AMEX's Logic?

[Anonymous]

In the past nine months I tried twice to get a CLI on my AMEX Clear.  Initially from $2k to $6k, which got denied, and then from $2k to $4k, which also got denied.  The denials were presumably because I'm a student and my income is hovering just above $20k annually.  So it makes sense for them not to give me too large of a limit since my income is very limited. 

However, on Friday I apped and was approved for BCE with a $2k limit. 

So I'm wondering, from AMEX's point of view, what is the difference between offering me $4k across two cards versus $4k on 1 card? 

[Anonymous]

"Logic" and Amex?

But yeah, I've wondered about the same before. I don't see how, for example, two $5k cards are less risky than one $10k card.

[pizzadude]

Yeah, who knows with AMEX.....They are very hard to predict sometimes.... 

[Red1Blue]

Be cautious with Amex. If you do too many CLI requests and too many new accounts that can trigger FR and they will suspend all your amex accounts until you submit the tax returns and T-4506 to them. Just play it safe.

[Anonymous]

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@Red1Blue wrote:

Be cautious with Amex. If you do too many CLI requests and too many new accounts that can trigger FR and they will suspend all your amex accounts until you submit the tax returns and T-4506 to them. Just play it safe.

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Yea, after getting declined the second time I decided I wasn't going to request a CLI unless I wanted to make a purchase larger than my current CLI.  And if that ever came up, I would call them and explain before hand and I would also have the cash to pay it off immediately.

[Anonymous]

Theres no logic with them. Somedays they like you. Other days... no so much.

[bichonmom]

I think that's an oxymoron. Seriously... there is no logic with them or any other CCC as far as I can tell.

[pizzadude]

Yep. They are consistently inconsistent. But only on days ending in "y".

[Creditaddict]

Optima Platinum opened in 2000 went to $25k in 2001, request about year later to $30k declined... over the next several years about 5 more "revolving" accounts were added, ranging from 10k-2k for last card applied for... never had been declined for another card until years after that... so they wouldn't go above $25k on optima but in the end minues 2 Charge cards the limits = about 68k in revolving.  Never made sense to me either but there you go!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

In the past nine months I tried twice to get a CLI on my AMEX Clear.  Initially from $2k to $6k, which got denied, and then from $2k to $4k, which also got denied.  The denials were presumably because I'm a student and my income is hovering just above $20k annually.  So it makes sense for them not to give me too large of a limit since my income is very limited. 

However, on Friday I apped and was approved for BCE with a $2k limit. 

So I'm wondering, from AMEX's point of view, what is the difference between offering me $4k across two cards versus $4k on 1 card? 

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I'm in the same situation as you, sitting on $3K with my BCE but my highest limit is over $7K. Amex declined CLI twice presumably b/c I am a grad student and reporting my stipend as only source of income.

I have my eyes set on the Amex SPG later this year or next. I travel occasionally and just 1 stay using points+cash will offset the AF. Hopefully I will be as lucky as you and get $2K when I apply.