topic Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Plat / CSR) in Credit Card Applications

Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum [Approved!]/CSR)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:10:29 GMT

Hi everyone,

I've been wandering around the forums, lots of great information but couldn't find anything relevant to my specific situation so here goes

My situation is:

Arrived in the US in July 2017 in the US for employment

Income low $100k

Opened first CC with BofA (secured) in Sep 2017 with $300 CL, I have 6 months credit now.

Paid the card several times per month, 100% on time and sub $20 balance reported on my credit reports.

Increased deposit on the BofA CC in Jan 2018 to $1000

Opened Chase checking and savings (with considerable initial deposit) in Jan 2018 and switched all my banking there.

Just got approved for Chase Freedom Unlimited with $2200 CL (unsecured).

FICO scores form Experian website are 708 EX, 735 EQ, 724 TU (new Chase CC not yet reported)

Inquiries 6 on EX, 1 on EQ, 4 on TU

Thing is, I'll be travelling a lot and would love to take advantage of a travel card. I've reduced my choices to either the CSR or AmEx Plat (mostly because of Chase relationship, sign up bonus, and redeem to FlyingBlue). Any idea of my chances? I'm thinking the Amex for it being a charge card, and it seems AmEx is more generous with thin credit files, but it still leams like a stretch, any thoughts on chances and if I should wait? I still don't have any pre-qual offer on AmEx website.

EDIT:

- Went to Chase branch, advisor said it was a long shot for the CSR and I did get rejected after calling Customer Service

- Applied to the AmEx Platinum online and got instant approval!

Thanks for your help!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Plat / CSR)

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:07:59 GMT

You stand a better chance of obtaining the Amex Platinum card because Chase generally likes to see at least one year of credit history and since the CSR comes with a minimum $10K limit you will also need to show that you can handle that credit limit.

Have you looked at other cards like the Bank of America Travel Rewards card or the BarclayCard Arrival? Since you already have a relationship with BOA I'd think it would be easier to get a travel card from them. Does you employer have a corporate card program?

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Plat / CSR)

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:18:37 GMT

Thanks for your reply! That could make sense, I've switched all my banking to Chase since (edited the initial post to reflect that) and I like that I can redeem to Flying Blue with the AmEx and CSR - si if the AmEx Plat is worth the shot I'd rather go that route!

And no corporate card - I'm in a small tech company so none of that really exists

Thanks again!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Plat / CSR)

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:21:43 GMT

Since you've already started a relationship with Chase I'd strongly suggest that you go to a branch and speak with a Personal Banker. He/She will be able to advise you on your chances of getting a CSR.

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 22:11:57 GMT

Definitely the plan I'm mostly looking for feedback on the AmEx Platinum actually!

Thanks!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:12:02 GMT

Hi everyone,

I just thought I'd share my experience.

- Went to a Chase brand, advisor said it would be a long shot but not impossible for the CSR, but I got denied even after requestion re-evaluation over the phone.

- So I went with my #2 choice and got approved instantly for the AmEx Platinum!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:51:02 GMT

Congrats on your approval for the Amex Platinum. Although its not a Chase Sapphire Reserve it will serve you well for travel. And now that you're an Amex member you will be eligible for most (if not all) their credit cards without a hard pull of your credit scores. Just keep checking Credit Card Offers when logged it and it will usually show 3 cards for which you are pre-approved. Of course I wouldn't advise you to open another Amex card immediately but you can certainly do it in a month or so.

Honestly I'm not surprised you were denied for the CSR; as I pointed out Chase likes to see at least one year of credit history and a demonstrated ability to handle large credit limits since the CSR has a minimum $10,000 credit line. Keep using the Freedom Unlimited and Amex Platinum and in six months when your credit history exceeds one year you will be able to reapply for the CSR. Keep checking the "Your Offers" section of your online Chase account. Credit card offers with a "green check mark" are practically guaranteed approvals from Chase.

Have you talked to Bank of America about closing the secured account and possibly converting it to a unsecured card? That would be my next step if I were in your position. You will find that having multiple cards will optimize your FICO 8 score (the most common advice is to have 3 cards & an installment loan) which in turn will make it easier to achieve you goal of the CSR.

wrote:
Hi everyone,

I just thought I'd share my experience.
- Went to a Chase brand, advisor said it would be a long shot but not impossible for the CSR, but I got denied even after requestion re-evaluation over the phone.
- So I went with my #2 choice and got approved instantly for the AmEx Platinum!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 18:59:19 GMT

Yes, it's in the to do list as well - last I checked my advisor asked for 6-8 month of multiple payments to get the deposit back. Thanks!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:07:41 GMT

Well...its been at least six months; hasn't it? I don't see the point of having a secured card when you now have an unsecured credit and charge cards, and the ability to apply for more if you so choose. Your scores will take a small hit for opening multiple credit accounts but it will bounce back quickly. Have you taken a look at the Discover card? They seem to love thin profiles like yours and will give you a generous credit limit. Having cards from multiple national issuers will make it easier to get the CSR when the time comes.

@Anonymouswrote:
Yes, it's in the to do list as well - last I checked my advisor asked for 6-8 month of multiple payments to get the deposit back. Thanks!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:43:36 GMT

You're totally right, I'll call CS in the next few days!

Re: US Expat & Travel Rewards Card application (AmEx Platinum)

Anonymous — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 17:43:42 GMT

Congrats!
Nothing more can be added to what MaizeandBlue has already said.
Since you just got approved for Chase Freedom Unlimited, I'd wait it out a few more months.
Good luck and come and come back and post your findings!