topic Re: Off the Amex blacklist? in Credit Card Applications

Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 03:27:59 GMT

I included Amex in a Chapter 7 BK 9.5 years ago. I've applied maybe 75 times and got instant denied every time. I burned them for around $15k.

Today I noticed I was pre-approved for a Platinum card, something that had never happened before. I went ahead and applied. I was not instantly denied. Instead, the message was: "We will notify you once your application has been processed, or if we need additional information. If you wish to view an electronic communication of your decision details once we have made a decision, click here."

Does this mean I'm off the list? I have flawless credit and high lines with other cards. No revolving balances that last more than 30 days, but high usage. Never a late payment. Do I have a shot?

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

M_Smart007 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 03:48:43 GMT

Did you receive an Experian HP?

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 04:02:04 GMT

No HP yet. The new process doesn't do a hard pull until you accept the card, apparently.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Brian_2023 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 11:50:33 GMT

I will be watching your posts closely because I am in a very similar situation. My BK was in 2005 and the discharged amount was about $11K. I didn't even make past the pre-screen auto-decline. https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Any-chance-AmEx-will-reverse-a-decline-more-than-17-years-after/m-p/6663242/highlight/true#M320355

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Horseshoez — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:14:03 GMT

Yup, I subscribed to this thread as well, I burned Amex for something in the $25,000 range back in 2015; honestly I figured my chances of ever getting back in were somewhere between slim and none.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

NoMoreDebt — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:09:57 GMT

Im watching this thread with anticipation for you. I like most here am on the verge of trying to get back in with them after burning for them for around $5k in bk7 in 2015

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

fury1995 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:43:43 GMT

@Sporky wrote:
No HP yet. The new process doesn't do a hard pull until you accept the card, apparently.

Do you have an Experian account?

You could check your soft inquiries there.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:10:56 GMT

Yes, I have Experian soft inquiries. I imagine they'd be there for anyone who did a pre-qualification check though, right?

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:11:33 GMT

Have you tried to pre-qualify on their site? What happens when you do?

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:12:34 GMT

Have you tried to pre-qualify with their new system? Curious what it shows for you.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

fury1995 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:47:51 GMT

@Sporky wrote:
Yes, I have Experian soft inquiries. I imagine they'd be there for anyone who did a pre-qualification check though, right?

Not anyone. If someone is blacklisted, the application likely won't make it to the soft pull as their internal system would not push it through.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:53:58 GMT

@fury1995 wrote:
@Sporky wrote:
Yes, I have Experian soft inquiries. I imagine they'd be there for anyone who did a pre-qualification check though, right?
Not anyone. If someone is blacklisted, the application likely won't make it to the soft pull as their internal system would not push it through.

Amex is known to SP people who haven't been a member years after an account was closed. They've also been known to SP every month after a denial, even if it was for their blacklist. Tends to give people hope they're almost off the blacklist.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

fury1995 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 22:49:33 GMT

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@fury1995 wrote:
@Sporky wrote:
Yes, I have Experian soft inquiries. I imagine they'd be there for anyone who did a pre-qualification check though, right?
Not anyone. If someone is blacklisted, the application likely won't make it to the soft pull as their internal system would not push it through.
Amex is known to SP people who haven't been a member years after an account was closed. They've also been known to SP every month after a denial, even if it was for their blacklist. Tends to give people hope they're almost off the blacklist.

Well that makes things alot harder to decipher the reason for soft pulls since the new system apparently doesn't hard pull (if needed) until an approval is accepted by the applicant.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Saleen099 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 17:57:44 GMT

Question, did you receive a soft inquiry on your credit report after you applied?

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 18:18:21 GMT

Yes. And they are the only Amex soft pulls on the report. I suspect there was one for the pre-qualification and one for the initial application.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Saleen099 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 18:46:16 GMT

I asked a friend to apply this was the message that he received after applying.
No SP

His Bankruptcy was back in 2000 or 2001

Thanks, XXXX. We've received your application, but we can't give you a decision right now

We'll process your application as soon as possible and send you a decision within 14 days.

There has been no impact to your credit score at this time. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, the information we provide to credit bureau(s) may impact your credit score.

While we're reviewing your application, please don't submit another application for the The Platinum Card®.

The Email said this

We're excited you've applied for a Card with American Express.

What to expect

We'll let you know as soon as we're done reviewing your application or if we need any additional information.

What you can do next

Keep an eye out for an update from us. In the meantime, don't apply for any other American Express Cards.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

markhs777 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 21:24:57 GMT

To answer ur question, yes you do have a "shot". Since the system didn't do an auto decline it may come down to a manual review, If this is the case hopefully the analyst is having a good day.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

josephhobby119 — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 23:39:46 GMT

My mom burned AMEX in 2010 during the recession for about $100,000. She declared bankruptcy on every major credit card company. She was back in with most, but AMEX would not let her back in. In 2021 we were planning a vacation to Florida and we're planning on staying at the Hilton in Hollywood, FL. They were offering a discount and points if she applied and booked using the Hilton card. As a joke we applied just to see what would happen. She was instantly approved for $2,000. Over time that credit line has increased to $32,000 and she is now a Hilton Diamond Member with the Aspire card. She has been able to be approved for three other cards like Green, Platinum and Blue Cash Everyday which is now upgraded to the Blue Cash Preferred. I would just say hold on to hope and keep checking.

@Brian_2023 wrote:
I will be watching your posts closely because I am in a very similar situation. My BK was in 2005 and the discharged amount was about $11K. I didn't even make past the pre-screen auto-decline. https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Any-chance-AmEx-will-reverse-a-decline-more-than-17-years-after/m-p/6663242/highlight/true#M320355

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

Sporky — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:04:02 GMT

Update: I've been approved for a Gold Card.

I previously held a platinum and, despite warnings against it, I applied for both a Gold and Platinum this time around (I assumed I'd be rejected like every other time). I haven't received a decision on the Platinum, but I'm going to just accept the Gold now. My application status online is still pending, for those interested.

So, to recap... Included Amex Platinum in Bankruptcy 9 years ago for $15k. I had never been late on Amex but had to include them per the law. Never paid a penny back. I applied maybe 70 times over the last 9 years, mostly because I knew they wouldn't do a HP if I was blacklisted. Last week was the first time I ever saw I was pre-qualified. I actually saw it through CardMatch and then verified on the Amex site. I applied for the Platinum and wasn't auto-declined. I waited a day and got anxious and applied for a Gold to see if I'd get the same message. I did. Gold approval email just came through. No clue if I'll get bonus points since I already had a bonus on the Platinum a number of years ago.

My credit since bankruptcy has been flawless. No lates. I almost never carry a balance and have 8 credit cards (max is a $50k limit). Income is a bit under $200k. Mid 700s for FICO scores. Had a 15 point jump last week because my student loans transferred and stopped reporting for a month, but I don't think that would have made the difference. BK is still reporting for another year.

All I can say is that I appear to be one of the lucky ones who got off the list.

Update: It says I've been a member since 2009, which is cool. Limit is VERY low. Like $2000 or so. I'm confident that will go up with time though.

Re: Off the Amex blacklist?

NoMoreDebt — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:09:28 GMT

@Sporky wrote:
Update: I've been approved for a Gold Card.

I previously held a platinum and, despite warnings against it, I applied for both a Gold and Platinum this time around (I assumed I'd be rejected like every other time). I haven't received a decision on the Platinum, but I'm going to just accept the Gold now. My application status online is still pending, for those interested.

So, to recap... Included Amex Platinum in Bankruptcy 9 years ago for $15k. I had never been late on Amex but had to include them per the law. Never paid a penny back. I applied maybe 70 times over the last 9 years, mostly because I knew they wouldn't do a HP if I was blacklisted. Last week was the first time I ever saw I was pre-qualified. I actually saw it through CardMatch and then verified on the Amex site. I applied for the Platinum and wasn't auto-declined. I waited a day and got anxious and applied for a Gold to see if I'd get the same message. I did. Gold approval email just came through. No clue if I'll get bonus points since I already had a bonus on the Platinum a number of years ago.

My credit since bankruptcy has been flawless. No lates. I almost never carry a balance and have 8 credit cards (max is a $50k limit). Income is a bit under $200k. Mid 700s for FICO scores. Had a 15 point jump last week because my student loans transferred and stopped reporting for a month, but I don't think that would have made the difference. BK is still reporting for another year.

All I can say is that I appear to be one of the lucky ones who got off the list.

Update: It says I've been a member since 2009, which is cool. Limit is VERY low. Like $2000 or so. I'm confident that will go up with time though.

Congrats on the victory