Over the last year or so, I've been slowly but surely working to build my credit back up after a bad hand dealt in 2015.
Recently, I applied for a few CC's... one of them being an AMEX Gold Card which was approved. After reading around, some were saying that existing AMEX clients typically can apply for additional cards with a soft pull.
I decided to push the envelope and applied for one of the Hilton Amex cards a few weeks later but was immediately shot down. The reason: Low FICO score as of June 17, 2021 (this was the same day I applied, and was approved, for the Gold Card.) I called and spoke to AMEX for a recon, who said they couldn't recon me at the time, and said typically 30 days has to lapse before applying for any additional cards as they'll be auto-denied.
My question: What is the best way to go about building a relationship with AMEX that could yield 1-2 more AMEX cards in the future? Of course, time and responsible usage of the Gold Card, but I'd really like to get the BCE card or one of the cobranded cards AMEX has to offer.
Honestly? Give it time. Amex seems to like to get a feel for new customers. Also, what is your score? Is it on the lower end? Hard to give advice without DPs. I don't exactly know what AMEX's requirements are for CC apps in close succession, but if this is your first card with them, I think you'll have to prove yourself first. Check their offers in 3-6 months and see what you prequalify for.
My Experian score (which is who AMEX pulled) is currently at a 632. I'm not sure what there requirements are either, but was surprised as general consensus was they like to see up around 700 for an approval.
I think the best idea is to give it a few months and prove myself worthy by maintaining the Gold Card, then seeing what preapprovals there may be from there. Hopefully the inquires from my latest spree don't come back to bite me and the impact lessens before then.
Will do. I did put a few charges on it this month so far that I intend on having paid off, or down to < 1% before cycle closing. Also already paid half of the $250 AF as well... will have that paid off in the next week or so. Hoping that taking care of the AF in Month 1 shows AMEX I'm in this for the long run 
It's not unheard of for amex to approve charge cards with scores in the 640 range. For a core card like the BCE, you'll need scores around 700.
@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:It's not unheard of for amex to approve charge cards with scores in the 640 range. For a core card like the BCE, you'll need scores around 700.
That's what I've heard, that charge cards are slightly more "friendly" to getting compared to core cards. I am curious though if the same data points for core cards are required for "cobranded" cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy, or even the Hilton card?
Would love to find out... but playing by the rules for AMEX and not applying again for the next 30 days (well, 21 days by now.)