@-Cain- wrote:
Logan, I applied for the AmEx variety in-store, and was given the regular Red Star Rewards card. I did not check a box, and have actually called in to verify that the cashier had indicated I wanted the AmEx version. They said I was not approved for AmEx, so they gave me the Red. This is what happened in my case, so I'd have to differ with your opinion.
Its so frustrating! It seems there are a lot of scattered pieces of information, I wish things could be more clear, we probably will never know, or have a definitive answer 
They tell us associates one thing, then tell the customer another, although, I'm sure the associates are much more happy with their cards, as we never pay interest or late fees 
But I'm still glad I'm not making a career of it 
Update..
Received my letter today for the denial. The factors they stated that affected their decision are:
-AMOUNT OF AVAILABLE CREDIT ON OPEN REVOLVING ACCOUNTS (2 new credit cards w/ 20% utilization when reported)
-NUMBER OF DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (late student loan last june/july and a collection account reporting)
-EXCESSIVE AMOUNT DUE ON OPEN INSTALLMENT ACCOUNTS (car loan for 18k never late)
-TOO MANY RECENTLY DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS (recent as of last year's student loan)
And my Experian score reported is 523! Dang those FAKO scores!! I pulled my scored from Experian thinking that was close to the actual...
So far my Equifax(SW) is 604 and TU (SW) was 565 as of last month. I digress...
Starting Score: EQ 593