One step at a time. Reading your post your itching to get back where you were before. Its going to take some time. Take the Optima and hold off on apping till the time is right. Congrats on getting the second chance and getting the past behind you. You can get your free EX FICO score monthly at Discover Scorecard to get an idea where you sit. Sure you know CK and Vantage aren't the real deal when it comes to scores. Or do a single 3B pull here on MyFICO and see all 28 scores.
I would hold off and resist the temptation to apply for new cards with AMEX. Wait until you get the Optima card, use it and PIF for 6-12 months and give it a shot then to see if they will take you in for one of their charge cards.
That being said, you can still apply now and see how it goes but given you just finished a settlement, probably this will not go green.
If you've paid your debt to Amex in full you don't need to apply for the optima, you can apply for a regular card. The optima is usually geared towards those that settled and need to rebuild a history with Amex. As for whether you'll take an HP from Amex if you try, you won't know until you try. Typically, they'll deny you without a pull if you're on their blacklist. Personally, I would pull the trigger because it's just an HP. People overstate their value here. At the least, it will cement where you stand with Amex and get rid of any anxiety related to the unknown.
@kboxerMy hats off for you for doing a 180 and cleaning up the past. Credit to @Brian_Earl_Spilner also on great advice on AMEX. If you think I dont sit here typing seeing all these cards I want but cant have them because of my BK. UGH! Almost the same situation. I didnt do too bad for what I have to work with. I did it all from learning here. It took time and patience. We all want it yesterday or right now! But with credit slow and steady wins the race. You'll get there eventually. We all do. Just play the numbers game and time will get you where you want. Best of luck!
Welcome to the forums too!
