Strange AMEX BCE question

[CS800]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Glad you brought this up,

I had apped for the Blue Cash 3/11 approved, I apped for the PR Gold 7/11 approved and I apped for the Blue Cash Preferred 10/11 approved, and there was an offer for 100 cash back if I spent either 750 or 1000 in the first two or three months (but was only good for New AmEx applicants) I did my app for the BCP over the phone and I asked the lady who took my app if I was eligible for this promo even tho I was an existing AmEx Blue cardholder, she put me on hold, and when she came back, she said she had spoke to her manager and he told her yes to go ahead and apply that promo to my account.

Long story short, I spent the required amount the very first month and PIF before the statement cut, I had totally forgot about the promo and when I did check my cash back about 2 weeks later I had 107.71 (or so) cash back. (last I checked I had just over 137 in cash back, not including this cycle, I've run just about 1K thru it this month, 85% of that at the grocery store 6% back and the other 15% for gas 3% back) Love taking $$ from CCC's

So as another replier has said, AmEx can make exceptions, it's just up to them weather they will or not.

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That paid for your $75 AF

I have to haunt AMEX to apply my 25k to my AMEX since that was the sign up bonus at the time.

[steve23111]

I applied for my Blue Cash Preferred in early December and received the $150 promo credit for that card, despite my existing Clear and Zync cards.  I had to do the app over the phone because of a web site problem that prevented me from applying.  I checked with the agent prior to running the app to confirm I would get that promotion even as an existing customer.  He confirmed, and sure enough the $150 promo credit applied to my rewards balance after I met the spending requirements.

[bichonmom]

Well. It sounds like the best way to get the rewards is to app over the phone. Does anyone know if the BCE is harder or easier to qualify for than Costco? I've read on here that Costco is a tough one to get, but I know their Blue cards are hard, too. Thanks

[Open123]

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@bichonmom wrote:
Well. It sounds like the best way to get the rewards is to app over the phone. Does anyone know if the BCE is harder or easier to qualify for than Costco? I've read on here that Costco is a tough one to get, but I know their Blue cards are hard, too. Thanks

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I'd imagine they'd have a similar criteria?  

[Anonymous]

Hard to really gauge which is harder to get but CK pools all their users and reports aggregate data:

BCE average credit score 737 (44% > 750)

Costco 738 (47% > 750)

Unfortunately no data is reported for BCP. But the sample sizes are pretty good, ~150 and 300 respectively.

Based on this I'd say they are about comparable in difficulty.

http://reviews.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/CCAmericanExpressCard54/1/

http://reviews.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/CCAmericanExpressCard499/1/

[bichonmom]

Interesting stats from CK. I haven't used their service since I use USAA's CMS. I have no idea what my EX FICO is. I guess if I app, I'll find out, but I really don't want a ding w/o the benefit of getting the card. Decisions, decisions...

[Open123]

My guess is that you'll be approved.

[Anonymous]

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@bichonmom wrote:
Interesting stats from CK. I haven't used their service since I use USAA's CMS. I have no idea what my EX FICO is. I guess if I app, I'll find out, but I really don't want a ding w/o the benefit of getting the card. Decisions, decisions...

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You've come quite a long way since I arrived here  Congratulations.

At least if AMEX declines you they will give you a current EX score.  People have said that the Clear is harder to get than BCE and I was approved for Clear several months ago with an EX ~715.  That was including a CO and an AU account with 90%+ utlization, and a couple of 120 day lates.  I think you're good to app for BCE/Costco.

[Zar]

And what about if you are already an AU on another account? Will they consider you a already a "member" and not give you the $100?

Zar

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I wonder whether new cardmember means new to Amex completely or just new to BCE.

I had a Chase CC already when I app for the Freedom but they gave me the signup bonus anyways since my other card was not a Freedom.

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It might mean new to Amex, new to BCE, new to the Blue products, or new to the Blue Cash products.

I believe it means new to BCE, on a new trade line (no bonus on PCs).