AMEX and the 0% intro rate

[Walt_K]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Does anyone know if the CLI request itself ever raises suspicions for an FR?

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Who knows.  If you asked for a $25K CL at day 61 and your annual income is $20K, then maybe that might seem odd.  You really don't need to be so worried about FR though.  It's blown all out of proportion.  Most people have no idea what FR is until they come reading on this site, and all of a sudden everyone's an expert on Amex FR.  Constant warnings from people not to do this or that because they read some other thread that said it might cause FR when the vast majority of people haven't ever gone through it.

I'm assuming if you got a $13K+ initial CL, you have a fairly decent income.  I doubt there will be any problems asking for an increase.  But if you don't need it, you don't need it.  I waited 6 months to ask for my first CLI with Amex.  I was comfortable with the initial CL they gave me so there really was no need.  If you actually have a need to use more though, don't hesitate to ask.  Or give it one more month showing some usage on the card and then ask.  However you want to do it, but I wouldn't worry about FR.  It's 99.9999+% not likely to happen (but carry a non-Amex just in case ).

[clocktick]

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@Walt_K wrote:

If you need to float for a while, do so and don't worry about it.  If you don't, I'd probably still PIF.  With interest rates as poor as they are, you're not really going to earn much by keeping $10K in a savings account or even a CD versus paying off your card.  That would be how you would take advantage of the intro rate.  By keeping the money somewhere else where it was earning for you.  If you have such an option, go for it, there just aren't as many options as there used to be.  FR is overblown.

If you do want to ask for the CLI, I would do that before carrying a balance.

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I agree with the red above.  I would ask for the full CLI before charging up your card.  They will counter if they think it's too high.  You can do it online or call the number and do it through the automated service.  It's quick and painless and best of all, a SP. 

I take advantage of 0% offers frequently.  I never did with Amex though because I just like to be a little more careful with them.  If you're worried, I wouldn't hestitate to call and talk to them about it.  They have excellent customer service.  As long as you pay it off before the 0% expires (that's how they get a lot of people), everything should be fine.