AMEX CLI denied because...HUH??

RamblingDaveyAlex · ‎11-04-2019

So I have a Delta SkyMiles Card that Amex approved just over 60 days ago, 1k SL. I waited the 61+ days to request an increase (the process was a bit of a nightmare as site was having issues so I had to request thru Chat feature) and was given 7-10 day message. The email that was sent that said I could "check the reason" was a joke because it alwasy ended up saying, "We're sorry we can't access that application." The phone # they give you was no better, as they showed "no credit limit increase on file." Frustrating, but not as bad as finally reaching Customer Service today. Their official response:

"We can't raise your limit because you have a bankruptcy on file. You need to get the Credit Bureau to remove that or we cna't allow a CLI." So I replied, "But you gave me a card with a 1k SL and that discharged BK from 5 years was already on there." The rep replies, "Yes, but our policies are different for card approval and CLI. I'm sorry."

Anyone else deal with this insanity? I have used this card incessantly since issue, pay every charge in full immediately, have $140,000 in Avail Credit across several cards, about 3% utiliztion and FICO's average about 685. Seems ludicrous

Anonymous · ‎11-04-2019

Sorry op, but this is a very common result for those with Amex and BK still reporting. You will have to wait until the BK falls off your report. A few people have gotten lucky, but for the most part, it's standard.

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Applications/Amex-BCE-61-Day-CLI-denied-due-to-BK/m-p/5...

Anonymous · ‎11-04-2019

Giving the BK excuse but issuing a card.... HUCA HUCA HUCA (hang up, call again) until you find someone that will do something other than read a script. Either they'll proceed or keep saying no.

If you don't get anywhere with a CLI then look for another Amex that's appealing and apply for it and get the CLI thorugh the new card CL and you can move the CL's around as needed.

If that doesn't work then it's time to sit in time out for awhile and then try again.

randomguy1 · ‎11-04-2019

To be fair, I understand them wanting to limit their risk. I would be thankful they gave me a card post BK as many lenders would not.

Loquat · ‎11-04-2019

@Anonymous wrote:
Giving the BK excuse but issuing a card.... HUCA HUCA HUCA (hang up, call again) until you find someone that will do something other than read a script. Either they'll proceed or keep saying no.

If you don't get anywhere with a CLI then look for another Amex that's appealing and apply for it and get the CLI thorugh the new card CL and you can move the CL's around as needed.

If that doesn't work then it's time to sit in time out for awhile and then try again.

@Anonymous Unfortunately the result is going to be the same in regards to obtaining a CLI with the BK on file. It's next to impossible to get one with the BK still reporting...I know from experience. One can be approved for additional cards and sometimes the limits are higher, or much higher in my experience than $1k but getting a CLI still hasn't even happened for me. I don't bother trying as I usually get out of the gate with enough to get the job done for my spending habits.

As for moving limits around...welp, the BK on file is going to prevent that as well. Trust me, tried that also. You just gotta play in the smaller circle until the BK falls off.

OP, give it time...you'll eventually get there.

FinStar · ‎11-04-2019

@Loquat wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Giving the BK excuse but issuing a card.... HUCA HUCA HUCA (hang up, call again) until you find someone that will do something other than read a script. Either they'll proceed or keep saying no.

If you don't get anywhere with a CLI then look for another Amex that's appealing and apply for it and get the CLI thorugh the new card CL and you can move the CL's around as needed.

If that doesn't work then it's time to sit in time out for awhile and then try again.
@Anonymous Unfortunately the result is going to be the same in regards to obtaining a CLI with the BK on file. It's next to impossible to get one with the BK still reporting...I know from experience. One can be approved for additional cards and sometimes the limits are higher, or much higher in my experience than $1k but getting a CLI still hasn't even happened for me. I don't bother trying as I usually get out of the gate with enough to get the job done for my spending habits.

As for moving limits around...welp, the BK on file is going to prevent that as well. Trust me, tried that also. You just gotta play in the smaller circle until the BK falls off.

OP, give it time...you'll eventually get there.

This ^^^ OP. The HUCA HUCA HUCA method isn't going to work in this case, it's not about agents reading a script, it's about an AmEx system backend decision. So, the recommendation and experience shared by @Loquat is key. Just keep in mind that if you were to apply separately for another AmEx CC (all things considered with your present profile/BK), it can also result in another low SL, so YEMV.