Really weird week with Amex

[K-in-Boston]

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@sstromberg wrote:

Wasn't expecting them to approve. Was only playing around before my internal FICO refreshes (it will go down on the next refresh).

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That's a recipe for disaster.  Good luck.

[sstromberg]

How so? 

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

They got 👀 on you

[K-in-Boston]

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@sstromberg wrote:

How so? 

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Just with all of the apps so close together, multiple approvals, multiple requests for payments this early, and then an expected decline in scores.  I was sincere in wishing you luck.  I hope it works out, but Amex is certainly going to be very cautious.

[sstromberg]

Yeah, I recognize that this is playing with fire, but I appreciate the good wishes. Certainly I will lay low now. How would things look if I PIF (or nearly PIF) the charge cards now? 

now that I've gotten where I am with Amex, essentially, how do I lay low long enough to avoid an FR? I have no problem charging to other cards, but is a steep decline in spending another trigger?

[wasCB14]

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@sstromberg wrote:

Yeah, I recognize that this is playing with fire, but I appreciate the good wishes. Certainly I will lay low now. How would things look if I PIF (or nearly PIF) the charge cards now? 

now that I've gotten where I am with Amex, essentially, how do I lay low long enough to avoid an FR? I have no problem charging to other cards, but is a steep decline in spending another trigger?

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There's a lot going on here to put you on Amex's radar. Paying down balances may help, but we can't suggest any course of action that will definitely help you avoid an FR.

Why the particular desire to avoid FR, though?

Do you have to documents like a tax return to prove your stated income? If you've simply been spending a lot for your stated income (with much of your spend reimbursed) then your charging power might be limited for a bit but accounts may quite possibly stay open. If you lack documentation or refuse to provide it, then closure is likely.

True, it doesn't help that you applied for two new cards.

[sstromberg]

I have no problem providing a 1040 (2019) that matches the stated income on my Gold application. However, all the other cards were approved under my income for this year (raise and a new job). I can prove via paystubs but will fail on a 1040 basis, since it wouldn't be reflected till I file taxes next year).

I asked Amex if I could put this larger income as my income and the CSR said yes (back in January), specifically "whatever income you feel you have access to."

Not scared about lower limits -- scared about closure/blacklist. 

[dogmeat]

You are at risk if they ask for tax transcripts, as pay stubs and 1040 will not satisfy that request.  "But, the Rep on the phone said" is not the start of any valid counter argument. If I were in your shoes (and congrats, btw), I would pay down everything to zero ASAP, and keep your balances at sub-10% total CL per card for 6 months.  Not just statement balance, I'd try very hard to never, even if "will PIF soon", have a balance higher than that.  This is just my opinion and not based on any data or inside knowledge.

[CreditInspired]

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@Brian_Earl_Spilner wrote:

They got 👀 on you

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From the very first email--demanding, oops requesting--a payment. I dont want any lender doing that to me. IMO, those are mini alarmss/sirens going off prior to sending the fire trucks out. 

Yep, I suggest laying off the apply button and agree, just focus on the make payment button for a while. 

[CreditInspired]

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@sstromberg wrote:

Charged substantially to both of them with rembursable business and family expenses in January ($3.5k on Gold, $9.5k on Plat -- figures my income does NOT support, but I knew I could PIF).

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UGH 🥺