topic Re: Amex Zync and beyond in Credit Cards

Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:55:25 GMT

So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:

1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)?

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync?

For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:05:44 GMT

@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)?
2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync?
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I had my Zync for just under two years before going 'beyond'. They will approve/deny based on their internal score since you are already a customer hence the no-HP denials. If approved, they will pull a new report and use that FICO score and report as well as their internal data for determining APR and CL's.

If you have a 700 score, theoretically you could be approved for a BCP which would be an approval based on their internal data from your Zync usage.

Do you actually have a Zync yet, or is this all theoretical?

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:25:45 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)?
2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync?
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I had my Zync for just under two years before going 'beyond'. They will approve/deny based on their internal score since you are already a customer hence the no-HP denials. If approved, they will pull a new report and use that FICO score and report as well as their internal data for determining APR and CL's.

If you have a 700 score, theoretically you could be approved for a BCP which would be an approval based on their internal data from your Zync usage.

Do you actually have a Zync yet, or is this all theoretical?

No I am not in the 700s, that is what I am trying to get at prior to applying for an Amex revolver. My score is currently in the mid 600s and I thinking about applying for the Zync soon to get my foot in w/ Amex.

So I guess my question now is --- How long of an "internal score relationship" would I need to hold with the Zync, prior to applying for an Amex revolver? ps - I don't have the patience to wait just under two years like you did JD5 , which is why I am hoping it is not that long.

Thanks.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:37:08 GMT

I know there are a lot of Zync threads out here.. but anyone loll ??

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

RockinRay — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:46:03 GMT

If it were me, I would apply and use the Zync for at least 6 months. Give it some time to build that relationship because once you do, and do it correctly, they will be your best friend!

I understand the "want" factor. But build with them first and the will grow with you.

JMO - for what little it is worth!

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:55:46 GMT

@RockinRay wrote:
If it were me, I would apply and use the Zync for at least 6 months. Give it some time to build that relationship because once you do, and do it correctly, they will be your best friend!

I understand the "want" factor. But build with them first and the will grow with you.

JMO - for what little it is worth!

Ok thanks for the adivce, will do!! I was basically just confused about some 90 Day rule - that you cant apply for another Amex until the 91st day or something. But looks like that was just some incorrect info.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:00:41 GMT

I waited that long because I was not in a rush. But, I would say a 6 month minimum of having the Zync. In reality, probably 1 year depending on income and how much you use that Zync.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

RockinRay — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:02:46 GMT

@agforfree5 wrote:
@RockinRay wrote:
If it were me, I would apply and use the Zync for at least 6 months. Give it some time to build that relationship because once you do, and do it correctly, they will be your best friend!

I understand the "want" factor. But build with them first and the will grow with you.

JMO - for what little it is worth!
Ok thanks for the adivce, will do!! I was basically just confused about some 90 Day rule - that you cant apply for another Amex until the 91st day or something. But looks like that was just some incorrect info.

As I remember you do have to wait 90 days between apps with them. That is correct.

Still I would wait the 6 months, run a fair amount of charges through the card, and give them time to build a reasonable internal limit for you. Then, once you have established your "track record" do the app... In my mind, you will get a much better Cl since they will have some history on your spend / payment habits. If you apply on day 91, they may start you lower then they would at 6 months.

It is all about playing the game here and playing it correctly.

While I no longer have my Zync card, when I did, I would hit that button on the web protal to see how much I could spend on the card. Fist hit was $5000 - approved. My final hit was $25,000 and it was approved. Today, I have $30,000 in open credit with Amex over two cards...

Time will be your friend on this and again, I understand the want factor. But patience will always win out in the long run.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

creditnocash — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:16:48 GMT

to get max backdating you would need to apply in jan.

ill pull my reports in mid jan and see how i am.

if im above 700 ill take the soft for either a costco amex or another reveolver.

if i get it great if not cool just a soft.

from what i here is if you have over 6 months history and 650-680 they will approve you for zync with a hard limit. ymmv though.

i know i apped for it and got the hard limit with aaoa of 8 months reporting and 11% util. (other scores pulled from myfico that morning were 689 and 690)

they didn't send me a score or reasons since a zync is the best terms since its a charge card and there is no interest.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

LS2982 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:48:58 GMT

@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:17:49 GMT

@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."

LS2982 -

Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

LS2982 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:21:59 GMT

@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."
LS2982 -
Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Any creditor has the option of pulling hard or soft on your credit if your a cardmember with them.

AMEX will pull SP when you apply and if approved add a HP. If denied, they will not add a HP.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

agforfree5 — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:30:38 GMT

@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."
LS2982 -
Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Any creditor has the option of pulling hard or soft on your credit if your a cardmember with them.

AMEX will pull SP when you apply and if approved add a HP. If denied, they will not add a HP.

Got it. Thanks.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

Revelate — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 05:00:14 GMT

@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."
LS2982 -
Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Any creditor has the option of pulling hard or soft on your credit if your a cardmember with them.

AMEX will pull SP when you apply and if approved add a HP. If denied, they will not add a HP.

Got it. Thanks.

Whoa hang on

This isn't the way Amex fully works unless they changed things recently. Amex traditionally SP's all their customers every two months. They then store that particular soft pull for 60 days, and they use this stored pull (no matter how innacurate it now is) for their initial decision of possible / denied. They don't actually pull a new report until you've passed the initial test.

We've had several people over the last year or so outright denied for having reported balances that they'd nuked subsequently; for Amex, you need to get clean two months in advance rather than the one month we recommend for pretty much every other application. If you know the pattern of Amex SP's for you (through your annual credit report as an example) then you can fine tune your application time a bit more; however, failing to do that, get clean 61 days ahead of your application time.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

RyVision — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 06:51:41 GMT

@Revelate wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."
LS2982 -
Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Any creditor has the option of pulling hard or soft on your credit if your a cardmember with them.

AMEX will pull SP when you apply and if approved add a HP. If denied, they will not add a HP.

Got it. Thanks.
Whoa hang on

This isn't the way Amex fully works unless they changed things recently. Amex traditionally SP's all their customers every two months. They then store that particular soft pull for 60 days, and they use this stored pull (no matter how innacurate it now is) for their initial decision of possible / denied. They don't actually pull a new report until you've passed the initial test.

We've had several people over the last year or so outright denied for having reported balances that they'd nuked subsequently; for Amex, you need to get clean two months in advance rather than the one month we recommend for pretty much every other application. If you know the pattern of Amex SP's for you (through your annual credit report as an example) then you can fine tune your application time a bit more; however, failing to do that, get clean 61 days ahead of your application time.

That's all pretty much great info, but what Revelate added really added some facts "behind the curtain" and left a lot less mystery about the above.

BTW; I was approved for Zync NPSL with a sub 700 score and rather high UTIL, tried for a blue online 4 months later, no go. Then tried for Blue at 8 months post Zync and was approved on the phone with a rep for 3500 (didn't bother with the website), still just under 700 score according to them as well as higher UTIL. I can only guess that income and how thick ones file is plays an important role in all of that.

I also have to add, I'm no longer recommending AMEX for anyone wishing to add an additional card member and expecting that additional card member to have the original card members date reported to CRAs. They are fighting that now even though they'll date the card with the original cardmembers date. I'm not even sure if they'll give you your original date back most of the time now. I would suggest everyone let that be known to others as well, that there's not guarantee regarding that.

That is the only reason I can see getting back in with AMEX if you were with them long ago, as for new members; eh, it's a card with some good backing, but as for "backdating" not so much anymore, however, new cards on your open account will get that date. And yes, I got my original member date on both my cards and reports but on only ONE of my additional card members accounts (the first one, Zync) as they could not find her older (much older) original membership date. I have been calling them a lot about it to straighten it out as that was promised when I added her on my Blue and expect them to keep that promise, PERIOD.

AMEX no longer has that many privileges.......

And yes, I told them that, several times. They lost a big advocate when they broke their word to me about that issue.

Re: Amex Zync and beyond

LS2982 — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:24:38 GMT

@Revelate wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@agforfree5 wrote:
So from what I have been reading...

It is definitely concluded that the AMEX Zync card would be the best option to get my foot in the door with AMEX. Especially w/ a current FICO score in the mid - upper 600s.

Now my question is about life AFTER OWNING ZYNC:
1) How long do I have to wait and what should I do before applying for another Amex (BCP or TE-Costco)? I would wait at least a year.

2) Since AMEX does not HP when I apply for a NEW card (unless approved) --Do they still review my NEW app using the FICO score they received when I first applied for the Zync? No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app.
For Instance -- If I currently have a 700 Score when I do apply for a Amex BCP, will they still only use the 650 Score from the previous Zync application ?

Im sorry if this sounds a bit confusing but I have seem to hit a dead end. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

" No, they are going to pull a fresh report at the time you app."
LS2982 -
Ok maybe this is a stupid question... but if they are going to pull a fresh report at the time I app... then how is it only a SP if I get denied and HP if approved ? This way it seems like it is going to be a HP whenever I apply for a new card.. regardless of already being an AMEX member or not.

Do I just have incorrect information that it is only a SP if your denied a new app and are already a member ?

Any creditor has the option of pulling hard or soft on your credit if your a cardmember with them.

AMEX will pull SP when you apply and if approved add a HP. If denied, they will not add a HP.

Got it. Thanks.
Whoa hang on

This isn't the way Amex fully works unless they changed things recently. Amex traditionally SP's all their customers every two months. They then store that particular soft pull for 60 days, and they use this stored pull (no matter how innacurate it now is) for their initial decision of possible / denied. They don't actually pull a new report until you've passed the initial test.

We've had several people over the last year or so outright denied for having reported balances that they'd nuked subsequently; for Amex, you need to get clean two months in advance rather than the one month we recommend for pretty much every other application. If you know the pattern of Amex SP's for you (through your annual credit report as an example) then you can fine tune your application time a bit more; however, failing to do that, get clean 61 days ahead of your application time.

Thats new to me. When I was approved for the Zync they got my latest info from EX. not old information.