AMEX: Check Your Spending Limit

[tntexans72]

Why a shortcut to FR?

[Watchmann]

Quit playing around with this button, it is not an innocent exercise as you are asking AMEX to do some calculations as to whether you will be approved for an ANTICIPATED charge.  If you aren't going to go through with the charge why ask to be approved for it.?  There is no sense using an internet stick to poke the sleeping bear of AMEX.  After 31 years as a cardmember I have found the less contact you have with AMEX the better; you leave them alone and they will leave you alone.  Too many new cardholders feel they have to have some personal relationship with AMEX. 

[flyingmd]

+1

[sybo40]

Okay, THIS POST just made me scream with laughter!  BUT, I believe it to be true.  I did this three times after receiving the card (checked for $5K, $10K, and $15K) and BOING...what happened after the first 42 days with the card?  FR!  I think we all feel as though we should get immediate acknowldgement, respect, and admiration from AMEX simply because we were approved and "got into the club."   I would CERTAINLY follow the advice of someone who has been with AMEX for as long as this poster has (30+ years) and just use the card responsibly.  They can cut you off at any time FOR ANY REASON, so there is no point in trying to develop a personal relationship with them...it's ALL BUSINESS!  Just my two cents. 

[CS800]

One of the factor with AMEX is that the NPSL is not really a NPSL. But as many have said, don't push your luck and stay under the radar. You don't want AMEX to start micromanaging you.

[Anonymous]

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@CS800 wrote:

One of the factor with AMEX is that the NPSL is not really a NPSL. But as many have said, don't push your luck and stay under the radar. You don't want AMEX to start micromanaging you.

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+1

I only used the Check Your Spending button once. It was the day that I received the card and I wanted to make sure that it was good to go. I only tested a $200 charge, nothing outrageous. After that, I've stayed far, far away from the button.

I just use my card for reasonable purchases -- things that I KNOW that I can afford to pay for right away -- and then PIF as soon as the statement cuts. I prefer to stay well under the radar and not draw any attention to myself.

[scottwagnon]

i have had the dreaded Account Review come up on my CR a dozen or so times. they did it like every 2 weeks for like the first 3 months i had my blue cash. somehow i have steered clear of the radar.

poke. poke. poke.

and i did just get approved for the pr gold card. i plan to close it anyway next year so i don't have to pay the fee. i don't plan on using the check your spending ability for my new gold card until at least 60 days. in fact i plan on using the card as little as possible. i only got it so i could boost my open AAoA, that and so i could say i had it at one time.

[SevenNEW]

Never touched the button!!

[MrShush]

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@sybo40 wrote:

Okay, THIS POST just made me scream with laughter!  BUT, I believe it to be true.  I did this three times after receiving the card (checked for $5K, $10K, and $15K) and BOING...what happened after the first 42 days with the card?  FR!  I think we all feel as though we should get immediate acknowldgement, respect, and admiration from AMEX simply because we were approved and "got into the club."   I would CERTAINLY follow the advice of someone who has been with AMEX for as long as this poster has (30+ years) and just use the card responsibly.  They can cut you off at any time FOR ANY REASON, so there is no point in trying to develop a personal relationship with them...it's ALL BUSINESS!  Just my two cents. 

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There it is. Don't tempt fate and DON'T touch the button!!!

[OhioCPA]

I used the spending limit button a lot when I first opened my three accounts in May. Most of the time I had a legitimate purpose in checking different limits.  So far, no FR.

As far as other activity that supposedly cause FR, I have used my card at McD and Wendy's and for other small purchases. I did tell DS who is an AU on one of the accounts to not use it as Walmart.  He has other cards available so no need to risk that one.

While I don't fear a FR, there does appear to be certain activity that could cause a FR that have been reported here and elsewhere. Using an Amex to rent furniture or appliances seems to get their attention. Having multiple AU's who don't use their cards or having an AU who used the card more than the primary card holder all seem to be high risk for FR.