Amex card question

[Anonymous]

Hello-

i was just approved for a very low limit Amex BCE card with a fico 8 of 654. I do realize I skated in by the skin of my teeth! My husband's Fico  is a bit lower at 640ish. So my question, Is a card like Blue Cash easier underwriting requirements to get in on than a Blue Cash Everyday? Also, if he apps for a BCE and it's a no go, could he be offered a different card in lieu of a flat denial all together?

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hello-

i was just approved for a very low limit Amex BCE card with a fico 8 of 654. I do realize I skated in by the skin of my teeth! My husband's Fico  is a bit lower at 640ish. So my questions,

1. Is a card like Blue Cash easier underwriting requirements to get in on than a Blue Cash Everyday?
2. Also, if he apps for a BCE and it's a no go, could he be offered a different card in lieu of a flat denial all together?

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1. the non-annual fee cards are likely a little bit lower minimum requirements due to lower rewards than their annual-fee brethren

2. Not really. A denial is just a denial. At both of your scores I would probably just focus on fixing whatever is holding them down so low and wait until 670+ before applying for anything.

[Anonymous]

I got a BC and ED at 650; however, it all depends on what is holding the score down.  Mine was a collection, but everything was paid on time and utilization was low.  So, YMMV.

My limit started at $5k in June (the ED was $1k) and is now $15k.  I just got the 3X CLI with a score of 683.  I make big payments.  My wife's AMEXs are lower balances, but small ($100/month), consistent payments and they have yet to give her a CLI.

All this to say that YMMV.  I would get to 650 at least before even trying though.

[Anonymous]

I really doubt the underwiting standards are higher for BC Preffred over BC ED. It's all up to 2 factors, your individual credit situation and whether you want to pay an AF or not.

AAOA 3 years no lates or missed ever.  EQ 740 EX 735 TU 737 2% UTIL AMEX PL NPSL $35K POT AMEX PRG NPSL $35K POT CSP $27K Discover $21,500 CL AMEX ED Preffered $18K JET BLUE PLUS WEMC $10K BOA CASH Rewards $27K Citi Simp $9200 Macys $8800 Best Buy $10K

[Sharingan]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I really doubt the underwiting standards are higher for BC Preffred over BC ED. It's all up to 2 factors, your individual credit situation and whether you want to pay an AF or not.

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I agree. Just because the card says Preferred and has an AF doesn't necessarily make it more difficult to obtain. You receive the additional rewards by paying an AF, not by being more creditworthy. It's more than likely the same as with the charge card line. Also, to answer the OP's last question, the last time I remember American Express counteroffering as part of a denial was for the $500 hard limit Zync cards years back. I do not believe there is a counteroffer for any of the Blue Cash cards. 

Although, the OP isn't exactly clear if it's actually the OBC (Blue Cash non-Everyday/non-Preferred) or the BCP that they are comparing to the BCE's underwriting. I presume it's the BCP since I haven't heard of a successful app for the former in a while now.

[Creditplz]

I used to always get denied with a 720 EX Fico8, so it really varies tbh.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for replying. Just another quick question, since hubby's scores could most likely generate a denial but I want to help his scores, should I add him as an AU on my new BCE account or is that really not a real help to him at this point?

[creditguy]

The real difference in underwriting requirements for Amex cards is between a charge card and a revolver, with the charge cards having lower UW requirements. Revolvers should have the same UW criteria regardless. The real issue is overall profile and not just scores. Applying and getting approved with lower scores and shaky profiles can lead to low limit hell. The best option is to work on profile and scores and reapply IMO.