topic Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration? in Credit Card Applications

Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:46:58 GMT

Back on February 15, I sent a letter along with some other documentation to American Express. Almost 2 weeks later, the USPS Certified Mail tracking number still shows "moving through network, in transit to next facility" as of February 21... It also lists "available for pickup, delivered to agent for final delivery" as of that same date with no estimated arrival. I haven't gotten the Return Receipt back in my mailbox yet, either.

Could this simply be sitting in limbo forever, until someone at AmEx actually shows up to sign for my mailpiece? I used the address below, which was listed on the letterhead THEY sent me.

PO Box 31525

Salt Lake City UT 84131

Any feedback? Is there another address I should try? I haven't had much luck or any real answers from their "reconsideration line," if that's even a real thing...thus my letter with some more detail and explanation.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

ZackAttack — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:55:10 GMT

What was the paperwork for?

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SweetCreditObsession — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:08:38 GMT

I haven't heard of anyone mailing a reconsideration request to Amex so I can't confirm that address.

You might want to call Amex and let them know that you're sending documents that will require a signature to receive it - then ask which address they use.

Best wishes.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:17:34 GMT

@ZackAttack wrote:
What was the paperwork for?

A letter, some check images, financial documents, credit reports, set of golf clubs, Sharper Image recliner, belt sander... Well, maybe not those last 3.

@SweetCreditObsession wrote:
I haven't heard of anyone mailing a reconsideration request to Amex so I can't confirm that address.

You might want to call Amex and let them know that you're sending documents that will require a signature to receive it - then ask which address they use.

Best wishes.

Thank you - the answers I've gotten via phone have been generally very vague, evasive, and not tremendously helpful. So, my concern is that they might just read off a generic customer service address...which could also be a long ways from the right people who would actually read it?

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Jnbmom — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:19:47 GMT

You are sending in documentation for a reconsideration for a denial is that correct? What were the reasons for the denial? Did they request this information? If not you can always call them in regards to reconsideration and then if they request documentation then they would tell you where .

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

ZackAttack — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:21:38 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
A letter, some check images, financial documents, credit reports, ...

So I'm puzzled as to why you would send your own credit report when Amex can pull it from Experian themselves when you applied for credit.

If they gave you a letter asking for information I could see this (bank statement, utility bill) to verify your identity (plus your residence). I would have looked at the letter they gave you to see if there were details on returning it to 1 of their PO BOXes. If there wasn't obv the envelope could do it or look on Amex site -> https://global.americanexpress.com/contact-us

You can try calling and see if you can get someone's attention as someone previously said or try another address. Either way, someone could have missed the notification (or hasn't been placed) to the PO BOX requiring a signature.

---------

If you got a letter saying it was a denial ... then that's another story that seems to be unclear on the OP original post.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:52:58 GMT

I AM indeed responding to a denial, yes - sorry, I probably could have made that clearer in my OP. They didn't really say why, offer further specifics, or even (appear to?) do a hard credit background check. Which has me thinking I'm still on a blacklist somehow - despite paying back the balance owed on my previous closed and charged-off account, not only as a means of goodwill but also earlier instructions given by a "reserves team."

The PO Box I sent to (and listed in my OP) was on the very header of the denial letter I received from them - so I figured it had to have been legitimate... There was no return envelope included, either. Thing is, the only addresses listed on that "Contact Us" page are for payments or general inquires - neither of which are exactly what I'm after.

It sounds like another phone call(s) may be in order.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

ZackAttack — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:38:39 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
I AM indeed responding to a denial, yes - sorry, I probably could have made that clearer in my OP. They didn't really say why, offer further specifics, or even (appear to?) do a hard credit background check. Which has me thinking I'm still on a blacklist somehow - despite paying back the balance owed on my previous closed and charged-off account, not only as a means of goodwill but also earlier instructions given by a "reserves team."

The PO Box I sent to (and listed in my OP) was on the very header of the denial letter I received from them - so I figured it had to have been legitimate... There was no return envelope included, either. Thing is, the only addresses listed on that "Contact Us" page are for payments or general inquires - neither of which are exactly what I'm after.

It sounds like another phone call(s) may be in order.

Okay so now we know that the main topic of this is that you have applied and have gotten denied. That is very nice to have when asking for help.

I personally don't know what your credit report or history is with Amex, but I am pretty sure others (like @Jnbmom ) who may have seen more stuff with replying to threads.

--------------

So based what your latest post is, sounds like you once had a card and never paid back ... something like that -> which probably ended up being close and probably went to collection/BK, right? (Guessing)

All the letters usually tell what the denial reason is which you haven't listed what it is. Usually they will tell you on the very first page of what that is. Amex is known to HP experian ... so if you aren't seeing that HP (usually on EX, but can check EQ & TU) -> my guess is it sounds like you may have been backlisted -> but we don't know the whole story.

If you have actually burn Amex (collection/BK/etc that results in you not paying back) then chances are you may want to use the Amex Collection Dept Back door -> List of Backdoor numbers

^ I would wait for someone else to chime in before just calling.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

FireMedic1 — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:06:53 GMT

Its good you paid them back. They will contact you with an invitation for the Optima program. There is no timeframe of when that may happen. Isnt automatic. Wait it out and check your mail.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Zoostation1 — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:53:35 GMT

@ZackAttack wrote:
All the letters usually tell what the denial reason is which you haven't listed what it is. Usually they will tell you on the very first page of what that is. Amex is known to HP experian ... so if you aren't seeing that HP (usually on EX, but can check EQ & TU) -> my guess is it sounds like you may have been backlisted -> but we don't know the whole story.

If they applied via the relatively new soft pull tool they'll get no HP on a denial. They'll tell whether you're approved or not (but not tell you the CL) with the soft pull and if you accept and proceed to see your SL you'll get the HP (EX and TU in my case). I also tried the SP approval before I had reached the 61mo threshold and it was still just a SP.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:29:01 GMT

Update! Several items of interest were waiting in the mailbox today. 1st, an official letter from AmEx confirming payment in full with a $0 balance of my closed account - the last x 5 of card number match, so I know it's legitimate. There was a disclaimer that this authentication would be invalid should my payment be returned for whatever reason...but the check cleared over a month ago, so that's no concern.

Also, the return receipt from my reconsideration letter! It was signed and dated February 21 = right on schedule. Since USPS indicates the envelope is still floating around in Salt Lake City somewhere, they must have merely forgotten to scan its barcode on delivery...happens sometimes, no harm no foul.

But then I thought it was odd how about 2 x weeks had passed with no response. So, earlier today I called the "application status" number 800-567-1083 - same number on their denial letter. Unfortunately unlike the thread linked here suggests, there doesn't appear to be any true "backdoor" numbers to account specialists or underwriters. The rep dug out my application, and after asking her several clarifying questions she eventually was able to confirm receipt of my letter by the "media department" (whatever that means). She wouldn't transfer me, instead "placing me on a brief hold so I may email them." Then she explained I need to send an IRS form 4506-C via their secure document upload tool.

As best I understand, AmEx wants to verify my income before reconsidering or approving. I asked if there was any feedback or response to everything else I talked about in my letter, which she didn't really have much to say on. These foreign reps can be so evasive, I sometimes wonder if they are making things up to get out of a question or not disclose information. I of course can understand AmEx's hesitancy after my last account charged off almost a decade ago - so I am more than willing to prove myself worthy of another shot (and said so very clearly in my letter).

Feedback welcomed - as opposed to a form 4506-C, could I give them pay statements that match the income I (honestly) specified on my original application? I have current bank statements that show accounts basically flush with cash, too. Also - am I making headway with getting said application into the hands of a real human (even if he or she won't answer the phone), as opposed to auto-denials from a computer system? I seem to for sure be off the blacklist, otherwise they wouldn't be asking me to verify anything... But if I go to the trouble of giving them tax or financial information, is the ball still in their court for denial? After doing AZEO this last month, all of scores are nicely in the 690-705 ballpark with no red marks.

Time is somewhat of the essence here...my denial letter is dated February 14, 2023 and I think I have 30 x days to overturn or do reconsideration - elsewise start over from scratch. :/

I recently came off of a huge win at mediation - which was a timely reminder that being cordial, patient, honest, open, and willing to work with others DOES pay dividends. Don't think I've heard of Optima either...sounds cool.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

coldfusion — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 13:45:42 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:

Feedback welcomed - as opposed to a form 4506-C, could I give them pay statements that match the income I (honestly) specified on my original application?

Not unless they first explicitly agree to accept pay statements in lieu of a 4506-C authorization. Also, keep in mind that at this stage an approval wouldn't be a sure thing even if you authorized a 4506-C and your tax returns confirmed your accuracy in stating income.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Jeffster1 — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:52:48 GMT

I had to provide income verification last year to Amex when I applied at exactly 61 months post filing. They will ONLY accept a 4506-C. You need to speak with them as you fill it out because it must be filled out a certain way, and one minor mistake will get it kicked back. Also, the department you will be dealing with is only off-shore, and you will be dealing with reps with nonexistent authority and initiative.

Once you're in, Amex is amazing.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

NoMoreDebt — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 13:16:19 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
Update! Several items of interest were waiting in the mailbox today. 1st, an official letter from AmEx confirming payment in full with a $0 balance of my closed account - the last x 5 of card number match, so I know it's legitimate. There was a disclaimer that this authentication would be invalid should my payment be returned for whatever reason...but the check cleared over a month ago, so that's no concern.

Also, the return receipt from my reconsideration letter! It was signed and dated February 21 = right on schedule. Since USPS indicates the envelope is still floating around in Salt Lake City somewhere, they must have merely forgotten to scan its barcode on delivery...happens sometimes, no harm no foul.

But then I thought it was odd how about 2 x weeks had passed with no response. So, earlier today I called the "application status" number 800-567-1083 - same number on their denial letter. Unfortunately unlike the thread linked here suggests, there doesn't appear to be any true "backdoor" numbers to account specialists or underwriters. The rep dug out my application, and after asking her several clarifying questions she eventually was able to confirm receipt of my letter by the "media department" (whatever that means). She wouldn't transfer me, instead "placing me on a brief hold so I may email them." Then she explained I need to send an IRS form 4506-C via their secure document upload tool.

As best I understand, AmEx wants to verify my income before reconsidering or approving. I asked if there was any feedback or response to everything else I talked about in my letter, which she didn't really have much to say on. These foreign reps can be so evasive, I sometimes wonder if they are making things up to get out of a question or not disclose information. I of course can understand AmEx's hesitancy after my last account charged off almost a decade ago - so I am more than willing to prove myself worthy of another shot (and said so very clearly in my letter).

Feedback welcomed - as opposed to a form 4506-C, could I give them pay statements that match the income I (honestly) specified on my original application? I have current bank statements that show accounts basically flush with cash, too. Also - am I making headway with getting said application into the hands of a real human (even if he or she won't answer the phone), as opposed to auto-denials from a computer system? I seem to for sure be off the blacklist, otherwise they wouldn't be asking me to verify anything... But if I go to the trouble of giving them tax or financial information, is the ball still in their court for denial? After doing AZEO this last month, all of scores are nicely in the 690-705 ballpark with no red marks.

Time is somewhat of the essence here...my denial letter is dated February 14, 2023 and I think I have 30 x days to overturn or do reconsideration - elsewise start over from scratch. :/

I recently came off of a huge win at mediation - which was a timely reminder that being cordial, patient, honest, open, and willing to work with others DOES pay dividends. Don't think I've heard of Optima either...sounds cool.

Sounds promising, Im hoping you get back in with them

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:31:21 GMT

Another update with more minuscule progress... I spent some time yesterday compiling financial documents per their request, but when I tried to upload via secure portal it wouldn't let me in stating "they don't need further information." Called the new app number, office is only open Mon-Sat. GREAT.........

Got through to a rep today who started out by only wanting to tell me the app was denied. What's frustrating is how the letter I spent a few hours writing might not have even gotten to people with any real say in the matter, thus my series of phone calls to offshore people of "nonexistent authority and initiative" as Jeffster1 mentioned earlier. After working her over for about an hour, she finally confirmed that 4506-C IS the form and is the only form they'll accept to actually start manual review - and that my initial correspondence "was not sufficient." Guess I can't fault them for wanting me to put my money where my mouth is...literally?

Per your suggestion, I had her walk me through each section of the form so nothing was left out. Then I explained to her how any sort of tax information I could provide isn't current, given some major changes in $$$$ since my last filing. After dodging a few more questions, she stated that I can always submit further proof along with my 4506-C - I have pay statements, bank summaries, job offer letters, and all that jazz ready to go. The address I asked about in my OP is correct, and the 30-day clock resets today following my recent contact.

My bankruptcy lawyer has also offered to write me a letter that my filing and chargeoff have long-since been resolved - essentially stating there is no reason AmEx should be denying me. If she couldn't offer any guarantee this would overturn their denial, I at least wanted her opinion. She finally (finally...) said "YES, your chances of approval are high with this approach." (Or to that effect.) I hope she wasn't just making stuff up to get me off the phone...

While I was persistent, I of course remained patient and friendly with her - no sense in yelling or cursing at risk of going back on blacklist... The call ended with "thank you for being a customer since 2016" - confirming what many others here say about AmEx backdating my new card with the 1st account opening.

@Jeffster1 wrote:
Once you're in, Amex is amazing.

@NoMoreDebt wrote:
Sounds promising, Im hoping you get back in with them

You both are keying in on the reason I'm going to the extra trouble here. To put it in layman's terms - there is absolutely no reason my current scores, income, credit or payment history, and paying back my charged-off balance shouldn't give me an automatic in. With how many trips per year I take on Delta, it also makes utterly no sense that I don't carry a credit card with them. I think a Delta agent even told me that at check-in once. It would go a long way to maintaining (and growing) my status with them, too. The list goes on... I've worked hard enough to reap some real rewards here - not 1.5% from Capital One.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Epiki71 — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:04:49 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
Another update with more minuscule progress... I spent some time yesterday compiling financial documents per their request, but when I tried to upload via secure portal it wouldn't let me in stating "they don't need further information." Called the new app number, office is only open Mon-Sat. GREAT.........

Got through to a rep today who started out by only wanting to tell me the app was denied. What's frustrating is how the letter I spent a few hours writing might not have even gotten to people with any real say in the matter, thus my series of phone calls to offshore people of "nonexistent authority and initiative" as Jeffster1 mentioned earlier. After working her over for about an hour, she finally confirmed that 4506-C IS the form and is the only form they'll accept to actually start manual review - and that my initial correspondence "was not sufficient." Guess I can't fault them for wanting me to put my money where my mouth is...literally?

Per your suggestion, I had her walk me through each section of the form so nothing was left out. Then I explained to her how any sort of tax information I could provide isn't current, given some major changes in $$$$ since my last filing. After dodging a few more questions, she stated that I can always submit further proof along with my 4506-C - I have pay statements, bank summaries, job offer letters, and all that jazz ready to go. The address I asked about in my OP is correct, and the 30-day clock resets today following my recent contact.

My bankruptcy lawyer has also offered to write me a letter that my filing and chargeoff have long-since been resolved - essentially stating there is no reason AmEx should be denying me. If she couldn't offer any guarantee this would overturn their denial, I at least wanted her opinion. She finally (finally...) said "YES, your chances of approval are high with this approach." (Or to that effect.) I hope she wasn't just making stuff up to get me off the phone...

While I was persistent, I of course remained patient and friendly with her - no sense in yelling or cursing at risk of going back on blacklist... The call ended with "thank you for being a customer since 2016" - confirming what many others here say about AmEx backdating my new card with the 1st account opening.

@Jeffster1 wrote:
Once you're in, Amex is amazing.
@NoMoreDebt wrote:
Sounds promising, Im hoping you get back in with them
You both are keying in on the reason I'm going to the extra trouble here. To put it in layman's terms - there is absolutely no reason my current scores, income, credit or payment history, and paying back my charged-off balance shouldn't give me an automatic in. With how many trips per year I take on Delta, it also makes utterly no sense that I don't carry a credit card with them. I think a Delta agent even told me that at check-in once. It would go a long way to maintaining (and growing) my status with them, too. The list goes on... I've worked hard enough to reap some real rewards here - not 1.5% from Capital One.

OP, I am rooting for you to get approved in the near future. Please keep us updated

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 03:40:25 GMT

@FireMedic1 wrote:
Its good you paid them back. They will contact you with an invitation for the Optima program. There is no timeframe of when that may happen. Isnt automatic. Wait it out and check your mail.

Optima isn't offered to everyone. It's used as a tool to prompt repayment. Someone who repays on their own won't be offered an optima card.

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

SKBirdmind — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:46:40 GMT

@Epiki71 wrote:
OP, I am rooting for you to get approved in the near future. Please keep us updated

THANKS, Epiki71!! Much appreciated and I'll take all the positivity I can get - my story has already come way too far, it undoubtedly has to end well. To think that some people get auto-offers and approvals like this, effectively just clicking buttons in their sleep...

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
Optima isn't offered to everyone. It's used as a tool to prompt repayment. Someone who repays on their own won't be offered an optima card.

That for sure sounds a bit different from just automatically inviting anyone who repays. In fact, I may have already received that offer years ago (and would have promptly thrown it out...).

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

Jeffster1 — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:46:56 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
Another update with more minuscule progress... I spent some time yesterday compiling financial documents per their request, but when I tried to upload via secure portal it wouldn't let me in stating "they don't need further information." Called the new app number, office is only open Mon-Sat. GREAT.........

Got through to a rep today who started out by only wanting to tell me the app was denied. What's frustrating is how the letter I spent a few hours writing might not have even gotten to people with any real say in the matter, thus my series of phone calls to offshore people of "nonexistent authority and initiative" as Jeffster1 mentioned earlier. After working her over for about an hour, she finally confirmed that 4506-C IS the form and is the only form they'll accept to actually start manual review - and that my initial correspondence "was not sufficient." Guess I can't fault them for wanting me to put my money where my mouth is...literally?

Per your suggestion, I had her walk me through each section of the form so nothing was left out. Then I explained to her how any sort of tax information I could provide isn't current, given some major changes in $$$$ since my last filing. After dodging a few more questions, she stated that I can always submit further proof along with my 4506-C - I have pay statements, bank summaries, job offer letters, and all that jazz ready to go. The address I asked about in my OP is correct, and the 30-day clock resets today following my recent contact.

My bankruptcy lawyer has also offered to write me a letter that my filing and chargeoff have long-since been resolved - essentially stating there is no reason AmEx should be denying me. If she couldn't offer any guarantee this would overturn their denial, I at least wanted her opinion. She finally (finally...) said "YES, your chances of approval are high with this approach." (Or to that effect.) I hope she wasn't just making stuff up to get me off the phone...

While I was persistent, I of course remained patient and friendly with her - no sense in yelling or cursing at risk of going back on blacklist... The call ended with "thank you for being a customer since 2016" - confirming what many others here say about AmEx backdating my new card with the 1st account opening.

@Jeffster1 wrote:
Once you're in, Amex is amazing.
@NoMoreDebt wrote:
Sounds promising, Im hoping you get back in with them
You both are keying in on the reason I'm going to the extra trouble here. To put it in layman's terms - there is absolutely no reason my current scores, income, credit or payment history, and paying back my charged-off balance shouldn't give me an automatic in. With how many trips per year I take on Delta, it also makes utterly no sense that I don't carry a credit card with them. I think a Delta agent even told me that at check-in once. It would go a long way to maintaining (and growing) my status with them, too. The list goes on... I've worked hard enough to reap some real rewards here - not 1.5% from Capital One.

Sending good thoughts your way.

As I described earlier, I had applied for the Amex Gold, for which I had pre-qualified, at exactly 61 months after my BK 13 filing. Amex was included but I ended up converting to a 100 percent plan which allowed me to get my DC 1.5 years early. I really didn't expect an approval, but was just testing the waters. At first, it said Denied so I called the number and was connected to one of the offshore reps.

He told me that I was not denied. All I needed to do was send in a 4506-C. He sent me the link.I filled out the form and uploaded it. I called a few days later and was told I needed to resubmit the form. I had the second rep sit with me on the line as I filled it out again. Yet again, it kicked back after a few days. I called back and now needed to fill it out again. By now, I had filed my 2021 taxes and filled out the 4506-C again, requesting 2021.

This went back and forth. The offshore reps are polite but frustrating. They really have no idea about what would cause an approval and they have no authority. They keep referring to the "back room team." They have no authority to challenge a decision by that team. I found that they will say whatever they need to say to get you off the phone.

I uploaded a bank statement and the PDF of my 2021 taxes directly but those were rejected. They will only go by the 4506-C.

Somehow, I got the attention of someone in the Amex Exec Offices, and they too were stumped. I actually received two personal emails from the CEO about his team now working on this. I don't know if it were just my case...at that particular point in time...but turned out that I needed to affix a wet signature to the 4506-C and not an electronic one.

I resubmitted my 4506-C with a wet signature and got my approval in a couple days. The same day, I was instantly approved for a BCE with a SL of $6000. During my back and forth, Amex had pulled my EX and TU a few times each. All were removed, as promised, except for one.

As frustrating as it was, it was WELL WORTH IT. I have since received approvals with no HP for the Marriott Bevy, BCP and HH. I will wait for my BK to fall off next year and will focus on CLIs.

As I said, once you're in, Amex is amazing.

Another thing....it seems that once you're in, even if you are routed to an off-shore rep, they are more knowledgeable and have greater authority to help you than the ones I was dealing with as I hung in limbo.

And, maybe best of all, Amex, as has been reported here before, recognizes my many years of good history (until my unfortunate BK) by considering me a card member since 2004. Truth be told, I never made a late payment to Amex prior to my BK. I was treading water for several years and was only pushed into BK by a lawsuit from Patelco. I had a few late payments here and there elsewhere, but never Amex. I don't know if that figured into their decision to invite me back in at 61 months.

On a side note, the decision to go into BK was the best decision I ever made. Even though I managed to tread water for so long, my debt was so uncomfortably high, I would never have been able to pay it off with default interest tacked on. The 13 provided me an orderly process to pay off everything. My rebuild was actually a pleasure with what I consider a few lucky breaks along the way.

I'm rooting for you @SKBirdmind !

Re: Address for AmEx Reconsideration?

TRC_WA — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:33:19 GMT

@Jeffster1 wrote:

As frustrating as it was, it was WELL WORTH IT. I have since received approvals with no HP for the Marriott Bevy, BCP and HH. I will wait for my BK to fall off next year and will focus on CLIs.

As I said, once you're in, Amex is amazing.

@Jeffster1

That's what I keep hearing.

My first AmEx was a $1000 Delta Gold from 2014-2016... never late... paid and closed in late 2016 prior to filing Ch 13.

May 2022 they gave me the exact same card only with a $10k limit. No idea why... but they did. I can't get a CLI due to the BK on my reports for a few more months... but this card is my highest limit card and my daily driver. Usage anywhere from $2k-$6k per month and always PIF.

I'm looking forward to 2024 when more doors with AmEx open for me.