Amex CLI advice

[Peterparkyr]

I'm planning to request a CLI from AMEX on my blue cash card.  Currently CL at 5k.  Card has been open for 2 years.  No previous CLIs.  Paid as agreed.  I was declined for a CLI request 3 months ago due high monthly balances on the card.  I've address the reason for decline.

Questions:

Should I unfreeze my credit reports before requesting a CLI with AMEX?

Should I limit my request to 3x the current CL?

Thanks!

[JoeRockhead]

---

@Peterparkyr wrote:

I'm planning to request a CLI from AMEX on my blue cash card.  Currently CL at 5k.  Card has been open for 2 years.  No previous CLIs.  Paid as agreed.  I was declined for a CLI request 3 months ago due high monthly balances on the card.  I've address the rain for decline.

Questions:

Should I unfreeze my credit reports before requesting a CLI with AMEX?

Should I limit my request to 3x the current CL?

Thanks!

---

No need to unfreeze reports, and yes 3x is the max they'd give you on a request.

[Peterparkyr]

Thanks @JoeRockhead !

[Peterparkyr]

UPDATE:

@JoeRockhead  thanks again for the good advice.  It worked as you suggested.

Requested CLI this morning and APPROVED.

5K to 15K, instantly.  Credit files remained frozen.

My next question is the have others had success going from 15k to 45k (which I'll try in 90 days)?

[JoeRockhead]

I'm sure people have had success going that high, but be aware that requests going above $35k increase the likelihood of them initiating a FR (financial review) which can entail providing POI up to, and including pay stubs, bank statements and income tax filings, so be prepared for that if that's what you choose to request next time you're eligible.

Congratulations on your new limit @Peterparkyr ! 

[Varsity_Lu]

---

@Peterparkyr wrote:

UPDATE:

@JoeRockhead  thanks again for the good advice.  It worked as you suggested.

Requested CLI this morning and APPROVED.

5K to 15K, instantly.  Credit files remained frozen.

My next question is the have others had success going from 15k to 45k (which I'll try in 90 days)?

---

Congrats on the CLI!  As far as your jump from $15k to $45k, it kind of depends on your income.  Some of us have had the experience that AmEx will not extend credit above 45%-50% of your declared annual income.  When you get close, don't be offended if they ask for income verification.  If your declared income is only $50k, I'm going to guess you'll get a quick "no" on $45k.  If your income is $100k or higher, they may be ok with it.  Many people have gone from $1k to $3k to $9k to $27k in a year.  But once you start to reach the upper limit, expect denials to happen.

[Peterparkyr]

Thanks for the solid direction @JoeRockhead  and @Varsity_Lu!  Very helpful, specific, and correlative accounts.

I'm curious if those with POI have had success jumping from 15k to 45k?  If the POI is the typical barrier I'll be fine.  I don't want to go in ask for something that AMEX simply doesn't do.  Per your advice it sounds like I'm safe to go for 45k in 3 months.  I'll shoot and and see what happens.  Thanks again!

[Varsity_Lu]

---

@Peterparkyr wrote:

Thanks for the solid direction @JoeRockhead  and @Varsity_Lu!  Very helpful, specific, and correlative accounts.

I'm curious if those with POI have had success jumping from 15k to 45k?  If the POI is the typical barrier I'll be fine.  I don't want to go in ask for something that AMEX simply doesn't do.  Per your advice it sounds like I'm safe to go for 45k in 3 months.  I'll shoot and and see what happens.  Thanks again!

---

Worst case scenario they say no and you ask again 90 days later. They may even counter offer. They did that with my wife.

[FicoMike0]

I found amex willing to go 3X until I hit 45% reported income. That's total exposure with two cards. My last request, $3000 to $9000, I got $5900, was on hilton, which gets little use. My next request will be on bcp, which is a daily driver. I think I'll request $27,000 to $35,000, which would take me to 50%.

[Peterparkyr]

UPDATE:

Following up 90 days after my previous increase to $15k.  Requested $45k (denied and counter offer provided).  Was approved for $27k.  Total CL with AMEX is now $35k including 2 other cards in addition to npsl platinum card.  Will test again in 90 days and provide an update.

All in all, $27k ain't bad for a card that started at $5k with a denied CLI request earlier this year!  My only problem now is deciding whether to use this one or the platinum, which has helly perks and points.