I have had my card in hand a whole of 1 week. Used it for two purchases totaling $35.00. My scores are in the 700's, I make good money and I was instant approved. No baddies on my reports. What gives? When I asked the rep why, he said "I was vetted by the credit department and now I have to be vetted by the financial side. They do this to a lot of new accounts". Very strange way to do business considering I've never had to do what they are asking of me with any of my other credit cards. I'm complying but after some thought, very disturbed by this. Why approve me in the first place and send me a card? Anyone know why or who they chose for these FRs?
Starting Score: 642
No one really knows for sure why FR happens, but something must have set them off; you gotta take to good with the bad I guess.
Vetted! lol, I learned a new word today. Hope it'll turn out favorable for you soon!
Ha, I think I might take your advice. I have no reason to be concerned because everything I put on the application was factual. I will see what they say then I might say in the end, "no thank you!" Unfortunately I have already sent in the 4506T form today. What was I thinking???? 
I'm more disturbed by this little unusual experience then anything.
What does Amex require with a FR? It does seem like more people are writing here about negative experiences.
Vetting has become part of the vernacular these days. I hear it a lot now. But when I first heard it a few years ago, I had to Google it. 
I personally don't have an issue with an FR, however if its required it needs to be done on account creation, not a week after with a potentially embarrassing decline.
+1
I agree 100%. I think it wouldn't be so bothersome if this all were taking place during the application process. Not after I have the card in hand.
@bichonmom wrote:What does Amex require with a FR? It does seem like more people are writing here about negative experiences.
Vetting has become part of the vernacular these days. I hear it a lot now. But when I first heard it a few years ago, I had to Google it.
From what I understand, their financial review means you have to send them copies of your tax returns, bank statements, etc. If you refuse, your accounts get closed. It makes sense, but I think it's pretty harsh, especially if they completely randomly pick you for it.
"From what I understand, their financial review means you have to send them copies of your tax returns, bank statements, etc. If you refuse, your accounts get closed. It makes sense, but I think it's pretty harsh, especially if they completely randomly pick you for it."
Andy... what they requested from me is a signed 4506T IRS form to request from the IRS a copy of my last years tax return. He said I had 5 days to comply or they would cancel the account. (Not at all in a mean way, very business like. Just the type of thing you might expect from a mortgage lender) He even said the whole process was rather Daconian.