topic Amex Backdating? in Credit Cards

Amex Backdating?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 00:26:48 GMT

Hello I'm relatively new to myFICO ... I have a question.

I'm currently an "additional card member" on my parents' charge card, I'm wondering if I apply for a charge cad myself would my account open date be backdated to the date that my parents added me to their account?

I've talked to Amex customer service calling 8778770987 they said they don't know ... chatted online they told me only "authorised user" can "request to change their 'member since' date later after opening an account" and that I'm currently not an "authorised user" but an "additional card member"

Can someone clarify please?

(1) Do I get to indulge the "amex backdating" or not if I apply for a card (assuming an approval?

(2) What's the difference between an "additional card member" and an "authorised user"?

Thanks so much!

Re: Amex Backdating?

Kenny — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 00:36:23 GMT

The system should automatically backdate you, however I don't know if that is guaranteed. The best way to go about doing it isn't using the term backdate but correcting the member since date. I think it's best handled in chat, and not in a phone call. (After being approved for a primary card.)

Re: Amex Backdating?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:42:14 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

(1) Do I get to indulge the "amex backdating" or not if I apply for a card (assuming an approval?
(2) What's the difference between an "additional card member" and an "authorised user"?

Thanks so much!

"Additional Card Member" is American Express being fancy and not wanting to call you an "Authorized User". Sounds better but means the same thing. There is no difference

On your credit report, AMEX will also report you as "Authorized User"

And most likely yes, you will be able to change your "Member Since Date"... in fact it will probably be automatic when you get your own card. Look at your current AMEX, that should be the same year as any future AMEX cards you get. If it doesn't happen, make sure you call in and request them to change it. Of course, don't call it "Backdating" as they won't know what you're talking about. "MSD" or Member Since Date

And of course, it's always best to apply for AMEX in January to take full advantage of MSD "backdating"

Re: Amex Backdating?

newhis — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 06:09:46 GMT

Amex call it "Additional Card Member" because they give you a card with a different number that you can put limits on it, so in fact they consider the user as additional card member.

Re: Amex Backdating?

takeshi74 — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:36:06 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I'm currently an "additional card member" on my parents' charge card, I'm wondering if I apply for a charge cad myself would my account open date be backdated to the date that my parents added me to their account?

You'd be backdated but the way backdating works is that the month you opened the account and the year of your MSD are reported as the open date for the account.

Re: Amex Backdating?

Anonymous — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:41:41 GMT

@newhis wrote:
Amex call it "Additional Card Member" because they give you a card with a different number that you can put limits on it, so in fact they consider the user as additional card member.

Don't think that makes much sense! I could argue that giving someone a card with the SAME number makes them even more of an "additional card member".

Re: Amex Backdating?

Leadberry — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 16:23:26 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Hello I'm relatively new to myFICO ... I have a question.

I'm currently an "additional card member" on my parents' charge card, I'm wondering if I apply for a charge cad myself would my account open date be backdated to the date that my parents added me to their account?

I've talked to Amex customer service calling 8778770987 they said they don't know ... chatted online they told me only "authorised user" can "request to change their 'member since' date later after opening an account" and that I'm currently not an "authorised user" but an "additional card member"

Can someone clarify please?

(1) Do I get to indulge the "amex backdating" or not if I apply for a card (assuming an approval?
(2) What's the difference between an "additional card member" and an "authorised user"?

Thanks so much!

Your MSD is backdated to the day you were added as an ACM. When you first apply for your own cards, this may or may not happen automatically. If you aren't automatically backdated, you can just call Amex customer service and tell them your Member Since Date is wrong. They'll fix it.