The Definitive Amex 3X CLI Guide

[jgodfrey82]

This is my first post - I've been following all of the valuable information for a while.  I have quite a thick file, my favorite being the "unicorn" Amex Zync with NPSL that I've had since 2010, I get compliments everytime I use the card, its true, no one has ever seen an all white card!  I run around 5k a month through it, as well I have a Costco Amex since Nov 2012 with 6k limit, currently around 40% util on the Costco card, and around 40% limits total on all credit accounts.  between 670 and 690 in scores, and have about 18K in total credit card debt. 

I tried the CLI on the Costco card tonight, requested from 6K to 15K, gave me the 7-10 day message.  I've never had a CLI on this account, and have no negatives, and lots of accounts, credit, student, morgage, and auto.  Amex member since 2003 (no active card between 05 and 10, but still lists 03?)

Should I try calling tomorrow and talking to a CSR?  I really just want the increase to help my DTI, and possibly to make some large home imporvement purchases in the future, but I'm not sure what the best route is to try and get approved for the CLI without waiting any longer.

[tinom1234]

Recon. If it doesn't work, your utilization is high at 40% - pay it down to >10% to increase your DTI, lower utilization, and increase scores then try again. I think it's 90 or 91 days after a denial?

[09Lexie]

MyFico/Other Handle: 09Lexie
Initial CL: $3,000
61 day/181 day CLI: (please indicate whether 61day/181day also) 61 day -$9,000
Amex Utilization @ CLI:11%
Overall Utilization @ Last EX Soft Pull:< 15%
Ratio of Income/(Overall Available Credit) (4 decimal places): 2.4762
Number of new credit lines opened since opening Amex account or last Amex CLI: 2 ( inq's for CSP & Explorer were on sp)
Total $$ value of all transactions since Amex account opening or last Amex CLI: $675

[minipoly1]

MyFico/Other Handle: minipoly1
Initial CL: $7,500
61 day/181 day CLI: (please indicate whether 61day/181day also): 61days - $17,600
Amex Utilization @ CLI: 2%
Overall Utilization @ Last EX Soft Pull: 1%
Ratio of Income/(Overall Available Credit) (4 decimal places): 3.5164
Number of new credit lines opened since opening Amex account or last Amex CLI: 0 (They pulled me before applying for CSP)
Total $$ value of all transactions since Amex account opening or last Amex CLI: 2125

[longtermgardener]

MyFico/Other Handle: longtermgardener
Initial CL: $15,000
61 day/181 day CLI: (please indicate whether 61day/181day also): 181 days - $23,000
Amex Utilization @ CLI: 16%
Overall Utilization @ Last EX Soft Pull: 11%
Ratio of Income/(Overall Available Credit) (4 decimal places): 4.43
Number of new credit lines opened since opening Amex account or last Amex CLI: 0 (I opened Marriott rewards card last week which is not yet reported)
Total $$ value of all transactions since Amex account opening or last Amex CLI: >8000

[bigbang91]

Hi guys, I read on previous threads that Amex dislike carrying balance, is that true? I got my Amex for about 2 weeks and used 700 out of 2k. My question is should i PIF before statement closing date, or after the balance posted then PIF. Which way would help me to get 3x CLI when my 61 days come? Also, does heavy usage better than dont use it ?Thanks

[Revelate]

MyFico/Other Handle: Revelate
Initial CL: $1,000

Original 61 Day CL : $3,000

Today 181 Day CL: $9,000
Amex Utilization @ CLI: 7.5%
Overall Utilization @ Last EX Soft Pull:< 10%
Ratio of Income/(Overall Available Credit) (4 decimal places): 12.59% of income after CLI
Number of new credit lines opened since opening Amex account: 0
Total $$ since last Amex CLI: $6,306.98

High Statement Balance since last Amex CLI: $2,963.87/$3,000 - 98.8% utilization

Smells like victory

[Revelate]

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@bigbang91 wrote:

Hi guys, I read on previous threads that Amex dislike carrying balance, is that true? I got my Amex for about 2 weeks and used 700 out of 2k. My question is should i PIF before statement closing date, or after the balance posted then PIF. Which way would help me to get 3x CLI when my 61 days come? Also, does heavy usage better than dont use it ?Thanks

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When we say carrying a balance, we mean carrying a balance from month to month to month.

Amex appears to be just fine with a balance being reported, and then a lump sum payment after the statement closes.  This is how their charge cards have traditionally worked and anecodtally people (including myself, see post right above this one) have found that doing the same on their revolvers absolutely doesn't hamper things.

I think out of the entire time I've had my BCP, I've paid before the statement closes exactly once when I was trying to play silly reindeer games with my FICO.  Following the advice from other forum members and my own theories, twice I've used >95% of my limit on my card, let it report, then immediately paid, and I was successful on both my 61 day CLI and also the subsequent 181 day CLI.

[bigbang91]

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@Revelate wrote:

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@bigbang91 wrote:

Hi guys, I read on previous threads that Amex dislike carrying balance, is that true? I got my Amex for about 2 weeks and used 700 out of 2k. My question is should i PIF before statement closing date, or after the balance posted then PIF. Which way would help me to get 3x CLI when my 61 days come? Also, does heavy usage better than dont use it ?Thanks

---

When we say carrying a balance, we mean carrying a balance from month to month to month.

Amex appears to be just fine with a balance being reported, and then a lump sum payment after the statement closes.  This is how their charge cards have traditionally worked and anecodtally people (including myself, see post right above this one) have found that doing the same on their revolvers absolutely doesn't hamper things.

I think out of the entire time I've had my BCP, I've paid before the statement closes exactly once when I was trying to play silly reindeer games with my FICO.  Following the advice from other forum members and my own theories, twice I've used >95% of my limit on my card, let it report, then immediately paid, and I was successful on both my 61 day CLI and also the subsequent 181 day CLI.

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Thanks for the advice, i will use my 2k amex to pay monthly rent (1800) then paid off right after statement closes.  Hope i get the good news b4 Christmas (my 61 day is 3 weeks b4)

[ac921ol]

am I able to ask more then 3x??? (My limit is 1k) I have a CSP for 5k and a Barclays Sallie Mae for 3.5k??

am I able to ask for a CLI 61 days and then I can ask for another 181days after the 61days??? or is that combined with the 61 days (so an extra 120 days)???

thanks