Amex Approval Times & Asking for Documentation

Joec1211

Hi all!

First post here so hope I've not made any social faux pas!

I applied this week for an Amex credit card. Specifically, their platinum rewards everyday cards which offers 5% cashback on purchases for the first three months.

I've not had a credit card before but met all their criteria and have a good credit history (I think!). No CCJs or history of missed bill payments, the only time I've been denied credit was about 7 years ago when I was a student and applied to extend my interest free overdraft.

I just want the card for emergencies, for any important large purchases and to start to build a really strong credit rating with a view to buying a house in a few years and thought that the cashback would be a nice bonus feature.

Amex sent me an email after I sent my application and informed me they'd have to look at me further before approving me and that it should take them 7-10 working days. I was really worried to not be instantly approved at first, though I can see why as I'm a private rental tenant, I've been in my house for less than 3 years and I don't have a huge history of credit of any kind, so I guess that was understandable.

However, they emailed me yesterday and asked me to physically post some supporting documentation over to them. Specifically a photocopy of some photo ID (I used my driving license) and a recent bill or bank statement as proof of address. I sent these to a freepost address in Brighton.

I'm going to take heart from this and hope that it's a good sign as they're asking to verify these documents (and are paying for me to post them) rather than denying me outright. However, I just wondered if anyone could give any advice on this? Has anyone had this before with applying for an Amex? How long does it take to get a response after posting these documents? Is this common practice among other card providers before approving someone with little credit history? It struck me that mailing the documents was a bit of an odd thing to do and I'd have expected them to provide a facility online whereby they could be uploaded as a pdf!

Many thanks all, any help or advice would be much appreciated

Joe

Tinaroo

I work in the gambling industry and generally when they ask ID and POA it means they haven't been able to electronically verify your details so they need two sources of information to verify you are who you say you are, and you're living where you say you are. We use two data sets to verify customers and that's the electoral roll and the credit database. If you're not on the electoral roll and you don't have any credit, that could be the reason for the request.

Good luck with your application.

Joec1211

Hi, many thanks for the reply!

That's really informative thank you. So am I right in assuming that this is a step that comes before any decision has been made on whether or not to grant credit, rather than a final check to ensure I am who I say I am?

I think I'm on the electoral register (just had a polling card through for the mayoral elections in London) so im hoping it's the latter but would understand if it was the former!

Very many thanks again for the reply

System

Amex is your 1st credit card?

giblet10

Amex probably wasn't your best target for a first credit card (I'm not being funny here, genuinely trying to help) - they are known to be a bit fussy at times - one of the more mainstream issuers might help if they don't approve you - but, the fact they've asked for ID is encouraging..

Joec1211

Yep, in hindsight I probably wouldn't have gone for an Amex to be honest! The cashback offer was what hooked me in. I'm planning to use the card for a few odd purchases through the month and then pay it off in full each month so I thought if I got some money back for that that'd be a bonus. I didn't have any concerns at first because as I said I met all the criteria, but on doing some further reading I realised they're quite picky and it probably wasn't the greatest choice!

Glad to hear it's an encouraging sign though. I'll wait and see what they come back with, thanks for the reply!