AMEX Charge Cards - Check Spending Power

[Aim_High]

I was approved for my Gold card in August 2020 and it was the first AMEX charge card I've had since the 1980's.  Times have changed and one thing that was added over the years was the "Check Spending Power" button which is a handy way to be sure you won't be declined for larger purchases.  Of course, it's fun to hit the button and see how high you would be approved, but I've also heard it's wise not to overdo it as it can draw attention, perhaps as-if you were credit-seeking.   When I first got the card, I checked it a couple of times and think it only allowed me $20K or so.  By last month (after only five months), it allowed me $50K but I didn't try to push it to the denial limit.  Today, after making payment, I tried $60K and it was approved, and then I tried $75K and that was approved!  I was surprised how fast it climbed that high.   I don't need to spend $75K but it's nice to know AMEX already trusts me with that much for some reason. 

This just got me curious and I thought it would be an interesting discussion.  What's the largest figure anyone has tried and been approved?  I know we have some high rollers out there who might have seen six figures?  And has anyone had any negative consequences for checking it just for grins? 

[MyDataMyChoice]

Changes Hour by Hour based on info they have about you and the current market conditions.

Congrats on the current high spending power.

Others have said overuse of this feature may result in Finanacial Review. 

[K-in-Boston]

I've only done it once on my Business Platinum (even though I knew better) when I first got it about 13 months ago, but I believe it came back okay for $100k.  Before learning that it's really a no-no button unless you are actually planning to spend that amount, I know I did $75k on my personal Platinum a few years ago but didn't dare to ask higher.

Entering escalating amounts can set off fraud warnings.  Using the button, Amex expects you to actually be making a charge for that amount - so if the amount is near your internal limit it may actually cause other charges to be declined while funds for that "pre-approved charge" are on hold.  And repeated use of the button without actually making charges can also set off other red flags with Amex.  A previous Amex employee working in the Platinum/Centurion department has strongly advised that it is not a button to play with.

Here is a recent discussion on this, which in turn has links to previous discussions:

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Amex-Platinum-CLI/td-p/6233550/highlight/true

[Saleen099]

Back in 2018 NOW Hmmmmm

[FinStar]

Before the feature was available online, I had to call (years and years ago) on Platinum Biz to see if they would approve a higher than normal transaction, after a couple of brief holds $250,000 was approved.  It was not unusual for me to run $20K-$80K (single) transactions every other month on that card.

But, I don't find myself playing tickle-me-Elmo with that feature, well because I know better 😁

[Remedios]

lol boogeybutton..

I wouldn't rely on it even if it the amount in question is "approved" it ain't over till the well rounded lady sings. 

When I had to pay tuition for two kids, I let them snoop in my checking account for about a week before I made the charges. 

Individually, the amount for each child was under the limit ($17,000) at the time, but combined, it would have exceeded it. 

I paid for one, waited till it posted, then made partial payment, and paid for another one. At that point, I was over the limit. 

Once I paid those charges, I called them to kick them out. 

I find that to be an easier approach than Amex's version of reading tea leaves. 

Though, with that said, if I had any concerns regarding possibility of declined charge, I'd reach for Amex. 

[UncleB]

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@Remedios wrote:

Though, with that said, if I had any concerns regarding possibility of declined charge, I'd reach for Amex. 

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I have nothing meaningful to add about "the button," but I can definitely second this ^^^ based on my experience both years ago as well as in recent years.  Even without the button I never worry about my Green or EDP not working.

(Although to be fair U.S. Bank would be right up there with them... so far they've not been 'skeered' by anything I've thrown their way, and there's been some weird stuff.)

[KJinNC]

This is not an example you should follow, and I don't claim it proves anything, but when I first opened my Gold Card in 2019, I used the check purchase power button the max per day (three times) pretty much every day for about the first two months. Without getting into the weeds on my Amex history, I don't think it led to any ill effects. Based on that, I would NOT recommend doing what I did and heavily using it every day; but I think the paranoia about ever using it or using it once or twice over a period of years and being nervous about it then is a bit exaggerated on this board

[Aim_High]

Thanks for the comments and feedback, everyone.  I remembered that I had heard something about "playing" with the button excessively was to be avoided, but I didn't really know why.  That's why I've only done it a couple of times in a row, but it sounds like even that is dangerous.    Even after reading the links (which helped), it does seem odd that AMEX would make such a link so readily available without any cautionary label, but then sometimes become alarmed when curious people hit it to experiment!    Counter-intuitive to human nature and technology. 

I guess part of my curiosity is since I've heard the occasional stories of AMEX declining a charge (much less than $75K) so I thought having an idea of my spending limit would allay any concerns about a denial.  It's good to hear the confidence that some long-time users have in their AMEX charge cards being accepted. 

I'll make all efforts to not push that again, but I have to admit that's a cool screen shot, @Saleen099.   

[Remedios]

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@UncleB wrote:

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@Remedios wrote:

Though, with that said, if I had any concerns regarding possibility of declined charge, I'd reach for Amex. 

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I have nothing meaningful to add about "the button," but I can definitely second this ^^^ based on my experience both years ago as well as in recent years.  Even without the button I never worry about my Green or EDP not working.

(Although to be fair U.S. Bank would be right up there with them... so far they've not been 'skeered' by anything I've thrown their way, and there's been some weird stuff.)

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Same @UncleB  but Amex wins because I used physical card at the gas station, then there hours later someone ordered a pizza in Tokyo (spring, middle of shutdowns), and they let the charge go through. 

I'm like "okay,  if these peeps don't wanna inconvenience fraudsters, they will probably extend me the same courtesy" 😂