Amex, one last reconsideration attempt

[smc733]

To Whom It May Concern,

            Thank you for taking the time to recently review my application.  I was disappointed to hear I could not join as an American Express cardholder.  I am writing in regards to a potential reconsideration of my application for the “Blue from American Express,” application reference: ####### ## ##### XXX

            I realize my credit history is short; it is however, in good standing.  I currently have three cards, a store card that I no longer use, and two bank issued (Bank of America and Citi) Visa cards.  All of these cards are used for balances <10% of their limit, and are immediately paid in full as soon as the statement is issued.  The cards are used as a means to build credit; I use a debit card linked to my checking and savings for most purchases.  I do not ever plan to carry a balance.  It was very difficult proving creditworthiness when I started, therefore a number of old inquiries exist on my report, even one from being denied a secured credit card for no reason other than lack of credit history.  Please also note the multiple Zync applications that may show up under my name were my attempt to submit that application without it automatically being cancelled.

            My application for the Blue card was primarily to join in the benefits of being an American Express cardholder.  As a college student, I realize I have restricted income, and student loan balances (despite a $36k /yr scholarship).  I realize the sincere importance of good credit today, which is why I chose to obtain credit in college.  Although I may not be the ideal candidate for the Blue card, I am asking to be reconsidered for this card, or any card American Express would be willing to grant me, such as the Zync, Green, Gold, Delta Gold, or Clear, with a limit as small or large as American Express may see fit, so that I can join in the benefits of being an American Express Cardholder, and build a mutually beneficial relationship with American Express.

Thank you,

_______________________________________________

If anyone has any input on where to improve or change something in this letter, please let me know.

[Uncle_Money]

There are no guarantees here, but you have absolutely nothing to lose. Looks good so get it in the mail!

I also prefer mailing letters to communicate with creditors.

[jforsyth]

I would probably wait for Blue until you get out of college.

Amex cares more about income than other creditors. Even if you do get approved, you'll probably get a low limit that will take a while to get increased.

I'd go for Zync, then Blue once you have real income from your career. Both cards will have the same opening date, and you'll get a higher starting limit with Blue.

[score_building]

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@jforsyth wrote:

I would probably wait for Blue until you get out of college.

Amex cares more about income than other creditors. Even if you do get approved, you'll probably get a low limit that will take a while to get increased.

I'd go for Zync, then Blue once you have real income from your career. Both cards will have the same opening date, and you'll get a higher starting limit with Blue.

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+1

[Anonymous]

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@smc733 wrote:

To Whom It May Concern,

            Thank you for taking the time to recently review my application.  I was disappointed to hear I could not join as an American Express cardholder.  I am writing in regards to a potential reconsideration of my application for the “Blue from American Express,” application reference: ####### ## ##### XXX

            I realize my credit history is short; it is however, in good standing.  I currently have three cards, a store card that I no longer use, and two bank issued (Bank of America and Citi) Visa cards.  All of these cards are used for balances <10% of their limit, and are immediately paid in full as soon as the statement is issued.  The cards are used as a means to build credit; I use a debit card linked to my checking and savings for most purchases.  I do not ever plan to carry a balance.  It was very difficult proving creditworthiness when I started, therefore a number of old inquiries exist on my report, even one from being denied a secured credit card for no reason other than lack of credit history.  Please also note the multiple Zync applications that may show up under my name were my attempt to submit that application without it automatically being cancelled.

            My application for the Blue card was primarily to join in the benefits of being an American Express cardholder.  As a college student, I realize I have restricted income, and student loan balances (despite a $36k /yr scholarship).  I realize the sincere importance of good credit today, which is why I chose to obtain credit in college.  Although I may not be the ideal candidate for the Blue card, I am asking to be reconsidered for this card, or any card American Express would be willing to grant me, such as the Zync, Green, Gold, Delta Gold, or Clear, with a limit as small or large as American Express may see fit, so that I can join in the benefits of being an American Express Cardholder, and build a mutually beneficial relationship with American Express.

Thank you,

_______________________________________________

If anyone has any input on where to improve or change something in this letter, please let me know.

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smc733, I would not send in that letter.

I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here...even though your letter is extremely well written, in it, you've given them several reasons not to issue you a card.

You've pointed out that they will never get any income from interest on balances (if revolving), as you always PIF; they will not get much, if anything, in the way of transaction fees, since you're accustomed to using your debit card; you obtained the other cards you have solely to build credit (Amex can assume here that you'll do the same with its card, if issued, just to have it on your credit report, not to actually use); and, you can't get credit, even secured credit, anywhere else, after multiple attempts...therefore, Amex should extend credit to you because your intentions are good.

I don't see this letter as highlighting anything even close to "mutually beneficial".  It's all about you.

How about writing something that will convey to Amex the opportunity that they will miss out on by not issuing you a card at this time?  You've got to write this from their viewpoint, not yours.

Not picking on you here, just trying to redirect you to a better shot at a successful outcome.

[voidman]

I agree with UBUP, i do not have experience in writing a mail attempt, Just once I did a phone reconsideration which was rejected but then it was a loosing battle with fresh credit history trying to reconsider application for Citi's rewards card

Anyway,

When I first read the letter, I did not feel good if I have to approve the card. 

Not sure about this, but this is what I think, trying to use AmEx as one of the rebuilding card would hurt AmEx guys ego . (the letter seems to suggest that you are still rebuiding)

[Anonymous]

smc73, I didn't mean to leave you hanging here. 

I don't think it's fair to criticize your letter without giving you an example of something I feel would be more appropriate for your needs, so here it is, and I hope this helps!

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To Whom It May Concern:

I'm writing to you today in regards to my recent application for the "Blue from American Express" card product, application reference number  ############ ###.  

This application was previously declined. I am requesting that you reconsider this application for your approval, and the subsequent issuance of the American Express Zync card product.

My short credit history is a result of relying primarily on debit card transactions for the bulk of my purchases, which normally total $_______/month.  I value my credit profile, and I don't wish to revolve balances (even though that option is available to me through other bank lenders).  I do wish to establish a relationship with American Express prior to graduation from college, and to that end I will complete future purchase transactions using the Zync card, when issued.

With these things in mind, I can't help but feel that the American Express Zync card seems to have been designed specifically for a customer just like me, a customer who will graduate to a successful career with commensurate earnings, and higher-tiered Amex card products, if given that opportunity.

I am asking for that opportunity now with your reconsideration of my application and an approval for the Zync card.

I am available to you at any time for any questions or concerns you may have in the reconsideration of my application.

Sincerely,


smc73

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[smc733]

Thank you!  That letter is much, much better than mine.  Here's the deal.  After I was denied the Blue, I tried to apply for Zync, and it was "cancelled", as I had to wait 30 days from the denial.  Tomorrow marks 30 days from the Blue denial.  I will apply first thing for Zync, and if I am denied, I will most definitely mail that letter.

Thanks again for the guidance, you guys are awesome!

[Tazman81]

UBUP, I think this is a much more effective version of the letter that should be used.  Nice work.  smc73, I agree with UBUP, you should use the letter and I think it will be more likely to get approved for one of their cards.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Tazman81]

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@smc733 wrote:

Thank you!  That letter is much, much better than mine.  Here's the deal.  After I was denied the Blue, I tried to apply for Zync, and it was "cancelled", as I had to wait 30 days from the denial.  Tomorrow marks 30 days from the Blue denial.  I will apply first thing for Zync, and if I am denied, I will most definitely mail that letter.

Thanks again for the guidance, you guys are awesome!

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Sorry Smc733, I didn't see your post before I posted below.  That is a good idea.  Maybe give it 31 days just to make sure that you are completely out of that "cancellation" system.  Then try for the Zync.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.