Amex Delta odds of approval? Tricks?

[Anonymous]

Hey everyone!

I am about to finish my app sprees/CLI/graduate journey started in November. 

So far I got everything I wanted :

- Amex PRG (EX - first Amex) and Chase Freedom (EX+TU - best CL ever) in November

- CLI on Discover (TU from 1k to 1.5k) and gradutation on BofA secured (TU from $500 to $1.5)

I applied again for a Citi CC (EQ+EX) and got denied (after manuel review) with them so I have decided to wait to get a Citi CC in a few yearS, I actually don't really want/need any.

I would love to get the Delta Amex next month because I want the backdate from 01/2014, and I am also flying Delta 4 times in January and would love to avoid $25 for each checked luggage. ($100 savings!)  I am kind of ok with a $1k CL but $2k would be perfect (to 3XCLI it)

Received the PRG in November 2014.  Credit history started in May 1st 2014. 

TU Inqs: 9 (5 in the last 6 months)

EQ Inqs: 8 (3 in the last 6 months)

EX Inqs: 11  (8 in the last 6 months - 1 HP after PRG approal)

Utilization is around 7%. (3 CCs have a 0% utilization reported)

What do you think?  I don't mind if it's a denial but I really don't want a FR from Amex or an AA from Chase.. 

Since Amex does not seem to SP me that often, should I cold app from the Delta website and get the HP anyway? To make sure they see my updated CR?  

Amex does not know yet that I have increased my total CLs from $2,200 to $8,500. 

And also, do Amex has credit analysts you can talk to?  I remember I tried to recon one time and the "outside of the U.S call center" couldn't do anything but ask for a manual review while BofA or Discover has people you can talk to and trying to convince if the computer does not like you at the time you apply..

Next CC app will be CSP in November 2015!

I'd say 40% of chances they will approve me but I kinda want to do it if I am safe with any AA or FR.... 

[B335is]

No harm in trying. If denied its just a soft pull since you already have PRG. Unless you're giving them unverifiable income, dont worry about FR. I have not heard of anyone speaking to one of their credit analysts directly. Sometimes they reconsider a denial if there was an error on the CR but generally, reconsideration is very difficult.

[CoreyGSHS]

I would say give it a shot coming from an AMEX cardholder like yourself! Get your utilization down to about 2-3% if you can. 

As we know on here (just like the above comment mentioned) the AMEX Delta will be a SP for denial and HP for approval, so it would be a little of a win. 

[CoreyGSHS]

Another question you mentioned about the AMEX credit analysts --- They do have them, however I've heard it's very tough to do a recon with AMEX if you are flat out denied unless there was an error on your application. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you B335is!

Does the SP/HP thing work also if I apply directely through Delta without login-in into the Amex website?

It seems to have two roads, one where I just have to update some info (basically the Amex website forces me to do it this way) and the other on delta.com where I put all of my info like I was not a cardmember already.

I am asking that because the bonus offer is like 10k Skymiles vs 30k with a $50 statement credit.. and I never had that card. 

Will they soft pull and use the last one or do an updated SP then HP? 

I am sorry I am asking all this...

[Anonymous]

I am a super new card member though... I will have 8 months credit history and my PRG barely 2 months old..

[B335is]

It works regardless if you apply through Amex or Delta website. I would wait until January for maximum backdating. If your MSD is October 2014, a new card will be backdated to January 2014.

[Anonymous]

Wow!!! I know, that would be so perfect!  

I don't mind paying the annual fee for the Delta Platinum or even Reserve but I should stay safe and start with the Gold, right?

[B335is]

Delta Gold was my first Amex revolver. I closed it and later got the Delta Platinum. I think the underwriting is similar if not the same. If you will use the Platinum benefits, i would go for it. If you only fly occasionally i would just go for the Delta Gold.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your reply!

I am gonna go safe and do the Delta Gold since my account with Amex is so new. 

Low probability that they will freak out and close/FR my charge card or that it ends being a denial with HP and that Chase AA my fresh out the oven Freedom?

It would have been 3 extra Inq on EX after Chase approved me (PRG/ Citi DC and maybe Delta).