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How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

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Youngcredit23
New Contributor

How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

As some of you know, I was approved for my first credit card, the Chase Freedom back in October.

 

I was looking through my drawer, and I saw older mail from American Express "inviting, RSVP" for their American Express Premier Rewards card. I'm not sure if its a pre-approved offer or just a written invitation to apply for their card.

 

Anyway, their offer to apply for their card as well as the RSVP code they gave me expired 7/22/2013, which was 6 months ago, a bit before I was accepted for my Chase Freedom.

 

Should I call them and see if they will honor that expired offer and apply, or should I wait since I just applied and was accepted for the Chase Freedom 3 months ago. Is that to much "hard pulls" in a little amount of time?

 

Thanks for the advice.

Message 1 of 12
11 REPLIES 11
red259
Super Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?


@Youngcredit23 wrote:

As some of you know, I was approved for my first credit card, the Chase Freedom back in October.

 

I was looking through my drawer, and I saw older mail from American Express "inviting, RSVP" for their American Express Premier Rewards card. I'm not sure if its a pre-approved offer or just a written invitation to apply for their card.

 

Anyway, their offer to apply for their card as well as the RSVP code they gave me expired 7/22/2013, which was 6 months ago, a bit before I was accepted for my Chase Freedom.

 

Should I call them and see if they will honor that expired offer and apply, or should I wait since I just applied and was accepted for the Chase Freedom 3 months ago. Is that to much "hard pulls" in a little amount of time?

 

Thanks for the advice.


I don't know if amex will give you the prg with only three months of credit card history. In terms of HPs if you only have one at the moment another won't hurt you. I'd wait until the six month mark if you want an amex and then go for the charge card. You might want to look into a second revolver to apply for at the six month mark as well. Make sure you only apply got cards that suit your needs, since everyone's needs are different. 

;
Starting Score: EQ: 714, TU 684
Current Score: EQ: 725 7/30/13, TU 684 6/2013, Exp 828 5/2018, Last App 8/5/17
Goal Score: 800 (Achieved!) In garden until Sepetember 2019
Message 2 of 12
FixMyCredit1992
Established Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

Offers expire because your credit may change. 

 

check to see if you have any offers standing with amex here:

 

https://www304.americanexpress.com/credit-card/25330?linknav=us-CCSG-ProspectNav-MailOffer#!view-your-special-offers

Farm and Fleet $3,000 (AU) Paypal Extras MC $1,500
Barclay's Apple Visa $1,200 QVC Qcard $800
Amazon Store Card $600 Discover $500
Walmart MC $400 Victoria's Secret $350
Credit One $300 Fingerhut $200
TU Fico 626



Message 3 of 12
efranklin23
Valued Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?


@Youngcredit23 wrote:

As some of you know, I was approved for my first credit card, the Chase Freedom back in October.

 

I was looking through my drawer, and I saw older mail from American Express "inviting, RSVP" for their American Express Premier Rewards card. I'm not sure if its a pre-approved offer or just a written invitation to apply for their card.

 

Anyway, their offer to apply for their card as well as the RSVP code they gave me expired 7/22/2013, which was 6 months ago, a bit before I was accepted for my Chase Freedom.

 

Should I call them and see if they will honor that expired offer and apply, or should I wait since I just applied and was accepted for the Chase Freedom 3 months ago. Is that to much "hard pulls" in a little amount of time?

 

Thanks for the advice.


While I agree it's good to build credit with atleast 3 credit cards, I dont think it's good for someone with a limited history to apply for Charger Cards with AF. And to answer your question, if the deal expired, I wouldn't call unless you received many as of recently, AMEX doesn't like short history with short limits.

AMEX BCE (30K), DISCOVER IT (29.5K), NFCU CASH REWARDS (25K), BOA TRAVEL REWARDS (15K), USAA VISA (13K), CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE (13K), COMMENCE MASTERCARD (7.5K), CHASE FREEDOM (7K), CHASE FREEDOM (7K), TFCU CC (2.5K), TARGET REDCARD (900)
Message 4 of 12
Revelate
Moderator Emeritus

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?


@efranklin23 wrote:

@Youngcredit23 wrote:

As some of you know, I was approved for my first credit card, the Chase Freedom back in October.

 

I was looking through my drawer, and I saw older mail from American Express "inviting, RSVP" for their American Express Premier Rewards card. I'm not sure if its a pre-approved offer or just a written invitation to apply for their card.

 

Anyway, their offer to apply for their card as well as the RSVP code they gave me expired 7/22/2013, which was 6 months ago, a bit before I was accepted for my Chase Freedom.

 

Should I call them and see if they will honor that expired offer and apply, or should I wait since I just applied and was accepted for the Chase Freedom 3 months ago. Is that to much "hard pulls" in a little amount of time?

 

Thanks for the advice.


While I agree it's good to build credit with atleast 3 credit cards, I dont think it's good for someone with a limited history to apply for Charger Cards with AF. And to answer your question, if the deal expired, I wouldn't call unless you received many as of recently, AMEX doesn't like short history with short limits.


Unless that card happens to be better than a no-AF card given someone's spending pattern; also the AF is effectively waived for the first year on all Amex charge cards.

 

Amex especially on their charge cards dips into subprime and thin-file territory; while we commonly suggest 6 months being a realistic minimum, I'd note the OP didn't say whether they had other things (auto loan, student loan, whatever) on their report which might well qualify them.  Frankly income heals all wounds with Amex apparently, I have no doubt that my income and possibly even employer (well recognized and heavy user of Amex corporate services)  got me into Amex when I was in straight denial territory from a credit report perspective.

 

@OP: I second checking the Amex page, and I'd certainly recommend people get to 3 revolving tradelines sooner rather than later: if Amex'll take you, I'd go for it personally.




        
Message 5 of 12
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

Are the terms of the offer better than the existing public offer (often they are identical)?   If not, just apply from the website and don't bother trying to pursue an offer that has been expired for that long.  If it is much better, then you can try to see if they will honor it but I think that is unlikely.    In any case preapproval doesn't mean that much, and invitation to apply mean, if possible, even less!

Message 6 of 12
Youngcredit23
New Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

I understand; I think the best decision right know is to hold of on the AMEX Gold for now. I'm still young into my credit and I have a lot of time since I'm only 18.

 

To be more specifc, I'm a college student but as of now I don't have any loans, morgage, etc. Just 1 revolver with my Chase Freedom.

 

Since some of you are suggesting that I build a credit with 3 revolving accounts, should I apply for another CC soon, or wait until the 6 month mark? Also, do you guys have suggestions on what card I should apply for? Like my Chase Freedom, I pay the balance of in full every month, and like to accumulate reward/cash back points, so I'm leaning towards a rewards card. I'm just not sure which specifc one to apply for.

Message 7 of 12
DFStudent
Valued Member

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?

Personally, I'd wait for six months. As others have mentioned, your file is relatively thin. With time under your belt, CC companies would be more willing to lend to you. They like to see consistent payments (it'is awesome that you PIF) and that you are managing your credit wisely. Maybe if you're lucky Chase will auto CLI. What are your util rates? With having such a low CL, it's easier to go above the optimal usage rate. Look for cards that will benefit and suit your needs... Everyone is different. I would not go for Amex right now since your file is thin. Maybe try to go for something a little smaller? What about a CU? At this point, you should want to get your foot in the door somewhere and build a healthy relationship with the bank.

 

If your parents have a good credit history, ask them to see if they'd make you an AU on a card or two... That they have had for a while. This will help with AAoA (assuming the company will put your parents start date).

    $12,400              $20,000           $10,000             $6,000               $4,700               $5,800            $1,050 (AU)
Suncoast CU VISA - $2500, BOA BBR VISA - $1000 || EX - 778 (12/13), EQ - 764 (12/13), TU - 763 (12/13) || Grad Student
Message 8 of 12
red259
Super Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?


@Revelate wrote:

@efranklin23 wrote:

@Youngcredit23 wrote:

As some of you know, I was approved for my first credit card, the Chase Freedom back in October.

 

I was looking through my drawer, and I saw older mail from American Express "inviting, RSVP" for their American Express Premier Rewards card. I'm not sure if its a pre-approved offer or just a written invitation to apply for their card.

 

Anyway, their offer to apply for their card as well as the RSVP code they gave me expired 7/22/2013, which was 6 months ago, a bit before I was accepted for my Chase Freedom.

 

Should I call them and see if they will honor that expired offer and apply, or should I wait since I just applied and was accepted for the Chase Freedom 3 months ago. Is that to much "hard pulls" in a little amount of time?

 

Thanks for the advice.


While I agree it's good to build credit with atleast 3 credit cards, I dont think it's good for someone with a limited history to apply for Charger Cards with AF. And to answer your question, if the deal expired, I wouldn't call unless you received many as of recently, AMEX doesn't like short history with short limits.


Unless that card happens to be better than a no-AF card given someone's spending pattern; also the AF is effectively waived for the first year on all Amex charge cards.

 

Amex especially on their charge cards dips into subprime and thin-file territory; while we commonly suggest 6 months being a realistic minimum, I'd note the OP didn't say whether they had other things (auto loan, student loan, whatever) on their report which might well qualify them.  Frankly income heals all wounds with Amex apparently, I have no doubt that my income and possibly even employer (well recognized and heavy user of Amex corporate services)  got me into Amex when I was in straight denial territory from a credit report perspective.

 

@OP: I second checking the Amex page, and I'd certainly recommend people get to 3 revolving tradelines sooner rather than later: if Amex'll take you, I'd go for it personally.


I was denied an amex charge card when I had less than six months of revolver history, but I had like 18 years student loan history and a paid off personal loan. I reapplied after I had two revolvers opened for six months and was instant approval for both a charge and a revolver. To me its not worth pulling the trigger on amex until the six month mark. I guess it could happen, but I think the chances given my experience and others on the board indicate its a reach. 

;
Starting Score: EQ: 714, TU 684
Current Score: EQ: 725 7/30/13, TU 684 6/2013, Exp 828 5/2018, Last App 8/5/17
Goal Score: 800 (Achieved!) In garden until Sepetember 2019
Message 9 of 12
red259
Super Contributor

Re: How should I go about this "Invitation" from American Express?


@Youngcredit23 wrote:

I understand; I think the best decision right know is to hold of on the AMEX Gold for now. I'm still young into my credit and I have a lot of time since I'm only 18.

 

To be more specifc, I'm a college student but as of now I don't have any loans, morgage, etc. Just 1 revolver with my Chase Freedom.

 

Since some of you are suggesting that I build a credit with 3 revolving accounts, should I apply for another CC soon, or wait until the 6 month mark? Also, do you guys have suggestions on what card I should apply for? Like my Chase Freedom, I pay the balance of in full every month, and like to accumulate reward/cash back points, so I'm leaning towards a rewards card. I'm just not sure which specifc one to apply for.


You should only get what you need and don't worry about making sure you have three cards. You can effectively build your history with two cards (3 is a bit better), but there is no point in picking up lousy cards. I would target solid prime cards with good lenders and build up a strong credit file. The freedom card is an excellent card for you at the moment with no AF and getting your foot in the door with Chase. I would wait until you have six months of history showing and then pick up 1 or 2 cards.The discover It card for students might be a good card for you. I don't have Discover, but have heard good things and will probably pick one up down the line once I get the rewards cards I want. 

;
Starting Score: EQ: 714, TU 684
Current Score: EQ: 725 7/30/13, TU 684 6/2013, Exp 828 5/2018, Last App 8/5/17
Goal Score: 800 (Achieved!) In garden until Sepetember 2019
Message 10 of 12
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