topic Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM in Credit Cards

Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:25:40 GMT

Question for my friend who will be starting with IBM. He has a bk on file from 7 years ago. Never had an amex account ever so has never burned amex. Does anyone know if the BK will cause an issue for him getting a Corp Card? I assume IBM is the liable party on this but I'm not sure how this works any longer. Will they even check his credit or will it be all on IBM credit profile?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

frugalQ — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:35:29 GMT

I work for a large company comparable in size to IBM. When I got my Corp card (in 2004), I was told that they didn't pull my credit. Also, it doesn't report on my credit report.

The employee is basically treated as an AU/ACM on the company's account. Only difference is that it doesn't show up on CR.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:39:29 GMT

That's what I was thinking as well but I am reading that some corps are pulling it off the employees credit and they are partially liable.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

frugalQ — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:14:46 GMT

Things have changed since I got my corp card, so they may now pull emp credit.

I'm sure IBM has an AMEX travel dept that should be able to answer all of your friend's questions.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:23:42 GMT

My wife had an Amex corp card years back with a multinational. They puled her credit, but never reported the account. Stinks to get a HP for an account you get no "good" reporting out of!

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

pizzadude — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:49:00 GMT

Yeah I think they'll likely pull his credit, as with most companies I think that you are personally liable for the account, but if you don't qualify for AMEX's charge card there is probably a company guarenteed AMEX charge card, or something similar, that he can request.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:02:44 GMT

That's the major question, most large Corps don't make the employee personally liable for the account. After all, it is to only be used for work expenses. I would think others have been in his shoes and have still been able to get the Amex Corp Card.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:05:23 GMT

I had an Amex Corp Gold Card and my credit was not pulled. YMMV, my card was issued to me over 12 years ago.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Open123 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:08:49 GMT

@junior88 wrote:
Question for my friend who will be starting with IBM. He has a bk on file from 7 years ago. Never had an amex account ever so has never burned amex.

No, he shouldn't have any issues.

For those who have defaulted on Amex, they would be declined in this case. For IBM, this isn't an issue; but, there have been cases where businesses have defaulted and Amex has gone after the employee AU holders.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:21:35 GMT

Ok, cool. So sounds like with IBM my friend should be fine as long as he has never burned Amex and IBM hasn't as well which we all know they have not. It apprears IBM's card they are taking the liability for it....my friend would just be and AU?

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Open123 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:25:32 GMT

@junior88 wrote:
Ok, cool. So sounds like with IBM my friend should be fine as long as he has never burned Amex and IBM hasn't as well which we all know they have not. It apprears IBM's card they are taking the liability for it....my friend would just be and AU?

Yes, your friend is fine. They won't even run his CR, once he's passed their internal "blacklist."

In every Amex AU agreement I've seen, it has always stipulated that Amex can hold the AU responsible for his portion of the charges. I'm sure they haven't exercised this everytime and isn't an issue with IBM, but Amex can and have gone after AUs personally if the business is unable to or unwilling to pay.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

flan — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:27:15 GMT

Depends. Every corporate card I've had has had a personal guarantee, meaning I was on the hook if my employer defaulted. Yes, that's crappy, but that's the way things are sometimes. But the people he needs to ask are at IBM, not some internet message board!

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Open123 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:31:12 GMT

@flan wrote:
Depends. Every corporate card I've had has had a personal guarantee, meaning I was on the hook if my employer defaulted. Yes, that's crappy, but that's the way things are sometimes. But the people he needs to ask are at IBM, not some internet message board!

Or, just read the T&C, which is more reliable than asking IBM, Amex or anyone else.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:33:04 GMT

Thanks for all the responses! I know this information is based off of personal experiences only.

@Flan, this forum is open so that people can ask questions if they want. Pretty sure that's what all of us are doing here and also learning as we go.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:34:00 GMT

He hasn't gotten the app yet or that is what I would've done. The T&C don't lie, I do agree!

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

TimeToRecover — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:42:47 GMT

Honestly i don't know if he will have to even do a formal app.

When I started working my current job. Also as a traveler working for a competitor of IBM actually. My credit was in the low 500's. I didn't know it was that bad at the time.

A hard pull was not made but I do have several softs from them. I honestly dont' know if those are a "review" because of my corporate card or them checking for promotional reasons as I have recently gotten several mailed offers from them.

But to make a long story short (well I guess cutting it short). My company filled all the paperwork out I don't even remember doing an app. and TADA my card appeared even expidited as I had to use it for training I had in 3 days. So if I filled anything out it may have just been verifying my name and such.

Hope that helps.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:14:25 GMT

It does help! Thanks!

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

Open123 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:28:15 GMT

Should be pretty uneventful, since Amex won't even run his CR.

If they don't give him the T&C (should be included in his new card), I'd request it anyway. I've learned a long time ago, whenever a dispute arises, only the fine print matters.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

frugalQ — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:58:53 GMT

I'm sure IBM has a dedicated Amex travel dept. I suggest he contact them and ask these questions. I'm sure they know the exact process.

I would not call and ask anyone at Amex.

Re: Applying for a Amex Corp card with IBM

junior88 — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:10:22 GMT

My friend forward this to me. This is all they are asking for. So I'm guessing his credit isn't even considered at this point.

In order for IBM to initiate the corporate charge card process, we must
first obtain your agreement to share your personal information, including
your Social Security Number, with American Express.

Just wanted to update you guys on this.