topic Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do? in Credit Cards

AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:11:29 GMT

On 2/22/12 I asked AMEX to increase my Blue CL (which I had just converted to BCP from a regular Blue) I had been close to maxing it out, then paid it off and asked for a CLI. For a year DH had been paying tiny payments just above min.

OK. Bad move on his part. You can guess that AMEX said no. As background, the card used to have like an $11K CL, then got CLD'd for inactivity in like 2007 or something to $1K. It sat there for a long time. Unused CL. Then DH put stuff on it and left it there for a year or more (lower APR) They declined the CLI and the reason:

One or more payments received in the past 12 months on your American Express account were too low given the outstanding balance and repayment history.

When I called, the CSR told me that more than minimum was still not enough. But as a positive note, that that was the only "bad" thing for my account. And that I could retry again after 5/22/12.

Well, here I am. It is 5/23/12. Which number should I call?

The auto request line? The number from the letter after being declined last time (800) 535-7790? Or the executive office? What would you do?

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:09:08 GMT

52 people have looked at my situation and NOONE has an opinion or advice? Nobody at all? Come on, guys. Somebody must have a thought or two for me.....

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:11:16 GMT

Just use automated system. It is a soft pull. If denied, call executive line for more advice. If denied, then wait another 6 months.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

tntexans72 — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:27:16 GMT

Have you ever been late on this card? Do you have any other Amex card? Instead of haggling with this card...app for a new card. You'll more likely get a better CL and a fresh start imo, and once approved for the new card, it will backdate so you won't lose any history.

My 1st Amex approval was a small CL.

My 2nd Amex aproval about 7 months later, I received a generous starting CL.

But GL.....

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:38:47 GMT

Thanks Tntexans-

I have a Gold card. They both date to 1999. No lates. They said I did not pay a high enough amount for too many months, although it was more than minimum. The problem is I converted the Blue to BCP. I might have done this differently if I had been on myFICO longer and understood things better. Too late now. And I have over apped with 5 new accts. I cannot go after any new accts. I REALLY need it to be a CLI with BCP with the 6% groceries and 3% gas. If you look in my sig, you can see that I have a lot of CC's. I have too much debt affecting my FICO. I apped for BT cards and moved stuff to 0%. I have available credit, I think CreditKarma (for what it is worth) said my util was 22 or 24%. (I am also on a DH acct).

Trying to gauge if a human or computer will be better.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

tntexans72 — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:47:43 GMT

@crunching_numbers wrote:
Thanks Tntexans-
I have a Gold card. They both date to 1999. No lates. They said I did not pay a high enough amount for too many months, although it was more than minimum. The problem is I converted the Blue to BCP. I might have done this differently if I had been on myFICO longer and understood things better. Too late now. And I have over apped with 5 new accts. I cannot go after any new accts. I REALLY need it to be a CLI with BCP with the 6% groceries and 3% gas. If you look in my sig, you can see that I have a lot of CC's. I have too much debt affecting my FICO. I apped for BT cards and moved stuff to 0%. I have available credit, I think CreditKarma (for what it is worth) said my util was 22 or 24%. (I am also on a DH acct).

Trying to gauge if a human or computer will be better.

If the CL is small, best thing to do is use the card estensively and pay it multiple times each month. Over time, you'll get your CLI. I would try that for 3 straight months and request a CLI over the phone using their automated system. IMO..that is your best bet. If Amex declined a CLI, you are allow to request another one after 60 days, etc....

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:52:01 GMT

@tntexans72 wrote:
@crunching_numbers wrote:
Thanks Tntexans-
I have a Gold card. They both date to 1999. No lates. They said I did not pay a high enough amount for too many months, although it was more than minimum. The problem is I converted the Blue to BCP. I might have done this differently if I had been on myFICO longer and understood things better. Too late now. And I have over apped with 5 new accts. I cannot go after any new accts. I REALLY need it to be a CLI with BCP with the 6% groceries and 3% gas. If you look in my sig, you can see that I have a lot of CC's. I have too much debt affecting my FICO. I apped for BT cards and moved stuff to 0%. I have available credit, I think CreditKarma (for what it is worth) said my util was 22 or 24%. (I am also on a DH acct).

Trying to gauge if a human or computer will be better.

If the CL is small, best thing to do is use the card estensively and pay it multiple times each month. Over time, you'll get your CLI. I would try that for 3 straight months and request a CLI over the phone using their automated system. IMO..that is your best bet. If Amex declined a CLI, you are allow to request another one after 60 days, etc....

That is what I have been doing. Paying 4 times a month. I guess I will try the automated system. Hope they let it fly.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

improvingmycredit — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:11 GMT

Hey crunching!

I'd use the automated line and go for the increase again. Like right now and let us know the outcome! It's a SP and you wouldn't be in any different circumstances if the anwser is "no". Ask for the full 3X CLI and see what happens. If no this time, 6 months from now do it again. No harm no foul.

I think that the only thing that might be holding you back is the high utility but honestly, 22% isn't soooo bad. I've seen people with higher utility get approved for the increase.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

tntexans72 — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:02:41 GMT

@improvingmycredit wrote:
Hey crunching!
I'd use the automated line and go for the increase again. Like right now and let us know the outcome! It's a SP and you wouldn't be in any different circumstances if the anwser is "no". Ask for the full 3X CLI and see what happens. If no this time, 6 months from now do it again. No harm no foul.
I think that the only thing that might be holding you back is the high utility but honestly, 22% isn't soooo bad. I've seen people with higher utility get approved for the increase.

I agree 100%...in addition, Amex not only look at the 22% Util which is good imo, they may also look at your overall available credit vs. annual income etc...there's alot of other variables that comes into play. In the end, hopefully everything works out for the best.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:13:45 GMT

OK. They said yes to the 3X increase! Yea! Still one of my lowest lines, but I will get it up there with time again. At least they are not mad at me anymore.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:15:30 GMT

I think you should just ask for an increase using the automated system. I can't see much harm in it, if denied just try again after 3/6 months or however long you need to.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

improvingmycredit — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:15:38 GMT

That's Awesome! Congrats! I am very happy for you and that's a great card to have!

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:18:26 GMT

@improvingmycredit wrote:
That's Awesome! Congrats! I am very happy for you and that's a great card to have!

I love the card. At least the limit is now more than I spend on it in a month. I will be able to pay once or twice a month now instead of every week! You can't beat 6% cash back on groceries.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

improvingmycredit — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:22:58 GMT

I agree 100%! If spend just $25 a week on groceries you pay for the AF. Everything else is cake! Now at least it's not going to harm your utility too much if you decide to revolve a balance for a month or 2 on it.
Super Congrats! I kinda live viacariously through others here. I'm as happy about your CLI as you are. Haha!

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:26:39 GMT

@improvingmycredit wrote:
I agree 100%! If spend just $25 a week on groceries you pay for the AF. Everything else is cake! Now at least it's not going to harm your utility too much if you decide to revolve a balance for a month or 2 on it.
Super Congrats! I kinda live viacariously through others here. I'm as happy about your CLI as you are. Haha!

Thanks. Share my joy all you want!

I will vicariously share your FICO's if you don't mind! I will celebrate them.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:30:52 GMT

@improvingmycredit wrote:
I agree 100%! If spend just $25 a week on groceries you pay for the AF. Everything else is cake! Now at least it's not going to harm your utility too much if you decide to revolve a balance for a month or 2 on it.
Super Congrats! I kinda live viacariously through others here. I'm as happy about your CLI as you are. Haha!

I spend $25 a week on my lunches for work.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

improvingmycredit — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:35:05 GMT

LOL! I've seen some FICOs on here too that I wish they'd share. LOL! BTW- your FICOs are pretty good on their own.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:41:45 GMT

I recently got the amex everyday (3% groceries) but can't justify not shopping at walmart. It's closer to my house and the prices are lower than any other grocery store in the area hands down. Other than the usual arguments the people are weird long lines etc the quality is the same and my grocery bill is lower. Has anyone seen this argument? I love getting cashback but I don't see anyway to justify it. Also, I'm afraid to use AMEX at walmart in general for AA. I use the cap1 1.5%

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

improvingmycredit — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:42:01 GMT

Hey psychoinhell! I try to use my card when ever I need gas or groceries/department store purchases. Just makes for a better return on the cash back. Just an FYI- thought it was funny that the auto correct feature on my iPad corrected your name to "psychotic hell". LOL.

Re: AMEX CLI- what would you do?

crunching_numbers — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:45:55 GMT

@improvingmycredit wrote:
LOL! I've seen some FICOs on here too that I wish they'd share. LOL! BTW- your FICOs are pretty good on their own.

My FICO's are improving. I only have one baddie (30d from DEC08). The numbers are down because I ran up too much debt. Lots of contributing factors to why, but the bottom line is it is there, and I am working on making it go away. I am on the right track, and need to stay persistant and keep chugging away on it.

Of course nobody told "LIFE" that. This week we need to get the transmission rebuilt on the car the teenager is driving. $$$$$ Not much reduction going to go on this month.