Just wanted to share a data point for anyone who’s been through Chapter 7 and is wondering when (or if) American Express will ever let them back in. My Chapter 7 bankruptcy was discharged on April 11, 2019. I had four Amex cards included in the bankruptcy, totaling about $8,600, which I did not pay back.
Over the years, I’ve tried Amex’s prequalification tool several times with no luck; most recently earlier this year, still nothing. But a few weeks ago, I noticed that on my Credit Karma account, Amex cards started showing up in my pre-approvals and “recommended cards” section. Curious, I went directly to Amex’s prequalification tool, and to my surprise, I was prequalified for multiple cards. I decided to try my luck and applied...and was approved for both the Blue Cash Preferred ($6,000 SL) and the Amex Platinum, both on 10/23/2025, about 6 years and 6 months post bankruptcy discharge.
I know Amex is known for having a long memory and for being tough to get back in with if you burned them in bankruptcy, especially without repayment. So I’m thrilled (and shocked) that they let me back in!
