AmEx "Member Since" Date Question

Anonymous · ‎05-08-2012

In regards to the "Member Since" designation on an AmEx card, does it make any difference applying for a card in say January 2012 vs. December 2012? In other words, is it only the year that matters, or will backdating go to the exact day/month?

The reason I ask is because I just opened a CSP and Freedom account last month and wanted to have my CR cool off for 6 months before applying for an AmEx BCE. But I'm wondering if I should feel a sense of urgency to apply sooner.

pizzadude · ‎05-08-2012

@Anonymous wrote:
In regards to the "Member Since" designation on an AmEx card, does it make any difference applying for a card in say January 2012 vs. December 2012? In other words, is it only the year that matters, or will backdating go to the exact day/month?

The reason I ask is because I just opened a CSP and Freedom account last month and wanted to have my CR cool off for 6 months before applying for an AmEx BCE. But I'm wondering if I should feel a sense of urgency to apply sooner.

It's really only the year that matters ~ if you open an AMEX card anytime this year, then 2012, along with the current month, will be used as the date opened for any subsequent AMEX cards that you open.

March2010 FICO® ~ 695 TU, 653 EQ, 697 EX

afbar1114 · ‎05-08-2012

lets say you get approved for an AMEX card 12/2012 and get another card in 1/2013 and you back date it. it will be back dated to 1/2012 adding a whole year to your credit reports. i may be wrong but have read this a bunch of times

AMEX PRG; AMEX EveryDay $14,800; Freedom $6k; Sapphire $7k; IHG Select $5k; Discover $2,400; BofA Better Balance $9,100; Bank Americard $5,900; Citi DC $2,700; Citi Diamond $2,500; BestBuy $20,000; Amazon Prime $5k, United Club $15,000; Home Depot $20,000; Barclays $7,500

Total Credit Limits: $122,650

pizzadude · ‎05-08-2012

@afbar1114 wrote:
lets say you get approved for an AMEX card 12/2012 and get another card in 1/2013 and you back date it. it will be back dated to 1/2012 adding a whole year to your credit reports. i may be wrong but have read this a bunch of times

Appbar is correct, this is why many people like to apply for a new AMEX early in the new year, jan. feb...

March2010 FICO® ~ 695 TU, 653 EQ, 697 EX

Anonymous · ‎05-08-2012

Okay, so I can take my time and app for AmEx in October right? No reason for me to rush?

afbar1114 · ‎05-08-2012

@Anonymous wrote:
Okay, so I can take my time and app for AmEx in October right? No reason for me to rush?

what i would do would be get a zync now. it will give you some time to get in with amex. take care of the charge card and app for a credit card in jan of 2013. that way you can get a good limit and and with back dating youll get another year added. AMEX is very stingy with thier credit cards

AMEX PRG; AMEX EveryDay $14,800; Freedom $6k; Sapphire $7k; IHG Select $5k; Discover $2,400; BofA Better Balance $9,100; Bank Americard $5,900; Citi DC $2,700; Citi Diamond $2,500; BestBuy $20,000; Amazon Prime $5k, United Club $15,000; Home Depot $20,000; Barclays $7,500

Total Credit Limits: $122,650

steve23111 · ‎05-08-2012

@Anonymous wrote:
Okay, so I can take my time and app for AmEx in October right? No reason for me to rush?

If it's your first card, sure, why not. If you already have a card, though, or have had one in the past, I would try to keep new card apps early in the year for maximum backdating.