AMEX finally did post as a hard pull on the 18th, the monday after I applied on the 15th. Amex pulled EX. Also, discover (TU), chase (EQ), capital one (TU, then EQ 2 days later). Capital one seems to report the same day, others the following monday from all appearances. As far as Experian is concerned, I have 8 HPs now for the year. EQ I know is my worst for HP's. No count on them right now.
I thought I should update this even though it's been a while.
After waiting 5 months (somewhat forgetting) to apply again for an Amex Zync, I hit the "luv" button on a few accounts and got "ok" CLI's on each. So, being it was mid April I applied for Zync and seeing you can apply after 30 days I went ahead (without a pre screen on the Amex site showing anything) and applied for Zync, instant approval, no hard limit or request for auto draft payment. The main difference is the one derog I had was removed from all CRA's (thanks to the state AG) and my EX score was down a few points (693 via Ex Direct).
I think for Zync, Amex likes to see no lates and no derogs with not too thin a file (my EX file goes back to 89, thanks to old Amex Green, AAoA 4.5 years on april report, Sept report doesn't show AAoA that I can find). I did have to call to request they back date the Zync to my original member since date. They did so after I gave them the old account info. If they didn't back date I wouldn't have applied, if it doesn't show on reports as the original date I'll probably cancel before the next AF unless I can get another Amex card (blue cash rewards most likely) that will back date.
On the website after enrollment it does show a 250 hard limit until I get the actual cards in the mail (I think that's always the case). I just hope they don't mind if I don't use it all that much, the "rewards" are barely there compared to other cards I can use. I mostly wanted it as a way to get back in with them and for the back date feature.
I'd have to say, if you're young and can get any Amex, it's good to do so just for the member since date feature. I'm very glad I accepted their offer over 20 years ago even though I closed the account years later.
I hope someone finds this informative, I wasn't sure I should post it or not.
I received the cards, called to activate, explained both cards came with MSince11 even though website shows (as should) MSince89. Told him I wanted to double check that both would show as 89, he thought yes, wasn't sure, handed me off. New CSR, polite (as they all are), says my new card will show and report 89 but the AU won't as they can't do that and can't find her old account (I remember they had an AMEX in the 70s, used to be in their safe). I almost cancelled the AU then realized it wouldn't matter as it will report either way. I'm hoping it shows my MSince89 date on both reports or we can find Mom's old card (possible, we have records stored going back to the 50's, may have an old statement or something).
I told him sending both would be ok and he said I'd have the new ones "tomorrow" ... I asked how and he said they were being sent out overnight. I told him they didn't have to do that (I'm not in a rush nor is it an emergency) but he said it was one of the privileges of being a member and they want us to have them so we can use them as soon as possible (good thing they don't ask "personal frugal (cheap) factor" on the app!). I think that was because I told him earlier in the conversation the one privilege AMEX can give that no other company can, is the membership date and had I thought they might not add it to my AU's account I wouldn't have added an AU.
(as a side: I have noticed when a CSR says the "I see you've been a member since..." you can hear a slight split second pause like they're double checking what they're seeing when they get to the "1989" part 
. They don't do that when the year starts with a 20xx.
I logged in to the account this AM and it states original member since date and has changed from 250 limit to "No Pre-Set Limit". I hope it's all worth the effort, I've read AMEX doesn't usually report to EQ anyway (sigh), just TU and EX. Any ideas if someone should dare ask them to report to EQ if it doesn't?
Oh, as for maybe getting the Blue Cash (of some kind? I've heard of a few), I have no lates, no derogs (negatives?) never a BK and should have none unless I die or am seriously hurt somehow and am unable to communicate (knock on wood). Of course if I die everything gets paid anyway and I won't care either way at that point 
Also, I have 6 inqs on EX, 1 is over a year old, the new AMEX inq for this new account has not shown up yet.
Even though it might seem like "no big deal" I still recommend anyone young, even if they can't get in as an AU, get in with AMEX if possible, even with a 250 hard limit or autodraft. They are the one thing I've seen that shows how long ago you actually had credit, even if you end up closing the account, it will remain on your CR for some time. Even after paid mortgages in good standing drop off, AMEX will still usually show up.
@RyVision wrote:
...I logged in to the account this AM and it states original member since date and has changed from 250 limit to "No Pre-Set Limit". I hope it's all worth the effort, I've read AMEX doesn't usually report to EQ anyway (sigh), just TU and EX. Any ideas if someone should dare ask them to report to EQ if it doesn't?
Oh, as for maybe getting the Blue Cash (of some kind? I've heard of a few), I have no lates, no derogs (negatives?) never a BK and should have none unless I die or am seriously hurt somehow and am unable to communicate (knock on wood). Of course if I die everything gets paid anyway and I won't care either way at that point
Even though it might seem like "no big deal" I still recommend anyone young, even if they can't get in as an AU, get in with AMEX if possible, even with a 250 hard limit or autodraft. They are the one thing I've seen that shows how long ago you actually had credit, even if you end up closing the account, it will remain on your CR for some time. Even after paid mortgages in good standing drop off, AMEX will still usually show up.
AmEx most assuredly does report to Equifax. It's all over my EQ reports, and there's never been any problem. AmEx cards do typically take a while to start reporting, but that's for all three.
I *puffy heart* my Blue Cash Preferred. I ran the numbers, and for my shopping (cook everything from scratch, high grocery costs, lots of other things bought from grocery stores that are included), it's a great rewards card for me, fee and all. This will vary per personal usage, of course. At any rate, I haven't pulled out the Costco card in months, and to think how excited I was to pick that one up... 
With Zync lets say you get approved and it bring you to the approved screen and tells you 'spend up to $250 with your new Zync card online right now', does that mean the card has a $250 limit?
