Considering app for Amex BCE, but...

[Anonymous]

I'm considering applying for the Amex BCE but I wanted to get some advice before I attempt.

I recently just finished shopping around for auto loans, so I have 4 hard inquiries. Three of these are for auto loans, and one is for a credit card I got 15 months ago.

My AAoA is 4 years 7 months. I have a 24% utilization currently (on a balance transfer card), but I am rapidly paying that down. Highest limit cards are my Chase Freedom at $14,500 and my Discover It at $13,500.

Current Exp score is at 791.

I'm hoping to get the Amex BCE to help bring my utilization, but should I just hold off for a while until my overall profile improves? Or should I try for a different card? I don't really care about another HP because I'm not doing planning anything major for at least another 5 years, but I just don't want to waste a HP and come back declined.

Any insight would be much appreciated!

[HeavenOhio]

24% on a single card is responsible usage, so I wouldn't worry about that. Do you have balances on other cards?

AMEX will almost certainly pull Experian. How do your inquiries look on that report?

My gut says that you're probably fine for a BCE approval. But it certainly doesn't hurt to check in and do your homework first.

[medicgrrl]

Have you tried the prequal site?  Your profile is much, much, in case I didn't stress it enough MUCH better than mine and I was approved.  I don't see why you would have any problems with approval.

[Meanmchine]

There are people on these boards that got approved for a BCE with scores 150 points LESS then yours.

[Anonymous]

I haven't tried the prequal site... I'll definitely do that first though.

Also sorry I wasn't clear. I have 24% utilization over-all. Most of it is on a single card (about 50% of the CL).

[thummel]

I wouldn't even worry with that score and profile. Just go ahead and apply.

[Anonymous]

As said before try prequal.  Exp. Score is good. AAOA good, Utiz good but not perfect. I doubt you will any trouble. We have the BCP and love it. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

You all gave me the confidence to do it and I was approved with a $10k SL!

[Anonymous]

Conrats.

[HeavenOhio]

Good work!