Amex Premier Rewards Gold Approval!

[Anonymous]

Was instantly approved for an Amex PR Gold card with a 716 Equifax and TransUnion score along with a 704 FICO. Honestly, I was surprised considering my very young credit history (average age of my 2 credit cards is 8 months) and the fact I'm a student with relatively low income (36k a year).

However, it was a pre-approval offer (giving me higher odds of approval ( if you disagree, change my mind)), I have never missed a payment, and never let any of my cards go over 10% utilization. I should also mention that on my Amex Everyday card, I would spend anywhere from $2-3 thousand/month (on rent, parties , tuition, etc.) and usually pay it off the same week. On that note, does anyone know if Amex takes your spending habits (dare I say, spending power?) on other Amex cards into account for new applications?

I will admit, the AF is quite high ($195, after the 1st year), but I've added my dad as an authorized user and he travels often for business. So while he's getting complimentary upgrades and $75 credits at hotels (a perk of Amex PR Gold if you book through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts), I'm earning points. So for anyone who is considering a card of this caliber, but isn't quite sure whether the AF is worth it, I would recommend maybe finding a family member or an expensive girlfriend to add as an authorized user. First post done! I love myFICO Forums!

[Anonymous]

Congrats on approval

[Anonymous]

@RowdyReptile

Super Congrats on your Amex Premier Rewards Gold approval!

To answer your basic question: Yes, American Express does pay

attention to how you handle all of your accounts, especially your

other Amex products. Traditionally, Amex is a charge card company that

prefers "transaction" customers who frequently use their cards and PIF monthly.

This is because Amex transaction fees are historically higher than Visa/MC/Discover,

and it also explains why some merchants are reluctant to offer Amex. But in recent

years, Amex has modified their business model to go after a younger demographic

and customers with thin files (3 or less tradelines on credit reports). So enjoy your

approval, and thanks for sharing your success!

[Anonymous]

Congrats!

[AverageJoesCredit]

Congrats

Serious question.....Where do I find an expensive girlfriend? I'll even take a Sugar Mama, I'm not picky

[Anonymous]

Check your local college bar. You should have no problem finding one there!

[Anonymous]

Congats on your approval!

[CreditRebuilder2020]

Young credit history but you're proof on just how important those scores are. 700+ for the PRG is prime territory. I'm someone rebuilding my credit with an Amex Green Card, I have loved this thing and have only had it for two months. I cannot wait to upgrade to the PRG. 

It is what it is with Amex and the fees, even my green card has a $95 fee after the first year, I'm hoping after year one I can upgrade to PRG. I have spent $5K on my Green in the first 3 months. PIF. I spend everything on this card hoping to build up a nice rapport with my Amex, this is my first go around with them. 

I think I would take the PRG over the platinum just because of the point structure on restaurants/supermarkets/gas stations. I also have my Dad on my Amex account, but with the green card right now, he spends a lot of money on gas so I'm hoping when I upgrade to the PRG he can help me really rack up those MR points. 

[redheadtempe36]

I was in the same boat as you CreditBuilder.  Medicore credit but approved for the green card (with the AF waived the 1st year).  The day my annual fee hit, I called and asked to be upgraded to the PRG and didn't have an issue.  The $195 AF is pricey, but if you fly even twice a year, you can burn through that $100 airline credit, plus I've used the roadside assistance 2 times which would have been at least $50 bucks a pop.

I have no qualms about paying the $195.  Plus, in my mind, I use it for everything I would have paid cash for anyway (groceries, gas, etc.) - not large purchases, so having to pay in full at the end of the month is no big deal for me.  I really like it.

[19eighty5]

Congratulations on your approval!