Three AMEX Gold questions

[jonmartin]

I went BK in 2008 on my AMEX platinum. Things are much brighter now and I'd like to try and get another AMEX tradeline. My Sister has an AMEX Gold and I want to get in as an AU. My questions are :

1. Will AMEX have a problem adding me as an AU if I burned them in the past or do they not care since I'm not the real card holder?

2. Will the AMEX screw up my utilization? 

3. Is this benefical to me in anyway in the long run? Specifically in getting another AMEX for my self or making me look attractive to other prime lenders?

[Cdnewmanpac]

Amex has additional cardmembers, not AU. They will need your ssn to issue and you will be liable for your charges. They don't pull credit to issue, but may deny you based on internal data. Charge cards are typically excluded from utilization calculations. While it is possible Amex will view you more favorably if you use this card responsibly, that will be years in the future, as they are generally not bk friendly. It might help with other issuers, but only for computerized review. Manual review typically excludes AU/acm accounts. It will also lower your AAoA, as acm cards use a current member since date (at least per conversation with cs a few weeks ago).

[Revelate]

I'd do it. It is not a bad trade line in your current situation and it may indeed help in the future. Certainly won't hurt in the mid-term, and short-term isn't a huge concern when rebuilding.

+1 to everything cdnew posted too.

[Anonymous]

+1 on the utilization. I love the fact that I can just let Amex report my balance and I can pay it within 14 days (apparently you can stretch it to 30 days). It's way better than remembering to pay down my regular credit cards BEFORE the statement cut date to avoid reporting for FICO scoring. I have had $5k balances on my Platinum and Gold cards with no impact on my FICO at all. Go for it!

[Creditaddict]

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@jonmartin wrote:

I went BK in 2008 on my AMEX platinum. Things are much brighter now and I'd like to try and get another AMEX tradeline. My Sister has an AMEX Gold and I want to get in as an AU. My questions are :

1. Will AMEX have a problem adding me as an AU if I burned them in the past or do they not care since I'm not the real card holder?

2. Will the AMEX screw up my utilization? 

3. Is this benefical to me in anyway in the long run? Specifically in getting another AMEX for my self or making me look attractive to other prime lenders?

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This has changed over the years a couple times and some have felt VERY strongly about it especially on a couple posts I had back in about 2006.  Much posted stuff showed that American Express would NOT allow past cardmembers that had outstanding bad debt or discharged debt through bk to hold other Amex cards rather on own or AU... About 2008-09' range the system switched to not ask for social or only last 4 or something, not sure what it was but either way it did not decline the apps based on past history, just as long as account was current I guess... 

Fast forward and Im 50-50 on weather they are currently blocking again.... I was hoping to find out the answer when partner gets Blue+ and try to add me.

I would not hesitate to try though, most likely it will be instant to cardholder rather it is approved or not and I don't see any bad to your credit file even if it was a point loss by a bit but I doubt... to get back in with amex. I would not however try to get your date opened put back to when you had your amex just in case to open a can of warms

[jonmartin]

Thank you all for the responses. I will have her give it a try.