topic Re: advice please in Rebuilding Your Credit

advice please

socalchick — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:44:34 GMT

hello everyone!

I had two charge-off accounts several years ago, both of which have since fallen off my credit report after the 7-year mark. During that time, I could not be added as an authorized user (AU) on any American Express (AMEX) cards. However, once the charge-offs were removed from my report, I was successfully added as an AU on two AMEX credit cards—one with a 4K and another with a 25K limit.

The two charge-off accounts were each under $2,000. Now that I’m looking to rebuild my relationship with AMEX and potentially open personal lines of credit with them, I’m unsure whether I should settle the debts for less than the full amount or pay them off in full. My ultimate goal is to regain AMEX’s trust and qualify for my own cards with them. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated!

Re: advice please

GZG — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:36:17 GMT

I'd either not pay or pay in full, not sure how many brownie points you'll get for settling 7 years after the fact.

people have gotten in after burning amex without paying, so it's possible, but you might grow more slowly because of burning them.

Re: advice please

FicoMike0 — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 03:20:42 GMT

Have you tried amex "apply with confidence" ? Maybe you're already in.

Re: advice please

cashcardscore — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:58:10 GMT

Maybe try to get a credit union/bank issued amex branded card, works the same as any other CC. Just a thought.

Re: advice please

Slabenstein — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:14:39 GMT

@cashcardscore wrote:
Maybe try to get a credit union/bank issued amex branded card, works the same as any other CC. Just a thought.

Amex-network cards from other issuers wouldn't help with the OP's goal of re-establishing a relationship with Amex. Those cards aren't actual Amex cards, they just run on Amex's payment network