So, I was thinking that just maybe I could convince a relative to make me an AU of their Amex. It's a real long shot... I kind of have an unusual family. They just don't do things like that. I know one concern would be assurance that my poor credit wouldn't negatively affect theirs. I don't have any baddies, but do have a thin file and low AAoA. Could my lower score/history have any kind of negative effect on their credit/FICO?
Also, since my total CL is low -- just under $10k now -- if their Amex reported a high bal, would that hurt me? Let's say they added me to an Amex charge (no CL reports) and let's say they have a $5k bill, which they PIF AFTER it reports. Would that $5k make my util look like it was at 50%?
If I can do this, I'd really like it to be Amex, because I'm hoping it will help me to be approved by them this year. Of course, I know this wouldn't be an issue w/a revolver, but if it isn't, I need to know beforehand. This is a long shot, so I would like to be prepared with the accurate info before I approach this.
Thanks! 
@bichonmom wrote:So, I was thinking that just maybe I could convince a relative to make me an AU of their Amex. It's a real long shot... I kind of have an unusual family. They just don't do things like that. I know one concern would be assurance that my poor credit wouldn't negatively affect theirs. I don't have any baddies, but do have a thin file and low AAoA. Could my lower score/history have any kind of negative effect on their credit/FICO? No, you can't affect their credit unless they give you the card and you go nuts.
Also, since my total CL is low -- just under $10k now -- if their Amex reported a high bal, would that hurt me? Yes (but not much and not long once they paid it down, depends on the percent they reported) Let's say they added me to an Amex charge (no CL reports) and let's say they have a $5k bill, which they PIF AFTER it reports. Would that $5k make my util look like it was at 50%? No, cancels itself out.
If I can do this, I'd really like it to be Amex, because I'm hoping it will help me to be approved by them this year. Of course, I know this wouldn't be an issue w/a revolver, but if it isn't, I need to know beforehand. This is a long shot, so I would like to be prepared with the accurate info before I approach this.
Thanks!
You don't even have to get the card, have them put something on it once in a while to make it show use is all (not good to let an AMEX additional card member card go unused, they don't have AU's only additional card members btw).
@bichonmom wrote:I'm confused... why would it hurt my score if it wouldn't make my util look like it's 50%?
If it reports a 5k balance, it's not 5K of your limit, it could only be 1\3rd of your credit at that time because the highest balance reported on the card in it's history would appear to be the limit of that card to some scoring models. 5 of 15 (including the 5 on that card at that report in addition to your stated 10) is 1\3rd. Some scoring models don't take NPSL cards or Flexible cards numbers into consideration, they're just ignored I guess in that portion of the algorithm.
I donj't recall there being any issues with you getting your own AMEX Zync though (I might be forgetting something though). Only worried about getting it backdated. Did you call and ask if they could find you in their system?
@bichonmom wrote:
@RyVision wrote:If it reports a 5k balance, it's not 5K of your limit, it could only be 1\3rd of your credit at that time because the highest balance reported on the card in it's history would appear to be the limit of that card to some scoring models. 5 of 15 (including the 5 on that card at that report in addition to your stated 10) is 1\3rd. Some scoring models don't take NPSL cards or Flexible cards numbers into consideration, they're just ignored I guess in that portion of the algorithm.
So, it sounds like being an AU on a charge isn't a good idea. If this is a CC that they use all of the time, then each month, there would be a balance, and because my CL is so low, it is going to affect my util in a big way.
The reason why I'm holding off on Zync is because I won't have 1 year CC history until March/April, and some have said that Amex likes to see that, even w/Zync. I know some have been approved w/less, but because I'm rebuilding and have a ltd history, I think it would be better to wait. But at the same time, I know the backdating (provided I could get it) would do wonders for my FICO. I was just thinking that being an AU would expedite the process. But getting someone to do it is another story. And now I know it would definitely have to be a revolving and not charge.
Thanks!
I should have explained that the charge card's balance often doesn't affect the score at all. Sorry if I confused. There's no harm in being an additional card member (AU) on a charge with AMEX. If all your own cards were a 0 balance when they report, it would probably make your score jump either way.
Btw, have you tried the pre-selector site on AMEX? Unless you have a negative on your report, I still don' t think the Zync would be a problem for you to get and then have back dated.
Does anyone know how long it takes to show up on your CR when you're added as an AU? Would it be when the stmt cuts? Does it depend on the bank/CC?
Thanks!
@bichonmom wrote:Does anyone know how long it takes to show up on your CR when you're added as an AU? Would it be when the stmt cuts? Does it depend on the bank/CC?
Thanks!
For AMEX it would probably be the next statement, for others probably similar, though I know they can vary.