Should I Get an Amex Card?

[tpatterson2k9]

After finding out that Amex backdates credit card opening dates to the year you first became an Amex card holder, I am wondering if it would be in my best interest to apply for one.  I have never had an Amex card before so I feel like I should get one now so I can make use of the backdating policy in the future (I'm 23 now, AAoA is 3 years, 6 year history). 

Currently, I have a Visa Gold card from my CU ($0 bal, $3,900 limit), a Sam's Club Discover card ($0 bal, $5,850 limit), and an Amazon/Chase rewards card ($50 bal, $5,500 limit).  I also have a Dell Financial Services charge card ($0 bal, $4,000 limit) which I closed with DFS several years ago, but it is still reporting as active on my CR (beneficially, so I haven't asked to have it removed).  Furthermore, my CR from each bureau lists my CU card three times, two of which are exact duplicates (haven't disputed this ether because the accounts are in good standing).  Lastly, I have a subsidized SL with an $8,500 bal which is in deferment because I am still in school (opened 8/2010).

To add, I plan on applying for a mortgage in the next year or so.  Any thoughts on whether I should apply for an Amex card (and if so, which one) given that I would like to try to get the best possible rate on the mortgage loan when the time comes?

[Creditaddict]

I would get an amex now and then no more applying until after you close on mortgage.

[smc733]

If your score is still the 763 FICO (obtained from here), you should be set to cold-app for any of the Blue or Clear no-AF revolving cards.

[tpatterson2k9]

Thanks for the advice Creditaddict and smc.  I applied for the Blue card and was approved (feels like such a long time since I've applied for a card).  I guess now I'll have to wait the 7-10 days for the card to arrive to find out what kind of CL they give me.

[smc733]

Way to go!!!

I'm guessing with your profile, there is no reason for them not to match your highest limit...

[Anonymous]

Congrats!  Let us know the CL.

[tpatterson2k9]

Well, I received my Amex Blue card in the mail today, and I have to say I am a little disappointed.  The CL Amex gave me is the same as my lowest limit out of my current CCs ($3,900).  Does Amex tend to give lower limits for first time customers?  Also, I imagine the CL they gave me is more a factor of my salary ($40,000/year) than my credit score (763), so does Amex automatically increase CLs over time without having to ask?

[jefftca925]

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@tpatterson2k9 wrote:

Well, I received my Amex Blue card in the mail today, and I have to say I am a little disappointed.  The CL Amex gave me is the same as my lowest limit out of my current CCs ($3,900).  Does Amex tend to give lower limits for first time customers?  Also, I imagine the CL they gave me is more a factor of my salary ($40,000/year) than my credit score (763), so does Amex automatically increase CLs over time without having to ask?

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Congrats on the approval!!  You will LOVE American Express.  As far as the starting CL, I wouldn't read too much into it.  You can ask for CLI after the account has been opened for 60 days and then every 6 months after that.  I read somewhere that Amex usually starts their revolvers out at 10% of your gross salary.  Not sure if thats exactly true but it happened that way for me when I was approved for my Costco Amex.

[tntexans72]

I have never app for a AX card, what is the easiest card to get from AX if i am applying for the 1st AX?

[vish1]

Amex Zync