I've got my eyes on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, more specifically the business version for my ABN. I like Delta Airlines - they have a nice focus in my home city, and are my usual go-to for most all things flying. Not to mention, enough daily flights to EVERY Delta hub ensures you're pretty much 1 x stop from most anywhere in the world, at most. I've done the math, and my conclusion is that their annual fee would quickly pay for itself through SkyClub access, guest passes, companion fares, upgrades, free checked bags, etc. etc....
Anyone here able to share some feedback on "best known method(s) of approval?" Could I theoretically appeal a denial from them if that were the result?
My current "lineup" is as follows:
-Capital One Quicksilver - $1,000 limit
-Capital One Platinum - $500 limit
-Credit One Bank Platinum - $400 limit
-First Progress/Synovus Bank - $200 limit (secured)
-Merrick Bank - $200 limit (secured)
All of the above carry a utilization rate of about 6%-7%, at most. (i.e., I pay the balance down to said amount BEFORE each statement cuts hence showing these figures.)
I filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy back in 2019.
Oh, yeah... And I like purple. 
@FinStar wrote:Unfortunately, if there's a presence of BK on your reports, American Express will likely not consider the application until after 5 years post-BK. There's no method to reconsider if denied due to BK. Was AmEx included in your BK?
Hmm - would they tell me outright if that's why I'm being denied? Not quite sure what you mean by "AmEx included in BK"...
@SKBirdmind wrote:
@FinStar wrote:Unfortunately, if there's a presence of BK on your reports, American Express will likely not consider the application until after 5 years post-BK. There's no method to reconsider if denied due to BK. Was AmEx included in your BK?
Hmm - would they tell me outright if that's why I'm being denied? Not quite sure what you mean by "AmEx included in BK"...
AmEx included in BK=American Express had to write off a balance you owed to them on one or more of their cards due to you filing for BK.
Yes, American Express would tell you outright that is why you are being denied. Definitely agree that data points here and elsewhere show that an Amex approval within the first 5 years after a bankruptcy is extremely unlikely, and if they were one of the lenders that were included in your filing the timeline could be decades unless and until the previous balance(s) is/are settled.
Thank you both for the clarifcations - yes, I did indeed include an AmEx closed/charged off balance of about $1,400 in my filing. The charge-off itself happened back in 2016 or so and was never paid or otherwise settled. Does this mean I am basically out-of-luck with ANY AmEx product, forever and always??
@FinStar wrote:Unfortunately, chances are that you are blacklisted for several years, even beyond the 5 year restriction for the presence of BK on reports. Since AmEx took a loss, they tend to have long elephant memories. Some individuals can eventually re-establish the relationship (even if the loss remains unpaid - we're talking 10+ years later), but it's all going to be a YEMV outcome.
You can likely obtain AmEx branded products from other banks such as WF, DSNB, USAA, etc (provided they weren't IIB), as those AmEx network CCs are not issued by AENB. Anything AENB for the foreseeable future will be off reach @SKBirdmind.
[Excuse me while I brush up on abbreviations...] 
Wow, OK - didn't think it would be that drastic or concrete but appreciate the insights. One would think they'd be much less stringent on a $1,400 loss than a $14,000 loss, but I don't know that either...suppose it could be all the same in their eyes. And no, none of the other banks you mention were included - USAA is irrelevent anyways as I don't have millitary affiliation.
My initial "got my eyes on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve" statement remains unchanged. I'm assuming it wouldn't even be worth applying at this point...presumably they would already know I'm on a bad list without even searching my current credit history (post-bankruptcy)?
@SKBirdmind wrote:
@FinStar wrote:Unfortunately, chances are that you are blacklisted for several years, even beyond the 5 year restriction for the presence of BK on reports. Since AmEx took a loss, they tend to have long elephant memories. Some individuals can eventually re-establish the relationship (even if the loss remains unpaid - we're talking 10+ years later), but it's all going to be a YEMV outcome.
You can likely obtain AmEx branded products from other banks such as WF, DSNB, USAA, etc (provided they weren't IIB), as those AmEx network CCs are not issued by AENB. Anything AENB for the foreseeable future will be off reach @SKBirdmind.
[Excuse me while I brush up on abbreviations...]
Wow, OK - didn't think it would be that drastic or concrete but appreciate the insights. One would think they'd be much less stringent on a $1,400 loss than a $14,000 loss, but I don't know that either...suppose it could be all the same in their eyes. And no, none of the other banks you mention were included - USAA is irrelevent anyways as I don't have millitary affiliation.
My initial "got my eyes on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve" statement remains unchanged. I'm assuming it wouldn't even be worth applying at this point...presumably they would already know I'm on a bad list without even searching my current credit history (post-bankruptcy)?
@SKBirdmind - If you were to apply, it'll likely result in an automatic decline. No HP, though. They system performs an internal database cross-check, and if you're on the naughty list, sad panda 🐼
No one knows how long one remains on the "elephant memory" list, nor whether the amounts of the unpaid losses affects the timeframe. But, you can keep trying. Eventually, at some point, it's possible you'll be off the list. You'll know because there will be a HP at such point. Who knows what other new AmEx products will be available in the future, so just keep your eye on the prize 🤩
Well, that's somewhat of an advantage - at least "checking back later" would theoretically not result in a big series of inquiries. It sounds like the sad-panda-naughty-list takes more than just a little bit to get off of though, which is unfortunate...
@FinStar wrote:@SKBirdmind - Who knows what other new AmEx products will be available in the future, so just keep your eye on the prize 🤩
Although, I think I like this part the best!