Opening numerous cards in a short period of time is, to someone like Amex, the behavior of a churner. That's a sure fire way to get on their radar and not be eligible for any SUBs. You were already approved for the card once, closed it, and tried to open it again along with your other cards that were recently opened. As long as you're using them responsibly, you should be eligible for the SUBs in the future. You're just going to need to take it slow.
Years ago, I got the BCE and ED within 12 months of each other (probably 9 months apart or so). A few months after getting the ED, I got the Gold (probably just over a year after getting the BCE). I got the SUB on each of these. Shortly thereafter, I had an unexpected trip and tried for the Delta Gold to get the SUB for the trip. Despite being preapproved, I got the no SUB pop up, and decided not to apply. That pop up is their friendly way to tell you to cool the jets. It took about a year for me to not get the no SUB pop up anymore, and I can now get their SUBs for anything again.
@W261w261 wrote:@bigseegar, you might have been remembering my experience. I apped the BCP, was approved at lower limit, closed the card immediately, changed my mind (discovered I could transfer CL from another card), reapplied, was denied, waited 2 or 3 weeks, saw I was pre-approved, apped again, and got the no-Sub pop-up. Hopped over to Navy, got the More Rewards with a better CL (was my 2nd card with them, Visa Sig was 1st), pondered my situation, decided to go for the Amex BC, got denied because of "too much recent activity in the Blue family." Whew! Thank goodness for SP's.
@W261w261 Nah, it was the OP in this post
https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/AMEX-Bonvoy-SUB-UPDATE-Message-7/m-p/6416397#M1793791
@bigseegar Yes, I had this card in 2018. I am pretty sure you saw my other posts that at that time I started maxing out my cards so AMEX CLDed the limit which was already low (from $2k to $1.2k). In 2020 I closed the card.
I did not have other AMEX cards at the time.
I don't believe closing a card is a reason for denial. I mean after all they did approve me for a Delta card which I had in 2014 and closed it too. The app right now is in reconsideration. If they end up affirming their decision that's fine, I'll give it time to cool off and try next year.
The SUB is never my goal when applying for a CC, sure it's nice but I think of the overall use of the card in the long run. Unlike most people who open a card with a AF to get the SUB with the intention of closing the card or downgrading I find that unethical and do not engage in that type of action myself.
That being said, with AMEX I never ever received a SUB. My CLs for any card I opened with them between 2012-2018 was always stuck at a $1k CL which was not nearly enough to encourage me to spend to get a SUB.
The problem is that AMEX refuses to realize that. If they just take a look at my history they'll realize that I got no SUB ever!
@SouthernCredit wrote:Opening numerous cards in a short period of time is, to someone like Amex, the behavior of a churner. That's a sure fire way to get on their radar and not be eligible for any SUBs. You were already approved for the card once, closed it, and tried to open it again along with your other cards that were recently opened. As long as you're using them responsibly, you should be eligible for the SUBs in the future. You're just going to need to take it slow.
Years ago, I got the BCE and ED within 12 months of each other (probably 9 months apart or so). A few months after getting the ED, I got the Gold (probably just over a year after getting the BCE). I got the SUB on each of these. Shortly thereafter, I had an unexpected trip and tried for the Delta Gold to get the SUB for the trip. Despite being preapproved, I got the no SUB pop up, and decided not to apply. That pop up is their friendly way to tell you to cool the jets. It took about a year for me to not get the no SUB pop up anymore, and I can now get their SUBs for anything again.
@dunn2500 The welcome offer denial isn't just a random occurrence.
If what @bigseegar mentioned is the history then that probably explains the SUB denial.
If the card is important to you then go for it without the bonus. That would demonstrate to amex that you're not just chasing bonus and closing cards for game. Otherwise, no telling on when welcome offers will show back up. There is a lot of discussion here about that which might help you get an idea when to expect to see amex offer cash/point sign up incentives to you again.
I specify cash/point above because I don't know if they withhold other things like 1st year waived annual fee or 0% APR, etc perks also.
@CreditPacMansorry, got on a tangent didn't intend to promote hijacking of your thread.
@CreditPacMan wrote:The SUB is never my goal when applying for a CC, sure it's nice but I think of the overall use of the card in the long run. Unlike most people who open a card with a AF to get the SUB with the intention of closing the card or downgrading I find that unethical and do not engage in that type of action myself.
Same here!!
I appreciate that. Thanks for posting.
The status finally changed after a manual review and today it was officially declined.
The reasons provided on the letter are:
1- The length of time you have been a customer with American Express is too short.
2- The number of creditors who have reviewed your credit report.
3- The number of credit card accounts on which, in our estimation, you have not paid a majority of the balance in recent months as indicated in your credit report.
I am really scratching my head trying to understand #1 and #3. I have had numerous AMEX cards starting in 2012 all the way to 2020. For almost 15 months I did not have any AMEX cards and I just came back with them in October of 2021. Are they not counting my history with them in the past 10 years?
Also, my utilization is like 2% right now and out of 25 accounts I have open only 3 are reporting balances so not sure how to explain #3.
