topic Re: American Express Oasis in Credit Cards

American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:50:51 GMT

I had an AmEx CO in 2007 which I recently finished paying a settlement on. I was hoping we might get an invitation to regain card membership through the Oasis program, but I'm not sure whether it's still being offered or what the criteria would be to get the invitation.
Anyone have any (fairly recent) information on the program?
Thanks.

Re: American Express Oasis

Ron1 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:54:07 GMT

They still have Amex Oasis. They offered my brother's Amex Optima Builder card earlier this year. I heard it is only for invitation.

Ron.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:58:11 GMT

Thanks. I've heard that too. But I thought it might be worth asking for anyway. I just got a letter thanking me for settling and mentioning the 1099.
I read in another forum that because I've opted out I may not get the letter. Who knows.

Re: American Express Oasis

Lightdog555 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:59:13 GMT

I have been in it since jan of 2012. Was a bit difficult to set up but calling the oasis line on the top of the forums and you should be good to go. My limit is low but been using it very responsibly so my credit has seen a up tick.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:02:04 GMT

If you don't mind my asking, did your brother have to make a lump sum payment or was he able to make payments?
I'd really like to PIF given the opportunity to rebuild a relationship with them, but being self-employed, this wouldn't be the time for me to do it.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:02:43 GMT

Thanks. Good to know it's still around.

Re: American Express Oasis

Ron1 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:36:07 GMT

Hi,

This is Ron's brother. No. I did not have to make a lump sum payment. They will send you an application for the card as long as you have made payment arrangements with them and that you pay off the entire balance. However, if you owe them in more than one account, they will suspend your card until everything that you owe them is paid in full.

I hope that this helps you.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 04:41:31 GMT

Thanks so much for your response. I think I'll just call and try my luck. I suppose I've got nothing to lose.

Re: American Express Oasis

beb86 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:57:40 GMT

you can follow my thread on the optima card here I received mine back in march.

Amex Oasis/ Optima

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 06:11:11 GMT

Thanks, Beb86.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:29:53 GMT

I tried calling a few times, and the final verdict is I am not invited and that's that. Kind of interesting. You'd think they would want to recover the rest of the money. Oh well.

Re: American Express Oasis

sjt — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:47:36 GMT

@Ron1 wrote:
They still have Amex Oasis. They offered my brother's Amex Optima Builder card earlier this year. I heard it is only for invitation.

Ron.

What is the difference between the Oasis Program and the Optima Builder Program?

Re: American Express Oasis

Lightdog555 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 03:21:19 GMT

Try calling the executive line. I did and was able to get approved. My balance was just over 400 and my limit ended up being 500 on my current card. I would at least try for it. I defaulted on an account (secured optima ) back in 2000.

Re: American Express Oasis

beb86 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:25:17 GMT

@SFernandez13461 wrote:
I tried calling a few times, and the final verdict is I am not invited and that's that. Kind of interesting. You'd think they would want to recover the rest of the money. Oh well.

I just noticed that you said you just finished paying your settlement with them....thats the killer...in order to be considered for the optima card you have to pay back every penny in full.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:57:16 GMT

I knew I would need to pay off the remaining balance which is what I offered to do. I just didn't realize having paid a settlement already would preclude me from participating in the future. Actually, I was misled about that when I agreed to the settlement in the first place.

Re: American Express Oasis

sjt — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:11:43 GMT

@SFernandez13461 wrote:
I knew I would need to pay off the remaining balance which is what I offered to do. I just didn't realize having paid a settlement already would preclude me from participating in the future. Actually, I was misled about that when I agreed to the settlement in the first place.

When you last called Amex about the Oasis they could have 1) Misunderstood what you were requesting or 2) Being extremely cautious given the recent fines they had to pay as a result of their collection practices.

I would call them again and clarify your request. If that fails then contact the executive offices.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:41:12 GMT

I honestly didn't expect them to resist being paid in full, so initially I thought they misunderstood too. I explained it more than once. I'm sure they understood what I was requesting.

I'm wondering if it's related to the fines too. I had a Blue Sky, was charged the illegal late fees, and was misled about some of the terms of my settlement, although I knew what to expect thanks to these forums. Maybe they don't want to make any further attempts to collect on accounts like mine when they're already in hot water.

I've always read their customer service is pretty stellar, even among those customers who have experienced financial difficulties, so I was really surprised by their attitude. It was literally, "You are NOT invited to participate." Not exactly the response you expect when you're calling to arrange a payment.

It was pretty difficult to convince DH it might be worth the money to rebuild a relationship with them anyway. I don't know if I can persuade him it's worth trying again.

But if I do and I actually get anywhere, I'll post an update.

Thanks.

Re: American Express Oasis

sjt — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:47:22 GMT

@SFernandez13461 wrote:
I honestly didn't expect them to resist being paid in full, so initially I thought they misunderstood too. I explained it more than once. I'm sure they understood what I was requesting.
I'm wondering if it's related to the fines too. I had a Blue Sky, was charged the illegal late fees, and was misled about some of the terms of my settlement, although I knew what to expect thanks to these forums. Maybe they don't want to make any further attempts to collect on accounts like mine when they're already in hot water.
I've always read their customer service is pretty stellar, even among those customers who have experienced financial difficulties, so I was really surprised by their attitude. It was literally, "You are NOT invited to participate." Not exactly the response you expect when you're calling to arrange a payment.
It was pretty difficult to convince DH it might be worth the money to rebuild a relationship with them anyway. I don't know if I can persuade him it's worth trying again.
But if I do and I actually get anywhere, I'll post an update.
Thanks.

What department did you call? Was it the Oasis or was it a collection agency (NCO etc)

Re: American Express Oasis

Ron1 — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:57:17 GMT

Did they ever send you to offer you to regain membership? Did your account sell to collection agency? By the way, you need to pay off entire balance to get Optima Card. You cannot file BK in order to qualify for Optima Builder Card.

Ron.

Re: American Express Oasis

SFernandez13461 — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:03:40 GMT

I understand you don't get the Optima builder card by settling for less than the full balance. I was trying to pay the remainder of the balance after settling in order to get the builder card.

I didn't get invited to the program. And I've never filed BK.