@Anonymous wrote:
So I'm reading posts that say you should get in early with Amex.
I am interested in the SPG and Delta Gold. Wondering if either of these or both is PIF like the Amex Green Card?
Also I've seen that Amex Delta Gold runs low acceptance around 612 and up for credit requirements. Does anyone have data points in regards specifically to
a) around low 600s approvals
B) file length & inquiries at time of approval
C) starting limits offered & how to increase quickly.
I've been holding off & shooting for higher starting limits as I grow my file so I can end up with high starting limits when I end up apping at Amex.
Does anyone have experience first time apping at Amex after gardening your file for a bit? How did it affect your starting limits?
Not sure about getting in early, but when I found this site, I wanted an AMEX and Discover card just to be spread across all payment systems. I got my Everyday Card in Apr 2015 (starting limit of $500, EX FICO of 632). Didn't put anything on it really... didn't even get the sign up bonus (I was still new to the game and the ONLY SUB I've ever missed lol). All CLI attempts were failures and I closed it May 2016.
I applied for the SPG Card and Delta Gold on the same day March 2016 (which was the weekend) and got approved for both that following Monday. Both cards started at $1k. My EX FICO score was 642 with about maybe about 10-13 baddies. Inquires on EX... probably 5... not 100% sure but I had at least 2 (thanks to Capital One lol)
Got a CLI for SPG 2 months later to $2k, another CLI in Nov 2016 to $6k, they CLD'd me May 2017 back to $3k, and then restored it to $6k June 2017. That's where the SPG sits currently. My Delta Gold has been upgraded to the Delta Platinum (April 2017) but it still sits at $1k.
I have $21k (and all four NPSLs) in personal limits with AMEX right now. If I include the cards that I'm an authorized user on my wifes account, $60.5k. I have balances and my scores aren't super high (for AMEX standards) right now so I doubt I get any more CLIs anytime soon. I do try every few months or so still.
Hope those data points help! 
Have your tried the AmEx prequal? They are generally reliable, but do check the rates to ensure you have a single APR or a small range.
They might start you with a low SL or their version of credit steps. If you get onto their steps program, I would resist the urge to CLI until your steps graduation ($500 x 3 = $1500. If you wait, then $1000 x 3 = $3000 potentially).
SPG and Delta Gold are credit cards. While AmEx prefers PIF, you can carry a balance and it’s not the end of the world. Just be responsible and manage your statement limits.
One other warning - the first month your in with them, they will only allow you to post 1 payment from your bank account. I got around this by calling customer service and had them initiate a payment to get my statement balance down to what I wanted. After that month, you can schedule payments anytime you want (or in my case, I did it every week or two).
I would get my foot in the door with American Express with the GREEN CARD, I got my foot in the door with them at 620 with a GREEN CARD, 3 years later.....4 American Express Cards. Also AMEX has helped me get my foot in the door with other cards. Please keep in mind with the GREEN CARD you have to Pay it off every month.
Now, the icing on the cake. Once you get an Approval, they will USE THE SAME APPROVAL. After you get approved for the Green card, than i would apply within 30 minutes for the Gold Delta. Now you have a Charge card, which you can upgrade 1 year later to a Platinum or PRG. The Delta, if they start with you $1000 limit, Use it and pay 90% off 2 days before the billing sycle ends and leave $100 to carry over, than 61 days, ask for a 3X CLI !!
Hoep this helps.
I would get my foot in the door with American Express with the GREEN CARD, I got my foot in the door with them at 620 with a GREEN CARD, 3 years later.....4 American Express Cards. Also AMEX has helped me get my foot in the door with other cards. Please keep in mind with the GREEN CARD you have to Pay it off every month.
Now, the icing on the cake. Once you get an Approval, they will USE THE SAME APPROVAL. After you get approved for the Green card than i would apply within 30 minutes for the Gold Delta. Now you have a Charge card, which you can upgrade 1 year later to a Platinum or PRG. The Delta, if they start with you $1000 limit, Use it and pay 90% off 2 days before the billing cycle ends and leave $100 to carry over, than 61 days, ask for a 3X CLI !!
Hope this helps.
Great! Yes Thank you! I will consider using this technique when I apply!
I just noticed all my grammar errors !! Sorry !!.