topic Re: Amex Application Question in Credit Cards

Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:56:46 GMT

I've read applying for multiple Amex cards on a single day will result in only one inquiry, but is that also the case if one were to apply for the Costco TE in-store and then apply for other cards at home, still on the same day?

Re: Amex Application Question

laboi_22 — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:07:54 GMT

I'm not 100% certain but the most logical answer would be to assume that one inquiry on the same day would be for online applications only.

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 21:13:17 GMT

I see where you're coming from, but once you've applied at the store, wouldn't the credit dept. see an inquiry from the same day when they are processing the online app?

Re: Amex Application Question

Walt_K — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:20:13 GMT

@-Cain- wrote:
I see where you're coming from, but once you've applied at the store, wouldn't the credit dept. see an inquiry from the same day when they are processing the online app?

I would imagine it depends on to what extent the two systems are integrated. If I had to guess, I'd say that when your information is entered at Costco, it goes right into the same automated system as when you input your info online. In which case I would think that it would work the same, and a later application online would still use the same inquiry. But this is speculation and I think the above poster's point is well taken. If you can't afford the second inquiry, absent getting confirmation from someone who has actually tried this, I wouldn't apply for another card.

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:37:00 GMT

Multiple INQs are not too huge of a deal, if it must be done, it must be done. Was just wondering if they'd use the same one.

Here's another question...If Amex did pull two on the same day, would they be receptive of being asked to pull one hard INQ back?

I appreciate the feedback!

Re: Amex Application Question

Anonymous — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:42:40 GMT

Can't help you, but good luck with the app(s)!

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:46:20 GMT

Still debating on whether to apply now or not. Just gathering info so I can make the best move at the right time.

Re: Amex Application Question

Walt_K — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:53:54 GMT

@-Cain- wrote:
Multiple INQs are not too huge of a deal, if it must be done, it must be done. Was just wondering if they'd use the same one.

Here's another question...If Amex did pull two on the same day, would they be receptive of being asked to pull one hard INQ back?

I appreciate the feedback!

Still just speculating, but doubt it.

Re: Amex Application Question

Anonymous — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:02:47 GMT

IMO, I would expect two inq. I think some people are happy when their two online applications only get 1 inq, but that doesn't always seem to be the case even both being done online.

Which other card are you looking at applying for?

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:11:35 GMT

Maybe a charge card, Zync perhaps. I'd like to get my foot in the door with Amex and have heard that the Zync is probably the easiest to get, so if the Costco one doesn't get approved, have that to fall back on. I've been a Costco member for a few years and upgraded to executive this year, getting 2% back as it is, but to add the extra percentage from the TE card would be great. Costco won't accept my Discover card. : (

Re: Amex Application Question

CreditMuppet — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:13:17 GMT

I think there are too many variables to say, ie; do the cc terminals at the stores query the same backend as the online webapp? its concievable that they do but who knows how much of the application process is infulenced by costco and if those systems process those apps separately. I`d guess that the reason you can get a 2 for 1 application on the website is because AMEX stores the last hard report on their DB server which they are probably contractually allowed to store for $X days and when you submit a new application the web app checks to see if they already have a report for your SSN and make the decision based on that.

Its a toss up, perhaps you just need to take a deep breath and hit submit Whatever you decide good luck!

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:14:30 GMT

Appreciate the opinion Walt, I'd like to hear all sides and angles, not just what I'd want to hear!

Re: Amex Application Question

Anonymous — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:22:31 GMT

I think if you don't mind the 2 inq, you should go for it, that way you won't be upset with a surprise. I don't think there is anyone who is going to know for sure, especially when the customer service can't even really tell you, just one of those things.

I was just recently approved for the Zync, and I did my application on the computer, then later in the day applied for the Blue Sky Preferred on the phone, and it was 2 inq. So, that's just my experience, hope it helps you out.

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:24:20 GMT

Good points creditmuppet.

I'll probably go for the Costco TE in-store and take it from there. If it's approved, hold off on the Zync.

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:39:19 GMT

Thanks AustinTex21, your situation sounds similar to what I'm suggesting, so perhaps I'd have the same results.

Re: Amex Application Question

flyingmd — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:49:47 GMT

I applied for 2 cards on the same day. A Business platinum and a personal SPG. The business platinum was approved and of course there was an immediate hard pull on my CR. I got the 7-10 day message on the SPG card so I waited. When I didn't hear in a week and the app kept showing as "in progress" I called. The rep told me that the second app was canceled as the computer will sometimes due that when there are multiple apps in a day thinking it was an error. Ultimately, I was declined for the second card (I already have a personal platinum and the Jetblue card) but I noticed the next day that they had pulled my credit report again. So I sent in 2 apps the same day and ultimately got 2 pulls and only one approval. Just my experience.

Re: Amex Application Question

-Cain- — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:59:03 GMT

Great info flyingmd, all experiences are welcome to be shared. The more info we gather, the better.