I've been considering the Hilton Surpass card from AMEX after doing some research into hotel cards and decided to bite the bullet on it. However, upon applying, I get a pop-up telling me that I'm not eligible for the welcome bonus. I did a bit more research and found out that people usually get that pop-up when AMEX finds that the applicant-in-question doesn't use their cards as they would like. That being said, I've only ever had the AMEX Gold and AMEX EveryDay, both of which are still open, and the Gold is my primary card for any food-related purchases. I use the AMEX EveryDay somewhat sparsely, generally just for monthly subscriptions. Would that be why, maybe?
For extra context, I'm currently in the 720's for TransUnion and Equifax.
Just doesn't make sense. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
@InnoVadoR wrote:I've been considering the Hilton Surpass card from AMEX after doing some research into hotel cards and decided to bite the bullet on it. However, upon applying, I get a pop-up telling me that I'm not eligible for the welcome bonus. I did a bit more research and found out that people usually get that pop-up when AMEX finds that the applicant-in-question doesn't use their cards as they would like. That being said, I've only ever had the AMEX Gold and AMEX EveryDay, both of which are still open, and the Gold is my primary card for any food-related purchases. I use the AMEX EveryDay somewhat sparsely, generally just for monthly subscriptions. Would that be why, maybe?
For extra context, I'm currently in the 720's for TransUnion and Equifax.
Just doesn't make sense. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Usually it's related to when you last got a signup bonus. But if that's not an issue I guess @CreditCuriosity's idea is the correct one.
@CreditCuriosity I thought they didn't even look at credit history unless you accepted the pop-up? How would they look at your other cards, especially if they were recently opened? I at least use my Gold almost daily. It'd be really petty of them if they're getting onto me just because I don't use the EveryDay that much. Do you think it might be dollar amount related? I put the more intense spending on my Venture X or CSP, now.
It's just very frustrating as I'm looking to travel a lot next year with some extended family, all of whom are using Hilton cards, so it'd have been nice to all have similar rooms and perks.
Thanks for the insight so far, though!
@SouthJamaica I've read that, too, but the last bonus I received was in May of 2019. Haven't touched any AMEX applications since then.
@InnoVadoR wrote:@SouthJamaica I've read that, too, but the last bonus I received was in May of 2019. Haven't touched any AMEX applications since then.
I think some of them have a "lifetime" clause: i.e. no SUB if you've ever had the card in the past.
If I'm not mistaken, some may have a "4 year" clause too (but on this I'm not certain, you'd need an Amex expert to confirm or debunk that).
I was in "pop up jail" for awhile, @InnoVadoR. My Gold card was approved with 75K SUB on 08/15/2020. My spending on the card was heavy during SUB and then was less. I posted about the pop-up jail situation on 05/07/2021 and in my case, I had no new accounts or inquiries in the preceeding 8.5 months. I continued to use the Gold card and about six months later on 11/04/2021, they approved me for a SUB on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.
My personal belief is it's more related to the spend and usage on prior cards after achieving a SUB, but possibly taking into account the cards you've opened and closed, along with new accounts which might indicate churning behavior. I'd suggest just giving it a few months and trying again.
