topic Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold in Credit Card Applications

AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Dilbert934 — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 15:21:53 GMT

So I want to bump up my Platinum Skymiles, but saw where a CLI can trigger a FR. While I have no doubt I could pass, it would play havok with many auto-pays I have set up.

So, my question is this. My combined AMEX CL would not go over $35k if I was approved for a CLI, but I also have a Pay Over Time CL of $35k on my Amex Gold. Is the PoT portion of the Gold card counted towards the $35k ceiling that will trigger a FR?

Thanks!

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 15:34:08 GMT

@Dilbert934 wrote:
So I want to bump up my Platinum Skymiles, but saw where a CLI can trigger a FR. While I have no doubt I could pass, it would play havok with many auto-pays I have set up.

So, my question is this. My combined AMEX CL would not go over $35k if I was approved for a CLI, but I also have a Pay Over Time CL of $35k on my Amex Gold. Is the PoT portion of the Gold card counted towards the $35k ceiling that will trigger a FR?

Thanks!

I don't see why a CLI request would trigger a Financial Review. Its possible that Amex will ask you to verify your income, but Income Verification is entirely different from a Financial Review.

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Priory_Man — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 15:41:11 GMT

I would say No.
I have both charge and credit cards, both my charge cards have PoT of 50K and I also have a total of 38K on the two credit cards.

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

HeavenOhio — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:07:40 GMT

@Dilbert934, a CLI request will not trigger Financial Review (FR). But a 35k request may ask for income verification (IV).

FR is onerous, and it's a required procedure. It's generally triggered by bizarre charges.

IV is optional, and IV letters can be ignored. If your CLI request triggers the need for IV, you can simply hit your browser's back button and try again with a lower request. People have done this multiple times and received multiple letters bundled together.

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

coldfusion — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 21:45:49 GMT

More specifically, a CLI request can trigger a 4506-T request, which is an authorization for AMEX to examine your last 2 years of federal tax returns. Emperically a request for a $35K or more CL seems to be the common threshold that triggers a request although if your combined CL across all AMEX cards is already at or near their comfort level a request can also be triggered. BT, DT.

For the purposes of 4506-T requests the IRS updates the 2 year window each August. A 4506-T request filed before August 2018 would be fulfilled with 2016 and 2017 tax returns even if the 2018 return has been filed and processed.

As HeavenOhio pointed out if you get a 4506-T request in response to a CLI request the usual workaround is to use the back button on your browser and reduce your request by $500 and try again, until you get to the point where there is no 4506-T request. You will get 1 letter for each request, but since it is not a Financial Review you can refuse the requests without risking an AA like a CLD or account closure, with the expectation that you will not get a CLI.

Many people do have philosophical objections to authorizing an issuer to examine their tax returns in detail, but from a credit-granting perspective there isn't a lot to fear from a 4506-T review as long as one has been honest in stating their income.

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 02:36:53 GMT

@HeavenOhio wrote:
People have done this multiple times and received multiple letters bundled together.

My record is 20 bundled together. Until someone reports a greater number, I'll consider myself the Undisputed Bundle Champion

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 02:54:19 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@HeavenOhio wrote:
People have done this multiple times and received multiple letters bundled together.
My record is 20 bundled together. Until someone reports a greater number, I'll consider myself the Undisputed Bundle Champion

Lol. Do you lack kindling for your fireplace or something?

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 11:50:06 GMT

He doesn’t anymore!

Re: AMEX CLI - $35k FR threshold

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 20:51:21 GMT

Even the 20 from Amex doesn't come close to my 60+ from Discover