AMEX BCP - website unclear

[crunching_numbers]

Does anyone know if Amex charges an annual fee for AU's on BCP? The website mentions a $75 annual fee, but says nothing about extra cards.  Also, how does upgrading go with Amex? Will there be an auto CLI? Everyone talks about some 3x thing? For background, the card is established (CR reports 1999), and I have another AMEX (Gold Rewards Plus- with NPSL but an outstanding debt of $17K) A few years ago (during the crunch) they CLD the Blue card from $12K to $1K. (for lack of use) If I upgrade it i would need a practical CL to make the cost part worth it.  Should I apply online for the upgrade, or try by phone? Regular CSR or go backdoor? Will the big balance on AMEX Gold hurt the process?

[clocktick]

Yes, there is a $75 AF for the BCP.  I was charged about a month after receiving the card.  I had an AU on it and there was no charge for that.  I asked for a CLI 3x the amount of my limit ($5k to $15k) and got it.  I waited to ask for the CLI because I had/have 2 other AMEX credit, non-charge, cards.  I do not think having the Gold card will hinder your acceptance.  I applied online I believe. 

[crunching_numbers]

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@clocktick wrote:

Yes, there is a $75 AF for the BCP.  I was charged about a month after receiving the card.  I had an AU on it and there was no charge for that.  I asked for a CLI 3x the amount of my limit ($5k to $15k) and got it.  I waited to ask for the CLI because I had/have 2 other AMEX credit, non-charge, cards.  I do not think having the Gold card will hinder your acceptance.  I applied online I believe. 

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Thanks clocktick!

One thing I did not think about. Is upgrading a HP with AMEX?  Is asking for the CLI a HP or SP?

[Anonymous]

SP for both.

[CS800]

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@crunching_numbers wrote:

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@clocktick wrote:

Yes, there is a $75 AF for the BCP.  I was charged about a month after receiving the card.  I had an AU on it and there was no charge for that.  I asked for a CLI 3x the amount of my limit ($5k to $15k) and got it.  I waited to ask for the CLI because I had/have 2 other AMEX credit, non-charge, cards.  I do not think having the Gold card will hinder your acceptance.  I applied online I believe. 

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Thanks clocktick!

One thing I did not think about. Is upgrading a HP with AMEX?  Is asking for the CLI a HP or SP?

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As far as I know CLI's with AMEX are softs

[crunching_numbers]

I got brave and hit the UPGRADE NOW button and recieved instant approval. 6% back on groceries alone makes this a no-brainer upgrade.  Only problem will be CL is too small.  Hopefully they will do a CLI. If fate is good to me, maybe it will arrive WITH an increase already there...  Any chance???

[afjock21]

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@crunching_numbers wrote:

I got brave and hit the UPGRADE NOW button and recieved instant approval. 6% back on groceries alone makes this a no-brainer upgrade.  Only problem will be CL is too small.  Hopefully they will do a CLI. If fate is good to me, maybe it will arrive WITH an increase already there...  Any chance???

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Any follow-up?? I got something and wish to just add it onto here...

If I was drinking while watching football I would be hitting the 'UPGRADE' AND 'CREDIT LIMIT INCREASE' buttons right now...

So I'm staring at the screen and tempted, but wanted to ask about it first on this great forum....

I got Blue, just regular Blue that's it! Crap rewards. I got an 'offer' to 'upgrade' to BCP.. should I hit this?? I want a CLI however... Should I hit 'INCREASE CREDIT LINE' first so as to not get screwed out of a CLI??? I guess I'm really almost forced to upgrade regardless as the 'BLUE' by itself is a horrendous card next to my Discover More.

[LS2982]

Should be no AF for a AU. You have to request CLI's with AMEX, typically 61 days after account activation.

[Anonymous]

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@afjock21 wrote:

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@crunching_numbers wrote:

I got brave and hit the UPGRADE NOW button and recieved instant approval. 6% back on groceries alone makes this a no-brainer upgrade.  Only problem will be CL is too small.  Hopefully they will do a CLI. If fate is good to me, maybe it will arrive WITH an increase already there...  Any chance???

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Any follow-up?? I got something and wish to just add it onto here...

If I was drinking while watching football I would be hitting the 'UPGRADE' AND 'CREDIT LIMIT INCREASE' buttons right now...

So I'm staring at the screen and tempted, but wanted to ask about it first on this great forum....

I got Blue, just regular Blue that's it! Crap rewards. I got an 'offer' to 'upgrade' to BCP.. should I hit this?? I want a CLI however... Should I hit 'INCREASE CREDIT LINE' first so as to not get screwed out of a CLI??? I guess I'm really almost forced to upgrade regardless as the 'BLUE' by itself is a horrendous card next to my Discover More.

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@ @AFjock:  i've had the Blue Cash since 2009, and I just called CSR about 2 months ago to ask for them to change me to the Blue Cash Everyday-- the CSR rep said that I can call at anytime to change my card as long as it's within the "BLUE" line of products... i.e. i could have made it the Blue Cash Preferred, or the Blue Sky card, it wouldnt matter.  The letter i received in the mail said i had 49 days from the date of the letter to change my mind, but i didnt since BCE's cash back rewards works better than the original Blue Cash rewards.

I also requested a CLI online a few days after I got the upgrade, and got an instant approval for $5k.   

Neither of those actions caused a HP from AmEx.

[afjock21]

annab- thanks so much! Did I mention I LOVE this place?!

Quickie about BLUE cards....

Isn't BCP and BCE basically the same thing except BCP has 6-3-1 which means much better? My brain is ready to get a headache trying to understand this.