Amex FR during application process

[Anonymous]

I recently applied and was approved for an Amex Delta Gold with an $8k limit. Before they would approve the application however, i had to submit to a FR. Luckily they accepted six check stubs rather than making me send in tax returns.

Has this happened to anyone else? Oddly this seems to be a much better way of doing business - new account relationship, verify my income BEFORE you give me the card and then embaress me at a restaurant later when you decide you want to now verify.

[Jutz]

I'd agree, if it were an inevitability, I'd rather submit pay stubs beforehand, than submit the tax documents at some unknown time.

[crew99]

what was your credit score range if I may ask?

[Anonymous]

725 fako from credit karma. My history is pretty short. Longest TL is October 2012.

[ObeyJohnny12]

I think it's a good idea from Amex. Verify info then give out the card. Less stress for the cardholder and of course the embarrassment of being declined.

[Anonymous]

I agree, as long as I am not still declined in a week and forced to resubmit information anyway. 

[Walt_K]

Even if they verify before, FR can be triggered by changes in circumstances, so they would likely continue to do them if something in your reports, spending patterns, etc. spooked them.

[Happychap]

One of the main reasons I wouldn't get an Amex is due to the high potential of getting declined while abroad due to a FR placing on my account. It's an uncertainty that I do not need, especially while abroad in a different country. At least with my other cards the chances of such action are very minimal or not at all. I need a reliable card not one with PMS.

[Open123]

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@Happychap wrote:
One of the main reasons I wouldn't get an Amex is due to the high potential of getting declined while abroad due to a FR placing on my account. It's an uncertainty that I do not need, especially while abroad in a different country. At least with my other cards the chances of such action are very minimal or not at all. I need a reliable card not one with PMS.

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Salient point.  

Another reason why Amex isn't really a "standalone" card anymore, aside from lesser acceptance and *only* one card with no forex fees.

[pdog661]

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@Happychap wrote:
One of the main reasons I wouldn't get an Amex is due to the high potential of getting declined while abroad due to a FR placing on my account. It's an uncertainty that I do not need, especially while abroad in a different country. At least with my other cards the chances of such action are very minimal or not at all. I need a reliable card not one with PMS.

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I disagree.  My last trip abroad AMEX function perfectly.  Citi shut off my account even with a travel notification on file.

AMEX is a company built on travel.  They are no more likely to decline a foreign transaction then any other credit card company. 

Personally I believe all the FR is occurring because AMEX used to have extremely strict approval criteria.  They have loosened the criteria, and in place of the strict entrance they now have a strict maintenance program. 

AMEX's default levels are the industry leader, and by far the lowest of all comsumer credit card companys.. 

Edit for an unclear statement.