Amex Pre-Approval Offers and the SP/HP Question

[Dave4fun]

Hi Folks

Nearly all of the posts regarding the American Express Pre-Approval (mini)-app process indictaes that Amex performs a soft pull credit check. Generally these offers appear in the card member Cards & Offer sections and have "Pre Approved" indicated upon clicking the 'Apply' box.  I need to emphasize that nearly all posts refer to the credit check as a SP, hence no Hard Inquiry is reported on the credit report. However, I did come across a few posts that said a HP was indeed done in this circumstance upon apply for the pre-approved card. 

I am a long time Amex member since 1990. I have 2 cards, the BCE ($25K) and Classic Optima Platinum ($10K).  I really do not need another Amex card. However, I have some interest in obtaining the new Hilton Ascend. BUT- I do not want an inquiry. I just want to have some fun wiht the new card and get the sign up bonus. I thought it would be fun/cool to get the new card for the perks, but again am adverse to an inquiry.

I would like to know others' stats in the app process for the pre-approved cards, scenarios explaining if a HP was indeed done and if only the SP was done.

A side note....how often did Amex use/take some of the other Amex cards credit lines that you have, inorder to fund the new card you are approved for? What amounts or percentages.

[SomewhereIn505]

I believe the rule is HP if your approved, SP if declined. I would try 2 things. Log into AmEx, look at your recommended cards, and select that card. If the message is along the lines of “expanding your membership,” then it’s a denial going that route. You can also try using Chrome, incognito mode, and try the prequals to see if it comes up. I’m new to AmEx, so I could be wrong. But I think the 1st option would be your best bet.

[kilroy8]

I got a BCP to go along with my BCE, and it was soft pull only. They pull your score each month with the BCE, you should be able to see it. I am approved for all their cards, but don't see anymore that I like. Maybe SPG sometime, not for at least 6 months. 

[Moneyklutz]

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@kilroy8 wrote:

I got a BCP to go along with my BCE, and it was soft pull only. They pull your score each month with the BCE, you should be able to see it. I am approved for all their cards, but don't see anymore that I like. Maybe SPG sometime, not for at least 6 months. 

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This happened to my wife last summer as well. Had an existing Delta Amex and she applied and was approved for the BCP with no hard pull. 

[coldfusion]

Out of my 5 AMEX cards (3 revolvers and 2 charge) I only took an HP when I apped for my 1st and again for my 3rd card; each of the other 3 cards and the CLIs on the revolvers all were done with an SP.   All my CLIs have been actual increases, not reallocations from the limits on the other cards.

[jlitnns]

This is what mine shows on just about every card I click: 

"We have used information about you and/or your business on file with American Express to extend this offer to you. This offer is based on the accuracy of that information. Information that we have on file will be used for the application associated with this offer. We will only request additional information that we require from you at this time. If you desire to change any information we have on file, you may do so by calling the number on the back of your Card, however, you may no longer be eligible for this offer."

It also says that I'm pre-approved at the top.

[Anonymous]

The vast majority of American Express applications will result now in an SP if you’re an existing account holder.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re approved or not.   Nonetheless if you aren’t willing to accept a HP for a new card then don’t apply.  This is true for anyone applying for any new credit regardless of being ‘preapproved’ or not. Not sure why an inquiry is such a big factor because the effect on your score is minimal at the most.  

[jlitnns]

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@Anonymous wrote:

The vast majority of American Express applications will result now in an SP if you’re an existing account holder.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re approved or not.   Nonetheless if you aren’t willing to accept a HP for a new card then don’t apply.  This is true for anyone applying for any new credit regardless of being ‘preapproved’ or not. Not sure why an inquiry is such a big factor because the effect on your score is minimal at the most.  

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The only reason I'm curious is I'm extending bank lines as a personal guarantor for my business and I would prefer a SP over a HP. Granted 1 of the banks just HP'd me 2 weeks ago so I should be good for another 3 months. My other line is up in June so I would imagine I'll see a HP from them any time really because they are ruthless, lol.

Edit: But you're right.