What does AmEx like (Payments and NPSL)?

[-Wright-]

Hello Forum. Long-term lurker, first time poster. 

Over the last 5 months, I got into the points and cash back game and I have acquired a few AmEx cards (Green, Gold, BCE and Ascend) and there seems to be a lot of myth and mystery behind what they like and how they do things especially with their NPSL cards.

I wanted some insight on how they like payments and what one can do to boost their internal AmEx scores.  I've read they like multiple payments a month(4x+/month). I've also heard that they like just one or two large payments a month.  My goal with AmEx along with the other credit card companies is to make them pleased by with AmEx in particular I want them to raise my internal scores, my internal NPSL limits and give out their generous CLIs on their credit card products. I PIF every month and use their card for most of my spend except when I use another card during rotating categories.

Ive done some searches online and within the MyFico Forums and there have been a lot of conflicting theories and wanted some insight. 

[Anonymous]

My best advice: just use your card normally, for normal purchases, and PIF when the bill is due. No need to overthink it.

If there is any one piece of AMEX advice, always PIF. They fall more into the transactor category, meaning they like use of their cards and then paid in full. If you are needing to revolve a balance for a while, I’d suggest a different lender.

[pinkandgrey]

I’ve never overthought this with Amex. I’ve made payments every week and I’ve paid only once in 3 months during the 0% period. They’ve always been good to me and given me CLIs regardless of payment planning/timing.

[Anonymous]

If they like transactors so much, why even offer the 0% promo for 12-15 months on new apps? Surely they are trying to attract a few non transactors, by offering such offers?  I feel it's a good way to carry a balance free of interest for a limited amount of time, just pay it off early to avoid penalties. I don't belive it will negatively affect your standing with Amex if you do carry a balance for a few months, it hasn't mine. They've still given me CLI's as well as new promo offers etc. 

That said, once the 0% promo period ends I will revert back to PIF same as I do with the Gold.

[AverageJoesCredit]

I pif most charges now on my second time around with Amex. Somehow, even that doesnt seem to matter to them on certain things. We are at impasse on certain things so in a way, just use your card how YOU like , pay on time , and if they dont like it, many other creditors out there who will

[Anonymous]

AMEX gave me an auto 3x cli right after paying off the card from maxed out.

[Anonymous]

I think they don’t mind as long as you pay in a proper manner. I hear they hate people who pay their balance multiple times a month but I did before a large purchase and I got no crying from AMEX. This was even before paying my first annual fee.

I believe they just want regular usage and pay consistently that fits you. I tend to just pay it off as the balance posts. Just don’t do things that trigger an FR and you will stay golden.

Sorry to be off topic but how far apart we’re all your cards and did they HP for each one? I’m looking to get a Delta Gold right after I got a Gold card as my first one with them.

[Blackswizz750]

I pay in full and revolve when needed in our BCE if needed. I have had no issues. I don't dance, if they play games, I will use another lender: plain and simple.

[RicHowe]

With AMEX (and just about every other card issuer) making multiple mid-cycle payments will not negatively affect your relationship. I regularly pay my AMEX cards weekly (although I could just make one payment a month), and at various times I've called in to make payments beyond the posted charges to include pending charges.

What DOES seem to affect your internal behavior score with AMEX is making ONLY minimum payments for an extended period of time. While this is perfectly acceptable to keep your account in good standing with AMEX, it may affect your ability to get credit line increases and additional credit lines. Jeffrey Campbell (AMEX CFO) stated in his presentation on AMEX Investor Day a few weeks ago that AMEX is looking to manage credit lines and tighten up underwriting moving forward (you've seen multiple posts here in this forum about this already).

[NRB525]

OP what are the limits on your BCE and Ascend? 

The charge card limits are based based on your recent spend / payment history. If you show a pattern of charging $500 consistently, the “approved charges limit” should be something which can easily handle $500 per month. If your spend pace is more like $20,000 per month, all paid by the due date, then your “approved charge limit” will be something more.  

Do you plan to keep the Green card? 

The suggestions that it is better to pay 4x every month are mis-guided, unless one is cycling big charges through a $500 or $1,000 credit line. I usually autopay the statement amount by the payment due date, unless I am paying or BT large balances., or carrying a balance through Plan It. 

What AMEX wants is for you to show you can handle debt by either paying in full, or making substantial payments if you carry a balance. What AMEX wants is to be paid back