topic Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible? in Credit Card Applications

American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 05:54:05 GMT

1) Is it Possible to qualify for any of the American Express Cards with a CH 7 Bankruptcy discharged 3 years ago and 12 Inquiries in the last 12 months? Is so, which one will give me the best chance of approval?

2) I have a start up business Oct '14, Is it possible to qualify for a corporate/ business AmEx account if I'm the guarantor with above mentioned? Again, if so, which of their cards will offer me the best chance to get approved?

Thanks

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Creditaddict — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:19:28 GMT

I would say the Preferred Rewards Gold Charge would be your best bet.

If they were not in your BK originally as of late it looks like you might have decent chance.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:26:28 GMT

Thanks. I may just give it a try. I gotta see how the rest of my apps play out this week. I may just wait till I do the next round of apps. Will let you know soon what I do.

thanks again

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

TRC_WA — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 17:55:41 GMT

3 years is probably too soon with a BK. The INQs could also be an issue depending on how many you have on EX.

I've read that AmEx likes to see 5 years after filing if you didn't burn them.

I can also say that I can back up that statement because I was declined in 2013... 4 years after I filed a BK13.

I was approved in 2014... 5 years after filing.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Deltadog03 — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 19:54:45 GMT

Thanks for asking. 😃. I was gonna ask for my case. 2 years post, didn't burn them and have a pretty decent EX score with 6 inq effecting my score.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:00:07 GMT

Looks like I'mm waiting,a couple of more years. Just curious. Do you think it should be be 5 years after filing? Or after Discharge? I guess I could wait till after discharge to be safe but I was just curious?thanks

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Creditaddict — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:05:52 GMT

I think it's worth an EX burn... just apply... if denied you know to wait till 5 years I would say but we have seen some "off" approvals for amex lately if you ask me... they are not as strict as many like to think!

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:27:16 GMT

Okay, will consider it. Will decide here in the next couple of days. I guess it all depends on my "Emotional Disposition" after I get my answer from Wells Fargo next week and also from my Quicksilver application after I call cap 1 for recon.

i may be euphoric and feeling bulletproof if I get approved by both of them and will want to go for the Amex or

I may feel "mad" that I didn't get them and will want to apply to Amex just in case I get it, I will feel vindicated. Or

i may feel depressed that I didn't get them and will want to apply to Amex just in case I get it I will feel better. Or..... I guess it sounds like I'll be applying doesn't it?

well, if I do, I'll post here what happens. Should be in a few days time.

Thank you you all for you input.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Deltadog03 — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:32:32 GMT

Do you think my EX score is high enough? 675 is my EX score and like 680 the bankcard version. I am 25 months post BK. GREAT re-build after and Util around 13-15%. Also, what card is the "easiest" to get? a NO Annual fee one from them. I would expect I would have to recon...How is Amex with that, and what number is best to call? Thanks bud!

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:45:53 GMT

Those are all excellent questions that I want to know myself. Hopefully some of our far more experienced friends in this forum will provide those answers. I don't know why? But since I started rebuilding my credit 3 years ago I look at an Amex card as an aspiration card. Something that says that if I'm able to get one it means that I have been successful in rebuilding my credit. I don't know if that's right or wrong but it just feels to me that they have a much higher bar than visa and M/C which I've always known I could get some sort card even with bad credit. But frankly up until I joined these community I never thought I could have one. Now I know I can. If not now, sometime down the road but I am sure now that I will have one.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Deltadog03 — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 02:47:03 GMT

Great points!! I agree!

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

ojefferyo — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:47:15 GMT

If you get declined for a card by AMEX recon is most likely a no. They generally will uphold their decision unless there was something incorrect with the report they pulled.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:42:17 GMT

My brother was declined by Amex and had never filed BK. He found the following post that included backdoor numbers to call when you are declined. This gives you a change to explain to a credit Analyst your situation. They might not approve you but I can attest that if you call the credit anyalst/Recon Department numbers they might give you a shot. Read the following and let us know what happens. Best of Luck!

(Kudos and thank you to forum member Sylviatob, who authored the original version of this fabulously helpful thread.)

A "backdoor number" is one that gets you past frontline CSR's directly to Credit Analysts / Credit Departments / Account Managers / Account Specialists (different lenders call 'em different things) -these people/departments have decision-making abilities greater than frontline CSR's, they are able to take and review requests for reconsideration of denied cc apps or CLI requests, APR reductions, etc. and implement their decisions.

Backdoor numbers and the people to whom they connect you can be useful in requesting a reduced APR if you feel your credit profile rates a lower one, or in requesting a review of a denied credit application or declined request for a credit limit increase, if you feel your credit profile deserves an approval, but they aren't magic wands - as with anything, your mileage may vary depending on your individual credit profile.

This thread relies on input and feedback from YOU! If you try a number and find that it is no longer working, that it's a regular, frontline CSR number or other, non-backdoor number, PLEASE PM ME so that I can edit accordingly!

Note: Capital One apparently stopped accepting customer-initiated credit line increase (CLI) requests sometime in 2010, so these numbers won't work for that, at this time. If CapOne starts accepting them again at some point, someone please PM me so I can update this thread again! Thanks. -

Scamp Update: On 04/12/11, one of our forum members PM'd me that he had called CapOne at 1-800-625-7866 to request a CLI, and said that, after verifying his account information, the CLI was put through without any other questions being asked. If anyone else has similar success, please PM me. Thanks! - S. Update as of 10/16/11 (confirmed on 03/10/12) A forum member PM'd me that he/she was told that CapOne is not accepting customer-initiated CLI requests. FYI, all. -Scamp

Thanks to everyone who has PM'd me about dead numbers, new numbers, numbers that turn out to be not true backdoor numbers,etc.!

This thread only works because the whole community helps keep it updated!

- Scamp

Amazon UW consumer: 1-800-634-8380 - credit: CreditLuv

Amex Collections Dept: 800-921-6490 (people on blacklist can call this number)
AmEx Oasis Program: 888-232-3261
AmEx: 800-567-1083 (App Status - Use with caution if attempting a denied app recon; have been advised by one member that they can only resubmit app with another hard pull)
AmEx: 800-230-1284 (Account Services - handles accounts with issues)
AmEx: 800-700-7619 (Reserves - handles closed and charged-off accounts)
AmEx Executive Office: 800-297-6197
American Express Credit Bureau Unit: 800-874-2717. (Must have a current credit report before calling. They will ask for the account number from the credit report, which is different from your card number.)

Barclays: 888-232-0780 (Customer Care)
Barclays: 866-408-4064 (Credit Analyst)

Barclays 866-951-1437 ( 24/7 Underwriting Dept)- jsucool

Barclays: 18776831400 (Security Dept)

Best Buy: 800-365-0292 (CSR)
Best Buy MasterCard and Citi Credit Card Executive Office 423-477-6858 -CreditAddict 07/2014

BofA: 800-421-2110 – Customer Satisfaction
BofA: 888-991-8222 – Customer Satisfaction
BofA: 866-811-4108 (Credit analyst - existing cardholders) by myjourney
BofA: 888-503-6090 non working number
BofA: 877-721-9405 (App Status - Choose Option 3)

BofA: 866-811-4108 (Dedicated APR Reduction) credit to B335is

BofA: 800-732-9194
BofA: 888-260-4696 (secured accts.)
BofA: 800-824-5895 (secured & partially secured accts.)
BofA: 800-718-6072 (Credit analyst - for existing cardholders only) Reported as non-functional 6/6/14
BofA: 800-881-4730 (Loan Dept.?)

BofA: 866-618-4585 (Sr Credit Analyst) ~corymcdd88

BofA Credit Dept. Fax: 888-500-6270
BofA/FIA: 888-831-4181
BOFA:866-865-7839 (Recon Department)- no longer working

BofA E/O: 704-386-5687 -heyarnold 08/2014

Bank of America -- Rate Reduction Team (1.800.770.6459) or (800-421-2110) available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET Saturday, closed Sunday

BP/Amoco App Status: 800-365-6204

Cap1: 800-625-7866 (Account Specialist)
Cap1: 800-951-6951 (cust. relations)
Cap1: 800-548-4593 (application status - automated only)
Cap1: 800-889-9939 or 800-625-7866.(Account Specialist)
Cap1: 877-513-9959 (Account Retention?)
Cap1: 800-258-9319 (Debt Recovery)
Cap1 Secured Platinum: 800-219-7931 (deposit taker, can speak to credit analyst)
Cap 1: 800-707-0489 (Senior Escalation Account Mgrs.)

GM Lending Dept 800-395-2120 - (Analyst) they cannot assist with other Cap 1 CCs -VeganMakePeace

Chase: 800-436-7927 (App status - automated)
Chase: 888-270-2127 (App recon)
Chase: 888-245-0625 (Credit Analyst - Recons)
Chase: 888-622-7547 (Chase Executive Ofc. in IL)
Chase: 800-955-9900 (Product change status questions)
Chase: 888-688-6708 (Chase Credit Dept additional number?, need confirmation, credit to Express)

Chevron/Texaco Biz Card App Status: 888-243-8358
Chevron Cust Service: 800-243-8766

Citi: 888-201-4523 (New App Approval Status)
Citi AA: 888-662-7759
Citi App Status: 800-645-7240, 800-288-4653, 800-750-7453
Citi: 800-444-2568 (Retention Dept.)
Citi: 800-763-9795 (App status?? They ask for your app #)
Citi Credit Bureau Dispute Fax: 866-713-5028
Citi EO: 718-248-6433 No longer active -5/31/14

Citi EO: 866-336-7285 - maiden_girl

Citi: CSR: 301-733-5501 (New App Status) ~ eagle2013

Citi Credit Card Executive Office 423-477-6858 -CreditAddict

Comenity: 800-303-1368 (Recon) ~ Happychap

Discover: 888-676-3695 (Recon)
Discover: 866-219-0214 (Retention Dept.)

Elan Financial Services: 800-685-7680

ExxonMobil Biz Card: 800-903-9966

FIA: 866-421-8153 (credit analyst) no longer working

FIA: 800-655-1491 for 24 hr automated balance, app status, and payment information. ~ score_building

FIA: 888-503-6901 (Credit Analyst) ~ codypendant

Fidelity Amex: 1-866-865-7842 (Card Services, 8am- 8pm EST M-F) --Lexie09 no longer working

Fifth Third Bank Phone: 1-800-457-0842 - Select 3 for a CSR (Credit Card Application Status)

FNBO: 800-444-6220 (UW) ~ gdale6

GE Moneybank (except WalMart): 866-419-4096
GE Moneybank: 866-519-6441 (Credit Analyst/Credit Solutions)
GECRB -Credit Solutions 877-379-8173

GE 937-534-6180 ( Fraud Dept/locked account)

Home Depot Store Card: 800-677-0232 (Credit Analyst)
Home Depot Store Card: 423 467 6957 (App Status/Recon)
Home Depot MC (Commercial): 800-720-0649

Hooters: 801-545-6705, 800-850-4668

HSBC: 866-574-4421 (App Status)
HSBC: 866-551-0258 (Credit Analyst)

HSBC: 866-280-0118 (Executive Resolution Unit)

Juniper: 866-408-4064 (Credit Analyst)
Juniper/Barclays: 866-750-6031 (Corp. Offices)

Key Bank: 888-201-4523 (App status)
Key Bank MC: 800-288-4653
Keybank Credit Research Fax: 216-357-6404

Lowes: 800-445-6937 (App Status)
Lowes: 866-232-7443 (Biz Acct. Underwriting)
Lowes Fraud/Underwriting/Credit Dept.: 800-444-1408

Macy's: 800-627-2909 (Credit Dept. - new credit, inquiries on upgrade to Visa AmEx, credit reporting issues)
Macy's: 800-543-9617 (Recovery Services)

Macy's: 800-477-2167 ( Credit Account Specialist, reconsideration and limit increases)

Meijers MC: 801-517-5560

Merrick Bank - CC - 877-790-5648 (newUser0)

Nationwide Visa: 866-757-2720 (App. status)

Philips 66: 866-289-5630, 800-610-1961

PNC: 800-762-0974 (Credit Dept.)

Saks Fifth Avenue: 866-500-7257 (Application Status) - credit: Ron1

Sallie Mae Visa: 877-564-7965 (Credit Dept.)
Sallie Mae Visa: 877-903-7968 (Credit Analyst)

Sam's Club: 800-301-5546, 866-246-4282 (Underwriting)
Sam's Club/WalMart: 877-294-7541 (escalated help desk)

Sears: 800-599-9710 (Comm'l Accts.)
Sears: 866-533-1820 (Sears credit bureau dispute FAX number)

Shell Fleet Card: 800-223-3296 (App status)
Shell: 800-223-3296, 866-438-7435
Shell: 800-377-5150

Staples: 800-767-1291, 800-282-5316

Sunoco Corp. Card: 800-935-3387, 800-278-6626
Sunoco: 800-310-4773

Target: 866-225-7041 ( New accounts, i.e. 7 to 10 day message )

Target Biz Card: 800-440-5317

Tiffany: 800-770-0800

Toyota Financial Visa: 866-865-7757

US Bank: 800-947-1444, 800-685-7680 (Underwriting)
US Bank Corp. & Comm'l Cards: 800-344-5696 (may not be true backdoor number - someone please PM me if this is frontline CS. Thx! - Scamp)
US Bank: 800-308-3648 (Debt Recovery)

Valero: 877-882-5376

Wal-Mart: 800-480-0205 (personal accounts)
Wal-Mart: 800-301-5546 (commercial accounts only)
Wal-Mart Underwriting: 877-294-7548; 877-294-8770
WalMart/Sam's Club: 877-294-7541 (escalated help desk)

WaMu CSR: 800-356-0011, or 800-280-9441
WaMu: 888-687-2273 (Apps/New Accts)

Wells Fargo: 800-967-9521 (credit card underwriting - credit to Brax)

Wells Fargo: 866-412-5956 or 866-412-5957 (UW) per michael_us and Lyythine

Wells Fargo: 866-677-1128 (now Executive Office - credit to Brax)

Wells Fargo Financial National Bank: 866-535-2725 (Executive Office - credit to high-flyer)

Wright Express: 888-743-3893

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:47:07 GMT

I'd also say if you are declined and decide to recon, explain to them that you're not looking to start with a high limit. Ask for $1000 and an increase after 6 months. It's all in how you present your case to the credit analyst.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 17:15:30 GMT

I don't think you'll be approved. I applied in December for the prg and was declined. I called, the rep cited a almost 7 year old chapter 7. He told me to try again after the 7 year mark since they are more forgiving on those. Chapter 7 lingers for 10 years.

My 7 year mark was on 1/11/2015. I applied for delta gold on 1/17/2015 and was approved. Same night I received via mail an offer for the everyday card and went online to apply. It gave me a 5 day hold due to multiple apps on same day but was approved on the 6th day. I applied for the prg on 2/19 and got it rushed approved. All backdated to 2001.

I'd say 3 years is way too soon, but you have nothing to lose. Try to check for pre-qualified offers first.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Scupra — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 20:44:16 GMT

On the other boards there was a pretty big group of BK'ers getting approved 5 years post FILE date. YMMV as always but it seems they have lightened up recently

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

OnTheRebound — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 03:48:40 GMT

From all the approvals I've been reading about lately, Amex has definitely lowered their underwriting standards compared to pre 2010.

My wife applied for the Green in 2008 and again in in 2009. Both times was instantly denied, citing Chapter 7. She also had a paid Fed tax lien showing. In 2010, when her BK disappeared from her reports she applied again and was instantly approved. So, at least in my wife's case, at that time, Amex wanted nothing to do with her until the BK was gone. They didn't seem to care about the tax lien still showing. Besides that, her reports were perfect.

Amex approvals have definitely gotten easier.

Good luck!

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

Anonymous — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 03:50:38 GMT

They ignore bks after 7 years.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

pizza1 — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 04:50:10 GMT

it all depends on your overall credit profile, how thick or thin it is, scores, and if you IIB them or not. Ive seen a few at the 5-6 yr range off a BK7.
Me personally...I have a thick file, never burned them but had their card years ago. I will try at the 6 yr mark in 2019 and see what happens.

Re: American Express with Ch 7 BK, and High Inquiries? Is it possible?

BackInTheSaddleAgain — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 23:17:35 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
They ignore bks after 7 years.

After filing or discharge?