Need help getting an AMEX

[PastorH]

I really would like an AMEX, but need help determining which is the most likely to get with the following credit scores: FICO/Credit Agency: EQ 689/764 TU 689/758 EX 683/766.  I've heard that Delta Skymiles (revolving) and Green (charge) are easier to get.  Don't know about the Costco True Earnings or the Blue Cash Every Day.

My history is 22+ years, and my last late payment was 5 years ago. (I have other cards, mortgage)

Advice, please.  Thanks.

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Go with the one you want.
I'd say go ahead and try BCE. Your aaoa is stellar!

[PastorH]

Thanks YoungandC.  My annual income is $30k, my wife's 52K.  What do you think?

Anyone else want to chime in?

[simi_go]

They are going to pull EX and maybe end pulling more. With a FICO of 683 I would personally app for the PRG charge. Then if approved immediately app for the Delta Gold. If you are approved for the PRG then denied for the Delta it will only be one HP. Good luck.

[PastorH]

thanks simi.  are these usually instant decisions?

and what do you suggest if not approved for the PRG?

Anyone have opinion on the Costco/True Earnings?

[manwoot]

If you're not approved for the PRG, chances are you won't be approved for anything.  It has been said that charge cards are easier to get (all underwritten the same whether you apply for the Green or the Platinum) while the revolvers are harder.  I applied for the BCE and must have been borderline because they pulled all 3 CRAs when I got my instant approval.

That being said, I would advise you to apply for what you want.  If you don't want a charge card and won't use one, don't waste an application or a HP on one.  You should be fine applying for the BCE as your scores are better than mine and your history is longer than mine, but YMMV.

You've got a good chance at an instant approval, but don't waste HPs.

[Anonymous]

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@PastorH wrote:

thanks simi.  are these usually instant decisions?

and what do you suggest if not approved for the PRG?

Anyone have opinion on the Costco/True Earnings?

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PastorH:

Your scores seem a bit low (if I am reading your original post right) given your history.  Is your utilization a bit high?  Also, have you had an AMEX in the past?  If you have, youcan likely get backdated and therefore the hit from new cards is reduced.

As for the cards, Costco is a decent card.  3% on gas and 2% on travel and restaurants makes it competitive.  However, the fact it has no annual fee makes it great as American Express customer service and services (card protections like buyer protection etc) are historically overall superior to pretty much all card issuers.

[PastorH]

Thanks manwoot.  I'm going for the PRG.  will advise.

[PastorH]

manwoot, crashem:  

After doing a bit more of thinking, I decided to go with the Green Card (am I a woose?).  I just got approved for Visa card with my local bank (5K), and today I was notified of approval of a Chase Freedom (2.5K ... meesly!).  so I didn't want to risk being denied.  I just wanted to become a member, and Green seemed easier.  Plus, a charge card suits my purpose for now.  After reviewing my app, the guy at amex confirmed that I should get the Green and after some use, request another. He said that my app was "green lighted" pending receipt of fax verifying address. (sent a light bill)  He said it would take 24-48 hrs.  (and yes, crashem, my utilization is probably a bit high)

what do you think?

[mongstradamus]

just curious why didn't you go with PRG? I thought it was same requirements for green and prg