Why does Amex give me revolvers but not CLIs?

mkhan1093 · ‎12-26-2017

The title sort of speaks for itself. I see I am pre-approved for offers; the APRs are even single numbers meaning I'd most likely get approved if I applied. However, I'm not trying to get more Amex cards. But I am trying to get CLIs on my existing cards but Amex won't give me that. Why are they willing to give me more credit through a new account but not CLIs on existing ones?

K-in-Boston · ‎12-26-2017

Hovering over your cards it seems that both BoA and Amex are being a bit tight with you. From personal experience they both seem to be more generous with larger incomes and a lot of use. I know with smaller limits it can be hard to put a lot of charges through, but how much are you putting through all of your combined Amex cards in general?

mkhan1093 · ‎12-27-2017

I guess I use my Amex's religiously when I'm trying to hit their minimum spends, and then only when they offer the highest return on whatever category. Maybe a couple of thousand a year on each. I guess they'd like to see more?

CreditCuriosity · ‎12-27-2017

Yes any card issuer wants to see the bulk of the charges as that is money to them .. Still doesn't really explain why they have given you such meh limits compared to your other cards. As k-in-boston stated income could be a possible reason as Amex is more giving to higher earners although don't know where you fall. Use, income and profile all play into what they will give you. Weird your Platinum is also at 10k POT as most are at 35k along with the PRG as well are typically 35k or at least from what I have seen

mkhan1093 · ‎12-27-2017

My income lies in the $70k regime, so I'd think I'm deserving of a limit more of $2k total. It makes staying at SPG properties a pain because the stay can never exceed $1000; only some places let me split between SPG and my CSR. Anyway, I guess I'll just try to up my usage and see if I have success in the future. I'm still confused though why they're willing to give me more credit in the form of a new account but won't give me the same money in the form of a CLI.

Anonymous · ‎12-27-2017

DH and I have this problem as well. It's coming up on a year that we have both had our AMEX cards, and no CLI's. We are both preapproved for more cards, but have been unable to CLI the current ones. We have called and chatted, but the reps have no solid answers for us. Income between the both of us is in the 130k range.... so I doubt that's the problem. This summer we did refi the house and the cars, and for a bit our UTIL was a little on the high side on existing cards from other banks while we were on vacation.... maybe they are looking at that? Either way, I will be waiting until at least one whole year with AMEX before I even try for CLI again.

We have figured ways to put most of our cash out-flow on cards each month for the rewards kickbacks - whether that's utility bills, grocery bills, kid bills.... and I agree, it's hard to put spend on a card with a $1k limit unless you are extremely vigilant about constantly paying it off.... I HATE!! getting declined at the register!! ;-)

Anonymous · ‎12-27-2017

New accounts opened is a win for Amex, where increasing the credit line on an existing account is only a win for you (not Amex) unless that limit is going to get used more. If you are only spending a few thousand per year on your Amex card, there's no reason for them to give you a higher limit, as it only creates a greater liability (risk) on their end with basically no reward. Now, if you take on a new product there's a chance that you're getting it because you will use it more, so they're very likely to go ahead and green light that.

If you really want an Amex CLI you're going to have to increase your spend on that card. I don't suggest any unnecessary spending ever, but moving some spend from your other cards to it for a couple of cycles leading up to your CLI request could do the trick.

steelers1 · ‎12-27-2017

According to your sig you obtained 5 Amex cards within 8 months.

Maybe thats why you haven't gotten a CLI yet. Your CLI's are spread out over new cards.

It's not enough time for them to see if you can handle what you already have.

Be patient and show some spend and history with them.

Do NOT apply for anymore AMEX cards in the near future if you want to grow your current lines with them.

mkhan1093 · ‎12-27-2017

@steelers1 wrote:

Do NOT apply for anymore AMEX cards in the near future if you want to grow your current lines with them.

Gonna be real hard when the new Marriott/RC/SPG Amex cards come out

K-in-Boston · ‎12-27-2017

@mkhan1093 wrote:
@steelers1 wrote:

Do NOT apply for anymore AMEX cards in the near future if you want to grow your current lines with them.
Gonna be real hard when the new Marriott/RC/SPG Amex cards come out

Garden? What garden? Exactly!

But yeah, I didn't notice the timeline and that may certainly play a big part in it.