I *think* they like to have your checking account set up and have a recurring autoPIF
(a "pull" payment) from that account scheduled. I have my accounts set up that way and
have never had the slightest question about utilization during the month. One payment
a month prescheduled on the due date is what they like. I don't think that paying before
the due date gets you credit, especially if you have scheduled the recurring payment in
advance. The downside to this is you need to be sure that the account they pull from is
always funded or has overdraft protection. Having a prescheduled payment bounce would
be a huge faux pas.
I *think* they less like billpay from your bank (a "push" payment), mail in payments, or multiple
payments in a statement period. They like any version of PIF, I just think they prefer the
prescheduled "pull" payment where they have your banking info.
If you have a history of scheduled autopayments for PIF, I'm pretty sure that is a factor in cli
requests, although it may be a minor one.
I think in Amex's case, they don't really like less than PIF or minimum payments from
any method.
+
850 FICO8 since 2015, Thanks MyFICO - 5+ years since last HP
I've probably set off every alarm in the AMEX building with my new card. They started me with a 2K limit and I've read to take it easy the first month. I didn't take that advice (lol). I charged up to around 1K in about 2.5 weeks then PIF before the first statement cut. As soon as it did, I added DW as AU and we've both been using the cards as complete debit/other card replacement except Citi which we are still working on min spend. We've charged over 2K in 5 weeks, made 6 payments and have swiped the cards 52 times combined in 5 weeks already. I've made 4 payments through my account and she's made 2 through her AU account. Either an FR is coming soon or they are loving me. I'm not sure which at the moment. They have SP'ed me 3 times so far. The first was about 3 days before I got the card in the mail then on March 27th and 28th (two days back to back). No more SP's since then. I'm sitting with a $71 balance and both mine and DW's car insurance is coming out tonight at midnight. My poor card is worn like it's 6 months old already (the clear scratches quite easily on the BCP).
I'm not sure if I've raised any flags (hope not), boosted my internal score (hope so) or they just see I'm realllyyyyyy excited about the new card. My goal is to literally burn it up the first 60 days and pay as many times as I have to in hopes my 61 day CLI goes well. Only time will tell.
So to my point, I think your use should be just fine. I'm not sure if I'm doing it right or wrong but common sense tells me the more I use it and more I pay (to show I'm spending money I have now and not money I'm going to have in the future) should count for something. If you see me start an FR thread soon, I guess I'll know I got it wrong. 
No one knows for sure. But there have been a few reports of FR based on payment practices. As long as you are living within your means, using the card as intended, and making payments on-time, you shouldn't be overly concerned. But, if you are truely worried about FR or calling attention to yourself due to abnormal card use, then the best action, for peace of mind, should be to pay your card the same way that the majority of the world pays their credit cards, monthly.
EX:694 TU:744 EQ:777
@DaveSignal wrote:No one knows for sure. But there have been a few reports of FR based on payment practices. As long as you are living within your means, using the card as intended, and making payments on-time, you shouldn't be overly concerned. But, if you are truely worried about FR or calling attention to yourself due to abnormal card use, then the best action, for peace of mind, should be to pay your card the same way that the majority of the world pays their credit cards, monthly.
Dave- this makes me panic a bit but it is what it is for me at this point. If possible, can you elaborate on what you mean by payment practices? Are you speaking of frequency, amount of payments or other? Thank you, sir.
@axledobe wrote:
@DaveSignal wrote:No one knows for sure. But there have been a few reports of FR based on payment practices. As long as you are living within your means, using the card as intended, and making payments on-time, you shouldn't be overly concerned. But, if you are truely worried about FR or calling attention to yourself due to abnormal card use, then the best action, for peace of mind, should be to pay your card the same way that the majority of the world pays their credit cards, monthly.
Dave- this makes me panic a bit but it is what it is for me at this point. If possible, can you elaborate on what you mean by payment practices? Are you speaking of frequency, amount of payments or other? Thank you, sir.
You should be fine, but think of it from the lender's point of view: cardholder gets first amex. cardholder puts more than the issued limit through the card in 1st month. cardholder makes frequent multiple payments to extend spending abilites. cardholder orders additional cards for authorized users.
They are probably thinking, "whoa, look at this account. this could be risky, lets look into it a bit further," which is why they have pulled your CR 3 times since being issued the card. They want to see what is going on with your other accounts.
Other members, even just in this thread, have reported multiple payments without issue. And your account might continue without issue as well. But you are definately calling attention to yourself.
@DaveSignal wrote:
@axledobe wrote:
@DaveSignal wrote:No one knows for sure. But there have been a few reports of FR based on payment practices. As long as you are living within your means, using the card as intended, and making payments on-time, you shouldn't be overly concerned. But, if you are truely worried about FR or calling attention to yourself due to abnormal card use, then the best action, for peace of mind, should be to pay your card the same way that the majority of the world pays their credit cards, monthly.
Dave- this makes me panic a bit but it is what it is for me at this point. If possible, can you elaborate on what you mean by payment practices? Are you speaking of frequency, amount of payments or other? Thank you, sir.
You should be fine, but think of it from the lender's point of view: cardholder gets first amex. cardholder puts more than the issued limit through the card in 1st month. cardholder makes frequent multiple payments to extend spending abilites. cardholder orders additional cards for authorized users.
They are probably thinking, "whoa, look at this account. this could be risky, lets look into it a bit further," which is why they have pulled your CR 3 times since being issued the card. They want to see what is going on with your other accounts.
Other members, even just in this thread, have reported multiple payments without issue. And your account might continue without issue as well. But you are definately calling attention to yourself.
Thanks for the response. What's done is done and I'll hope for the best. Fortunately I have zero balances on all other cards (five cards) so hopefully it's evident I'm not digging a debt hole or desperate for credit. I see what you mean but I thought major usage would benefit me, not hurt me. If they FR, I'll comply I presume contingent they don't ask for bank statements. I'll sign a 4506T all day long but bank statements are a bit too invasive for a credit card. Just my thought. Thanks again for your response.