concorduser wrote:Hi Hauling, I think it is Cheddar who said or some one said in one of the posts if you see the flashing link underneath the "Summary of Accounts" It is preapproval.
Didn't see this post before, but since I saw my name it I feel compelled to respond.
Yes, an Amex rep told me very bluntly that if you see it at the top of the screen on your Summary of Accounts page, it is a preapproval targeted specifically to you.
HOWEVER...
Do not forget that a preapproval does not mean automatic approval. There are countless stories of people receiving unsolicited preapprovals (not just from Amex) only to be declined when they actually applied. I agree with HTSU that they are probably only going by very high-level criteria when their system generates these preapprovals. Once you apply though, most likely one of the first things the system checks is "Does the applicant have an active recovery product?" If the answer is yes, it generates an instant decline.
I know it's frustrating, because you would think they would know that before they even preapprove you! The thing is, the system doesn't actually look for that piece of the puzzle until you submit your application.
Look at the HSBC preapproval link as another example. Say you have an Orchard Card and go to the HSBC preapp site and see that you've been preapproved for the HSBC MC. So you fill out your app...only to be declined due to the fact that "You currently have the maximum number of HSBC card products." But I was preapproved, you say. Same thing here. The system doesn't actually check to see if you have another HSBC card until you do the real-deal application.
So, I hope this helps sort out the confusion with the preapprovals and whatnot. As I and the others have said, please slow down on the apps and let your cards age. And by all means, don't apply for any more Amex cards until you have given the ones you have lots of use and plenty of time to age. 
concorduser wrote:Hi Cheddar, as I said in my previous message, there is nothing said if I sign up for Oasis card, I would not be eligible for other products/services from Amex. It would be nice to say these are the terms and conditons for this products. All it said is it is not upgradable and a stand alone product.
Exactly! They don't tell you the rules, and that's why, as I said before, the advice we all get on this forum is invaluable. It lets us learn from others' mistakes without having to make those same mistakes ourselves.
concorduser wrote:Ok now what is the policy about the Recovery Product? How many months and what happens after that? Would the graduate the card? No it is not eligilbe. Am I expected to close the card. No one knows, even when I talk to CSR she has no idea.
Honestly, even if the CSR knows, she may not be allowed to tell you. They like to be mysterious that way! Again, though, the answers to those questions are on this forum, right here in this very thread even.
concorduser wrote:To be honest, I can live with out another card from Amex and I really dont need one more card. It is just not knowing the details is what bothers me. They could up front say, "you have to maintain your card in good standing for 6 months the we will close this card and issue a new card".All they say is "Active Recovery Product" When it would be come inactive. What is the policy for it to stay active or inactive. It is just the uncertainity is what I dont like. I am one of those black and white type of guys, nothing in Grey.
It will become inactive when you close it. That's what active vs inactive means. Open vs closed.
Unfortunately, you will probably be denied for every Amex CC app you submit until you close your Oasis Optima card. That is what the denial message is telling you. It's saying "We're not giving you this card you applied for because you have an open Optima Card you got through the Oasis program."
As I also said several posts ago, the frustrating part is that you don't know when you should close your Optima Card in order to be eligible for a different Amex Credit Card, because you'd have to close it before you can even be approved for a different one!
A frustrating situation to be in, I'm sure.
concorduser wrote:Any very much for all your help and support. Now that I know, next 3-6 months I'll stay from Amex Apps.
Honestly, with all the Amex apping you've done lately, I'd say more like 12 months. But that's just me. 
@haulingthescoreup wrote:
I'm a black and white type of girl. I want to see clear-cut instructions, I want to see consistency, and I really like for things to be logical.
Then forget about credit scoring
Understanding Credit Scoring is an oxymoron
