topic Re: Amex Help!! in Rebuilding Your Credit

Amex Help!!

SouthFL561 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:47:38 GMT

So I had a Sheraton Amex card(opened 2016), that I guess turned into a Marriot Bonvoy card at some point after they charged it off on me. I owe them approx $6800. I received an Optima offer back in Nov. 2022. And I didn't act in time realizing it's time sensitive. What are my options at this point? I called and spoke to one guy who said that's not being offered at this point.

I want to maintain my membership with Amex, is there a way to get the Optima offer back?
could the card get reinstated? Or that's a long shot miracle.

Re: Amex Help!!

FireMedic1 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:58:53 GMT

Welcome @SouthFL561

I'm not sure if AMEX will hold you as if it was one of their core cards that was CO. Someone will be along to help you out. Depending on age. You may want to settle that account. The monthly updating isnt doing you any favors. Miami native here! 305 Baby!

Re: Amex Help!!

SouthFL561 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:22:03 GMT

Yea, just frustrating because I still have an active Amex card. It was from another bank that they bought out of the years. This card I have never missed a payment on

so if I can get an optima/reinstatement I mean I'd be happy with that just to keep the relationship going.

who can I speak with at Amex to address my concerns, every time I've spoken to someone there, I have a hard time understanding the person on the phone and they don't seem to care about what I'm trying to accomplish.

Re: Amex Help!!

FireMedic1 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:26:44 GMT

Problem is its a regular card serviced by AMEX. Not a true AMEX card. Many out there think they have a AMEX card with a retailer or business. No its serviced only by AMEX. Someone will come along whos been in your shoes and help out. Been a bit slow due to the holiday. You'll get an answer.

Re: Amex Help!!

SouthFL561 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:50:19 GMT

Yea after speaking with them it's a lender card and not through them, so they couldn't reinstate it.

at this point I'm thinking an optima card would work. But they are now telling me that's not an option anymore, since the account is back to them.

Re: Amex Help!!

FireMedic1 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:56:39 GMT

Sit tight. Someone will come along. I'll ping @Brian_Earl_Spilner . I believe he might be able to help you.

Re: Amex Help!!

Linnaea — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:49:05 GMT

I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full throug a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate tlthe Optima Card... I have called customer service requesting the offering... chatted via chat.. and put in an Amex review. I call every few days to see if I get someone who's ears and fingers are not painted on... either the rep doesn't know anything or they play ignorant. Just today I was advised if it wasn't prenegotiated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people said they were apprised by offering after they paid. Customer Service were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

It's kind of wrong to only to offer as a lure to pay. There should be recognition to those that knew nothing and to retain a relationship with those they didn't lire as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.

Re: Amex Help!!

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:57 GMT

The optima card is just bait to get you to repay the debt. It can't be requested. The fact that it was even offered is a good sign. When you default you have 3 options.

1. If offered, take the optima. Pay the debt. Get an optima. Keep it in good standing for 12 months. Apply for a card you can qualify for.

2. Just pay the debt. Many people report going this route meant they could apply for a card almost immediately and be approved. Just need their systems to update it was paid. There's also a chance that you may still be blacklisted for a period of time after paying.

3. Do nothing and at some point they'll approve you. The time needed for them to let you back in will depend on your profile and how bad you burned them.

Re: Amex Help!!

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:59:16 GMT

@Linnaea wrote:
I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full worth a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate this... I have called... chatted... and put in review. I call every few days... either the rep doesn't know or they play pain. Just today I was advised if it wasn't premeditated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people I spoke to were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.

Optima is offer only and the rep that advised it needed to be accepted prior to paying is correct. You can't request it. It's not an option after the fact. Most CSR don't know it even exists. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know if you'll be approved is to actually apply. If blacklisted, they won't HP. If they HP but you aren't approved, you don't meet their credit criteria.

Re: Amex Help!!

SouthFL561 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:38:28 GMT

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
The optima card is just bait to get you to repay the debt. It can't be requested. The fact that it was even offered is a good sign. When you default you have 3 options.

1. If offered, take the optima. Pay the debt. Get an optima. Keep it in good standing for 12 months. Apply for a card you can qualify for.

2. Just pay the debt. Many people report going this route meant they could apply for a card almost immediately and be approved. Just need their systems to update it was paid. There's also a chance that you may still be blacklisted for a period of time after paying.

3. Do nothing and at some point they'll approve you. The time needed for them to let you back in will depend on your profile and how bad you burned them.

Will they offer me the Optima again? Or I missed the boat not responding in time? I just looked back in my emails and they offered March of 2022. And December 2022. But now I am situated to pay them.

I still have one active Amex lender card

Re: Amex Help!!

Linnaea — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:03:14 GMT

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full worth a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate this... I have called... chatted... and put in review. I call every few days... either the rep doesn't know or they play pain. Just today I was advised if it wasn't premeditated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people I spoke to were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.
Optima is offer only and the rep that advised it needed to be accepted prior to paying is correct. You can't request it. It's not an option after the fact. Most CSR don't know it even exists. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know if you'll be approved is to actually apply. If blacklisted, they won't HP. If they HP but you aren't approved, you don't meet their credit criteria.

It's kind of wrong to only to offer as a lure to pay. There should be recognition to those that knew nothing and to retain a relationship with those they didn't lire as well. its like a good child that admitted on their own and the child that didn't fess up.... the parents lure the one with candy too get the same truth to who broke the lamp... they both get a punishment but one gets out of the grounding earlier.

I understand the principle it's the same when a phone carrier i or Internet offers new deal for new business and offers nothing for existing customers. I would hope that if it was me wouldn't it be slightly a lesser risk to take on the debtor that did not need to be coerced? I'm not saying that those that did are less than those that don't... but relationships.

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Re: Amex Help!!

SouthFL561 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:41:30 GMT

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Lol I mean that's my situation, debating just to hold out for the email again. It's ridiculous I have the money in hand to pay and now there is no offer! I called twice and both people said there was nothing they can do. Amex recalled the account back to them but they won't be suing me lol.

Just give me the offer so I can pay, the only reason I don't just pay it and reapply is my credit score isn't where it needs to be only at around 600-609.

Re: Amex Help!!

coldworld — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:21:58 GMT

@SouthFL561 wrote:

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Lol I mean that's my situation, debating just to hold out for the email again. It's ridiculous I have the money in hand to pay and now there is no offer! I called twice and both people said there was nothing they can do. Amex recalled the account back to them but they won't be suing me lol.
Just give me the offer so I can pay, the only reason I don't just pay it and reapply is my credit score isn't where it needs to be only at around 600-609.

How about you call back and sound remorseful about how you did the company, then offer to pay your outstanding debt. While they are processing your payment causually ask about any secured options.

Re: Amex Help!!

FireMedic1 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:02:32 GMT

Its all computer driven. Pay and wait. Not everyone gets an invite. And thanks @Brian_Earl_Spilner for the help.

Re: Amex Help!!

Linnaea — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:12:49 GMT

Oddly, some people I have read got the invite without doing the wait make the deal. It came after paying off. Regardless, I'm trying the a CEO letter similar to a goodwill. I too only have scores around equifax 620 -635 transunion FICO and 1 baddie left to pay. I requested either reinstatement or the Optima with a lower limit to prove myself. I was remorseful and apologetic. Ill try the email then call. If nothing I will just wait. I just didn't want to app for cards I really have no intention of keeping. But o wasn't too saturate good to overcome the hurt of the bad. Let me know how you make out down the road. Hopefully a sort road.

Re: Amex Help!!

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:59:09 GMT

@SouthFL561 wrote:
@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
The optima card is just bait to get you to repay the debt. It can't be requested. The fact that it was even offered is a good sign. When you default you have 3 options.

1. If offered, take the optima. Pay the debt. Get an optima. Keep it in good standing for 12 months. Apply for a card you can qualify for.

2. Just pay the debt. Many people report going this route meant they could apply for a card almost immediately and be approved. Just need their systems to update it was paid. There's also a chance that you may still be blacklisted for a period of time after paying.

3. Do nothing and at some point they'll approve you. The time needed for them to let you back in will depend on your profile and how bad you burned them.

Will they offer me the Optima again? Or I missed the boat not responding in time? I just looked back in my emails and they offered March of 2022. And December 2022. But now I am situated to pay them.

I still have one active Amex lender card

Why would you want it? The fact that they're offering means they'll give you a new card once paid. I'd rather pay it, wait a couple of weeks, then apply for the card I want rather than pay it and be stuck with a card I don't want for 12 months, then apply for the card I want. Nothing's guaranteed in credit, but sometimes you gotta roll the dice. Sure you run the risk of them not giving you a card right away, but so what. It's not like they're offering you a rewards card you'll keep forever because it's amazing. I burned Amex for 11k. They didn't offer me an optima and I sure didn't pay them back. No pre-approvals, but I have 3 cards.

Re: Amex Help!!

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:05:05 GMT

@Linnaea wrote:
@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full worth a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate this... I have called... chatted... and put in review. I call every few days... either the rep doesn't know or they play pain. Just today I was advised if it wasn't premeditated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people I spoke to were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.
Optima is offer only and the rep that advised it needed to be accepted prior to paying is correct. You can't request it. It's not an option after the fact. Most CSR don't know it even exists. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know if you'll be approved is to actually apply. If blacklisted, they won't HP. If they HP but you aren't approved, you don't meet their credit criteria.

It's kind of wrong to only to offer as a lure to pay. There should be recognition to those that knew nothing and to retain a relationship with those they didn't lire as well. its like a good child that admitted on their own and the child that didn't fess up.... the parents lure the one with candy too get the same truth to who broke the lamp... they both get a punishment but one gets out of the grounding earlier.

I understand the principle it's the same when a phone carrier i or Internet offers new deal for new business and offers nothing for existing customers. I would hope that if it was me wouldn't it be slightly a lesser risk to take on the debtor that did not need to be coerced? I'm not saying that those that did are less than those that don't... but relationships.

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Same can be said for bankruptcy. I chose to not file out of pride. @FireMedic1 filed. Took me almost 6 years to rebuild and get close to 700s. Definitely 3 or 4 years before I got close to the limits he got right out of bk. Should lenders be considerate of someone that's "doing the right thing" and paying back their chargeoff and collections? I thought it would weigh more. Turns out it doesn't. I should have filed. Lesson learned. I won't make that mistake again.

Re: Amex Help!!

Linnaea — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:13:39 GMT

For me it will be a year for me to have a sore over 700. I already have a couple rebuilder cards ... I don't want anymore. I rather be with Amex even if it's a 2nd chance card. Then I can cancel and reapply for a different one but they will be able to see that I am using it ... swiping it. I don't want credit one... revv... Premier... etc. I'm trying to accentuate the positive to diminish the negative. There are only 3 other cards I desire... Navy Fed which U will be getting shortly. Trying to get back with Discover It. I paid them in full and Amex. I already have Ally, Capital One and Mission Lane. I am probably bucketed in Cap One. They're is a back story why I live Amex. Its a family story. But if I have to wait for a score over 700 that will be a year in itself. It is what it is. Im trying to put forth the effort and if they won't let me then Ill try another route ... or just wait. I rather give amex my business. Also i don't want some dinky line with a giant annual fee. Im just holding my breathe and crossing my fingers.

Re: Amex Help!!

Linnaea — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:23:03 GMT

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full worth a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate this... I have called... chatted... and put in review. I call every few days... either the rep doesn't know or they play pain. Just today I was advised if it wasn't premeditated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people I spoke to were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.
Optima is offer only and the rep that advised it needed to be accepted prior to paying is correct. You can't request it. It's not an option after the fact. Most CSR don't know it even exists. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know if you'll be approved is to actually apply. If blacklisted, they won't HP. If they HP but you aren't approved, you don't meet their credit criteria.

It's kind of wrong to only to offer as a lure to pay. There should be recognition to those that knew nothing and to retain a relationship with those they didn't lire as well. its like a good child that admitted on their own and the child that didn't fess up.... the parents lure the one with candy too get the same truth to who broke the lamp... they both get a punishment but one gets out of the grounding earlier.

I understand the principle it's the same when a phone carrier i or Internet offers new deal for new business and offers nothing for existing customers. I would hope that if it was me wouldn't it be slightly a lesser risk to take on the debtor that did not need to be coerced? I'm not saying that those that did are less than those that don't... but relationships.

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Same can be said for bankruptcy. I chose to not file out of pride. @FireMedic1 filed. Took me almost 6 years to rebuild and get close to 700s. Definitely 3 or 4 years before I got close to the limits he got right out of bk. Should lenders be considerate of someone that's "doing the right thing" and paying back their chargeoff and collections? I thought it would weigh more. Turns out it doesn't. I should have filed. Lesson learned. I won't make that mistake again.

I agree ... I didn't choose to file either. People filled after me and out with higher credit scores and expensive new autos. 4 years of paying and struggling... and the hits will remain on my credit report because of making payments. I Still have an account to work through. I too felt I chose the wrong road. I'm treated like I have leprosy. I didn't ignore my debt ... I didn't file. Please don't think I'm judging anyone... you were smarter than me. I'm that nice person that literally and figuratively finishes last. If I was Amex I would want people like me. I would of sent a card saying thank you for honoring your commitment and follow through .... and I would welcome us back. I would probably give an everyday card with a 1k limit application. And then go from there. But that's me.... I just wish that was Amex.

Re: Amex Help!!

FireMedic1 — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:40:16 GMT

@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:
@Linnaea wrote:
I never knew about the Oasis Optima Card. I paid in full worth a debt relief company and they did not prenegotiate this... I have called... chatted... and put in review. I call every few days... either the rep doesn't know or they play pain. Just today I was advised if it wasn't premeditated before paying in full they won't offer.... I don't believe that because prior people I spoke to were like Optima huh? They keep trying to get me to app and I kwep saying I don't get any preapprovals. I feel like I'm chasing my tail. So today I composed an email with all my information ... I'm sending to chairman and CEO.... I'm going to try via snail mail certified as well.

I'm going to follow this thread to see if anyone has something more to add.
Optima is offer only and the rep that advised it needed to be accepted prior to paying is correct. You can't request it. It's not an option after the fact. Most CSR don't know it even exists. Unfortunately, the only way you'll know if you'll be approved is to actually apply. If blacklisted, they won't HP. If they HP but you aren't approved, you don't meet their credit criteria.

It's kind of wrong to only to offer as a lure to pay. There should be recognition to those that knew nothing and to retain a relationship with those they didn't lire as well. its like a good child that admitted on their own and the child that didn't fess up.... the parents lure the one with candy too get the same truth to who broke the lamp... they both get a punishment but one gets out of the grounding earlier.

I understand the principle it's the same when a phone carrier i or Internet offers new deal for new business and offers nothing for existing customers. I would hope that if it was me wouldn't it be slightly a lesser risk to take on the debtor that did not need to be coerced? I'm not saying that those that did are less than those that don't... but relationships.

I think if there is recitivism or those future newbies that default the first time will read these threads will just hold out when they are in the position to pay back in the game let's make a deal ? I mean if I have any acquiantence that defaults with Amex I may say slow walk paying for an Optima card deal.... because if you don't NO SOUP FOR YOU.

maybe someone ar Amex will read this thread and correctly assess and reevaluate.

Same can be said for bankruptcy. I chose to not file out of pride. @FireMedic1 filed. Took me almost 6 years to rebuild and get close to 700s. Definitely 3 or 4 years before I got close to the limits he got right out of bk. Should lenders be considerate of someone that's "doing the right thing" and paying back their chargeoff and collections? I thought it would weigh more. Turns out it doesn't. I should have filed. Lesson learned. I won't make that mistake again.

You may have remembered @Brian_Earl_Spilner . IRS chased me for 14 yrs and they finally caught up with me with a garnishment. Leins out the wazoo. Had to get a CPA to file a 30 day extension so I could get the BK Lawyer paid and in gear to file. Bad business and divorce did me in. I'll never post what 16yrs of penalties and interest was. I made it by 2 days before the 30 days was up. Had no choice and I met all the requirements to have it all DC'ed. I was a anti card dude. As you remember the lawyer told me you need credit go to MyFICO Forums. 7 yrs later here I am still. Lets just say what I owed is now around my total credit line.