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Optima card usage for next year or two??

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myscoresucks2
Regular Contributor

Optima card usage for next year or two??

So I will be receiving my optima card in few days, how does American Express like to see usage? I want a good chance when I build my credit back to be able to get a card with a decent credit line. Originally had delta gold with 1000 limit before credit downfall, was never able to get cli, no late payments, used card as much as possible( hard to buy more than One ticket) at that credit limit. Income very decent, but had a lot of other credit cards( in competition with credit addict at time) now paying for it!!!!!!!!!

 

Do they like buy and pay immediately 

only use certain percentage of cl available

use 2-3 time credit limit per billing cycle

 

What would give me the best chance, in addition to increased credit score, and continuing on time payments of other cards, and derogatory falling off??

 

Message 1 of 5
4 REPLIES 4
SouthJamaica
Mega Contributor

Re: Optima card usage for next year or two??


@myscoresucks2 wrote:

So I will be receiving my optima card in few days, how does American Express like to see usage? I want a good chance when I build my credit back to be able to get a card with a decent credit line. Originally had delta gold with 1000 limit before credit downfall, was never able to get cli, no late payments, used card as much as possible( hard to buy more than One ticket) at that credit limit. Income very decent, but had a lot of other credit cards( in competition with credit addict at time) now paying for it!!!!!!!!!

 

Do they like buy and pay immediately 

only use certain percentage of cl available

use 2-3 time credit limit per billing cycle

 

What would give me the best chance, in addition to increased credit score, and continuing on time payments of other cards, and derogatory falling off??

 


Yes they like 'buy and pay immediately'.


Total revolving limits 568220 (504020 reporting) FICO 8: EQ 689 TU 691 EX 682




Message 2 of 5
Jeffster1
Valued Contributor

Re: Optima card usage for next year or two??


@SouthJamaica wrote:

@myscoresucks2 wrote:

So I will be receiving my optima card in few days, how does American Express like to see usage? I want a good chance when I build my credit back to be able to get a card with a decent credit line. Originally had delta gold with 1000 limit before credit downfall, was never able to get cli, no late payments, used card as much as possible( hard to buy more than One ticket) at that credit limit. Income very decent, but had a lot of other credit cards( in competition with credit addict at time) now paying for it!!!!!!!!!

 

Do they like buy and pay immediately 

only use certain percentage of cl available

use 2-3 time credit limit per billing cycle

 

What would give me the best chance, in addition to increased credit score, and continuing on time payments of other cards, and derogatory falling off??

 


Yes they like 'buy and pay immediately'.


Truth.

 

Don't carry a balance. Buy and pay. Buy and pay. Rinse and repeat. 

0% utilization
FICO 8 EX 839 EQ 848 TU 850
American Express Blue Cash Preferred 30K I American Express Blue Cash Everyday 30K I American Express Delta Skymiles 13.9K I American Express Schwab Investor Card 5K I Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Visa 30K | Kinecta MyPerks Rewards MC 35K | Wells Fargo BILT World Elite MC 30K I BMO Harris Cash Back MasterCard 12K | Capital One QS MC 12.5K I NFCU Flagship Rewards Visa 52K I NFCU Amex 28K I Citi Best Buy Visa 15K I Macy’s Amex 25K I Bloomingdale’s Amex 10K I Bread Financial American Express 18K I AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature 8.5K I Saks Fifth Avenue World Elite MC 13.3K I Citi Dillard’s Visa 5K I JCPenney Mastercard 10K I Synchrony Premier Mastercard 10K I UCLA Wescom CU Rewards Visa 7K I Pottery Barn Visa 5K I PayPal Cash Back Visa 15K I MyWalgreens Mastercard 10K I TD Bank Double Up Visa 5K I USBank Cash Visa 5K I Gemini Bitcoin Mastercard 15K I TMobile Capital One Visa 20K
Message 3 of 5
Lou-natic
Established Contributor

Re: Optima card usage for next year or two??

Another vote for "buy and pay". Worked out great for me. AMEX seems to appreciate and reward prompt payment from what I can tell anyway.




8/8/25
Message 4 of 5
jwgolub
Established Member

Re: Optima card usage for next year or two??


@myscoresucks2 wrote:

So I will be receiving my optima card in few days, how does American Express like to see usage? I want a good chance when I build my credit back to be able to get a card with a decent credit line. Originally had delta gold with 1000 limit before credit downfall, was never able to get cli, no late payments, used card as much as possible( hard to buy more than One ticket) at that credit limit. Income very decent, but had a lot of other credit cards( in competition with credit addict at time) now paying for it!!!!!!!!!

 

Do they like buy and pay immediately 

only use certain percentage of cl available

use 2-3 time credit limit per billing cycle

 

What would give me the best chance, in addition to increased credit score, and continuing on time payments of other cards, and derogatory falling off??

 


When I had my Optima card with a limit of $1,700, I would only put a few small charges on the card each month and then pay off before the statement cut, or sometimes I would let a small balance report and then payoff a few days later. Since the card offers no rewards I would put most of my spend on a cash back earning card, such as Discover or Capital One. Fast forward to month 13 and I was approved for the Bonvoy Brilliant card with a $6,200 starting limit. It's been just over 2 1/2 years since I was approved for the Optima (which is now closed) and I am currently sitting at $50,000 exposure across 5 different revolvers and an additional 5 charge card accounts. I am very greatful for the opportunity the Optima program gave me. I wish you luck on your journey and hope your experience is similar or better than mine! J

Cards listed in order of approval date, newest to oldest:

Personal Cards:



Business Cards:


FICO Scores as of August 18 2023:


Message 5 of 5
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