Advice on requesting AMEX CLI

[Anonymous]

Here is the deal:

I applied for the Delta about 2 months ago with an EX score of 637 and was approved for a 1K limit. About 2 weeks after I got the card I requested a "product change" to the Blue and that was granted. Since then I have gotten my EX score up to 673 and would like to request a CLI. There are a couple things in my way though: 1) I have opened 3 other cards within the last 6 months all of which have small balances (between 10 and 30%) and 2) with Christmas shopping I will not be able to PIF the AMEX this month (I always have in the past) but I can get it under 30%, possibly under 20%.

Should I go for the CLI or wait at least 6 months? I am not so much worried about the balance, but I know how AMEX is about FR and while it does not scare me (I didn't lie on app) I just really dont want to have to go through that over the holidays.

Opinions? Thanks!

(The only other baddie on my EX report is a Cap1 late from 2004)

[fused]

If a FR doesn't scare you and you were honest when you apped, go for it. If not, I say no and wait. FYI Amex has changed their CLI policy. You are allowed 1 CLI 30 days after activation and for each subsequent CLI it's a 6 month wait.

[Anonymous]

I would wait until the balance is zero.. I did it before and they declined me basically saying they didn't like my payment history of leaving a balance. Then I payed it in full and got a 2500 increase 30 days later.

[MidnightVoice]

Just got mine.  I am going to wait until I have at least 3 consecutive months PIFfed, probably more.  I am looking at Amex as a long term investment

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I would wait until the balance is zero.. I did it before and they declined me basically saying they didn't like my payment history of leaving a balance. Then I payed it in full and got a 2500 increase 30 days later.

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wtf? I thought credit card companies liked people keeping a balance so they can charge ridiculous APRs > 10% on them.

[fused]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

I would wait until the balance is zero.. I did it before and they declined me basically saying they didn't like my payment history of leaving a balance. Then I payed it in full and got a 2500 increase 30 days later.

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wtf? I thought credit card companies liked people keeping a balance so they can charge ridiculous APRs > 10% on them.

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Yes this is true but NOT with Amex! Amex likes what other CCCs call deadbeats (the PIFers).

[Anonymous]

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@fused wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

I would wait until the balance is zero.. I did it before and they declined me basically saying they didn't like my payment history of leaving a balance. Then I payed it in full and got a 2500 increase 30 days later.

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wtf? I thought credit card companies liked people keeping a balance so they can charge ridiculous APRs > 10% on them.

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Yes this is true but NOT with Amex! Amex likes what other CCCs call deadbeats (the PIFers).

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Well, I guess it doesn't surprise me too much, considering that half of their cards don't allow you to carry a balance, period.

[Anonymous]

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fused wrote:

Yes this is true but NOT with Amex! Amex likes what other CCCs call deadbeats (the PIFers).

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Until lately, I think they realize they can make more money on revolvers.  Hence romancing the sub or near prime market.  I remember not too long ago (for me), Amex didn't even offer revolving accounts unless cobranded.

[fused]

Here's what's strange. I charge between 8-10K a month on this card and have never been late, but my stated income with Amex is lower than what my charges total. Amex hasn't blinked an eye. You would think they would be asking questions. Of course they don't realize that 90% of these charges are for my employers travel expenses. It would seem Amex's #1 issue is payment history. Just food for thought.

[Anonymous]

Nice, so you get to keep the rewards on your employer's charges?