Amex messed up my daughter’s rating (my fault???)

[Anonymous]

Oh, and I did see her her name on my Amex account online for the first time (since the 2023 application)...that's what really started the investigation into this whole mess (or non-mess as I'm being told.

still looking for advice on next steps...wipe or live with cancelled account for 7 years?

[Anonymous]

I only saw the other account for the first time after I logged in last month (May 2025).  I applied initially and cancelled immediately in 2023.  Nothing sounds off to you with that happening???

[JoeRockhead]

As in my other post, the account wasn't active long enough to benefit, or harm her in any way.  At this point it's a personal choice as to remove it or not

Positive accounts can stay for up to 10 years before it falls off on its own.

[JoeRockhead]

Once an account is approved it will be reported regardless of when you canceled it. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you!  My problem is that I thought she only had one account until last month when it showed up after I logged on to Amex.

so assuming she just has her Discover with a 6k limit, which she pays in full every month, she should keep a small balance and pay the monthly interest?

I need to start using your advice for myself, I thought zero balance card were helping.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Sorry I'm really kicking this horse now...

But your statement "The account was first opened only two years ago, then closed shortly thereafter."

when they said she was approved in 2023 and I didn't think this was like an AU card, I immediately cancelled over the phone and never activated any cards.  I just found out Amex never cancelled the card for my daughter, but there was no proof it was open (statements, account shown when I log in) UNTIL last month (May 2025).  That's my problem.

i appreciate your advice.  Amex was unable to provide any advice on what I should do.

[Anonymous]

Your absolutely correct. She has been on her own since a freshman in college.  I only  have worked with her on building credit on her own, her first checking and savings, how to save, etc.

However, as I posted, (people don't read the detail in long posts I guess) I thought this whole Amex debacle and her recent credit issue was my fault since I was trying to get her a AU card, in addition to her soley managed Discover) that would have the perks of my Amex (concerts, hotels, check in).

when she got rejected for another card, and then I saw this unknown Amex card that I thought was cancelled in 2023  (never really opened), I felt like I owe her an explanation and a best path forward as a father (hence these requests/posts for advice).

so I'm not silver spooning her, but thanks for checking me.

[Anonymous]

Good to know, thanks!

[JoeRockhead]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Thank you!  My problem is that I thought she only had one account until last month when it showed up after I logged on to Amex.

so assuming she just has her Discover with a 6k limit, which she pays in full every month, she should keep a small balance and pay the monthly interest?

I need to start using your advice for myself, I thought zero balance card were helping.

thanks!

---

No... to optimize scores you'd only let a small balance post.  Once your statement comes out you then pay the remaining statement balance by your due date to avoid paying any interest.

[Anonymous]

Remedios, learn to read the whole post before you comment.

i was asking because i thought i created a problem for my daughter unbeknownst to her so i was seeking out advice.

post closed!