topic Amex - any ideas? in Credit Card Applications

Amex - any ideas?

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 20:46:17 GMT

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to the board and had a question, but first wanted to say thank you. As I've been rebuilding my credit, this board has been absolutely invaluable in helping me get to where I am. I also didn't think the board would be as addicting as a wine board that I also frequent, but it is. Anyway, thanks so much and on to my question:

I applied for an Amex Cash Magnet on 8/9 and got approved almost instantly. I first had to call and verify my identity as I have a fraud alert on my account. It's a low starting limit (combination of scores in the 680's and - I'm sure - a checkered past with Amex) but I was ecstatic. Especially considering that in January, my scores were in the 540's....

After doing research I decided to applyfor the Amex SPG card about five days later as I travel a lot for work and stay at Marriott's exclusively. I called again to verify my identity and be sure they had all the info. They said it would take 24-72 hours as they reviewed the application. 72 hours came and went with no response. I called the next day and they said they would 'put a rush' on it and to call back if I didn't hear in 72 hours. Sam thing happened again. No response. Next time I called back the CSR said there was a glitch and she needed to verify my address even though I had already done that. I verified it and she said I would hear within 24 hours. This was on Thursday of last week. This morning I called to check in and was told by another CSR that they need yet another 24-72 hours. And that if my app is approved he has it marked for a rush to get to me within 2-3 days.

Is there ANYTHING I can do or do I just need to wait it out? Should I just forget about it and let the process play out? The anticipation is killing me!!

Lastly, this was a hard pull on my EX report. 5 days after they approved my Cash Magnet card which they also hard pulled EX for.

Thanks so much and sorry for the long winded first post!

Re: Amex - any ideas?

FinStar — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:09:17 GMT

Hi OP.

Sounds like the perpetual 72 hour delay 😄

I'd say, wait it out and if you don't hear anything back before the end of this week, then contact their new accounts department to determine what the hold up might be. You can also check the status online.

Of noteworthy, you mentioned "a checkered past with AmEx"...did you burn them in the past such as a CO or IIB? What SL were you approved for with the Cash Magnet?

Welcome to the forums btw!

Re: Amex - any ideas?

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:13:05 GMT

OH wow I would be annoyed AF too. Either just tell me I'm approved or denied quickly don't drag it out... lol

Never experienced that before so don't really have helpful advice I can give you

Re: Amex - any ideas?

Anonymous — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:16:30 GMT

Yeah, I've checked the status online and it's given me the 'in progress' update the whole time.

As to the past: This was about 9/10 years ago. I owed them about 3K on a card. didn't pay. They ended up filing suit against me, at which point I paid in full over the course of 18 months.

Thanks for the advice. I'll wait until Friday to check in with them.

EDIT: Approval on the Cash Magnet was for $1000.