Amex Application Cancelled - should I bother with appeal?

Stephen_C.

I called Amex to find out why and apparently you have to leave 6 months between applications with them (I left 3 months). My reason for re-applying within such a short timeframe was that I changed my occupation from Student to Full-time Employed.

Upon asking why the initial application was unsuccessful, they said that it was "because I was a student". So in light of this explanation, do you think it is worth writing an appeal? Does anyone actually read these or am I wasting my time?

Alternatively, I presume I could just wait 3 months from now (6 months from the original application) and apply again.

shortcrust

People's circumstances change all the time. I really can't see how it would any bearing on their six month rule. No harm in trying with the appeal but my guess is that it would be a waste of time. Three months really isn't a long time to wait, after all. If I were a lender I might be concerned by the haste - it might look a bit desperate, as will too many credit searches on your file.

I've got a vague memory of reading that Amex like to have a bit of employment history. Could be wrong on that though.

Atidi

Stephen_C. wrote: »

...
Alternatively, I presume I could just wait 3 months from now (6 months from the original application) and apply again.

Or you could forget about Amex altogether.

They've obviously told you they don't want your custom, and to be honest, Amex isn't widely accepted either I believe due to the huge fees it charges.

Plenty of other credit or charge card providers to choose from

[Deleted User]

Atidi wrote: »

Amex isn't widely accepted either I believe due to the huge fees it charges.

You believe wrong I think. Amex acceptance is now pretty good. Of course there are some companies that don't accept it but I use Amex for probably 90% of my routine spending.

bengalknights

I would suggest not applying again and instead waiting a year if you really want a amex

Stephen_C.

My reason for applying now was the £60 TCB cashback + 20,000 Membership Rewards points (on spend that I easily already do...)

I really do want an Amex because I spend so much on my credit card and get absolutely nothing for it. But if you guys suggest wait then perhaps that's best.

My parents may be able to get me a supplementary card, but that doesn't benefit me in any way at all.

rabbit_burrow

I won't pretend to know anything about the waiting ritual.

I applied for a VA card (one account, gives an AMEX - attracts more airmiles, aswell as a visa card - attracts less airmailes, but ideal to use in places when amex isn't accepted) & was refused.

I tried again 2 months later (fully expecting a refusal) as a problem on my credit report (mortgage falsely reported as 'arrangement to pay' - which was rectified & compensated for, just over a month before I applied for VA card again) & I was accepted.

So although it is wise to wait for a period of time, it is not necessarily crucial. Check that your report with all 3 CRA's are correct & wait a few months (at least - if you want to).

x

rabbit_burrow

Stephen_C. wrote: »

My reason for applying now was the £60 TCB cashback + 20,000 Membership Rewards points (on spend that I easily already do...)

I really do want an Amex because I spend so much on my credit card and get absolutely nothing for it. But if you guys suggest wait then perhaps that's best.

My parents may be able to get me a supplementary card, but that doesn't benefit me in any way at all.

What I will say is: make sure that your credit report is completely clean (reward cards are stricter than those without rewards), and that you meet their criteria for income etc. Amex require an income of over £30k with some if their cards etc.
Eg, on nectar, the amex card claimed the income required was £20k, yet the actual amex site requested £30k for the nectar card.

Quite a difference, and something that can instantaneously cause a rejection.

Stephen_C.

rabbit_burrow wrote: »

What I will say is: make sure that your credit report is completely clean (reward cards are stricter than those without rewards), and that you meet their criteria for income etc. Amex require an income of over £30k with some if their cards etc.
Eg, on nectar, the amex card claimed the income required was £20k, yet the actual amex site requested £30k for the nectar card.

Quite a difference, and something that can instantaneously cause a rejection.

I checked I met all the eligibility criteria. As they only state a minimum for household income I still meet that.

I'm wondering if maybe a Basic or Green card would be easier to get just to establish a relationship with Amex and so that they can see I am a reliable spender and always pay on time. Obviously no rewards with these cards, but I have nothing to lose as I get nothing with my Lloyds MasterCard right now.

rabbit_burrow

Stephen_C. wrote: »

I checked I met all the eligibility criteria. As they only state a minimum for household income I still meet that.

I'm wondering if maybe a Basic or Green card would be easier to get just to establish a relationship with Amex and so that they can see I am a reliable spender and always pay on time. Obviously no rewards with these cards, but I have nothing to lose as I get nothing with my Lloyds MasterCard right now.

I don't know how they work, so don't know if that would help or not, but like you said, if you have nothing to lose by it, then no harm done I suppose? Like I said, make sure that your report is all correct & above board (on all 3 CRA's).

x

Stephen_C.

rabbit_burrow wrote: »

I don't know how they work, so don't know if that would help or not, but like you said, if you have nothing to lose by it, then no harm done I suppose? Like I said, make sure that your report is all correct & above board (on all 3 CRA's).

x

A couple of things are incorrect (or rather not up to date) in my opinion - but it may be completely normal.

For example:

• My history is only reported up until August. We're now in November and I've paid in full the bills for September and October.
• The first reported payment date for my CC one of the agencies shows one month later than the other.
• A new account I opened in the last month is not showing.