AMEX Optima question

[Anonymous]

DW has had an Optima Platinum since 1989. Not via the Oasis program, just Optima.

She carried balance on it for a long time and then I took over the bills and paid it off. Mostly in fear they would CLD her again. They took her from 9K to 6.2K about 18 months ago. So far, so good now. Small charges, PIF. Currently the website offers her numerous other cards; blue, blue sky, plat, gold, green.

The questions:

Are the cards that come up as offers when you are signed-in a "sure thing"?

Why is there any advantage to changing from the Optima other than most people now think of it as a second chance card because of Oasis?

This card is still in her previous name (before marrying me). Will changing her last name on the card cause AMEX to go into cardiac arrest?

Message Edited by contractor on 12-11-2008 10:43 PM

[Anonymous]

I've had an Optima platinum since 1995. People in the Oasis program don't get the Platinum. Most people actually mistake my card for the Platinum charge with the 400 annual fee. Amex has since discontinued this card, from what I've heard. I'll be interested in seeing what happens when mine expires in March 09. Most people outside of the credit forums have never even heard of the Oasis program, so I wouldn't be overly concerned with any stigma attached to using the card.

Pre-approved offers are not a "sure thing" My colleague just recieved a pre-approval for the Hilton honors card. She was denied with a 740 Fico due to high utilization. 

I don't think making a name change would be a big deal, but you never know with Amex these days.

[Watchmann]

I've had an Optima card since 1990.  It was AMEX's first foray into the credit card world.  At that time it was only available as a companion to a Green/Gold charge card.  AF was $15 as I remember.  I've used it constantly since 1990 as AMEX has increased my CL to a high level and my interest rate is prime + 2.49% if I ever roll any charges over.  If it is working for you I wouldn't change a thing.  Who cares if it is used as an Oasis program now, all merchants care is, 'will the card be honored'?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

The questions:

Are the cards that come up as offers when you are signed-in a "sure thing"?

Why is there any advantage to changing from the Optima other than most people now think of it as a second chance card because of Oasis?

This card is still in her previous name (before marrying me). Will changing her last name on the card cause AMEX to go into cardiac arrest?

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Q. Are the cards that come up as offers when you are signed-in a "sure thing"?

We've been trying to figure this one out for a while. I believe the general consensus around the forum is that they offer the same preapproval cards to just about everyone, so I wouldn't assume it to be a gauranteed approval. 

Q.Why is there any advantage to changing from the Optima other than most people now think of it as a second chance card because of Oasis?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Changing from the Optima to whatever card you wish would have the advantage of a rewards program you like better, but I'm not sure if that's what you mean. 

Q.This card is still in her previous name (before marrying me). Will changing her last name on the card cause AMEX to go into cardiac arrest?

As weird as Amex is, I really don't see this as an issue. If anything, maybe they might like it as married people tend to be a bit more responsible. Kinda like how car insurance companies see it maybe?

[Anonymous]

Thanks all.

I think I'll advise her to keep what she has and change her name on it. 

The Optima is eligible for standard rewards and has no AF. That's good enough because she doesn't use it a lot.

[Anonymous]

Follow up:  I sent an email to AMEX asking how to change name on account. They responded promptly and were very helpful. Said she had to call in and make the request, no documentation needed. She called, they were polite and helpful, overnighted the card and it arrived this morning. Optima Platinum in her new name. Zero problems. Very unlike what I have been hearing about Amex.