Need Help with American Express Question here...

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

      I just checked Amex Prequal site, and it says I can apply for these cards listed. I currently have several credit cards, Truck Loan, Mortgage, etc with all my scores hovering 790+. All in PERFECT STANDINGS, & Truly No current or 20+ years of any credit problems, very Low Util, etc... In fact Just Labor day 2018 (Yes Yesterday) I was approved for CSP for 18.7k. But my question is, I had Amex card back in 1989-1990, and I ran up a bill too about 3-5k, and just never paid them.  Yes Burned them, No judgement... Again Nearing 30 years ago !!! I was in my late teens, early 20's, I'm now 49... They have LONGGGGGGG since fell of my reports. But Should I , And can I apply without a Hard pull, & Also will or would they attempt to make me pay that money from 28+ years ago back...??? I would like to get In, Or Potentially back in... Currently Only 2 HP's in last 2+ years on my reports... Or am I Amex blacklisted forever ???  Or with these Pre-quals from Amex's Site Soft Pull, Am I safe to Apply ??? Thoughts Please... It says I am Prequalified for The Blue cash rewards, Hilton Honors Ascend Card, and Premier Rewards Gold Card.

Thank You...

You are successfully Pre-Qualified for the following Card offers, exclusively available on americanexpress.com.

[Jnbmom]

You can do a search on "AMEX Blacklist"

Genrally if they preapproved you, you are off the list.

I suggest you read these forums and read them some more, lots of info and the search button does wonders.

Good luck

[Pikaboo-icu]

Welcome to My Fico. 

If you have the prequal for those cards, then likely you're off the BL.

They will do a HP if you go through with the application- SP's are for additional cards, after you're already a member. 

Good Luck! 

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have searched EXTENSIVLY here on this type of subject. I found many data points, yet none really touching my length of time situation. Some folks said they have been approved, some say they weren't. I get that everyone situation is different. So I figured I'd ask from MY personal standpoint.

[xaximus]

Generally with Amex and the BL - easiest way to know if you are off of it is to apply. If you are off, you'll get an HP. If you aren't, you'll be denied immediately. I know it's a shot in the dark but, that's what I would do.

[Anonymous]

If it helps any, I did the same thing, although only to the tune of about $400 (my authorized user needed 2 new car tires and never repaid me and as a teen I didn't earn enough to repay Amex...learned a hard lesson there!). 

Anyway it happened the same year as yours, 1989 and this year I applied and was approved for the Blue Cash Everyday and just last week the Cash Magnet. And both cards say "member since 1989" So, while it is obvious by that member date that they did NOT forget,  I'd say after 30 years you are probably off the blacklist, but YMMV. 

[Anonymous]

Yes Thank You WoodOgmom,

I've read a ton of stories here, and valued data points. No Doubt My credit is light years better now than when I was younger and "Knew It All" back then. I'm sure I meet their credit criteria. I also certainly don't want to have to pay them back from MY made mess 30 years ago, Yes It's the "Right" thing to do.. However...Giving a 19-20 y/o kid a unlimited credit limit card is IMO wackY, and I simply don't/won't repay it 30 years later. I may apply next week or so, and see. Because like I said I applied and was approved for CSP just yesterday for $18.7 k. But I will follow up with what happens here...!!

I am VERY CURIOUS & would like to also see What/When they list my "Member Since" date... almost don't want to wait...!!!

[SweetCreditObsession]

You should be fine. Great job in learning from your early mistakes and turning into a good credit example for others. Best wishes!

[Anonymous]

Very similar situation as you. Got mine in 1993. Burned them for about 2k in 1996. So very short history. 

2 weeks ago I went on the preapproval and saw offers. So I applied and got one. So I'm sure I was blacklisted back then. And 20 years later giving me another chance.

Best of luck

[Anonymous]

Btw my card and online account both say member since 1993