Delta Amex Question

[Anonymous]

So I'm very interested in applying for the Gold version most likely (maybe Plat for companion ticket) to receive the sign up bonus to help offset a trip the fam and I have coming up in June. SUB + current MRs accumulated from other cards would cover total cost of flights.  I'm curious what folks think my approval chances are.  Some info:

- Current Amex customer for a 2 months (ED - $1,000 CL, PRG - purchase approval tool approves up to $12,000) 

- I've put about $6,000 through the two cards over 2 months and will report a $0 balance for the second month in a row

- According to Experian site CS is 675

- Experian reports 7 inquiries (3 of which will fall off in May, not that that matters right now)

- Amex statement cuts tomorrow and AMEX FICO 8 score should update to mirror Experian score tomorrow or Monday

- I'm assuming I should wait until the score updates with the AMEX site before applying

- Not concerned about potential pull since it will likely be SP for denial and if I am approved then I'm ok with the HP

- We fly to Minnesota from VA at least twice a year (why I'm considering plat)

Any advice as to whether or not I should go for it/success potential would be appreciated.  Thanks. 

[simplynoir]

Pretty sure you'll get approved based on those stats just not sure what your limit will be if that's going to be a concern. Have you asked for a CLI on your ED card since it's been two months already and you can request 61 days after initial approval?

[Anonymous]

Thanks -I appreciate the response .  I had planned to ask for the CLI but now that I'm considering applying for the Delta I was going to wait in the off chance that I'm approved at a higher limit than my current one.  If so, I would request the CLI on that in 2 months instead of having to wait 6.

[JuliusC]

If you do go for the Delta Plat card, the companion tickets comes on the anniversary of the card. However, that companion ticket is very appealing as well, although main cabin only. I have the Delta Gold and regret not going for the Platinum. I’ve considered applying for the Delta Plat and eventually merge all my CL to my Plat and closing the gold. Your chances are good, and like you said a denial is only a sp. Definitely let your EX update. The free first bag on the card easily outweighs the AF since round trip for two twice a year is $400, so you would be ahead anyway.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated. I’m assuming the UW is the same for both. I am fine with the main cabin but from what I’ve seen there are some restrictions regarding the companion ticket (availability, etc.) I’m also a tad concerned about the spend (1,000 higher for plat) since I’m hoping to receive the bonus within a month so we can book our tickets by April. May be wishful thinking but I’m hoping the miles update as quickly as MR points, but from what I’ve seen people have received them with varying speed. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

The companion certificates apply to certain fare classes, such as L, U and T. Just try to book as far in advance as possible.

[JuliusC]

Definitely ymmv for the miles. I got my card Nov 22nd. Finish my 2k spend by mid December and I didn't receive my miles until January. Granted, I finished mid cycle which might have delayed the addition. What I have noticed with Delta, their restriction tend to always lead with flight demand. If you fly non busy cycles, companion tickets tend to work well. If you can meet the spend earlier with the Gold, I would go for the Gold instead of the Platinum. You can always upgrade to the Platinum later

[Anonymous]

Right very true. I guess it would all depend on the potential CL unfortunately. If it’s in the 2-3K range then I could just double pay mortgage for a month and only have to worry about another 600 or so, which with groceries/other bills, etc shouldn’t be a problem. If the limit is only 1k though then it may present some more difficulty.

[Anonymous]

Of course this is all hypothetical since I haven’t even applied yet lol.

[JuliusC]

Of course. Amex is a hit or miss with SL, I’ve seen some profiles with zero baddies get only 1k-2k SL and seen some with baddies hit almost 6k, and then I’ve seen complete opposite. If it helps at all, when I applied for the Delta Gold, I was sitting low 700s in EX, 19% util and was approved for $1600.