An update to share.
The CLI button for the AMEX Delta finally worked, but I was denied for the following reason: "You are participating or have recently participated in a payment relief or deferral program, received modified terms, or credit counseling services, on one or more of your accounts or loans."
I am a teacher, and our district offers small loans through a company named VIVA Finance which are paid through payroll deduction. Because we don't receive paychecks for most of the summer, VIVA automatically puts our loan into forbearance for two months until payroll deductions begin again. For some reason though, VIVA kept my loan status as "in forbearance" until two weeks ago, even though payments have been being deducted since July. Unfortunately, AMEX has used this as a reason to decline.
I did call AMEX and explained the situation to underwriting, and they responded that when they see a designation like that on a credit report it signals possible financial distress. They put a "note" on my account in case I ever decide to request another increase, but now I'm thinking it's going to be a very long time before I would ever be considered for a CLI with any card I have with AMEX. I've paid off the small balance on the VIVA loan ($300) so I won't have to worry about it again.
Other data points in case anyone is interested:
FICO 8 TU 730, EQ 729, EX 714
Utilization: 4%
Inquiries: TU 0/12; EQ: 2/12; EX: 1/12
