Should I go for a double AMEX app (PRG & Delta)?

[Anonymous]

Hi folks! Been lurking around for a few months -- but it's the first time that I actually post.

So, I'm a 19-year-old international student with a reported 30K income (20K from a merit scholarship, 10K from a part-time job back home). 

I applied for my first US credit card back in August 2014 -- a BofA Cash Rewards -- but I got denied, I accepted their counter-offer: a *secured* Cash Rewards card, and put down a 1K deposit. I've had it for almost 10 months now, and I've been very responsible with it: haven't missed a payment, and usually report a ~$50 balance (5% util, not sure if that's good or bad vs. PIF?).

Thing is, I don't have an SSN, so I haven't been able to check my FICO scores -- despite having had a credit history for the better part of a year. This is only an issue for applying online: I had to apply for BofA in person, and I would have to apply for AMEX over the phone.

Could someone tell me what the typical score is of someone with about a ~1yr credit history, 1 credit line, only 1 HP (the inquiry from the BofA app), and 5% util? My guess is high 600s, which seems to be good enough for most people who try to get an AMEX Delta Gold, or an AMEX PRG. So, would you encourage me try to go for both with a single HP? I know my file is thin, but at least it's clean...

If not, should I try to get an AMEX Green instead, to get my foot in the door, and PC it to the PRG a few months down the line? 

Honestly, I'm just sick of my secured card. Cash rewards are small (1%) and boring, and while I'm thankful that it's helped me build a credit history, the history is built -- I want my deposit back. I'd try to get it unsecured early, but I just don't want to take the HP (and potentially hurt my very short and clean history). If AMEX says yes, I'll probably just cancel the secured card unless they waive my AF.

Am I ready for AMEX?

Thanks for the help

[Anonymous]

Another question -- if I were to apply for the PRG over the phone, and if I were approved, would I still be able to take advantage of the onscreen 50K welcome bonus? Or would I get the standard 25K?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Another question -- if I were to apply for the PRG over the phone, and if I were approved, would I still be able to take advantage of the onscreen 50K welcome bonus? Or would I get the standard 25K?

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Welcome to the forums.

If you made sure they were aware that's the offer you're applying under then you would get the 50K.  I'm not sure of the protocol for applying for an Amex without a SSN but I know others have done it that way.  I'd just call them and tell them your situation.  You're probably close to your estimate on your credit score.  Good luck and let us know what happens.  Also, if the PRG is the card you want, then apply for that over the Green.  All of their charge cards have the same underwriting criteria so the Green is not easier to get than the PRG air Platinum.

[taxi818]

You are correct. and as you stated. you can't do it online. but you can on the phone using your itin. in fact. if your score is that clean and you had it a year. almost 10 mosts. i will venture to say your score is well over 700. close to mid. at this point. no ssn. is needed. your passport will verify your identiy. and as you know amex is global. so it should not be a problem. and you would get the bonus as irish stated. If i had to do it over again. i would not get the charge card. i would only get the delta. in fact. i  would only get the amex everyday. since they are no longer backdating or anything. no need to stress to pay in full in today's society. good lucik.

[Anonymous]

Excellent! Thank you for your replies and support. I'll keep you posted!

I actually don't have an ITIN either -- forgot to apply for it, whoops -- but hopefully they'll be able to find me with my name, birthday, address, credit card #, and passport #.

Pardon my ignorance, but can one call AMEX to apply over the phone 24/7, or does the call have to be during EST business hours?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Excellent! Thank you for your replies and support. I'll keep you posted!

I actually don't have an ITIN either -- forgot to apply for it, whoops -- but hopefully they'll be able to find me with my name, birthday, address, credit card #, and passport #.

Pardon my ignorance, but can one call AMEX to apply over the phone 24/7, or does the call have to be during EST business hours?

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Anytime

[Anonymous]

Assuming I apply for the charge card first (which is what every seems to suggest, for some reason??), is all hope lost for 2 cards on 1 HP if I don't get an automatic approval?

If not, should I submit the second application while the first one is pending, or right after a decision is made? Or should I tell the guy on the phone from the start that I'm applying for two cards?

[taxi818]

It's not guaranteed. I apped for the delta first. Then went for the charge. Did not make a difference.

[Anonymous]

You're in same situation as myself. I appd for Amex Gold Rewards this morning. Went pending. Got the approval email 6 hrs later. I called to ask about applying for BCE or BCP under same HP, but girl said it's 50/50 whether they'll HP a second time, and absolutely no way of knowing. Gotta do it to find out. So I've been on the fence all day whether to apply or not. If I do, I'll update.

[Anonymous]

Did you go for it or not?