AMEX OPTIMA CARD

[Redev01]

I settled my debt with AMEX and received my Optima offer. Simultaneously I am seeing on Credit Karma that my approval odds for AMEX Gold and Platinum card are excellent. My Transunion score is 767 ; Equifax is 727.

Do I have to accept Optima offer to get an AMEX again - or can I bypass that and apply directly for Platinum?

Thank you,

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

You can apply for whatever card you want once everything is updated which takes about a week. There's no guarantee they'll approve it. That'll depend on how Amex views you. Your other option is to take the optima and use it for a year and there's still no guarantee they'll give you another card afterwards. Personally,if I paid them off in full, I'd wait a week and apply for what I want.

[Jeffster1]

CreditKarma approval odds plus $2.90 will get you a ride on the NYC subway. 

[Redev01]

I realize CK suggestions are not guaranteed at ALL. Was just mentioning. Mainly focused on the need to go through Optima Card or just apply for AMEX.

[pizzadude]

My guess is that the reason they offered Optima is that you wouldn't qualify for a "non-recovery" product given how recently you paid / settled with them. 

[Jeffster1]

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@Redev01 wrote:

I realize CK suggestions are not guaranteed at ALL. Was just mentioning. Mainly focused on the need to go through Optima Card or just apply for AMEX.

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You don't qualify for a regular Amex if they are sending you an Optima offer.