apply for AMEX with an open Collection?

[FirstAscent]

Hello everyone, 

I'm considering applying for an AMEX in the next 2-4 months, I'm going to try to get my EX score higher first. However, I have an open Collection from about 2014 for ~$400 on my account that I disputed but nothing changed. Long story but I still dispute it but I don't think I'm gonna win this one. Would it help to just pay this collection off since I'm considering applying for new credit?

I currently have 1 credit card with WF and now with a 50% util, I'm going to pay it down to 3% or so next billing cycle to see what that does to my score. EX already jumped 50 points just by going from 92% util to 50%.

Also, actually just yesterday, a 2nd collection showed up. I've disputed this collection before a year or two ago and it was removed from my report (I don't remember which bureau it was though, it could have been EX still but I don't recall). Anyways I disputed it again today and hopefully it goes away again. It's older and set to come off my report in June 2019 (if I were to do nothing about it).

I'm going to wait a little then at least do the pre-qual and see what that says but I wanted to get any advice from anyone with similar experience. Do you think it will help to just pay the collection? Thanks for any advice

[Anonymous]

I got approved for the BCE and the Delta Blue with a score of 647 and 2 open collections in the beginning of this year.

[Anonymous]

I was approved for Amex with 7 collections (medical) and a score in the 650s, if I remember correctly. Check to see if you're prequalified first. If you are, just pull the trigger. Of course if you wait for the collections to fall off, you're more likely to get in with them with a higher SL. I was only approved for $500 which is Amex's version of "you barely got in". I'm still happy that I got in with Amex at all, though.

[FirstAscent]

Awesome, thanks for the replies! I feel a little better about it now =)

[Goal_Getter]

I was approved for the Amex Delta Gold with a $1000 SL last month. Experian score at the time was 625. No collections though. GOOD LUCK!

[FirstAscent]

I've been reading a lot and it seems the Delta Gold is easier to get with lower scores. I'm hoping when I'm ready to take the first step and fill out the pre-approval that it will say it's possible to be approved for the BCE or something similar. I never fly Delta, always Alaska, so someday I'd apply for the Alaska card =)

I'm anxious and wish I was ready now, we'll see what the near future holds!