+1
You can call and have them send you a replacement cc to reflect 1999. Just tell them you want your cc to match your member date.
You can call and have them send you a replacement cc to reflect 1999. Just tell them you want your cc to match your member date.
Thanks for your reply, Eddie.
That's the first I've heard of the Optima/Oasis card being eligible for a CLI and I'm glad to have the opportunity to rebuild my relationship with Amex but I expect that I will have graduated the program before I reach the 3 year point (knock on wood).
I'm at the point now where I'm having a tough time deciding my next move or, at least, following through with it. I would like to buy a house about 12 months from now so I need to be somewhat strategic with how and when I move forward to maximize my CL's and be done with app'ing and CLI requests about 6 months from now. I would appreciate any input that you, or anyone else, can give.
Like I said my EX FICO from Amex was 653 a month ago and slightly higher now. I have 2 recently paid collections that will allegedly be deleted soon and 3 charge off's that will drop off in November. Let's say I'm borderline prime now (I'm an optimist) but I think by the end of November I might be close to 700. After November the negs left on my report will be the following:
- 1 unpaid charge off that is 6.5 years old (installment loan)
- 7 major derog's (>90 day late) from 2007 when consolidated undergrad loan came out of deferment. I got back in good standing and the loan was sold 2 years later.
- 12 to 14 major derog's (>90 day late) from 2011 when grad student loans came out of deferment. This one drives me crazy 
I moved without updating my contact info. I am now in good standing.
- 1 paid collection for $50. The CA was opened 3.5 years ago but was reported last month. It shows up in the positive account section of my EX report.
I think the smart move is to replace the Optima card with real Amex revolver before app'ing for another card - simply so I can get a higher initial CL with the 2nd card. Maybe I should even wait until after requesting the 61 day Amex CLI. Luckily, it looks like they will soft pull me for the Amex so I can just apply w/ Amex every 30 days and recon if declined. Is there a downside to this?
Alternately, I could app for a card geared for people with "average credit". However I am averse to these cards because I think my doodoo smells like roses. Funny considering how I was an irresponsible A-hole not too long ago.
This was kind of a rambling post but I would really appreciate any input/advice that anyone is willing to give. Thanks.
Cc's geared toward average credit is where your current profile matches best IMO. Most of your baddies will age off next year but the list is long for a 'good' credit profile. Have you tried GW letters for the SLs? Once the 2007 derogs age off, there are still twice as many from 2011.
TBH, a revolver now seems a stretch- others might chime in with differing opinions.
TBH, a revolver now seems a stretch- others might chime in with differing opinions.
