AMEX Approval Odds

[daxx]

So over the past year I have been working hard to boost my credit score after some foolish mistakes. As I have increased my scores, I have been able to add cards from Cap 1, Barclays, and other store cards without having to revert to some of the sub-sub prime cards out there (Which I refuse to accept).  Last month I was sitting with an EX of 613 and applied for the Delta Airlines Amex as I had a pre-approval offer on the Amex site but received the 7-10 message which was better than an instant denial. But at the end of the day even after a recon I was denied due to a low FICO score and outstanding collections. 

Over the last month I have been able to drop my utilization and remove 5 of 6 collections from my report. With some upcoming travel for work and the fact that I work for Amex for the last 1.5 yrs (Which has never helped on my app) I would like to hold either a revolver or charge in my wallet. So I am thinking about the base entry level of either Delta Gold or the Gold SPG/Green card. I have seen folks with scores from 600-660 getting approvals. Any thoughts would be appreciated....

1. Based on my updated stats do I have a shot in hell or should I give it another month or 3?

2. Which would you recommend applying for first? Delta Gold (Revolver) or Green/SPG (Charge)?

 My Stats

EX: (As of 6/2) 645 

AAoA: 2YRS

Utilization: 25.2%

Total Credit: $10,051.00

Student Loans: $55K

BMW Finance Loan: $23K 

Annual Salary: $74,000

Current Cards: Disregard Sig Line...Cap 1 QS1, Cap 1 Business Spark, Cap 1 Secured, Cap 1 Platinum, Barclay Rewards, Amazon Store Card, QVC, Khols, and Walmart. 

The Good

2 YRS of on time payments for all credit cards with increasing limits. Nothing late. 

Removed 5 collection accounts in May 2016 

The Bad

Capital One Charge off from 2009 (Drops from EX 7/2017)   *C/O from MAR 2010 (Drops EX 5/2017)

1 Medical Collection $204 - Still seeing if I can PFD

2 Late payments from 2009/10

I have gone over my limits a few times on my Cap 1 but always pay it off the next day. 

[RonM21]

That charge off you are showing from Cap1 in 2009.....Shouldn't it drop off this year or am I missing something? You have 2017 listed.

[daxx]

I double checked my CR and noticed that the Cap 1 C/O was MAR 2010 and that it is scheduled to drop May 2017

[Anonymous]

I'd say pretty good. I applied for the delta Amex and was approved on Sunday. I have 3 unpaid collections and A charge off. Ex is 655

[jbsea]

I would guess pretty good chance.  I dont remember my scores when I got my PRG and Delta but they were low. I would get your utl down below 10% first.  If you do, do it  then I would do PRG and Delta or SPG which ever one of the revolvers that you want back to back if you get approved for the PRG. 

[Anonymous]

I think your odds are pretty good. Please report back if you decide to apply for the card.