Well, today was day 91 since my last CLI request, so I figured 'what the heck' and I gave it a shot...
...and I got the 7-10 Day message. 
This is the third time I've tried for a CLI, and the third time they've said no. The reason they denied the last two CLI requests was stated as "Previous delinquency with an American Express account". The delinquency they're speaking of was 15 years ago on a card that was included in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
I know I should be happy they took me back at all (and I am) but the card has a limit of $1k, and each month I use nearly half of that before paying the balance in full. I was hoping that after some history they would start to 'trust' me again, but I guess it's still too soon.
Each time there have been slight differences in the denial. The first time there was no SP, just a letter a few days later. The second time (in August) there was a SP several days after I initiated my request, but then I (eventually) got the same denial letter as the first time. Of note is that it took over two weeks for me to get the letter... and it was dated only a few days before I got it (leading me to think a human intervened). This time I got the same 7-10 day message as the other times, but instead of immediately getting an email pointing me to the new account approval site (which tells you nothing about a CLI) I got an email requesting that I call them. While I have nothing to hide, I know if they were going to give me the CLI they would have done it, so I'll just wait for the letter. I'm not in the mood to answer questions to justify my $1k credit line... LOL
In the spring I plan on canceling my Green card before the AF is due, so possibly once it's closed that will make it easier to get a CLI since there won't be any possible exposure there. Or it could be that I'm 'stuck' at $1k for a while. I've thought about at some point applying for an additional no-AF card with them with the intention of moving the credit line after a year, but that will be done next summer/fall if at all.
Maybe next time! 
@OmarGB9 wrote:
Sorry to hearUncleB.
Thank you my friend... maybe they'll loosen up eventually. 
In the mean time, I'm just going to try to concentrate on being happy that I have the card at all. Admittedly, I never thought I would have any accounts with them again. Plus, the way I use it (only for grocery purchases) I'm able to make the $1k limit work. I guess I keep trying to get a CLI anyway because it's my smallest limit (actually, by far).
@CreditCuriousity wrote:Sorry to hear.. typically the 1k limits Amex's seem to be some what bucketed for whatever reason or at least that is what I have seen and my personal experience.. So you ask how I got around it? I applied and got a big approval of 10k on another card which is now at 26k and once it hits 13 months which will be in january I am going to throw 6k of that limit to the 1k card to make it 7k; then ask for another 6k back to fill the void on the now 20k card after moving limts.. I have yet to be denied a CLI on the card that started at 10k, but was declined an increaes on a 1k card.. Just food for thought. Long story short if you apply for say ED card with no AF I bet you get alot nicer limit and can use above method to accomplish results if you so choose.
I like the way you think! 
That's exactly what I had in mind... it's just an issue of timing at this point.
I already plan on getting rid of the Green in March, and I'm hoping that will help improve my chances of getting approved with a new card, whatever it ends up being. I had two baddies when I got the BCP and Green, one of which dropped off a few weeks ago. The other drops off next fall, so I'll likely just wait until then so that they won't have any excuses to turn me down (other than the old BK).
I had considered when the time comes going for either the Hilton or a BCE; I honestly hadn't considered the ED. I'm not that into MR points (I can't find a way to make them work for me) but if the limit is just going to be transferred anyway it really doesn't matter. You're right about the limits seeming to be higher... I've noticed a trend with approvals on it over the last few months, and the SL on new ED/EDP accounts does seem to be a bit more generous, especially when compared to the BCE/BCP.
I guess the 'good news' is that whatever happens, it's only a HP (usually) if the new card is approved, so if they say 'no' there's no harm, no foul - other than a temporary hit to my dignity... LOL.
Sorry to hear UncleB. Amex can be difficult at times. It took me 18 months to get my 2nd cli with Amex due to new accounts/inquiries. Now it's a no go again for me. It's all good though. Good luck to you in the near future.
(Formerly known as: Credit is my hobby (1.7M)/TCL objective)
@12njoy wrote:Sorry to hear UncleB. Amex can be difficult at times. It took me 18 months to get my 2nd cli with Amex due to new accounts/inquiries. Now it's a no go again for me. It's all good though. Good luck to you in the near future.
Thanks for your encouragement!
At least I know I'm in good company... and when I get the letter this time, it could say something different. I've added three new accounts the last six months, so there's always the chance that like in your case that's part of the problem with me as well.
Actually, that would be an improvement over the past denials, which were based solely (according to the letters) on a BK7 from 15 years ago. At least if it's new accounts spooking them, time will eventually 'cure' that!
@UncleB wrote:
@12njoy wrote:Sorry to hear UncleB. Amex can be difficult at times. It took me 18 months to get my 2nd cli with Amex due to new accounts/inquiries. Now it's a no go again for me. It's all good though. Good luck to you in the near future.
Thanks for your encouragement!
At least I know I'm in good company... and when I get the letter this time, it could say something different. I've added three new accounts the last six months, so there's always the chance that like in your case that's part of the problem with me as well.
Actually, that would be an improvement over the past denials, which were based solely (according to the letters) on a BK7 from 15 years ago. At least if it's new accounts spooking them, time will eventually 'cure' that!
The fact that they let you back in means that they'll show you some love eventually. As CC stated, you might have to bite the bullet and go for another card. I'm maxed out with cards with them. I periodically submit a cli. I've heard that they've loosened the hard and fast rules on time.