How to attain an American Express?

StarSky

Hey guys,

I have been with Nationwide for over 15 years.

I currently have a credit card with them (4 years+) with a limit of £2K, I have decided not to ask for increase at all yet.

Most recently I got an Avios reward card from LLoyds bank (Amex + Mastercard).

Does the Lloyds amex credit management get taken into account if i apply for a 'proper' amex?

What would be a strategy to get a basic amex card?

My annual income is 30K.

Thanks.

reclusive46

The Lloyds Amex card has nothing to do with American Express other than the fact it runs on their payment network so it'll look like any other credit card to them.

American Express cards really aren't that hard to get approved for. Just apply for any of the ones you want. The Gold and Green charge cards are generally the easiest to get approved for but as you've already had credit cards for a long time, you should be eligible for any of their credit cards.

StarSky

reclusive46 wrote: »

The Lloyds Amex card has nothing to do with American Express other than the fact it runs on their payment network so it'll look like any other credit card to them.

American Express cards really aren't that hard to get approved for. Just apply for any of the ones you want. The Gold and Green charge cards are generally the easiest to get approved for but as you've already had credit cards for a long time, you should be eligible for any of their credit cards.

Thanks for clearing that up Reclusive.

To be more specific, I am looking for a charge card.

Due to application of the Lloyds Duo (avios) my credit score was hit (experian) from 930 (good) down to 885 (fair).

Since I just received these cards, it would be wise to wait another 6 months right?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

StarSky wrote: »

Due to application of the Lloyds Duo (avios) my credit score was hit (experian) from 930 (good) down to 885 (fair).

AmEx will not see these "scores" when you apply.

jonesMUFCforever

Can I ask why you want a charge card ?

StarSky

I'd like to get on the AmEx ladder. I've never used a credit card to pay off the minimum or some of the balance.

Since I have had a credit card I have always paid it off in full.

If they do not use the scores, what metrics do they use?

jonesMUFCforever

So what advantage does a charge card have over a credit card?
To me I can only see disadvantages.

baby_frogmella

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

So what advantage does a charge card have over a credit card?

No credit limit on charge card

jonesMUFCforever

baby_frogmella wrote: »

No credit limit on charge card

What use is that if you can't pay it back - all at once as well.

Paully232000

baby_frogmella wrote: »

No credit limit on charge card

They may not have a credit limit as such advertised anywhere on your statement, this doesn't mean you can spend what you like. They have told me that they base it on your previous history with them and your salary. They basically make a judgement on what they think you can pay back and set it at that internally without telling you unless you ask.

The_Boss

StarSky wrote: »

If they do not use the scores, what metrics do they use?

The data you declare on your application form and the data on your credit files. The "scores" you see mean diddly squat in the real world.