Amex Recon

[somekindofhappiness]

Has anyone who has been approved for an Amex tried calling for a reconsideration of the limit? What happened?

[virtualtreasure]

They like some history and can be very generous recommend waiting a min of 61 days before request, it is generally worth the short wait.

[hdporter]

Give that Amex can be quite generous in response to CLI requests, once the card has been open a couple of months, I'd hold off on a recon. DW and I were able to boost our respective Amex CL's through CLI requests (soft pull) faster than with any other issuer.

[gnarlywood]

Otherwise, bring the lube...

 

[catindebt]

Sorry, no experience with Amex recons. I've just heard about waiting the standard 60 days. I received 2000 and 2500 with my new Amexes- this is probably low for some, but I'm happy with them.

[TauntingBull]

I have a feeling it depends on how you use their card. Initially, I got my Costco AMEX with a 7.5 K line. I used it quite heavily for about a year as my primary card and always PIF @ the end of the month. 2 months ago I requested an online CL and got a bump to 15k (That's what I had asked for). BY FAR THE MOST GENEROUS CLI i have ever received. That's my experience with them....

[hdporter]

I have a feeling it depends on how you use their card. Initially, I got my Costco AMEX with a 7.5 K line. I used it quite heavily for about a year as my primary card and always PIF @ the end of the month. 2 months ago I requested an online CL and got a bump to 15k (That's what I had asked for). BY FAR THE MOST GENEROUS CLI i have ever received. That's my experience with them....

 

DW has Blue (non cash version); I have Clear (I was looking for a no-fee low rate bt). Both have only seen limited use yet we were both able to get from approx $6K to $24K CL's within 18 mo of issuance.

[somekindofhappiness]

But is it really necessary to wait several months before asking? Is it possible to call before card activation, get a recon on the limit and avoid taking another hard hit?

[catindebt]

When I called the automated number for my credit limit, it said that in order to get a credit limit increase, the card must be activated and remain in good standing for "a period of time".

[virtualtreasure]

But is it really necessary to wait several months before asking? Is it possible to call before card activation, get a recon on the limit and avoid taking another hard hit?

No...at least not like Discover for e.g. who apparently likes at least 6 months.

Amex plays ball after only 60 days as PP, don't think they currently consider CLI at activation

but perhaps someone will post their experience. At the rate they can grow (circa 3X CL in just 2 months) it hardly seems worth the

risk of another pull but that's just IMO.

[Wonton]

But is it really necessary to wait several months before asking? Is it possible to call before card activation, get a recon on the limit and avoid taking another hard hit?

 

Like everyone else is recommending, I would hold out 60 days from activation. Show responsible use and PIF each month. If possible, ensure that your debt is under control and any other revolving cards are reporting zero or <5% balance. On day 61, call the amex number on your card, request a 3x increase. If you have decent credit and a job, chances are amex will instantly approve you the full 3x increase without a hard pull.

 

I did lots of research, and this seems to be the recipe for success. Today is day 61 for me and I went from $6.5k to $18.8k! Up til this point my highest limit card has been $6.5k.

 

After 6 months, rinse and repeat.

Edited May 18, 2012 by Wonton

[gnarlywood]

You really risk scaring the fuzzits out of AmEx by asking for a CLI at activation, particularly for your first card. A scared Centurion Bank is something you'd like to avoid. Wait the 61 days and call the computer.

Edited May 18, 2012 by gnarlywood

[somekindofhappiness]

And are the post 61 day CLI requests done with a hard or a soft Inquiry?

[virtualtreasure]

typically soft...slow down turbo

[spikedup]

I just applied for and was approved for an AMEX Gold Delta card with a credit limit of 1k. WTH?

My last two approvals were for 13k and 12k from different banks. Oh well, I'll wait for a CLI, and get my 30k in miles.

[Meltz]

Yes I too agree. I would wait the 61 days then try. For me they denied me at around 3 months, so I'll wait for the 6 month mark and try again.