Amex CS Platinum Denial: Length of time as customer with AMEX is too short.

[kk2424]

I opened my AMEX Gold card on March 12. It is my first card with them, and I have been using it normally. I originally applied for the Vanilla Platinum first and was approved instantly. However, I withdrew my application because the Gold made more sense then, so I applied for the Gold, which was also approved instantly and accepted. Fast forward a couple of weeks, I re-applied for the Platinum because I have a lot of traveling coming up, and the two cards pair well together, but I was denied this time. So I'm assuming it was a one or the other type of approval, and since I accepted the Gold, my original Plat approval didn't count. Basically, they allowed me to have a product, but not both. I had a 695 Experian that first denial for the Plat because they used an old score, which was March 27th, and the reasons were 

-Balance on accounts

-Length of time of customer

-Length of time accounts have been established

-Revolving balances are too high

-Too many inquiries

-Too many consumer accounts.

So I immediately got to work on fixing it. I tried again on April 12, one month after my Gold account opening, when my Experian jumped back to a 730 after cleaning everything up. I was denied again, but this time the only reason I was denied was due to

- Length of time as a customer with AMEX is too short

I double checked with the CSR when talking to her and asked, “That's the only reason?” and she said yes! And to try again in 30 days. In my head, I'm like okay, well, at least it's only for one reason this time, and it's not even a bad reason, because yes, that is technically true, like I JUST opened my Gold card. Fast forward to April 20th, because I was told you technically don't need to wait the full 30 days, I did the pre-approval app again, especially because my Experian shot up once more to a 738 because I brought the utilization down on all my accounts. I was denied again for the same reason and only reason.

- Length of time as a customer with AMEX is too short

Told to dry again in 30 days. Not surprised once more because I'm still a baby AMEX member but still disappointed.

Bringing me to today May 12, I have a brokerage account with CS and since the CS Plat is considered a different product, I thought applying wouldnt hurt even though it has not been 30 days from April 20th because “different” products. My Experian is currently a 741. Unfortunately, I was denied again for the same reason.

- Length of time as a customer with AMEX is too short.

Since I've been using my Gold, I've been making sure to be smart with it, especially as a new member. Use it, pay it in full etc. So my question is, seeing how this is the only reason I'm getting denied, which I understand since its only been two months since I've been a member and June 12th will be three months, how long should I give it before applying again and having better luck of approval and no longer considered “too short of time as a customer?” My Experian is continuing going up and I've been managing everything else because I'm set on getting the Platinum and don't want to give them any reason besides being “new” to tell me No.

[USMCOne]

I would probably wait a full year. Put your puchases down to pack of gum on your Gold pay it off weekly or monthly. Rinse repeat. In my case I got both the same month but according to Amex I have been a customer since 2000 lol. I think that was from when US Government had our credit cards with Amex when I was in the Marines and a past employer did as well. I am Amex heavy now but I recall when I applied for Platium within the same month I applied for Gold and recieved that.

So what you also need to be aware of is a few months does not absolve you of some things.

- Credit Inquiries last 2 years on your credit before they fall off I believe.

- New accounts take I think a year to migrate off that list

- Time you can not overcome this requirement till you have the time under your belt.

- Revolving balances .. pay them off then you dont have a high revolving balance. If your hitting more then 30% utilization of a credit card that is a ding. Its why CLIs are important. Allows you to spend more without having a negative impact.

The one common factor in almost all the issues that you listed and what many have is time. Takes time for that to fall off the credit report, takes time to build a relationship etc.

Some creditors want a high churn on the product. So one example is my Capitol One Venture. I have a 12k limit I have asked for a CLI many times always denied. They come back I am not utilizing what I have so no reason to increase it. Some like Apple card well they like you buying Apple products and paying it off along with a high churn. I went a whole year decent use zero increase. Next year I put a Macbook on it paid it off rapidly and minimal use and shocker I got a decent credit line increase.

[JoeRockhead]

Amex will approve 2 cards within 90 days for the right profiles.  If you've gotten the "length of time as a customer" reason as a denial, you should wait a minimum of 90 days after the last denial before you apply again.  They're essentially telling you their not comfortable enough with you yet, and to pump the brakes. 

[quickstep_knoll]

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@JoeRockhead wrote:

Amex will approve 2 cards within 90 days for the right profiles.  If you've gotten the "length of time as a customer" reason as a denial, you should wait a minimum of 90 days after the last denial before you apply again.  They're essentially telling you their not comfortable enough with you yet, and to pump the brakes. 

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I thought 2 in 90 was credit cards only (i.e., not charge cards). But I still agree that 90 days would help in establishing history.

Over a year and a half I've gone deep into Amex, but I encountered pop-up jail for Platinum early on and had to wait. Eventually I ended up upgrading Green to Platinum with a bonus, which was good enough for me. I probably left points on the table, but I'm also not much of a card canceler, so I prefer the product change route when reasonable. Schwab Platinum of course is a separate application, since there's no product change route.

[JoeRockhead]

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@quickstep_knoll wrote:

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I thought 2 in 90 was credit cards only (i.e., not charge cards). But I still agree that 90 days would help in establishing history.

 @quickstep_knoll yes, you're right the 2/90 rule doesn't apply to charge cards.  I suppose I shouldn't have used it as an example of Amex granting multiple approvals in a short time frame.  I was trying to convey that the frequency of applications, and the young relationship was perhaps the issue. 

Sorry for the confusion.

[DocChrisUSMC41]

I would wait 6 months to a year. They may make you an offer. Ironically I have 10 Amex cards total: 4 are business (Platinum, Plum, Hilton Biz, Bonvoy Biz) 6 are personal (Platinum, Gold, Green, BCP, Delta Reserve, Delta Platinum) and Amex will sometimes wait and watch how you have paid over time and then they will raise your limits, pay over time limits and offer you new cards. Be patient. I may only be eligible for only 1 or 2 business cards charge cards (the Gold and the Green).