Macy's Store Card Upgrade to AMEX

[Analysis]

I also have a Macy's store card and wanted to upgrade to a Macy's Amex card, I called customer service and I was told that I was unable to do this. They said if I wanted to do this it would be a hard inq as if I was applying for a new cc. So I asked if I was eligible for a CL increase, I haven't used the card in months but they still increased from 600 to 1000. This one was one of my first cards from years ago and this was my first CL increase, very sad, because of this I sock drawered the card, all it's worth to me.

 

Not sure what you are trying to say. You say you were told you were unable to do the upgrade, and then in the next sentence you say they told you exactly what you needed to do to upgrade--namely, to have us do a hard inquiry and see if you qualify for an AMEX upgrade.

 

Asking for a CLI for an existing store account is a completely different request, which you mention in your next sentence.

 

If you can explain differently what you were told, maybe I could understand how to respond.

[Jaymes]

Am I missing something. Is Macy's back to giving CLs?

[virtualtreasure]

I also have a Macy's store card and wanted to upgrade to a Macy's Amex card, I called customer service and I was told that I was unable to do this. They said if I wanted to do this it would be a hard inq as if I was applying for a new cc. So I asked if I was eligible for a CL increase, I haven't used the card in months but they still increased from 600 to 1000. This one was one of my first cards from years ago and this was my first CL increase, very sad, because of this I sock drawered the card, all it's worth to me.

 

Unless am mistaken, Macy's neither reports nor reveals to a card holder a store card limit

 

was this increase from 600 to 1000 a while ago before they stopped giving limits?

[sb913594]

Yeah - maybe for another thread but how do I not have a limit on my card...I'm in fear of using it , wouldn't want the to look crazy when I get declined. Well actually, I just shop online.

[Analysis]

Yeah - maybe for another thread but how do I not have a limit on my card...I'm in fear of using it , wouldn't want the to look crazy when I get declined. Well actually, I just shop online.

 

You definitely have a limit on your Macy's store account, we just cannot tell you exactly what the limit is, nor do we report it to the agencies. We are not allowed to tell you your limit, but we can see it on our screens.

 

That being said, this thread is about an upgrade from our store account to our AMEX.

[Meltz]

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Earlier today I called the Macy's number on the back of my store card, I asked to do a product change from my Macys store card to a AMEX Macys card. I was told I was unable to do this, and if I still wanted the AMEX Macys they would have to do a Hard Pull and this would act as if I was applying for a whole new credit card. She however; did not mention that my account information and payment history would switch to the AMEX Macys card if I applied and was approved. I then decided I didn't want to apply for it because I didn't want another hard pull on my CR. I was wanting to just product change.

 

After this, I just decided to ask for a CLI (because it would be a soft pull) and she asked me how much I want and I said 1000 and it was approved, a jump from 600.

 

What i am saying is since she would not product change my card to an amex macys card WITHOUT doing a Hard pull, I decided I wanted to keep the card in the sock drawer as it has been for months because it has no use to me when I have other cards that give me 5% on dept stores.

Edited October 20, 2011 by Meltz

[Meltz]

Unless am mistaken, Macy's neither reports nor reveals to a card holder a store card limit

 

was this increase from 600 to 1000 a while ago before they stopped giving limits?

 

What do you mean?

 

And no this increase was done today, I went from 600 to 1000.

[virtualtreasure]

Unless am mistaken, Macy's neither reports nor reveals to a card holder a store card limit

 

was this increase from 600 to 1000 a while ago before they stopped giving limits?

 

What do you mean?

 

And no this increase was done today, I went from 600 to 1000.

 

See Post #30 Macy's does not usually tell a store card holder their limit or CLI on request.

[Meltz]

Unless am mistaken, Macy's neither reports nor reveals to a card holder a store card limit

 

was this increase from 600 to 1000 a while ago before they stopped giving limits?

 

What do you mean?

 

And no this increase was done today, I went from 600 to 1000.

 

See Post #30 Macy's does not usually tell a store card holder their limit or CLI on request.

 

Well I'm not sure how that works, but the lady today told me I got approved for a 1000, from 600.

[Analysis]

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Earlier today I called the Macy's number on the back of my store card, I asked to do a product change from my Macys store card to a AMEX Macys card. I was told I was unable to do this, and if I still wanted the AMEX Macys they would have to do a Hard Pull and this would act as if I was applying for a whole new credit card. She however; did not mention that my account information and payment history would switch to the AMEX Macys card if I applied and was approved. I then decided I didn't want to apply for it because I didn't want another hard pull on my CR. I was wanting to just product change.

 

After this, I just decided to ask for a CLI (because it would be a soft pull) and she asked me how much I want and I said 1000 and it was approved, a jump from 600.

 

What i am saying is since she would not product change my card to an amex macys card WITHOUT doing a Hard pull, I decided I wanted to keep the card in the sock drawer as it has been for months because it has no use to me when I have other cards that give me 5% on dept stores.

 

I know, it sounds like you just did not understand when you spoke with her. She was trying to tell you we ADD a separate AMEX account, we do not " change " the product. You end up, if you are approved, with a separate account for use anywhere AMEX is accepted. We keep your existing store account and history, add to it a brand new AMEX account, and for that we are legally obligated to check your credit, debt to income ratio, etc, because it is a brand new account, separate from the store account.

[disnugaswagg]

I am a little lost here.... How do you have a credit limit when I was assured that there were no store cards with CLs as of earlier this year?

[virtualtreasure]

Unless am mistaken, Macy's neither reports nor reveals to a card holder a store card limit

 

was this increase from 600 to 1000 a while ago before they stopped giving limits?

 

What do you mean?

 

And no this increase was done today, I went from 600 to 1000.

 

See Post #30 Macy's does not usually tell a store card holder their limit or CLI on request.

 

Well I'm not sure how that works, but the lady today told me I got approved for a 1000, from 600.

 

me neither but thanks for sharing your experience.

[Meltz]

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Earlier today I called the Macy's number on the back of my store card, I asked to do a product change from my Macys store card to a AMEX Macys card. I was told I was unable to do this, and if I still wanted the AMEX Macys they would have to do a Hard Pull and this would act as if I was applying for a whole new credit card. She however; did not mention that my account information and payment history would switch to the AMEX Macys card if I applied and was approved. I then decided I didn't want to apply for it because I didn't want another hard pull on my CR. I was wanting to just product change.

 

After this, I just decided to ask for a CLI (because it would be a soft pull) and she asked me how much I want and I said 1000 and it was approved, a jump from 600.

 

What i am saying is since she would not product change my card to an amex macys card WITHOUT doing a Hard pull, I decided I wanted to keep the card in the sock drawer as it has been for months because it has no use to me when I have other cards that give me 5% on dept stores.

 

I know, it sounds like you just did not understand when you spoke with her. She was trying to tell you we ADD a separate AMEX account, we do not " change " the product. You end up, if you are approved, with a separate account for use anywhere AMEX is accepted. We keep your existing store account and history, add to it a brand new AMEX account, and for that we are legally obligated to check your credit, debt to income ratio, etc, because it is a brand new account, separate from the store account.

 

Oh ok, I guess i misunderstood this thread. I was thinking there was a way to upgrade to the Macys AMEX WITHOUT a hard pull, if its going to take a hard pull to upgrade I think I'll pass. Thanks for the clairfication.

[EvilMan]

I would agree, Macy's make not kinda a pain and not worth it. If i opened a Macys card in 2009 and applied for the amex and they backdated it (like the real amex does) then it be worth it. But with all of the choices out there, not sure who would bother.

[learnin113]

Settle,

 

i hope u can answer this...will macy's/bloomies be reinstating the reporting of credit limits any time soon?

[Analysis]

Learnin:

 

Let me answer your question in two parts:

 

Report to credit reporting agencies? My gut feeling is no. I may be wrong, but I don't see that happening again for years.

 

Report (or tell) the account holder? Yes. Not sure when, management has been telling us for 7 months it is " temporary ". We don't know...

[T77125]

Macys is using Credit lines again? Did they do away with the guide line?

[disnugaswagg]

Macys is using Credit lines again? Did they do away with the guide line?

 

 

I been trying to get the answer to this as well. Settle could you give us a little input on this one?

[BigDaddyof8]

I too called Macys and ask for CLI (opened in 11/10 $800.00 ) and the rep told me that the dont dont do a traditional line of credit it can go up or down but explained too me that I could spend up too 2500.00 more that what was the balance on me account.,but could not tell me what my credit limit was. Also ask why they did not report to CRA'S and he politely said the they do not do this because your charge limit my be decreased or increased at anytime , possibley hurting you credit ? is what I think is why they dont do this.

[hegemony]

 

Bottom line: she applied on our web site, did not get an AMEX, and yes we will do a manual review to consider an AMEX upgrade. She has to call in to speak to us, and we can submit it to a manager for a manual review. For us, a store account to an AMEX is always done manually. If she were to visit a store with this type of request, they would simply put her on the phone with us, so she may as well call from home.

 

 

is it possible to call and apply directly for the amex? I would not want the store card at all. TIA

[Analysis]

is it possible to call and apply directly for the amex? I would not want the store card at all. TIA

 

Is it possible? Finally, after all this time, I am able to help Hegemony? How can this be? .... I am happy to help!

 

All of our AMEX accounts are automatically " coupled " with a Macy's store account. Any new Macy's AMEX, in fact any AMEX on our system, is always associated with a separate store account, reporting as a separate trade line with no reporting limit.

 

We do not take any applications by telephone, except upgrades to existing accounts. You have to walk into one of our stores for one of our AMEX's. If you already have one of our store accounts you have to call us, you cannot upgrade in the store or online.

 

Bottom line: you are not going to be able to get our AMEX without also getting one of our store accounts. You could, of course, just open the AMEX in one of our stores and never use the card in a Macy's, therefore never using the store account, essentially " sockdrawering " the store account from day one. You would get hit with two new accounts on your reports, AMEX and Macy's store accounts, but I am thinking your AAofA would be able to handle it....

 

The highest limit we have on a new AMEX, by the way, is $10,000. We always require a history of some type on every AMEX before we raise it. The highest limit on any of our AMEX I have ever seen is $150,000, BTW. I've seen two at that level, but I have absolutely no idea what level of docs were required to get them there. That requires the approval of one of our directors, in case you are interested. I've also seen a few at $100,000, and a lot between $30,000 and $50,000

 

I know this is more information than you wanted, but I also like to post details for others at the same time I am answering specific questions.

 

Let me know if I can answer any more questions.

[BigDaddyof8]

is it possible to call and apply directly for the amex? I would not want the store card at all. TIA

 

Is it possible? Finally, after all this time, I am able to help Hegemony? How can this be? .... I am happy to help!

 

All of our AMEX accounts are automatically " coupled " with a Macy's store account. Any new Macy's AMEX, in fact any AMEX on our system, is always associated with a separate store account, reporting as a separate trade line with no reporting limit.

 

We do not take any applications by telephone, except upgrades to existing accounts. You have to walk into one of our stores for one of our AMEX's. If you already have one of our store accounts you have to call us, you cannot upgrade in the store or online.

 

Bottom line: you are not going to be able to get our AMEX without also getting one of our store accounts. You could, of course, just open the AMEX in one of our stores and never use the card in a Macy's, therefore never using the store account, essentially " sockdrawering " the store account from day one. You would get hit with two new accounts on your reports, AMEX and Macy's store accounts, but I am thinking your AAofA would be able to handle it....

 

The highest limit we have on a new AMEX, by the way, is $10,000. We always require a history of some type on every AMEX before we raise it. The highest limit on any of our AMEX I have ever seen is $150,000, BTW. I've seen two at that level, but I have absolutely no idea what level of docs were required to get them there. That requires the approval of one of our directors, in case you are interested. I've also seen a few at $100,000, and a lot between $30,000 and $50,000

 

I know this is more information than you wanted, but I also like to post details for others at the same time I am answering specific questions.

 

Let me know if I can answer any more questions.

 

If you have been a good Macy's customer ,what are your chances of an AMEX card and does it have any barring for quailfing fpr a Macy's/AMEX card.I have had my account over a year and its in good standing like I said, any special number too call.

[Analysis]

Big Daddy:

 

We do not consider a Macy's store account history when decisioning a Macy's AMEX for the same customer, except as it is part of your Experian report. It is, generally speaking, an automated review, with very little leeway for us unless the Experian FICO is above 700. I know you cannot get your Experian FICO, but that is what we use.

[hegemony]

is it possible to call and apply directly for the amex? I would not want the store card at all. TIA

 

Is it possible? Finally, after all this time, I am able to help Hegemony? How can this be? .... I am happy to help!

 

All of our AMEX accounts are automatically " coupled " with a Macy's store account. Any new Macy's AMEX, in fact any AMEX on our system, is always associated with a separate store account, reporting as a separate trade line with no reporting limit.

 

We do not take any applications by telephone, except upgrades to existing accounts. You have to walk into one of our stores for one of our AMEX's. If you already have one of our store accounts you have to call us, you cannot upgrade in the store or online.

 

Bottom line: you are not going to be able to get our AMEX without also getting one of our store accounts. You could, of course, just open the AMEX in one of our stores and never use the card in a Macy's, therefore never using the store account, essentially " sockdrawering " the store account from day one. You would get hit with two new accounts on your reports, AMEX and Macy's store accounts, but I am thinking your AAofA would be able to handle it....

 

The highest limit we have on a new AMEX, by the way, is $10,000. We always require a history of some type on every AMEX before we raise it. The highest limit on any of our AMEX I have ever seen is $150,000, BTW. I've seen two at that level, but I have absolutely no idea what level of docs were required to get them there. That requires the approval of one of our directors, in case you are interested. I've also seen a few at $100,000, and a lot between $30,000 and $50,000

 

I know this is more information than you wanted, but I also like to post details for others at the same time I am answering specific questions.

 

Let me know if I can answer any more questions.

 

 

thanks for the high level of detail! I appreciate it. The two new lines is a bummer. My main fear would be denial for the amex and being stuck with a store card. For reasons of Macy's history of buyouts (Marshal Fields anyone?) I have avoided shopping there until recently. I am over my previous hang-up over the corporate practices. I might wait until my newest amex from amex reports.

[Analysis]

thanks for the high level of detail! I appreciate it. The two new lines is a bummer. My main fear would be denial for the amex and being stuck with a store card. For reasons of Macy's history of buyouts (Marshal Fields anyone?) I have avoided shopping there until recently. I am over my previous hang-up over the corporate practices. I might wait until my newest amex from amex reports.

 

Well, I cannot tell from your mention of new AMEX reporting whether it is brand new AMEX, or you are saying it is payment on an existing AMEX which will post and reduce your utilization, but it sounds like the former. You know we have completely separate credit granting from AMEX on our Macy's AMEX cards, right? So the way I read it, it seems you may be waiting for the new AMEX from AMEX itself to report, to help you with the decision on getting an Macy's AMEX? If that is what you mean, I would not wait. The only connection we have with AMEX is that our customers use the AMEX merchant network, nothing in underwriting or credit granting is connected to AMEX as you know it.

 

We don't care about any AMEX account on your Experian report any more than we do about your VISAs, Mastercards, etc. They are just tradelines on your Experian report to us, and since your newest AMEX account has not yet reported, I think you'd be better off applying now for our AMEX than after it reports and brings down your AAofA, however little.

 

Let me know whether I've misunderstood why you'd be waiting for your new AMEX to report. Our general rule is that your Experian FICO has to be over 700 for our AMEX. Given your TU and EQ FICO's, I have to assume you have an EXP FICO over 750, which would get you a $10,000 Macy's AMEX and our store account with a non reporting store account of $3,000.---MAYBE only $8,000/$1700, but probably the higher of the two combinations.

 

If you prefer, since our Bloomingdales credit granting is identical, you might want a higher end " image " with the same limits. The trouble with that is that we have limited number of Bloomingdales stores (40), but 900 Macy's stores, so it is far liklier you can walk into a Macy's than into a Bloomingdales. If I recall, you used to live in Las Vegas, which has a Bloomingdales furniture store, so that would work if you still live there.

 

Let me know if you need more details.