I was logged in and just browsing around Amex the other day, and on one of my cards, the Everyday, I clicked on the 'check spending power' link. Keep in mind I'm not actually planning on buying anything, I was just playing with it for entertainment. I meant to put one figure, but accidentally added an extra zero. But my finger was already pressing the submit button when I noticed it. 
To my surprise, even though this amount would put me several thousand dollars OVER my limit, it was approved! I was shocked. I had no idea they would do that on that particular card. Then I read their info explaining how it works; at their discretion, based on your credit profile and spending habits, they may approve a purchase that puts you over your limit. When they do that, they do not charge any kind of over-limit fee or in any other way penalize you. Who knew?! Not me! 
@dragontears wrote:Be careful "playing" with the check spending feature. It has been stated by a former Amex employee that each time you check it is tracked and can actually limit your current spending power as Amex puts an internal hold expecting you to actually make a purchase of that size....
Thanks for the heads-up! That's really good to know. I definitely would not want anything negative to happen as a result of 'playing' with that feature, like a limit or hold.
I'm pretty sure that was the first time I'd used that feature, for any of my cards, because it's easy enough to do the math, i.e., if my limit is X and I have a zero balance, I can spend X. Well, as it turns out, I can spend X + something!
Almost all amex cards have flexible spending limits. When statement cuts you'll owe the minimum payment + overage.
As an added note, you shouldn't play with that feature as amex keeps track and you could receive some blowback. They're assuming if you use it, you're planning to make that charge.
Does anyone know if these repercussions may also occur with a charge card?
..and any known side effect on non-approved spending power checks?
EG: I got the Platinum and tossed the calculator a figure for a new RV, something like $150k and was denied.. 
@DONZI wrote:Does anyone know if these repercussions may also occur with a charge card?
..and any known side effect on non-approved spending power checks?
EG: I got the Platinum and tossed the calculator a figure for a new RV, something like $150k and was denied..
It's all fun and games until you play with that button so much that it draws some unwanted attention and they start requesting documents that most aren't prepared to hand over.
Ah! Thanks!
I hadn't thought of them wanting to audit me. Now would be a good time I guess if they wanted to review my situation.. would rather not have to fuss with it though so I'll probably just dial in and talk about any sort of spending power curiosities I have.