Is it just me, or does Amex seem to be approving A LOT of people?

[Anonymous]

I'm noticing a lot more and AMEX approvals lately. Amex approvals with Low or medium 600 scores. I've heard through the grapevine that it's because of the Costco deal but who knows really. Is it just me or does anybody else feel like they are being more lenient the past month or so? I sure hope so! I want my card lol. I feel like even just a couple months ago, it seemed like 670-680 or more was the magic number--with few exceptions. Maybe they're feeling riskier, and trying to make up future loss??

[creditguy]

I tell you what I've seen a lot of lately and that is people asking which Amex is the easiest to get? I don't know that Amex has been lowering their standards but there have been quite a few reports of under 650 approvals. Amex has lost a few cardholders recently to losses of contracts and acquisitions of portfolios, so maybe they are trying to make up some lost ground.

I highly doubt however they are going to be changing thier UW standard though, so don't look for them to be entering subprime territory anytime soon. They may hand out cards to some subprime scores but I don't see that becoming a big trend, perhaps just dipping their toes in the water. Good Luck getting your Amex.

[redpat]

Well with Chase having the 5/24 rule appers must go some place so Amex must be getting some overflow.......Freedom has lower approval scores.

[KSK1912]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I'm noticing a lot more and AMEX approvals lately. Amex approvals with Low or medium 600 scores. I've heard through the grapevine that it's because of the Costco deal but who knows really. Is it just me or does anybody else feel like they are being more lenient the past month or so? I sure hope so! I want my card lol. I feel like even just a couple months ago, it seemed like 670-680 or more was the magic number--with few exceptions. Maybe they're feeling riskier, and trying to make up future loss??

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This may seem to be kinda true. I was denied by them several times last year for both charge and revolving cards. End of december i was barely approved for a bce with $1K limit. Used it a lot and paid it, and in mid january, i was denied again for Delta skymiles gold. Finally last friday night, after 3 months of usage  of my bce, i was instantly approved for Amex PRG, Green Card, and Delta skymiles gold with $1K limit, and have a pending app for Delta platinum due to 5 day rule between 2 revolving account apps. My fico EX is 641 as per Amex, as of the day of application, and i have high uti right now, with no baddies except one judgement from 2010. Income around $60K

[Anonymous]

I assume, that the Costco and Jet Blue played a super minor part. I was 669 on approval.  Car refi just posted and EX did not like that. Down 17 pts. But I digress, it does seem that AmEx is approving mid 600's past couple months. 

I'll take me wee SPG and run with it thank you!

[juniornj23]

The real reson why amex is the way it is today because the dont have costco anymore that 12% amex portfolio plus they are losing stp hotel too since another franchise bought them i think that will be chase as costco went to citi

[MauiMan85297]

They turned me down on Friday, won't recon that.  I just figure if it wasn't meant to be then certainly won't ask in the future and give them my money.  There are always other companies out there that want your business.

[vikingred]

I got in a couple years ago and have several cards, but you know...I don't like them.  And their stock (AXP) has really gone to crap.  All their reps barely speak English.  Forget a recon.  You either get it or you don't.  My ED card which I got in Nov 14 is STUCK at the original SL of 3500, I have tried everything to CLI, nothing works, waited 90 days, reconsideration, NOTHING.  3500?  Really?  And I have a biz gold, green, and delta skymiles, 750+, highest other card is 45k, no derogs ever, AAoA is a bit lower, but salary is well into six figures.  Amex SUCKS.  Penfed is the bomb.  Chase is great, USBank is cool.  Cap1 Venture is great.  Sick of Amex.  They are NOT the same as they used to be, so yeah, it's easier to get in, but they leave a bad taste in my mouth.  Thinking of closing all but the green. 

[Anonymous]

I got approved for blue cash preferred with a score in the 680s. Was surprised to get it.

[n777ua]

DW got approved with FICO aroun 630 for PRG; but she did get FR'd about 3 days after she got it