New to the US - what would you do next?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips regarding CreditCheckTotal.com, will check it out.

Regarding the AmEx PRG, I heard that the underwritings for all the charge cargs were the same. If that's the case, what's the reasoning behind applying for PRG? The Platinum would be something giving me more benefits with the travel I do.

I was also asking myself if I should apply to the PRG now, and wait for one of those 100k sign-up offers to come up for the Plat (I can wait couple of months still without the perks of the Plat, as still have a status with BA giving me similar perks such as lounge etc...).

Tho, first time I hear about a soft-pull only if I don't get approved? I thought that was only for people already having accounts with them?

Chase is definitely the next step, but I'll wait at least 'til next summer, when I have an older credit report.

Cheers !

[Anonymous]

Because I am really new to all these bonuses - is there any drawback into applying for PRG to get the 50k, and then waiting for a nice offer for the Plat (as a new application, not as an upgrade from the card)

I would get both sign-up bonuses in the same account right?

From what I can read, the only problem would be managing to "see" the offers for the plat if I already have an account with AmEx, with possibly needing to do some "typos" on my name in the pre-approval tool right?

[Anonymous]

I've also seen it repeatedly stated that underwriting for all Amex charge cards is the same but not so in my experience.  I have the PRG...I was pre-approved for the PRG but to date I'm still not pre-approved for the Platinum card.  My recommendation for the PRG was premised on the fact that you can use it to begin accumulating Membership Rewards points while you figure out if you really want the Platinum.  And you're correct, the Platinum is the more travel oriented card.  So if you're in no rush you can get something like the Amex Everyday Card or the PRG to get your foot in the door, then pursue the Platinum card; especially if you want to wait until one of the special bonus offers show up.  The last one I am aware of was in Nov/Dec 2017 through CardMatch.com.

Regarding soft/hard pulls...sorry that was my mistake.  I forgot that you are not yet an Amex member.  Amex will hard pull Experian for new applicants.  And good strategy regarding Chase...they are a harder nut to crack and like to see a payment history before granting credit.

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wrote:

Thanks for the tips regarding CreditCheckTotal.com, will check it out.

Regarding the AmEx PRG, I heard that the underwritings for all the charge cargs were the same. If that's the case, what's the reasoning behind applying for PRG? The Platinum would be something giving me more benefits with the travel I do.

I was also asking myself if I should apply to the PRG now, and wait for one of those 100k sign-up offers to come up for the Plat (I can wait couple of months still without the perks of the Plat, as still have a status with BA giving me similar perks such as lounge etc...).

Tho, first time I hear about a soft-pull only if I don't get approved? I thought that was only for people already having accounts with them?

Chase is definitely the next step, but I'll wait at least 'til next summer, when I have an older credit report.

Cheers !

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[Anonymous]

No there's no drawback.  The $195 fee for the PRG is waived for the first year so its really a no-cost way to explore what Amex offers.  You will get the Membership Rewards bonus for both cards as long as you don't upgrade the PRG to the Platinum.

Seeing if you're preapproved for the Platinum after you're an Amex member is quite straightforward so I don't suggest using any tricks.  I described how to check for preapprovals in this thread:  Amex hard / soft pulls

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@Anonymous wrote:

Because I am really new to all these bonuses - is there any drawback into applying for PRG to get the 50k, and then waiting for a nice offer for the Plat (as a new application, not as an upgrade from the card)

I would get both sign-up bonuses in the same account right?

From what I can read, the only problem would be managing to "see" the offers for the plat if I already have an account with AmEx, with possibly needing to do some "typos" on my name in the pre-approval tool right?

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[Anonymous]

The loan appeared on my credit report, and my credit score... dropped 3 points

It correctly shows under 9%...

Cold-applied for the PRG, instantly approved, and my score dropped another 8 points (expected).

Not at a 738, which makes me drop to Good from Very Good on the rating... I guess I'll just have to wait now...

Thanks all !

[Anonymous]

Congrats on your PRG approval and welcome to the world of Amex.  Your credit file is obviously thin so it is sensitive to any changes and an inquiry - in this case Amex would have pulled Experian - will cause you to lose a few points. You will also lose additional points when the account is actually reported to the credit bureaus in two months time but the good news is that your scores will recover quite quickly as long as you continue to make on-time payments.

[Anonymous]

I guess I did good by not waiting for the Plat, as there now is the 100 000 offer back with CardMatch, but obviously it doesn't show for me - as in the Platinum doesn't even show in the list

Thanks all !

[RicHowe]

You definitely qualify for the Plat. You could have just apped for that instead of PRG but I understand you wanting to get 100k SUB.

Welcome to the AMEX family.

[Anonymous]

Yep - looks like am never gonna see that bonus appear tho, at least for some time

[Jeffhacker]

There may be another option.  If a bank here has an operation (either direct or through a sister operation (think Barclays, Citibank in particular), they may issue a credit card here based on your credit in your home country.