How to get Amex FR'd as quickly as possible

core · ‎06-27-2014

The problem: I recently went on a mini app spree and somehow got approved for an Amex Gold with EX at ~645 and plenty of INQs, but I didn't find that out until after I had gotten approved for like 6 other cards with $4-7k limits. They were decent rewards cards including Chase, Discover, BofA so it was worth it to me. When these all start reporting at once, Amex is going to freak.

The bigger problem: While I was truthful with my stated income on the Amex app, my 2013 tax return wouldn't back that number up. Not by a long shot. Nor would bank statements (for reasons I won't bore you with, but think unrealized gains but not in the stock market). I am nailed; I was an idiot to apply for too much and not downgrade my stated income.

The good news is I haven't filed my 2013 return yet because it's not due until Oct 15th -- I filed an extension. I think I'll be ok if I hit get with the FR before October because then they'll have to pull 2012 and 2011 returns, and those look pretty good. If the FR comes after that, I'm screwed. I'm probably going to get hit either way, so I need to get FR'd *now*.

Any ideas for encouraging them? Here's what I've come up with so far:

I need $1k spent in 3 months to get my signup bonus, so why not do it all in the first two weeks
There is a liquor store in my town that also sells some grocery-type items. I could do all of my Amex shopping there for the next few months.
Buy several $200 Visa gift cards at above-mentioned liquor store
I have already paid some back taxes with the card. Will continue to do so each month.
Put crazy amounts in the "check spending ability" deal
I could let all the new card statements cut with balances, but don't really want to risk AA with Chase. I think that's out

It seems easier to avoid all these games and just call them up and request to be FR'd. Can I do that? I could give them some story about not wanting to be embarrassed in the checkout line when I least expect it. That part would be true.

If I get called before the grand inquisition after October I'll likely have to close the account. Will I lose the future ability to backdate new Amex accounts if that happens?

09Lexie · ‎06-27-2014

Why try to initiate something that might not happen. Last year I went on a 7new TL spree with Amex right in the middle and never heard a peep. six months later I picked up two revolvers. It seems to me that you are hoping for the worst when it's not necessary. Each time yor CR's are pulled onEX, Amex does a sp - they already know about your inq's and when the new TLs hit- they'll sp you again.

Use the card as intended and stop trying to bring attention to yourself. That's my .02.

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Bman70 · ‎06-27-2014

I agree with Lexie above.. Ffs man relax, Amex has hundreds of millions of members you're just a drop in the ocean. Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.

EX 822
TU 834
EQ 820

keithB · ‎06-27-2014

I don't know what your limit with AMEX is but I'm sure it isn't all that high that they are watching you so closely. I think with your little manufactured spending scheme, you are more likely to come under scrutiny then if you just buy monthly groceries and coffee with it .

keithB · ‎06-27-2014

Agreed... Just don't expect your 61 day 3x CLI

But no worries - I'm kinda in the same boat. LOL, difference is I did 4, not 7 and my limits aren't as high =)

@Bman70 wrote:
I agree with Lexie above.. Ffs man relax, Amex has hundreds of millions of members you're just a drop in the ocean. Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.

core · ‎06-27-2014

@Bman70 wrote:
Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.

Yeah I guess we only hear about the ones that _do_ get FR, so that skews the numbers somewhat. But I would assume most of those spree-initiating guys have better scores than I do.

Keeping a low profile certainly is what I'd rather do, but that sounds a lot like gambling. If I get hit now I know I can win. 3 months from now I'll always have to be looking over my shoulder wondering if/when it's going to happen. Maybe a better plan is apply for another Amex card in 6 months and seriously degrade my income at that time. Even if I get denied (with a SP), they can't claim that I didn't tell them it was lower.

09Lexie · ‎06-27-2014

@keithB wrote:
Agreed... Just don't expect your 61 day 3x CLI

But no worries - I'm kinda in the same boat. LOL, difference is I did 4, not 7 and my limits aren't as high =)

@Bman70 wrote:
I agree with Lexie above.. Ffs man relax, Amex has hundreds of millions of members you're just a drop in the ocean. Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.

OP mentioned a Gold Card, I am assuming its a charge card but could be wrong.

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Closingracer99 · ‎06-27-2014

@09Lexie wrote:
Why try to initiate something that might not happen. Last year I went on a 7new TL spree with Amex right in the middle and never heard a peep. six months later I picked up two revolvers. It seems to me that you are hoping for the worst when it's not necessary. Each time yor CR's are pulled onEX, Amex does a sp - they already know about your inq's and when the new TLs hit- they'll sp you again.

Use the card as intended and stop trying to bring attention to yourself. That's my .02.

They do that for every one even after 6 months? I recently checked my EX report and didn't notice any Amex SP's when I apped for my cards this week besides for the Amex Everyday card. Last one they had a SP on my account was around March when i apped for a Citi card

My Cards: Amex BCE: $9,000, Amex Hilton HHonors: $2,000, Amex ED: $12,000, Barclays NFL extra points: $3,000, Bank of America MLB cash rewards: $17,000, BBVA compass NBA Amex triple double rewards: $17,000, Chase Amazon: $1,000, Chase Freedom: $9,000, Chase Sapphire: $5,000, Chase Slate: $5,000, Chase Disney: $4,000, Citi Double Cash: $5,400, Citi AA plat: $5,500, Citi Simplicity: $3,000, Citi Thank you preferred: $8,800, Capital one GM: $2,000, Capital one PlayStation: $3,000, Gamestop: $1,150, Amazon Store: $5,000, Ebay MasterCard: $5,000, American Eagle Storecard: $750, Macy's: $500
EX: 744, TU:750, EQ: 740

keithB · ‎06-27-2014

Ah... Didn't even catch that... LOL, I'm OP myself

@09Lexie wrote:
@keithB wrote:
Agreed... Just don't expect your 61 day 3x CLI

But no worries - I'm kinda in the same boat. LOL, difference is I did 4, not 7 and my limits aren't as high =)

@Bman70 wrote:
I agree with Lexie above.. Ffs man relax, Amex has hundreds of millions of members you're just a drop in the ocean. Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.

OP mentioned a Gold Card, I am assuming its a charge card but could be wrong.

=)

09Lexie · ‎06-27-2014

@core wrote:
@Bman70 wrote:
Lots of people have done 7-9 card sprees without FR.
Yeah I guess we only hear about the ones that _do_ get FR, so that skews the numbers somewhat. But I would assume most of those spree-initiating guys have better scores than I do.

Keeping a low profile certainly is what I'd rather do, but that sounds a lot like gambling. If I get hit now I know I can win. 3 months from now I'll always have to be looking over my shoulder wondering if/when it's going to happen. Maybe a better plan is apply for another Amex card in 6 months and seriously degrade my income at that time. Even if I get denied (with a SP), they can't claim that I didn't tell them it was lower.

Three months from now you'll have some history with them. As far as downgrading your income later, that's not going to help with the current cc.

Use it, pay when due - rinse and repeat.

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