Hey everyone! I'm not currently app'ing for new credit, but growing CL's where possible with SP's. I just want to share my experience, in case anyone else has run into this issue.
I've had Amex ED card for 8 months with $1K CL, tried for CLI around 91+ days ...instant denial. No biggie, I had a lot going on with app'ing, new accounts etc. I had good padding, so I was okay with just sliding my foot in the door

I tried again somewhere around the 6 month mark...denied again. Now I was aggy because I've been "good" with my credit handling since I started rebuilding, but I stayed strong...til now.
Fast forward, last night I was on the Amex app & tried Spending Power for kicks...entered $2500...countered with $2k. So I figured maybe I'm eligible for a CLI now...? I went online & of course I tried the 3x CLI to get to $3K (?why not $2k - may have been instant - Duh!). I got the 7-10 day message, called the # in the email immediately...automated system said I didn't have an app in the past 60 days..? Huh. Ok, so I applied again via phone. Denied! 7-10 day. Wait for letter. Now, I'm mad because I thought I kept resetting the request clock.
Today I hopped on chat, explained my error with submitting multiple apps & pleaded my case (low CL, can't spend, good credit behavior). The rep saw the app but it wasn't in process..? Long story short, re-apped - Denied AGAIN with same 7-10 day message.
I'm persistent at times, and gained a lot of patience, especially with credit. I didn't feel like it was time to throw in the towel just yet.
My final attempt for the next 90+ days was calling & pleading my case. I called the phone # on the back of my card. They weren't able to assist, but escalated my concern for manual review, which can take up to 48 hours. I forgot to ask if it would be a hard pull, or which CR they used. I just didn't feel a denial was reasonably justified by a robot or computer. A manual review was warranted because the denials always have an old credit score.
Just checked my app...$1K -->>> $3K

))
No HP alert
Fico 08 EX 674 TU 695 EQ 655
1 baddie from 2014
Util: 20% overall
JetBlue $25.3k
NFCU Amex $25k
NFCU GoRewards $24k
Citi AAdvantage $20k
Macy's Platinum $20k
Wells Fargo Reflect $15.5k
Chase Freedom Unlimited $12.5k
Discover IT $11.9k
Cap One QS $11,750
PayPal MC $9.5k
Amex Cash Magnet $7.9k
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards $7.5k
Amex EveryDay $5.5k
Victoria’s Secret $5k
Heritage FCU Platinum $2k
PenFed $500
*Total CL: $203,850*
**Lines of Credit**
NLOC $6k
US Alliance $2k
FICO 8..... 4/25/17: EQ 648 - EX 654 - TU 632
FICO 8..... 8/27/18: EQ 684 - EX 696 - TU 713
FICO8..... 1/14/22: EX 713 - EQ 703 -TU 723
FICO 8..... 4/7/23: EX 713 - EQ 715 -TU 729
FICO 8......4/30/23: EX 733
FICO 8…..3/8/25: EX 747