How To Get Approved for Delta Reserve?

[SKBirdmind]

Been fighting American Express for several years now - time to finally get a win...

Before I attempt a new application, has anyone had good experiences with reconsideration in the event it gets declined? Is there a GOOD phone number, mailing address, that sort of thing? When last I tried, there was no option to do so outside of calling overseas - with the language barrier, most agents seem to not really understand what you need from them.

Some existing parameters:

• I had a small Blue Cash Everyday card charge-off about 2016, then included in bankruptcy.
• Filed Chapter 7 in 2019, well-outside of the 5 x year window now.
• Paid back the charged-off balance in 2023 - they responded with a letter confirming this.
• Scores have been trapped somewhere around the high-500s for a while now (need to double-check this as of more recently).
• I don't need any of their other products, except maybe Platinum.

My previous application (about a year ago) was sent back without a credit check, and as I recall a list of reasons none of which were bankruptcy. But that must be outdated or otherwise incorrect info, since they didn't actually search my credit history??

The WHOLE WORLD talks about how easy it is to get an instant approval from American Express, even as a new customer (or perhaps new-returning after 2016 in my case)... I seem to be missing the secret sauce. All I need from them is a $1K limit to begin, thus "proving" myself worthy.

[Zoostation1]

I'm a little confused about how you'd still be in the 500s 5yrs post filing.   I didn't start rebuilding until 4yrs post filing CH7 and 5yrs and 3 months (5yrs 1mo is the rule to be considered by Amex) post filing I was in the low 670s and got a $5k starting limit from Amex on my BCP (4th card in my rebuild FWIW)  I was initially given a we're reviewing your application email and then about a half hr later was approved. 

If your signature is current you've got 7 cards.  What utilization are you reporting on them and how many are reporting a balance? 

[coldfusion]

No guarantee about when AMEX would let you back in after a chargeoff/IIB even when you voluntarily pay back the charged off amount,  it's handled on a case-by-case basis.   Also, since the 1st-year fees (excluding late/returned payment, over-limit, or optional fees) legally can't be more than 25% of the initial credit limit you can't get a $1K SL on a $650 AF card. 

You need to check your current Experian FICO 8 score to assess how AMEX might view you.     Assuming you've been removed from the AMEX internal blacklist It would be almost a miracle to get a Delta Reserve approval with a score in the 500s,  more like there would be a glimmer of hope if somewhere around the mid-600s with odds improving when roughly in the 680-690 range and up. 

[dfwxjer]

If your scores are truly in the 500s then you don't need an annual fee Amex whether the Delta or the Platinum. 

Work on building financial discipline, use the money you'd spend on the $695 annual fee to clean up your credit, and stop traveling while you're in a financial hole. 

Just based on your post I can see exactly why they wouldn't extend you any credit. 

[USMCOne]

I think you should probably pass on this one. 

- Charge off with the same company you seek another line of credit. Even though you paid it back it still was in charge off. 

- Credit score in 500s which is sub prime. 

Try Amex Platium. They seem to give that card much easier then there other cards it seems. Real no advantage of Delta Reserve other then a couple of things. Amex Plat you get 5x on Delta tickets where as they give 3x I belive. Amex Plat gives louge access as well.