Trying to get my foot in the door with Amex

[Anonymous]

I am hoping to obtain a card from Amex soon but my file is very thin, mostly store cards and one Milestone MC I’d love to get rid of. Paid cash for too many years. My AAOA is only 7 months and my oldest acct is 8 months. Payment history is 100%, no baddies on CR, scores are in the 670-ish range FICO. I was ajust added to a Lowe’s card with an $8000 SL but that card is only 6 months old. Should I wait till my accounts reach 1 year to try and app for something from Amex? My ultimate Amex goal is one of the Hilton Honors cards, as I stay at Hilton often when traveling. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Anonymous]

They tend to like thin files but the AAOA might be an issue. It could go either way I think but if you can spare burning an inquiry I’d try now and if you’re denied then try again in six months.

[Anonymous]

I think the best way is to check for any Pre-qualified offers available on the AMEX website. Although your Credit age is really young, I think AMEX will not have any problems getting you in so as long as your file is clean. The only thing I see happening is that they probably will start you off with a low limit. Another good option is to start with their Charge Cards as the UW for those are less strict that the regular revolvers. I think you have a good chance, just make sure to check your offers first. And apply for the card that you think you can use and grow with. Good Luck

[luxlight]

Honestly you might have a chance. I only had one credit card open (Discover IT) when i applied for American Express BCE at 6 months AAoA and was approved with $1k starting line. Since you have alot of accounts open, it could deter them from extending you another line of credit though

[CantSmashThis]

I'm quite similar to the above poster. I had only 1 CC with Wells Fargo with $1k CL. I got denied for 3 cards (Chase Amazon, BoA Travel Rewards and Discover IT) and then applied for an Amex BCE with only 6 month credit history and got approved with a $1k SL.

They seem to be pretty kind to people with limited history. I got approved for their Amex Platinum with only 1y2m of history.

Best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

I got BCE on the first day I had a FICO score, 6mo of credit. Very thin file, no negatives. My score was 727, but mid-high 600s work.

The #1 review of Amex BCE on Credit Karma contains info that seems to have helped many. I'm sure it's not an absolute, ymmv... but it's worth reading. It worked for me. Actually, the  thread is helpful. So many variables by people that got or were denied Amex.

Basics...

6mo of credit history, (minimum to get a FICO score)

score of 690 (but many on myFICO say they got cards in your range and lower)

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice everyone

[EAJuggalo]

I got my Hilton card last year with a score of 660 and an AAoA of about 8 months.  I would go ahead and try now, if you don't get it I would think you'd be approved after you have a year of credit history.

[Snipper117]

I would def visit amex website and see if they have any "preapproved" offers for you.  I'm sure you can google and find the link to check your pre approved offers directly on amex website.  Also like an earlier poster said charge cards see to be easier to get approved for.

I got my first amex in 2014 when I had a thin credit file and amex has been absolutely great to me especially recently now that I'm managing my credit.

[RicHowe]

Go for one of the co-branded cards first. Delta or Hilton will have relaxed underwriting and you'll possibly get a higher starting limit.