What credit score should I have before apply to AMEX?

[tparks5961]

Quick question for you guys.

My current scores are listed below:

EQ -629

TU -612

EX -644

What is the lowest needed before safely apping with AMEX.. Can I get some real life Scores from when you guys were approved.

Thank you 

[Anonymous]

You should have at least a 670 Experian FICO 8 score if applying for one of their core cards.  Amex will approve you with a lower score, especially if you're applying for a co-branded card, but you'll likely get a small starting credit limit and will have to wait 180 days for an increase.

Personally, in 2017 I was approved for a Blue Cash card with a 644 Experian FICO 8 but I'd been an Amex member since 1995 which likely helped.

[CreditInspired]

Hi OP and welcome to MyFICO

Please note that scores are not the only thing that matters. It’s your overall credit profile and income.

So in addition to @maizeandblue advice re: a 670 score, there should also be no baddies on your report. You also should have low inqs and low UT, and, a reasonable income.

If you want more targeted advice, provide your stats and we’ll guide you in the right direction.

Also, are those FICO scores because they’re the only ones that will count?

[SomewhereIn505]

OP - did you try the AmEx prequal?

Just know that if you’ve burned AmEx in the past, have a wide range in the APR for a revolver, chances are it’s a good preapproval. 

[tparks5961]

The above listed scores are indeed Fico scores.

The biggest problem I have with my credit profile is a repo I had in 2013 with First Fidelity out of Oklahoma.

They repo'd the card,  never closed they account, have an outstanding balance of $6,000.00 and update to all three bureaus monthly as if were a current delinquent account.

It's the negative account that keeps giving and giving.

[Remedios]

---

@tparks5961 wrote:

The above listed scores are indeed Fico scores.

The biggest problem I have with my credit profile is a repo I had in 2013 with First Fidelity out of Oklahoma.

They repo'd the card,  never closed they account, have an outstanding balance of $6,000.00 and update to all three bureaus monthly as if were a current delinquent account.

It's the negative account that keeps giving and giving.

---

It might be easier to guess your chances if you list a specific card you have in mind.  

[RonM21]

Op, just curious, but do you at all plan on trying to do anything about that delinquent account? That would be a huge key overall in your profile.

[seattlecredit08]

---

@CreditInspired wrote:
Hi OP and welcome to MyFICO

Please note that scores are not the only thing that matters. It’s your overall credit profile and income.

@Anonymous in addition to @Anonymous advice re: a 670 score, there should also be no baddies on your report. You also should have low inqs and low UT, and, a reasonable income.

If you want more targeted advice, provide your stats and we’ll guide you in the right direction.

Also, are those FICO scores because they’re the only ones that will count?

---

From my personal experience-- 670-675 Exp FICO 8 is generally the safe threshold to apply for AMEX. I was denied at around 660 and got in at around 675.

With respect to baddies-- I think as long as these are old (e.g. older than 5 years), AMEX will overlook them. I had a couple of old chargeoffs when I got in with AMEX.

I personally think that charge cards (Platinum, Gold, Green) and co-branded cards (such as Delta) are the easiest to get. However, the problem with applying for co-brands with 670-675 FICO is that the limits given may be low ($1000-$2000).

With respect to charge cards, there are pluses and minuses--   they do not report limits, some of them have high annual fees; they do typically offer a pay over time feature.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I was at around 680 when I got approved for the BCP with 1 old derog around 5 years on file that I have settled in full via collections a while back. Fellow posters on here have mentioned there are other factors of course like how much income, own home and so forth. Hang tight you’re on your way!

[tparks5961]

I was hoping to let it fall of my report in 1.2 yrs, but i think i may have to pay it.