratulations @sauciefarr !!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

spiritcraft1 — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 19:14:14 GMT

Congrats on the success! Any DP's for us? TY

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

sauciefarr — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 01:01:01 GMT

@spiritcraft1 wrote:
Congrats on the success! Any DP's for us? TY

Oh, sorry, I should have included that information.

AMEX pulled Experian, PenFed pulled Equifax

EQ VantageScore 3 729. Add edit ** FICO 8 730
TU VantageScore 3 709
EX FICO 8 728
9% utilization

No inquiries last 12 months/1 new account (SG with SP using SCT. $2500 SL)
1 Derog -- paid charge-off from 6 years, 3 months ago. No late payments

I'm going to send a goodwill letter for the deletion of that one baddie -- hopefully they will remove it. Since it is going to fall off in a few months anyway, maybe they will have pity on me and take it off!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

spiritcraft1 — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:48:50 GMT

Thank you so much. I wonder how that vantage equates on EQ. No telling. PenFed uses EQ09 (which is my highest score now) and they are throwing pre-approvals at me and I am trying to hold off until my last derog is gone. Nice job though!

Edit to add: PenFed has sure changed their ways... I bet your not having added new accounts helped you though.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 19:46:18 GMT

Well done, very well done! You may want to chill for a bit and enjoy your success.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Credit4Growth — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 20:48:47 GMT

Congratulations all around on the approvals!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

sauciefarr — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 20:59:11 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Well done, very well done! You may want to chill for a bit and enjoy your success.

Oh yeah I'm done for awhile!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

M_Smart007 — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:44:22 GMT

Congratulations on ALL your approvals!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Mr_Mojo_Risin — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:00:24 GMT

Line em up and knock em down! Lol

That was a mighty fine run you had, congratulations!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

gdale6 — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:15:39 GMT

Sweet, grats to all your new credit and continued success moving forward!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

TIPPY-BOB — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:42:51 GMT

Congratulations 🎈🎉🎊

Thanks for sharing your story of setbacks, struggles, and success!

Most inspirational. And educational.

It's easy for us to want an overnight or 12 month comeback, but it takes more time, patience, and persistence.

I hope your blessings are manifesting themselves in all areas of your life and business.

Thanks again for sharing 🙏

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

sauciefarr — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:49:16 GMT

@TIPPY-BOB wrote:
Congratulations 🎈🎉🎊

Thanks for sharing your story of setbacks, struggles, and success!

Most inspirational. And educational.

It's easy for us to want an overnight or 12 month comeback, but it takes more time, patience, and persistence.

I hope your blessings are manifesting themselves in all areas of your life and business.

Thanks again for sharing 🙏

Thank you. I came too strong out of the gate in the beginning and had to learn patience and restraint, which wasn't easy because that isn't my personality. It is nice to finally see things coming around. I have learned a lot from the forum --- am still learning all of the time. It is a great reference tool! I have told all of my friends about the forum! Sadly, due to this COVID crisis, many people will able to benefit from the information here. It is certainly a wonderful resource for information, encouragement, and tough love when needed.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:56:27 GMT

@sauciefarr wrote:
I am mostly a lurker, but I do post every now and then. I have been on a credit rebuild for about five years. Had I found this forum sooner, I think I would be further along in my credit journey, but I absolutely believe that all of my credit success is due to the things I read on this forum.

I periodically check the AMEX preapproval site, and never have had any offers. A couple of days ago, to my surprise, I had three preapproved AMEX cards pop up --- gold, platinum, and the Blue Cash Preferred. My credit has been steadily improving, and I had no inquiries in the past twelve months (although I did recently get a SG Visa with a SP using the SCT), so I decided to go for it. After reading about the differences between the gold and platinum, I decided that the hefty AF of the platinum compared to the benefits wasn't a fit for me, so I pulled the trigger on the gold and was instantly approved. I then went to the forum to find out if I could get a second card with the same HP. After reading some of the threads, I applied for the BCP and was instantly approved. Only one HP for both cards.

I then went to my Sync accounts and requested CLIs -- received $9000 of increases.

Emboldened by my success, I sauntered over to PenFed (I had opened a savings account there a couple of years ago, following advice on the forum) and requested a Gold VISA -- instantly approved for $10,000 with a 12-month 0% balance transfer! Since I already had the HP, I went ahead and requested another PenFed card (Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature) and received the message "we are reviewing your application". I assumed it was going to be a decline and decided that it is obviously time to wait it out in the garden!! While typing this message (for real), I received an email congratulating me on my approval -- $12,500 SL on the PCR card! Again, one HP. Interest rates aren't the best, but time will take care of that. I cannot stress enough how important this forum has been to me these past few years. After my 20-year marriage ended and my company went bankrupt, it was so demoralizing to have no money and eventually no credit. It is empowering to stand on my own two feet and feel like a responsible consumer, and I couldn't have done it without all of the help and encouragement found here. For those of you just starting your rebuilding, hang in there -- there is a light at the end of the tunnel that is NOT a train!

Now, oddly enough, there are more cards coming up as preapproved with AMEX, but I haven't applied. I did see that some people got three cards in a short period of time, but I'm not feeling that brave......

Thanks again for everything. This forum does real work and allows for real accomplishment.

Congratulations on all your approvals! 🥳 The Garden welcomes you! 🪴

Which is the SG Visa, please? 🙏🏻I'm not seeing the acronym in the acronyms list. Clearly, I don't know them all. I'm still in the bulrushes of credit rebuilding. 😁😇

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

sauciefarr — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:06:42 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@sauciefarr wrote:
I am mostly a lurker, but I do post every now and then. I have been on a credit rebuild for about five years. Had I found this forum sooner, I think I would be further along in my credit journey, but I absolutely believe that all of my credit success is due to the things I read on this forum.

I periodically check the AMEX preapproval site, and never have had any offers. A couple of days ago, to my surprise, I had three preapproved AMEX cards pop up --- gold, platinum, and the Blue Cash Preferred. My credit has been steadily improving, and I had no inquiries in the past twelve months (although I did recently get a SG Visa with a SP using the SCT), so I decided to go for it. After reading about the differences between the gold and platinum, I decided that the hefty AF of the platinum compared to the benefits wasn't a fit for me, so I pulled the trigger on the gold and was instantly approved. I then went to the forum to find out if I could get a second card with the same HP. After reading some of the threads, I applied for the BCP and was instantly approved. Only one HP for both cards.

I then went to my Sync accounts and requested CLIs -- received $9000 of increases.

Emboldened by my success, I sauntered over to PenFed (I had opened a savings account there a couple of years ago, following advice on the forum) and requested a Gold VISA -- instantly approved for $10,000 with a 12-month 0% balance transfer! Since I already had the HP, I went ahead and requested another PenFed card (Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature) and received the message "we are reviewing your application". I assumed it was going to be a decline and decided that it is obviously time to wait it out in the garden!! While typing this message (for real), I received an email congratulating me on my approval -- $12,500 SL on the PCR card! Again, one HP. Interest rates aren't the best, but time will take care of that. I cannot stress enough how important this forum has been to me these past few years. After my 20-year marriage ended and my company went bankrupt, it was so demoralizing to have no money and eventually no credit. It is empowering to stand on my own two feet and feel like a responsible consumer, and I couldn't have done it without all of the help and encouragement found here. For those of you just starting your rebuilding, hang in there -- there is a light at the end of the tunnel that is NOT a train!

Now, oddly enough, there are more cards coming up as preapproved with AMEX, but I haven't applied. I did see that some people got three cards in a short period of time, but I'm not feeling that brave......

Thanks again for everything. This forum does real work and allows for real accomplishment.

Congratulations on all your approvals! 🥳 The Garden welcomes you! 🪴

Which is the SG Visa, please? 🙏🏻I'm not seeing the acronym in the acronyms list. Clearly, I don't know them all. I'm still in the bulrushes of credit rebuilding. 😁😇

It is the Sportsman's Guide Visa. I tried to get it for a couple of years via the Shopping Card Trick. I just kept checking in every now and then --- go to the site -- www.sportsmansguide.com -- and add a couple of things to the cart. When checking out, you will HOPEFULLY get a pop-up from Comenity indicating a pre-approval with no HP. I heard for that some people were getting a HP, but I did not. $2500 SL. Make sure your pop-up blocker is OFF. I clicked on "join the buyers club" when at the check-out page. After I got the approval, I closed the window and did not make a purchase. It's really just hit-or-miss, I think. Good luck.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

CreditAggie — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 03:43:17 GMT

Congratulations on your approvals!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

AllZero — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 03:45:58 GMT

Congratulations on your approvals and CLI!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Total80sKid — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 07:50:45 GMT

Congrats on the approvals and increases! Win win all around!

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

Demented1 — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 20:38:50 GMT

WOW @sauciefarr AWESOME news and great narrative…enjoy your well-deserved cards and CLI’s that have added to the leverage that will take you to the next level.

Re: AMEX and PenFed approvals

kittycreditmeow — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 20:42:50 GMT

Congratulations on the approvals! 🙂