topic Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now? in Credit Cards

Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

bilwilvegas — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:17:34 GMT

One of my friends just used my referral link to apply for a Gold Card and was denied. The letter that followed told him that he could not be approved because AMEX had closed his previous account. He just told me that he had an AMEX card in his BK with a balance of around $20,000 from 16 years ago. The debt was extinguished as it was a chapter 7.

Is there any way or hope for him to get back into an AMEX as he wants to benefit from the points available.

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

JoeRockhead — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:32:51 GMT

Amex's length of memory (blacklist) seems to be tied to how badly they were burned. $20k is pretty significant.

I've seen where it's taken some people 20+ years to get back in. Your friend can keep checking their pre-approvals every few months but it might be a while.

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

sjt — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:28:52 GMT

Your friend can apply. If they are still on the blacklist it will be an automatic denial without a credit pull.

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

pizzadude — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:55:52 GMT

Yeah like the others indicated, AMEX has a very long memory with their customers.

There are some reported instances of AMEX letting folks back in who burned them but many others who continue to be blacklisted.

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

AzCreditGuy — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 01:42:23 GMT

Amex is a joke, mine happened back in 2008 and in 2021, they sent out an email that I could get a card with them as long as I paid them back what was charged off in 2008. Yeah continue to blacklist me, the card isnt worth it to since I have 12 cards now

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

ptatohed — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 08:09:54 GMT

Or, just forget AmEx as they have (IMHO) very little (actually, no) cards worth applying for. Move on.

Re: Friend had AMEX in BK 16 years ago, can he get approved now?

Jeffster1 — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:25:05 GMT

Ch 7 plus high balance = not likely.