Best strategy for end goal of Amex business. Personal first?

[Janneman]

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@SouthJamaica wrote:

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@KnowledgeSeekr wrote:

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@bizcredit11 wrote:

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@KnowledgeSeekr wrote:

Have an 8 year old LLC with only a Wells Biz Platinum reporting to SBFE. No current reporting to DUNS or EXP biz. Made the mistake of applying for the biz card while utilization was high. Ideally, I'd prefer not to drop my avg age of accounts by opening a personal Amex but I've watched several YouTube videos stating that it's easier to get into the Amex soft pull system going with a personal first. 
Any suggestions on the best strategy for getting an Amex business? I will have a small window to apply in about a week before some new accounts pop up and I don't want to waste another hard inquiry with Amex.
Appreciate any help.  

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I would have a very good Experian credit history. A high score and low utilization. You can definitely get business first, but you need to go in strong with your Experian profile. It will be a hard inquiry either way, so business cards shine over personal. Just get in their system.

bizcredit11

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Experian will be solid. I was denied last month for Amex Biz Plat high utilization (2 cards maxed) but will be showing under 20% once one more card reports. 
Ideally, I'd prefer not personal and not a charge card but a business revolving. Seeing all kinds of different advice:
1. Generally their cobranded cards (Delta, Hilton, etc) are easier to get approved for than their core revolving cards (Blue Cash Everyday, Blue Cash Preferred) or charge cards (Platinum, Gold, Green).
2. Some say their charge cards are easy to get than their core revolving. 
3. Personal is easier to get the foot in the door. 
I'd hate to get hit with another HP and not get approved so just trying to figure out which card would be the best one to apply for next given my ultimate end goal. 

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I agree that the cobranded revolvers are easier to get approved for than the core revolvers. I like the Hilton business card, but I have no idea if it's hard or easy to get. The Delta lineup might be the easiest to get, but I wouldn't get one if I didn't have use for Delta miles.  For me, the most useful Amex business card has been the Blue Business Cash.

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Why is it so, plz? I also have this card but so far not been able to figure out its benefits....

[Creditaddict]

Just go charge card - business

revolvers give much higher limits if you have history on a charge card.

amex doesn't care business or personal and really it doesn't take that high of score! It's such a myth you need excellent credit to get Amex gold or plat

[SouthJamaica]

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@Janneman wrote:

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@SouthJamaica wrote:

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@KnowledgeSeekr wrote:

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@bizcredit11 wrote:

---

@KnowledgeSeekr wrote:

Have an 8 year old LLC with only a Wells Biz Platinum reporting to SBFE. No current reporting to DUNS or EXP biz. Made the mistake of applying for the biz card while utilization was high. Ideally, I'd prefer not to drop my avg age of accounts by opening a personal Amex but I've watched several YouTube videos stating that it's easier to get into the Amex soft pull system going with a personal first. 
Any suggestions on the best strategy for getting an Amex business? I will have a small window to apply in about a week before some new accounts pop up and I don't want to waste another hard inquiry with Amex.
Appreciate any help.  

---

I would have a very good Experian credit history. A high score and low utilization. You can definitely get business first, but you need to go in strong with your Experian profile. It will be a hard inquiry either way, so business cards shine over personal. Just get in their system.

bizcredit11

---

Experian will be solid. I was denied last month for Amex Biz Plat high utilization (2 cards maxed) but will be showing under 20% once one more card reports. 
Ideally, I'd prefer not personal and not a charge card but a business revolving. Seeing all kinds of different advice:
1. Generally their cobranded cards (Delta, Hilton, etc) are easier to get approved for than their core revolving cards (Blue Cash Everyday, Blue Cash Preferred) or charge cards (Platinum, Gold, Green).
2. Some say their charge cards are easy to get than their core revolving. 
3. Personal is easier to get the foot in the door. 
I'd hate to get hit with another HP and not get approved so just trying to figure out which card would be the best one to apply for next given my ultimate end goal. 

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I agree that the cobranded revolvers are easier to get approved for than the core revolvers. I like the Hilton business card, but I have no idea if it's hard or easy to get. The Delta lineup might be the easiest to get, but I wouldn't get one if I didn't have use for Delta miles.  For me, the most useful Amex business card has been the Blue Business Cash.

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Why is it so, plz? I also have this card but so far not been able to figure out its benefits....

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2% cash back on every dollar spent.

[Creditaddict]

I prefer points over cash!

but it's only up to $50k each year so

[Citylights18]

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@Creditaddict wrote:

I prefer points over cash!

but it's only up to $50k each year so

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With AMEX though the don't have a good cash out rate and aren't even 1:1 to Jet Blue.

[Creditaddict]

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@Citylights18 wrote:

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@Creditaddict wrote:

I prefer points over cash!

but it's only up to $50k each year so

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With AMEX though the don't have a good cash out rate and aren't even 1:1 to Jet Blue.

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If you want cash you don't do points!

also if I earn 4 points and transfer 1:2 for JetBlue (not the best use) it's still better than cash, no?

[Citylights18]

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@Creditaddict wrote:

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@Citylights18 wrote:

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@Creditaddict wrote:

I prefer points over cash!

but it's only up to $50k each year so

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With AMEX though the don't have a good cash out rate and aren't even 1:1 to Jet Blue.

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If you want cash you don't do points!

also if I earn 4 points and transfer 1:2 for JetBlue (not the best use) it's still better than cash, no?

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Its better than a sharp stick in the eye.

AMEX 1:1 with Choice Hotels while Citi is 1:2. Double the transfer rate.

The only thing I like about AMEX is they are easy to break into on the business side. The business gold is better than the personal gold and the business marriot has a good earning rate. 

[KnowledgeSeekr]

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@Creditaddict wrote:

Just go charge card - business

revolvers give much higher limits if you have history on a charge card.

amex doesn't care business or personal and really it doesn't take that high of score! It's such a myth you need excellent credit to get Amex gold or plat

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If I apply for let's say the Plat to be safe and get approved, do you know if I could immediately apply for a revolving on the same HP? Or do you think the better strategy will be to wait and have some history on the Plat. I'm a little concerned my credit is going to take a dip in a month after several new accounts start reporting. Thanks for the help.

[SouthJamaica]

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@KnowledgeSeekr wrote:

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@Creditaddict wrote:

Just go charge card - business

revolvers give much higher limits if you have history on a charge card.

amex doesn't care business or personal and really it doesn't take that high of score! It's such a myth you need excellent credit to get Amex gold or plat

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If I apply for let's say the Plat to be safe and get approved, do you know if I could immediately apply for a revolving on the same HP? Or do you think the better strategy will be to wait and have some history on the Plat. I'm a little concerned my credit is going to take a dip in a month after several new accounts start reporting. Thanks for the help.

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1. If you get approved for the Platinum, there likely will not be another hard pull on any other Amex application.

2. Yes Amex doesn't mind your getting a charge card and a revolver in close proximity.

[CreditWithColin]

The best strategy is to land a personal card first, wait 60 days and request a 3X CLI. Now you have a foot in the door and higher approval odds along with getting approved for a higher limit as well!