AMEX Applications Soft vs Hard Pulls

[jwcc1205]

Hello everyone,

I was considering applying for another American Express card in the next few months. I am already a card holder with a gold card that I love and am hoping to expand to some of their other products. I know AMEX doesn't tend to do hard pulls when you apply for another card. I am curious if there is a chance of a hard pull if I am approved or denied for another card. I don't want to poke the bear with them just yet, just planning my credit applications for the year.

Thank you!

[4sallypat]

Most of the time if you are a current client, Amex will do a SP.

But it's been known that they may do a HP on occasion, so your YMMV.

FYI, I have a personal Plat for over 29 years and apped for the Amazon Prime Business a few months ago and it was a SP.

[FinStar]

Yes, there's always a chance. Most established AENB profiles can usually be approved for another card via SP, but it's not always guaranteed.

[HHH71]

I have 4 Amex cards; First was Hilton Surpass that was a Hard Pull ( later PC to the Aspire with no pull). I then got the Platinum card; no hard pull, I assume soft pull. I then got the Blue Cash Preferred, no hard pull. I then got the Marriott Brilliant Bonvoy no hard pull.

So my experience with 4 cards and numerous CLI is only one hard pull. The three Credit Limit cards are at a combined $52,000 and the last time I did a check on my platinum I put in $50,000 and he said green light.

That's been my experience.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

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@HHH71 wrote:

I have 4 Amex cards; First was Hilton Surpass that was a Hard Pull ( later PC to the Aspire with no pull). I then got the Platinum card; no hard pull, I assume soft pull. I then got the Blue Cash Preferred, no hard pull. I then got the Marriott Brilliant Bonvoy no hard pull.

So my experience with 4 cards and numerous CLI is only one hard pull. The three Credit Limit cards are at a combined $52,000 and the last time I did a check on my platinum I put in $50,000 and he said green light.

That's been my experience.

Good luck

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Right, this is the most common situation, but as others have said, not universal (and we don't know what determines  a HP vs SP on subsequent cards).

So, if for some reason you really want to limit HPs now, either delay to a better time, or, just consider Amex as a card you MIGHT get a HP on and evaluate it that way vs other possible cards you could apply for.

I would estimate here (with very little thought indeed) that probably 75+% get SPd on subsequent cards, maybe higher, but again, that's a (made-up) average and any individual can certainly get a HP.

ETA: and since we are referring to personal experiences, two of my FIRST cards with a lender were also SPd, NASA FCU and Citizens.   The first was a moment in time, and I certainly wouldn't advise people applying there now to avoid an HP.  Citizens was much more recent, but I don't know how common that is.

[bigseegar]

My history with AmEx is a long, deep, rich and long story. But as others have said there is no real rhyme or reason behind card approval pulls with them. "Usually" once you're in other cards are a SP. BUT with that said I have 6 AmEx cards and my first two cards "back in" with then were both HP's and were only 4 days apart. The other 4 were all SP. So you just never know for sure. As to "poking the bear". AX isn't really a bear like say Synchrony is. As long as you have the credit history and salary to support it. AX doesn't really care how many cards you apply for or when really. They do have a 1 in 5 day and 2 in 90 days card limit (only applies to credit cards though and not charge cards) but I don't know how strict they really are with that. They are pretty strict with their time limits on CLI for sure though.

[coldfusion]

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@bigseegar wrote:

 They do have a 1 in 5 day and 2 in 90 days card limit (only applies to credit cards though and not charge cards) but I don't know how strict they really are with that. 

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There has been a critical mass of reports over the last few years showing that this is yet another rule of theirs (much like their organic 5-CC limit) that isn't universally enforced, to the point where there have been members here approved for 2 x CC on the same day.

Insofar as HP,  I took on on card #1,  another on card #4, and a 3rd one on card #8 with a clean/thick profile throughout.