The American Express Blacklist Explained & Strategies For Removal

-Just as a FYI to everyone-
I am still on the blacklist but yet have an Amex branded card somehow
Every few months I make an attempt for a Skymiles(has the most value to me) even today- auto decline
But I was approved (5/18/22) for a BLUE CASH PREFERRED(SM) – Non secured Normal Amex.
I’m not off the blacklist as I’m instantly declined for any other, so perhaps they use a different method to validate?

I filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy leaving an unpaid balance with AMEX. Past requests for a card have been denied, so I’m obviously on their blacklist. However, my wife had a Delta AMEX card, I was not an authorized party on the card. She recently died leaving a balance on her card. AMEX has closed the account, and made it clear that I am not personally responsible for the balance. They also indicate that the account can be assumed by someone else by December 16. If i offered to immediately personally pay the balance due – might they transfer the account to my name and take me off the blacklist?

If you think you are in their blacklist and want to figure out/ confirm the current status;
You may try to call Research and Recovering at 800-700-7619.
Good luck.

Until recently I had more than a handful of AMEX Card accounts (both personal and business), for twenty years plus, every month I always paid my bills on time, never missing a payment with AMEEX or any other creditor/lender.
Although I fully take responsibility for my actions a couple of months ago due to some very frustrating circumstances I used extremely bad judgment and spoke to an AMEX Representative in a hostile and bad manner. Although not threatening I used language that was awful which ultimately resulted in a lifetime ban.
Are you aware of or have any thoughts on any recourse I might have?
I have spoken to AMEX and they have said their decision is final and not reversible.

For Amex business accounts, do they deny those on the blacklist if the employer adds them as an authorized user?

I am still on the AMEX blacklist due to having about low six figures in unpaid AMEX accounts from just over a couple decades ago. I never had to file bankruptcy over them, nor did AMEX bother to come after me for payment.

I haven’t tried to get off the blacklist, I just reapply every few years, and get the standard “we cannot approve your application at this time because American Express cancelled your previous account(s).”

One year update since my last post. Hi, I have chronicled my years on the blacklist (just search my name) and finally getting an Everyday Card in 2018. I have charged over 50K on it and paid it off every month. They have not raised the credit line. Although they occasionally have offers to upgrade, or get another card, they are always turned down instantly for previous relationship. I had difficulty trying to transfer the points to airline partners and have given up on that, so I am unable to say if that works. They have told me on the phone it should work. I am able to use points on Amazon. I have basically given up on using the card except for incidentals. Are you ever truly off the blacklist? I think not.

One year update since my last post. Hi, I have chronicled my 13 years on the blacklist (just search my name) and finally getting an Everyday Card in 2018. I have charged over 50K on it and paid it off every month. They have not raised the credit line. Although they occasionally have offers to upgrade, or get another card, they are always turned down instantly for previous relationship. I had difficulty trying to transfer the points to airline partners and have given up on that, so I am unable to say if that works. They have told me on the phone it should work. I am able to use points on Amazon. I have basically given up on using the card except for incidentals. Are you ever truly off the blacklist? I think not.

I’m in the same situation as most everyone else. I had one of their cards that had about $5k on it when I filed. My bankruptcy cleared in 2010 and I had no idea about a blacklist with them until I was declined and received a letter last week. After trying multiple times to speak to someone from the number on the letter I was finally able to talk to a rep. He said I needed to get the attorney I used to file and tell him to send a letter for reconsideration. My wife added me to her card last month so I’ll wait and see if that helps if not then I may reach out to my old attorney.

Hello,
I was recently sued by American Epress where they obtained a judgment against me. I had two of their cards Business Platinum Express and the Blue Preferred. The business’s outstanding balance was over the limit 5k from 50k line and the blue was 11k maxed out. Unfortunately my business was shutdown in Covid where I didn’t have means you pay them back. My question is that my mother recently applied and received a new platinum amex. Card has not even been used yet, was wondering if she adds me to her card would it affect her in any way if I was denied?

Charged off AMEX in 1996, BK in 1998. The amount was around $30k to 40K. Can’t remember. Recently applied and AMEX did a hard credit but was declined. Was given a link to apply for CreditOne. Got approved with them for $750 (yikes). Anyways, tried to be added as an AU on Plat card but was declined. Called the number on the letter and was told it was because of the previous relationship. Asked them how long and they said they don’t know. 30 years is coming up in a few years. I will wait and see what happens then.

I would like to share my case;
1. First card w/ Amex 1996
2. Defaulted Amex cards, balance of about $15,000 in 2008-9 and Amex filed the lawsuit against me
3. Obtained a couple AU cards for both corporate and personal in 6 months
4. I could see some pre-qualified offers under my name, but declined again…..
5. Now, all pre-qualified offers were disappeared.

If I’m blacklisted on personal cards, will OI also be blacklisted on their Business cards?

My first credit card in 1996 when I was 18 was an American Express Optima card. Of course at 18 I had no idea about finances at all and I defaulted on the card. I’ve since tried to get an AMEX card for probably the last 15 years. Always instant deny, and always mentioning the past relationship. This past Sunday, I decided to try again and not only was I approved, I was given a Amex Gold card with no preset spending limit. So my time on the backlist was 26 years. I can definitely say I’ve learned my lesson! I’m very thankful for this second chance, even though I had to wait almost 3 decades for it.

How long do I need to wait to apply for the Amex after I am added as an AU on another person card?

I burned Amex for over $10k back in 2016
I just got approved for the creditOne Amex. Is this a real Amex? Am I off Amex’s blacklist? Will this help me get the Delta Amex in the future or is this CreditOne Amex basically a CreditOne-sponsored, administered card? Any help would be great.
I haven’t received the new card yet, they just shipped it today, my email says. It comes with an annual fee, so I want to know what you all think before I activate and use the card.

I have chronicled by struggles with the blacklist here. If you search for my name you will see that I was on the blacklist for 13 plus years. During that time Amex did hundreds of soft pulls on my credit. They tried to collect a bill that had been discharged by bankruptcy by saying they might give me a card, and they told me that I was banned for life. In 2018 they gave me an Everyday Card. The credit line has not been raised, and I have paid it off every month. I always set an automatic payment for before the due date of the minimum, just in case I forget or don’t have access to a computer. One time I paid the minimum on the 27th with the auto pay and the balance on the 3rd of the next month. The due date was the 2nd, so I got charged interest. I paid everything before the end of the month. I paid everything the next month, long before the due date and got another “trailing interest charge” The next month, same thing. How did this happen? I have an auto charge for a service that comes in on the 2nd (due date). With American Express you can’t pay ahead, so I always had a balance on the due date, hence the trailing interest. You have to have zero balance at the end of day on the due date to escape the fee. (for two months in a row) I called them and explained that I could not possibly pay this because it posts on the due date and I can’t seem to get the account cleared. They won’t remove the interest. By the end of the period and going into the statement date it shows zero balance, BUT when the statement comes out there is that pesky trailing interest. It’s less than a dollar, but its irritating. They keep telling me it shouldn’t happen. I finally stopped using the card for 2 months and discontinued all auto payments and mailed them a payment. They take a mailed payment even when you have a zero balance That’s what it took. They sent me a pre-approved offer to upgrade to the Everyday preferred card, but as soon as I clicked the offer I got the instant rejection and the letter that said declined because of a previous relationship. Also I have trouble using the points. I can use them at Amazon, but can’t transfer them to airlines. So you are still a 3rd class person, even after getting off the blacklist. Despite charging and paying off over 50,000 they won’t raise the credit line or upgrade the card. I will keep the card use it a little, but I have moved on and I suggest that others do so also. The perks from other cards are better, the customer service is not what it used to be, and you will forever and always be 3rd class with them, and they make sure you know it.

I had a American Express business account and a failed business deal caused me to not be able to handle the payments. I also had a personal Delta Amex that I had for 18 plus years never missed a payment on even with the business failed. Well once I couldn’t handle the business account they took both cards from me. I’m wanting to settle but only if they will turn back on my personal card which I’m still and paying on and have never missed a payment. I’m hoping that 20 years of good payment history and not allowing my failed business to destroy my personal they will show me some mercy. I’m just afraid of giving them a $5000 settlement and they say screw you and your personal account.

What are my chances

In only 8 months in Business, I had been offered, as you can’t apply, The Amex Centurion or Black Card. That card is sick! Anything, Anytime,Anywhere (as long as it’s legal). I would carry and pay off ea month a $250-$300k balance. You get 2 12 hr Concierges that belong to only you. They know All of your likes and dislikes, If a Restaurant or Club that is Very famous and usually you couldn’t get in, if you have The Black Card, there’s No such thing as You can’t get right in!

There are thousands of quality credit card products on the market, if AMEX won’t sign you up…FUKKEM!

I’ve been on the blacklist since 2008 and I try every other month or so to apply and get the instant decline. My scores are between 828-840 on all bureaus now. I have recently received two apps in the mail, for my business, to apply. If I apply and they obviously run my personal credit, as the guarantor, will I still be declined?

Was on blacklist starting in 2011 with Platinum Optima Card. Owed $36k. Amex wrote off $8k and agreed to monthly payoff arrangement. Made last payment on January 2021. Get letter from Global Collections on February 8th, stating to wait 35 days from date of last payment (January 21st) to apply for a Amex card. Checked Amex Card Match on February 25th and was pre-qualified. Applied for Platinum Card and approved with 125k rewards for $5k spend in 6 months.

ok another take. Went Chapter 7 in 2001 owing around 15k to Amex, no issues fell off bankruptcy + 7 and established good credit FICO 790-810 usually. Was added as an AU on my bosses Amex Platinum and Blue Cash Preferred but then denied AU on Delta Skymiles . This is how I found out about the blacklist. I noticed that they had changed my membership date with AMEX from 2015 back to 1997, 20 years later I faithfully apply for AMEX gold every month and every month I get denied. c’est la vie

I was a victim of Identity Theft and at the time I had 3 AMEX cards. AMEX handled my ID Theft marked it as fraud all the cards were closed but years later I went to apply for a new AMEX card and was denied and believe I have been “blacklisted” from AMEX. After applying for a new card 4 years later debt buyers have been contacting me for the old AMEX debt caused from Identity Theft. I cannot even be added as an AU on a family member’s card. Anyone experience this type of situation?

Had 3 AMEX cards, tough times forced to consolidate debt. payed off 60 days ago, AMEX already approved me for a new card

What is the big deal about getting your American Express Card Back. My BK with them was about 11 years ago because I fell behind on my home. Had perfect credit then, Just a lot of debt. Came to a point where I couldn’t keep up. Now I have an 820 credit score, Zero Business or Personal Debt. Tried a couple of times for their AM EX Amazon Prime card. Turn me down in no time flat. Big Deal, I have my Discover card that gives me 5% back in good categories And my Bank of the West card that gives me 3% back ALL the time on restaurants and gas. No annual fees. For my business I have CAP 1 which gives me 2% all the time. When you buy $10000 in Store stock each month thats $200 in my pocket every month. When I buy off Amazon with my regular prime card ( Synchrony Bank ) I get 5% Back. My ebay card gives me 5% back also. Plus a couple others. Its American Expresses Loss Not mine. I have more credit then I need. About 125k available. Don’t see where ill ever use 10% of it at one time as I always pay it off Multiple times a month.

I had a couple of small business accounts with American Express that were included in Ch 7 bankruptcy that was discharged in 2009. This was due to a business failure during the great recession, my personal finances were not in bad shape, but I had personally guaranteed the loans so I had to close the business and file personally. My credit score at the time of filing was 800+ and it is back up to there again. The other creditors in the bankruptcy all eventually approved me for credit with nice size lines. Chase did not approve until the bk fell off my credit report. American Express has me on their internal black list and does not even pull my credit when I apply, I last applied in early 2020. Considering that American Express got a $3.4 billion taxpayer bailout in that time, and their claimed support for small business, their treatment of small business owners like me is hypocritical.

I have what I believe to be a unique case. In 1998 I defaulted on a vehicle for about $8,000. Not being credit savvy, I simply drove the vehicle to the dealer and gave them the keys not knowing that it would come back and haunt me. It went on my CR for about 7 yrs or so and then fell off. Fast forward to 2016. I worked hard at striving to build an excellent credit history. I achieved a perfect on time and payed off history with all of my creditors. One day in March of 2016, I received a summons from a law firm, regarding that vehicle and how they were planning on suing me for over $30,000. I contacted an attorney. I tried to settle for the amount I owed back in 1998 but they were intent on suing for the full amount. The attorney told me I either had to pay or file Chapter 7.

All of my cards(Discover, Walmart Capital One, America Express and a few others were paid in full. I lost a few of the cards and have since regained them back. Surprisingly, I never lost my American Express card and continue to use it from time to time and like the others is on auto-pay. Can anyone explain to me why I never lost my American Express Card? I haven’t called them to request a credit limit increase either lest they pull my report and discover the negative Chapter 7. LOL
I may be forced to stop using regardless because it expires 04/21

My situation is similar to some here but with a nuance no one seems to have touched upon. I was a college kid with a low paying job, so I mainly ended up eating and buying school books off of my Amex Blue (opened in 2006). I tried very hard for a long time to keep the card paid up, but the interest rates killed me, and I lost faith. Eventually, I had to accept that I would be charged off, have a ding forever to my credit and never have an Amex again. Then they started sending me letters from collection agencies saying that they would forgive 50-60% of my $6400 balance (which still shows as charged off on Experian) if I paid them (the collection company, I assume) the balance. I’ve been there before with other store credit cards, which I paid the price, once tax season came, and I was left with “income” from the forgiven credit balances. No thanks. Either I pay all of it at a favorable and reasonable rate, and they reinstate my credit history and relationship, or I wait this one out until I die.
My question is, however, why am I now getting calls from AMEX directly, stating that they want to set up some sort of arrangement for me to pay this off, if it is listed as charged off and in collections? Is this some trick to try and reset the clock on my debt? I don’t even want to talk to them and admit anything if that will trip off the debt clock again. I’d rather have the money ready to pay them back, get a SOLID agreement that this repayment will favorably alter my credit, and possibly reinstate my credit relationship with AMEX.

Any advice, suggestions? I am so sore about this. I have one tiny balance secured credit card with Capital One, and an under-600 score because of my youthful indiscretions (in addition to $150k in school loan debt that has not budged for lack of decent paying jobs in the last 10 years), and I am ready to give up on getting credit ever again, but then I found this thread, because I am truly confused at what tactic AMEX is using to try and start something with me again.

I am blacklisted since 1996. But I was able to get a Gold Amex and Air France KLM gold Amex card in Europe with no issue. Just the advantage of being a dual citizen!

I recently sent a complaint to Delta customer service about American Express’ policy including a link to this page. Delta replied back with apologies and said that they are sharing the info with American Express, who knows maybe if they get a few more complaints something will happen.

So, a rather embarrassing question/post and I am just looking for advice. I am not sure if I have been blacklisted or not, but I keep getting denied. Theres a lot of detail on here, but I will hopefully keep it simple.

So I own a therapy clinic that charges insurance companies. As a business we are required by our insurance contracts to bill any patient responsibility to a patient. You can actually loose your contracts if you do not go through the proper billing channels. I had been an Amex client since 2014, with a Delta Platinum, Delta Business Plat, Hilton Basic, and Gold card for myself.

This last July I was seen by our PT for numerous visits, billed insurance like we also do, then received the insurance check only to show I owed my business $1900 (my PT hit insurance before the hospital charged my surgery) for my deductible. In August I paid $1900 to my business on my Gold Card and paid it off 2 weeks later. Next day after paying it off I tried to use my business card, only for it to be declined. I pulled up the app and it said my accounts were “restricted”. I called Amex immediately and they mentioned I was being flagged for a financial review. I took the time to send them over 100 pages worth of documents over the next two weeks because they wanted to see what was business expenses and what weren’t. At the end of that two weeks I get a letter stating they were canceling my accounts effective immediately. I called Amex only to be told I was abusing my accounts and giving my business a “cash advance” from my Gold card. I thankfully transferred a bunch of MR points to Delta 2 weeks prior to the review to buy some tickets, but I was flabergasted that this had happened.

I was told by a supervisor to pay off cards and reapply. I paid off all balances (about 14K) the week after the shut down, but didn’t reapply till November. I was immediately denied without a credit pull both times I have applied for a pre-approved card. They state my past relationship with them is why I was denied. I didn’t cause Amex to loose any money, nor did I do anything illegal, I even sent them our insurance contracts to show I was required to pay the deductible. All they tell me is that I should have used a different payment method for that purchase.

If anyone has any recommendations on how long I need to wait, or any other thing I should try, please let mw know. I am very frustrated because my score only dropped 8 points (to 767) because of this and I have never had credit issues before.

Thanks for the help!

And yet American Express received a $3.3 billion bailout from taxpayers in 2009. My small business failed in 2009, I had guaranteed the debts and was forced into
bankruptcy. Can’t get an Amex card despite great credit 10 years later – they don’t even look at it because I am on the list. (I want Delta Skymiles). There is something wrong with this picture.

I flied chap 7 BR in 2008 and AmEx lost about $55,000. I have perfect credit now and a FICO of 810. My partner tried to add me as an authorized user and it was denied.

yesterday, I wish to post recent accounts closure or shut down by Amex in order to seek help from any readers on here, but my contents wasn’t posted. May I ask why it didn’t get posted? If my writing will not be posted, would you kindly send the info to my submitted email since I didn’t save my own writing for myself? That way, I could copy & paste the writing or request on another web site for help. Thanks

I was blacklisted for years after a FR. Got added by my son as an AU. Applied and got Platinum card. Member since date is showing HIS member since date. I called up to see if I could get them to change that, they said they would have to send it for investigation. Of course I declined. I would love to have my 1982 member since date but I am afraid that an investigation might result in a shutdown. They asked for a card number with a date of that year. I do have them, but I am worried of issues. Any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions?

I had my AMEX account closed for a BK 15 years back. Had a $15k balance.

I got on a family Blue Card …. fixed my credit to 700+ (Lexington Law rocks https://www.lexingtonlaw.com) and applied for a GOLD Card. Approved !!

There seems to be a new different kind of blacklist for people who Amex thinks abused the system.

I know one person who had his Amex account closed for alleged “abuse.” He was able to reapply a few months later with no issues. Oddly enough, this was not my experience.

Last year all I did on my Amex card was MS. They cancelled the account citing “abuse.” I paid it off and reapplied this year, and was approved but the card was cancelled 8 hours later. Amex sent the same letter when they cancelled this year citing “abuse.”

When I called it to inquire, staff said I wasn’t on a blacklist because I paid it off and was approved. They were not sure if it was perhaps a glitch or other issue and said I was free to reapply again. I did not see any point of reapplying if they kept cancelling my card (not to mention that they pulled my credit when I applied, which is what they don’t do when you are on the blacklist).

One person said Amex will likely let this go after a few years. That said, is this issue permanent and will apply to all new accounts I get or will Amex likely let it go after a few years or if I call in? Is there a particular department or Vice President/director I should contact about this?

I no longer MS and want a second chance.

The WF Propel card only uses the AMEX card network. Your approval has nothing to do with AMEX or the blacklist. You will receive the card. I have one and I’m on the blacklist.

So interesting development. In the past month Amex denied me,Amex skymiles denied me. Instants, no credit pull
Today Wells Fargo Propel American Express Approved. 10k credit line.

Waiting to see if it arrives Canceled 🙂

Amex does have a long memory and holds a grudge. Due to a business failure I had a charge off of about $13k around 26-27 years ago. I cannot get any new Amex card approved, yet I have no problem being added as an AU. I also actually have two Amex cards currently – one Hilton card that used to be a Citibank card that was sold to Amex and the other is a Blue Business Plus that was a referral on some pre-approved deal.

Yet, even with perfect credit for the past 26 or 27 years and an 820 FICO, Amex will not approve me for any personal or business cards, always citing past relationship, despite the fact that I actually have two cards in good standing.

I guess I’ll wait it out another 3 years and see if that makes a difference. Good thing I have a spouse that can get these cards and make me an AU because I do like their bonuses.

I read each comment dating back to the first one and I have a unique situation different than everyone else on here. Unlike many who were primary card holders that filed BR or had an AU default on them, I was an AU and the primary account holder had unfortunate finance issues that led them to file BR and I had to give up my two card(s) in 2012. The primary had about $20k on a personal Blue card and I had about $9K between a Biz Platinum & Gold. I was advised to not pay AmEx seeing as I could no longer have the cards and the responsible party to the debt was the one filing BR. Fast forward 5 years later, new business partner did bad business had us entangled in court led to my having to file BR myself. So the two questions totally un asked/unanswered in this whole thread over the years are…. 1. Will AmEx black list an AU who wasn’t the one that filed BR leaving them with the unpaid balance? 2. After BR w/o having defaulted on an AmEx is it possible to be someone with great credit AU? I recently applied for a new business card because business is booming now and credit is back in decent standing so I applied and it wasn’t an immediate regection, they told me it would take 14 days then I got an e-mail with a link notifying me of their decision to decline with further detail coming by mail in 14 days. I also checked my credit report via and there appeared to be no hard inquiry by them making me think my SS# is flagged. Forgot to mention I also have had 2 prepaid AmEx cards as well.

American Express cancelled all of my accounts last year because of MS. The staff told me I was free to reapply and that as long as I did not “abuse” the process I should be good to go.

I reapplied last week and was approved. 9 hours later they cancelled the card and sent the same email and letter from last year stating that the account was cancelled because I abused the process.

I called back and was told it could be a glitch but nevertheless was free to apply again. It was unclear to the representative why I was cancelled again.

If there was a blacklist they should not have pulled my credit or approved me for a card. I found out that they did pull my credit for this card.

Does somebody out there still hate me and find the account to cancel 9 hours after applying or is it likely that there is an endless loop on my profile cancelling all cards from last year? If so, will this issue ever go away? I no longer MS and want a second chance.

I do not see any point in applying again if they will keep cancelling.

This sounds like the February 7, 2015 comment above in which someone was approved and cancelled right away when card came.

Yet when I hear about a blacklist, it is always about being declined for accounts without a hard pull, not an approval/hard pull and cancellation right after.

After a BK in 2008 , was just upgraded to Platinum. Got gold back in June of 18.
They did deny me for some time but finally back in

After 30+ YEARS I am still on the Amex blacklist from having a $1500 charge-off, followed by bankruptcy. They have a LONG (forever) memory. I also have the same problem with Citibank (30+ years!) over a $500 charge-off. Great credit today…

So i filed a BK in 2004 related to 9/11 (i was a NY’r,lost my job,home,etc). Amex blue was include in this.
I had a high paying job and defaulted on over 10k
Since the discharge i worked hard to restore myself and currently keep a over a 800 FICO. several cards with a 20k+ limit and under 2% utilization. I am auto denied every application.
My 80yr old mother has attempted to add me to her account (over 40yrs) and they simply will Not.

Super Blacklist i must be on. Meanwhile my company got me a corp Amex. i assume they secure it.

I had an American Express Zync card in 2010 while in college. In 2014, I asked them to transfer it to an Amex Gold card and they did. In 2016 the card was charged-off because I was unemployed and couldn’t make the payments. Later in 2016 I gained employment and settled the debt with them. This year (2019) I check to see if I pre-qualified for any of their cards. Their system said I pre-qualified for the Amex Gold card. Subsequently, I applied and the application was approved and now I have a new Amex Gold card three years after the charge-off of my previous Amex Gold card.

I’ve been applying for Amex several times in the past 5 years but each time I applied, the application never gets processed to find out in the end because of old debt, however in 2017 I applied for Amex Blue with my credit score at 800+ and got approved, but I got surprised with the credit limit they gave me which is $500. However, I put the card in heavy use and in perfect standing and after 8 months I requested limit increase but, they declined because of old debt, since then I requested increase 3 times and each time they decline with the same reason, but last time it happened which was last month, I received a bill for the old debt 2 weeks later in the amount of $1100 and an offer to settle for 50%. I finally decided to call them and ask them to lower the settlement so I can pay it and get it out of my way. So we settled at $360, and I paid it and I was told to wait up to 35 days before I can apply for a new card to make sure I am no longer on the blacklist. I still have 3 weeks to go and we’ll update you after I apply for new Amex card in 3 weeks.

Apparently, I’m on the blacklist, even though I have an Amex gold card. In 2003 at the age of 22, I made some irresponsible financial decisions and filed bankruptcy. Amex lost about $13,000. A decade later in 2013 after it fell off my credit report, I was invited to apply for an AMEX gold card. I was approved and received it right away. For the past 6 years, I’ve used my gold card virtually every day, I have zero debt, and I have a 835 credit score. The new Marriott Bonvoy credit card seemed like a good deal, so I thought I’d add to my collection. I was just denied. The rejection states: “We value your membership and appreciate your interest in another American Express Card. We’re writing to let you know we cannot approve your application at this time because American Express cancelled your previous account(s).” When I called and asked why, they said it was because of the old account. I asked how on Earth I was approved for an AMEX gold card and have been using it for the last 6 years, and I received a non-sensical answer and was told I’d “never” be approved.

I was approved for the every day blue and a gold card did you check to see if you happened to be

on a preset limit with the gold card? I did and was placed on a preset limit. If they may have “back dated” you no credit card company cannot hold past BK’s against you it is against the law for one thing.

Hi George , I was in a Similar situation
Had the BK back in 2008. It came off my credit report in 2018 I applied for Amex blue everyday card as well as gold and got approved. It should be ten years for a personal BK. I kept trying every 6 months finally got back in
Good luck.

I had a bk ch 7 filed in 2009 discharged 2010 and had a Costco AMEX with about $15k at a time that was included in the bk and I know I’m on their blacklist even today as they will not approve me for a Delta AMEX or any other, nor add me as an AU to wife’s Delta Amex account…I asked how long will it take to come off and I got 2 different answers from 2 different reps…one said never unless paying off the old card and the most recent said about 12 years…I have a credit score currently in the mid 700s…what else can I do or what Amex card should I try to apply for?

I have a American Express Blue and was issued a Amex gold card. Found out that I am now put on a
preset spending limit on the gold! I was off the “grid” for 30 years and now trying to get it removed
so how can I do it? I gave Amex additional financial information and was denied what I strongly suspect that
they have “backed dated” and used old information on a BK which was well over 30 years old. I need help

I just got approved by AMEX after defaulting with them about 8 years ago for a substantial amount.

Got the AMEX Blue card CC.

Maybe the Black list is not that long anymore? I was transferred over to Risk management member (after not been able to upload my bank history on their website) and my application was approved!

Hi can someone advise me what to do,,, i had a blue cash credit card with 25000$ limit and 2 months ago i was doing online shopping when they suspended my charges and asked to fill out authorization form for financial review,,, so i filled out the form and after 2 weeks they called and told that because of my writing IRS couldn’t gave my income info,,, so i filled out very clearly 2 time and again they said they couldn’t get my info so they closed my account,, after a week they closed also all my relatives and friends credit cards that were under my address,,, i called and they were talking very rude. I have a 800 credit score and no late payments and because of that my score decreased… what can i do???

They don’t give you the chance to add yourself as an additional. They deny you right away and they’ll tell tou ‘you’ll get a letter in the mail’ even if you try to add yourself online..

My situation is very different. I was forced into Chapter 7 in 2016 due to defaulting on a vehicle back in 1997.(Yes, you read that right) I was told that they are allowed to revive the order up to 3 times and by law they had a case against me. The law firm refused to settle with me. They wanted over $30,000 for a vehicle that I only owed $8,000 on back then. I turned it into the dealer figuring they would simply cancel the sale not knowing how things work in the credit world. I lost 3 credit cards in the Chapter 7 file; Capital One, Walmart and Discover. They were all at the time paid down to $0. They allowed me to keep my American Express and my First Merit CC which is now Huntington. I lost the other 3 and shortly after reapplying received another Capital One Card. Discover was paid down to $0 but they have denied me 3 times. I never applied to Walmart because I heard a 3 year lapse is required. My American Express is always paid on time but they haven’t pulled it and it has been 2 yrs and 3 months since Chapter 7 discharge. I would like to request a credit line increase but I’m afraid they will notice my Ch 7 that wasn’t noticed before. Is it possible that they missed this or have I retained my card simply because it has always been in good standing?

Hmmm Mike it was totally random I was checking every 6 months. Was denied every time. Have you checked your credit report to confirm the BK is not showing ? Give it another few months more then likely will come off. You should be good to go after it is off. They also of course look at your current fico score

2008 for me also, still blacklisted.

BK back in 2008

I was blacklisted for 10 years

Lisa, that’s awesome !! Got the rose gold as well as blue everyday. For some reason I need to wait at least a year for platinum. But pretty happy with the rose gold cars for now. It took them over 10 years to remove me from the blacklist

I made payment arrangements with Amex two years ago after including them in my BK for about 10k. I have since paid them in full, have a 748 score, four major credit cards and I am an authorized user on AMX from a relative, yet they immediately deny me. When I call them they simply tell me I am denied due to my previous history with them.

Almost off the blacklist– I had a BK in 2005 and every once and a while I check on the AMEX site to see if anything has changed. Every time I get an immediate response that they cannot give me a card. They do NOT do a hard pull and the reply is immediate.
Recently I did that and it came back with 3 cards that I was qualified for, would I like to apply for one. I picked the lowest one, the everyday cash card. 30 seconds later the screen said Congratulations you will receive your card within 3-5 days. Wow, I thought, finally after 13 years. I got an email that said in part “Welcome to Amex EveryDay® Card Membership! We’re excited that you have chosen American Express again.” The email invited me to setup my online access, but I was unable to do so. I could see the writing on the wall. Notice that word again.
I should have known better. They have a long memory. Within hours I got an email to look for a US Mail. Maybe it’s nothing, but it looks to me like hasta la bye bye from them.
JV

I currently owe $6000K and I continue to receive statements. If I pay the amount owed in the statement, will they reinstate the account? When I call they tell me the account has been discharged. So I am confused as to why they continue to send a statement requesting a payment.If anyone can assist with some options I would really appreciate the assistance.

Hi. I had a Bk back in 2008.
Was just approved for a Amex gold and Amex everyday card. Tried to get a platinum card told me I won’t be approved since I had one back in 2007 which was written off bad debt. What I don’t understand is how was I approved for a gold and Amex everyday card ? But platinum not

I did a form of insolvency here in the UK back in 2006. Burned Amex for about 10k. Once my insolvency dropped off my credit files from 2012 I applied twice a year and each time getting referred then decline letter. Roll on to 2018 and, for some reason, I was referred but then approved for the BA Amex followed by online instant approval for Platinum.
The only difference between these and previous applications is that I had an existing member refer me so they could get some points (assuming I wouldn’t be approved but my friend/referrer wanted me to try anyway).
So there you go, 12 years I had to wait. I really missed by Amex cards!

Congrats to you!!! I have a very similar story and YES, IT IS POSSIBLE. My c/o was in 2005 and now I have an Everyday Card, a Platinum Card with an AU Gold Card and the Rose Gold Card. And let me tell you, I WILL NEVER screw up my credit again. Oh, the feeling of enjoying a complimentary glass of wine in a Centurion Lounge… Life is good and YES, it will get better!!!

I waited 15 years but it was worth the wait.

Just wanted to thank everyone for keeping this old thread alive.

20 years ago when I got to college I didn’t know how to use credit responsibly. I’m still learning actually. My Amex was charged off after college and over the years I’ve received various offers to pay it off to receive an Optima card. Not wanting to reage the old debt I ignored those offers and just resigned myself to the fact I’d probably never have another AMEX again.

Welp fast forward 15 years later. I’ve got a good job, diversified credit profile and great payment history. I received an offer for gold/rose gold card a couple weeks ago. I came across this forum and decided to apply and *boom* I was approved.

So to all of those rebuilding just stay the course. I promise it’s worth it whether or not you get an Amex.

I had a financial review and they closed all of my accounts. I reapplied yesterday and they approved my application but then cancelled my card today citing previous unsatisfactory relationship.

Can I call to request reopening? Also, the agent on reconsideration told me that I am not on a blacklist because I paid off the accounts but now they just cancelled my card right after approval. I find this concerning because that account had no issues or activity on it; it was just opened.

What should I do? Should I wait some time and reapply?

I had my identity stolen about 17 years ago, all the other creditors were either very helpful or at not much of a problem in getting through a nightmare that took over a year to clean up, hundreds of hours of my and a hell of a lot of expense. American Express decided they were special and didn’t want to eat $25,000. I sure as hell wasn’t going to pay then a nickel. I ended up wasting over $2,000 on an attorney and I spent months sending threating letters and faxes directly to the OGCs of the credit bureaus so prevent Amex from posting any derogatory information.
Fast forward 16 years my wife has had a AMEX card for a couple years with an excellent limit and history so I tried getting added as authorized used. Nope, still blacklisted. In fact, a few months after that I started getting letters and calls asking if I wanted to settled on what owed them for 25 cents on the dollar. Seeing as they owe me, I think you can figure out where I told them to put there green card.

I’ve had a AX Green Corporate company Card since 1997 when I started my current job. In the mid-2000s I applied and was approved for a personal AX Green card and AX Costco card. My AX Green card was linked with my AX Green Corporate company card which I ended up racking up hundreds of thousands of membership Reward points. Around 2008 when the housing bubble popped I ended up owing AX 45K on the green card and 5K on the Costco card. I had pretty much lost my mortgage rental income and couldn’t pay for the cards anymore. They ended up closing both personal cards, but they didn’t close my AX green Corporate company card. AX eventually filed a lawsuit against me on the Green card and of course won a judgment . They placed a lien on my personal property which still exists. Fast-forward to 2018, I still work at the same place and still have my AX Green Corporate company card with Membership Rewards. I’m thinking of applying for an AX card personal just to see if I’m on the blacklist or not. Throughout the years I have received my replacement AX Corporate company card with no issues.

I still wonder if there is an illegality with keeping a blacklist. It doesn’t conform to the way other credit cards companies do business with people who file bankruptcy. Any legal scholars here?

Thanks

Hi. Very interesting article and replies from people. I live in England and burned American Express for around £2500 when I had some severe financial problems around 2001. My credit is now excellent and Id apply around once a year from around 2010 to them but always get rejected. The last rejection was at the start of this year but had another go recently and have been approved for Platinum charge card. So after 17 years I seem to have dropped off the blacklist. Happy days.

I had a bankruptcy in 7/2003 and two Amex cards closed for total of 16K. I just tried to apply again and it said my previous accounts were closed and didn’t hit my credit report. The ironic thing now is I’ve learned my lesson and my credit score is 820-830 car and house both paid off within the past year. I want their sapphire preferred card because you get 6% back from grocery stores and I do $200 a week in groceries. I haven’t scene any other card approach the 6% back, my chase freedom does just 1.5% on everything.

Oh well…I guess I’ll keep applying every 90 days or so.

Had a BK in 1996 My Amex green was always paid on time but had a 14k balance on an Optima account that was charged off. To this day I am still denied, only 22 years….. I apply once in a while, but I am not losing sleep on this. I have excellent credit and plenty of credit, got a bank amex card to use on the amex network. I have to say that in the 80’s and 90’s, Visa and Mastercard Bank credit cards had not many reward card offerings and amex cards were ahead of the game. I dont think it is the case today. There are plenty of options nowadays outside of amex for people who want a solid Cash reward or Travel reward card with plenty of perks.

How exciting for you! I have a similar story, filed BK with a $25K Am/Ex included in 2009. I was thinking of waiting 2 years after the BK falls off (Next April) and try again.

I am so happy I found this forum! Yes you CAN get off the blacklist. I filed bk on an amex account back in 2007. I have a home , business, and cleaned up my credit since. Credit Karma showed it as a good odds and I was denied through that site for an Amex Blue Card. So I went directly onto the Amex site right after the first denial and registered for a Delta Skymiles card in my business name also using my ss# and I was accepted with my original member since 2005 displayed on my account. 5k limit to boot. I thought I was forever blacklisted!

I had an Optima card in the 80’s that I sadly had to BK on. It was charged off. I didn’t apply for a cc for a long time. My credit has been repaired since, and Amex opened a new card for me with a $22k limit! Unfortunately, I tried to transfer over my Miles to my Delta account. After being denied, I was told that my old Optima balance is still on my account and I cannot use my miles. Huh? They gave me a new card with a crazy high limit but won’t let me redeem my miles? In addition, that card was charged off in a BK 27 YEARS ago! Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

The blacklist still exists for corporate AU’s. We offer employees the choice of using their own credit card and getting reimbursed (which I prefer since I am able to keep my Delta status this way) or being an AU on our business Platinum Am Ex which a lot of employees like for the lounge access, 10 free gogo passes and Global Entry.

Saw a first two weeks ago, a new hire wanted to be an AU on our corporate account and was denied but Am Ex didn’t give us the reason. He told me he burned Am Ex for $25,000 twelve years ago when he filed bankruptcy but his credit is fine now. He’s not that happy because he’ll have to use his personal credit and wait to get reimbursed and he travels a lot and we use Delta for most of our flights so he is going to have to come up with the money for a SkyClub membership or wait in the concourse on his flights and pay for Global Entry out of his own pocket or get another credit that provides the benefit and pay that annual fee for that card out of pocket.

This was the first I’ve heard of Am Ex declining an AU on a business account.

I got my first credit card in 1988. Amex Green. They gave them away to anyone at my University in those days haha. So of course I ended up defaulting on it for something like $1200. So here we are, 30 years later, and it appears I am *still* blacklisted. I’ve got high 700 scores, an Amex Corporate card for my business expenses, and even a USAA Amex card, which i understand is a licensed product.

There was *NO credit pull, and the online response was “we can’t give you an answer right now” or some such. I travel for work so I will be interested to see what the letter says when i get home. After reading this now, I think i am one of those 30year guys. 🙂 The funny part is I care less about being turned down for a legit credit inquiry than the idea of being blacklisted for something from the late 80s. In truth, they probably did me a favor. I’m sure they would have made more than that from me after this long on some kind of finance charge. 🙂

I got my first Green Card in 1986, I was 22 at the time, and quickly ran it up. I eventually had a bill for
$5,600+, I had no way of paying. I also ran all my other card up. I sent letters to all my creditors and
negotiated payments. All except Amex gave me a reduction and a payment agreement. Amex wouldn’t.

I eventually paid Amex in full. And yes “The Green was Gone” ! Fast forward, a good friends mother
passed, she transferred her moms card me. Yes Amex, actually did it. Now I have 5 Amex cards.

But, “I want my 86 Member Date Back”, how due I get it? Amex asks, whats your old number. After
20 + years, I have no way of finding it. And my good friends at Amex won’t give it! What can I do?

I have an unpaid $ 150K debt with AMEX 10 years ago. Applying now for a supp card so waiting to see what happens

One more story. Filed BR in 2008, with a debt to AmEx of about $50,000. I now have no record of BR and my partner tried to add me as a AU. They denied it. Im wondering if this is legal? Once the BR is off of the record, can they legally hold a grudge?

More than one payment made by an ex business partner was returned NSF. Amex cancelled my Delta Skymiles card. They suggested I apply for an Optima card. I’m not really interested in that, but I would like to know if there’s any way to get back the use of the 85,000 skymiles I had.

American Express against the people’s the people’s Monies and nobody say nothing must to be federal and state government stop this kind gutter system sick of this cylinder lock list the Big Bang and I little girl one that stick on with doesn’t know head of the gum boots must we get the American Express the lock list look like today against the people’s must be against you spank don’t forget to world you know need American Express American Express we need the US American Express number one as a crook bank just to pay the last year the first of the month 96 million dollars fine for Freud

They do! I had a charge off of about $950 about 13 years ago. They still hadn’t forgiven me in 2011, but 2 years ago I got an Everyday card and last year a platinum card. All good!!! And I’ll never cross them again or anyone else!!!

I have been on their blacklist for 18 years due to a chapter 7 bankruptcy. They don’t forgive the past!

I want to thank you for the advice: I had a Amex Green Card, as a college student in 1991, which was charged off by 1996 or so. I tried to apply for a card, but was rejected, but they did pull my credit report and gave me a good explanation. They suggested I reapply later this year; thus after 20 years, I am off their “bad list”!

Hello and thank you in advance for your time.

I recently took a job that offers a company AMEX. Unfortunately for me, I was declined for this card. Upon doing some research, I learned that I hold a balance from a previous AMEX Corporate Card. This balance does not show up on my credit report at all and I am currently battling my previous employmer to figure out whose responsiblity this balance is. It has been over 3 years since I had that account. My current Experian score is mid 500s. Most have had issues w/ their credit, I’m no different.
My question is this, and I can’t get a straight answer from AMEX. Is my past balance the road block to getting approved for this card? If the issue is my score, then I will use the money I could pay off the balance and work to get my score up by paying other resposibilites. If it is my past AMEX balance that is the issue, then I will pay it off (the balance is $900).

Is there anyone that has had a similar experience?

Thank you again.

Hello and thank you in advance for your time.

I recently took a job that offers a company AMEX. Unfortunately for me, I was declined for this card citing “information from my Experian Credit Report. Upon doing some research, I learned that I hold a balance from a previous AMEX Corporate Card. This balance does not show up on my credit report at all and I am currently battling my previous employer to figure out whose responsibility this balance is. It has been over 3 years since I had that account. My current Experian score is mid 500s. Most have had issues w/ their credit, I’m no different.
My question is this, and I can’t get a straight answer from AMEX. Is my past balance the road block to getting approved for this card? If the issue is my score, then I will use the money I could pay off the balance and work to get my score up by paying other resposibilites. If it is my past AMEX balance that is the issue, then I will pay it off (the balance is $900).

Is there anyone that has had a similar experience?

Thank you again.

sure ! i’ve never paid too much attention to my credit score as it’s been in the 700s for awhile now.My husband and I just got really serious about our getting out of debt,we have a little over $16,000 and 3 collections in debt and we’re expecting a baby. I don’t want to have that junk hanging over out heads! so i seek for help via internet on how to be debt free of credit card,i got directed to hackmania_9outlook and here i am with a fact that real hackers are in our midst .Beware of imposters y”all.

I was blacklisted in 2006 for a 2k default i paid off afterwards. I tried applying for a card again in 2010 and they didn’t even pull my credit, got same letter as others. In 2012 I worked for a very large corporation and they were able to somehow get me a corporate card (i think they guarantee the debt?). Now I am back to getting tons of amex offers saying i’m pre-approved. Going to try next month after I downgrade my CSR 🙂 and replace with the plat. Wish me luck!

Pretty sure I’m on it. I filed for BK after a failed business in 2009. Had an am/x with probably about $25K charged at time of BK. Long story short, in 2014 I took a promaotion with my company and was ran for a corporate am/x as AU. Denied. A year later bossman tried again and I was approved as AU. That was two years ago. I still have 1.5 years before the CH 7 falls of my report, but I decided I would try their pre-qualify page on am/ex. They pre-approved me for the blue cash everyday. Then I applied and was instantly turned down. No inquiry on my reports. I will try again after the BK falls off the report and see what happens. I don’t need an Am/Ex as I have 2 Cap ones and a barclay card with over $20K in avail credit (which I use only 10-15% off and pay off monthly), My income is now back to over $250k/year and my Fico on Experian is 752. I own a house and paid off my car loan. Creditwise, I am in great shape. I will be fine without American Express but something in me has made it a challenge that I must overcome!

How long after FINANCIAL REVIEW Shut down before I can reapply?

I came under Financial Review from AMEX after I used my own card reader to make a large transaction to get the 60k MR sign up bonus. AMEX wanted last 2 months of bank statements with beginning and ending balances. I refused the bank statements at first, but I did send them IRS tax transcripts from the past 2 years, with adjusted gross income of 165k in 2015, and 246k in 2016. They still insisted on bank statements. I sent the statements with my with beginning & ending balances and transactions blacked out, I did only showed them my deposits (10k and 15k). They refused to accept this, even after speaking to a supervisor and having my case escalated to a VP. I voluntarily closed my 6 accounts so they show as “closed at consumers request” on my credit report. Before closing, I paid off the entire balances in full, less than $200 amongst all the cards. I have been an authorized user & account manager since 2010 on 2 of my mothers AMEX accounts, 15k & 20k limits. I am still on her accounts after the shutdown of my accounts, and her accounts have not been affected. Interestingly, just before the financial review I had applied for a SPG business card, it was approved 1 day after my accounts had been frozen for the Financial Review. When I received the card and activated it, it showed as also frozen. I find it interesting that I was approved after the FR freeze….. I wonder if this means that I am not blacklisted? This along with the fact that I am still an AU and account manager on my mothers accounts make me believe that I am not blacklisted. I wonder if they will put me through FR if I apply again? I don’t mind providing tax transcripts, but I refuse to allow them to peer into my bank accounts. Anyone go through something similar to this or have any thoughts on how long before I reapply and what might happen?

Got my first Amex card back in 1991 shortly after high school. Everything was fine until 2009 when I ended up filing a CH7 BK due to the housing crash. I burned amex for around 15k total (8k business line of credit, 7k personal cards). Fast forward to today and my FICOs are around 750, income 100k+ a year, and pay all cards off in full every month. I was able to get a Chase Sapphire Reserve card recently after a couple tries with the recon people but I would still like to get back with Amex.

I have been on the blacklist since my BK. I’ve tried once a year and always get auto declined for my own cards. I also get auto declined when trying to add myself as an AU on my wife’s platinum card. For the hell of it I setup an amex high yield savings account and put in 20k into it. After a couple of months I had my wife try adding me again as an AU and it went through this time. I got the card and was able to get logged into the amex credit card website and it shows me being a member since 1991.

I waited about another month and I’m now seeing preapproval offers for the Amex Platinum 100k deal and few other cards. I tried to apply for one credit card and one charge card via the preapproval portal and was auto declined for both. I’d really like to get a couple amex cards again as I understand they would be back date to 1991 which would really help my avg account age.

Anyway… should I just wait it out and try again in a few months? Has anybody with CH 7 discharged debt been able to settle with amex for an amount less than the total to get off the blacklist? Thanks!

I was the victim of identity theft over 15 years ago multiple credit cards opened in my name. All of the other banks were very sympathetic and relatively easy to deal with, just had to supply the necessary reports and notarized affidavits. AMEX turned out to be complete douche bags and after initially pretending to be helpful decided they weren’t going to eat a $25 loss and changed their mind after 3 months and tried coming after me for the debt. I ended up having to get a lawyer to get them to back down and ended up threatening all three credit bureaus with lawsuits for continuing to report AMEX. So after 15 I’ve tried the AU attempt. Did not work. I’m certainly on their blacklist for good.

I owed $5k to Amex that I couldn’t pay in 2011 so they close my card and sold my debt to a debt collector but the collector paid it off and said I don’t owe anything(not sure how that worked or what it’s called) but vaguely remember they said I still have to pay if I want to ever get an amex card again? is this going to be erased from my credit if I pay it? should I even bother paying it now?
Since they told me they paid it off themselves they never bothered me since.

I been with Amex since 2002 never missed a payment I have an excellent credit and I still do never miss a payment with any one else all the sudden Amex called tell me we are going to cancel all your accounts but they won’t give me a reason tried calling many times and same answer , after. Week received a letter stating that I didn’t use my card the proper way since 2002 been using it same way , read your article before and asked my friend to add me as AU he did 3 month later same thing happen to me with the same letter that was sent to me before , tried applying 3 month later was declined but they never pulled my credit any suggestions please thanks.

I guess I’m on the Amex blacklist. Early 2000’s I had some personal problems (mainly divorce) that meant I defaulted on Amex Gold and Costco. They charged them off in 2006 (so well out of the SOL). Now I have a credit scores in high 700’s or low 800’s. Just applied for a Amex Delta card and was immediately declined. I called them and they basically want the entire balances paying off. I find this objectionable that they have taken a tax write off (and used TARP). The ironic thing is I’m a AU on both a Platinum card and the same Amex Delta card I’m applying for.

I’m thinking of countering their pay off for a lower amount. Anybody have any thoughts for a % they think is reasonable?

Applied for an AMEX DELTA card three years after a discharged BK7. Since that time, no late payments, 9% usage of available credit totalling, $29,000.00 with Cap One, Discover, Santander and others. 662- EX, 675 -EQ 672- TU – AMEX was not part of my discharged debts.

I was denied for reason, BANKRUPTCY. So, tried and true, AMEX is very unforgiving for BK filers and the best bet is to wait 7-10 years after the discharge.

I was advised I could try again in 30 days which I will not.

Long time Amex holder. Ran in to some trouble. Worked out a payment arrangement. Amex wouldn’t reinstate my old card. Instead sent me an offer to get the Optima card. I accepted and now have the optima. I think it is from a subsidiary of Amex. Have had the card for a few years now and want to switch back to regular Amex. I have heard/read that I cannot as long as I have the optima. That I would need to cancel the optima first before applying for the regular Amex. Could be risky. Anyone have any insight?

Question – I had a charge off with the. But eventually paid the full balance as an arrangement with Amex. They the. Wouldn’t open my account but instead offered me the Optima card with an annual fee. First, I thought Optima was discontinued. Second, why wouldn’t they open my account and instead give me optima? I think the optima is also offered from a subsidiary and not directly with Amex. Anyone have any idea? Also, I have had the optima card for a few years now and have always been on time. I have heard that if one applies for the regular Amex while having the optima it will be declined, but if you cancel the optima you have a “shot” at the regular Amex. Any insight?

I had a 3911 balance with them back in 2006. Had my car stolen with the 3911 worth of merchandise and then some in it 1 week from purchasing it. 1 month later was robbed for over $5k. SO I was at a point in life when I mother’effed everything and defaulted. A year later I arranged to pay back the money I paid down the balance to about 2500 in about 6 months then money wasn’t coming in anymore so I stopped paying collection agency. I was 19 when I got my AE pretty much young and dumb to how important credit was. Over 10 years later almost 800 score. 75k in revolving credit 2 perfect auto loans paying off at moment obviously perfect payments on all 5 other cards companies I decided to take leap of faith. I applied and got shot down. I don’t know what came to me to try but my best friend just applied and got 25k limit with his first AE. I asked him to try to add me as AU so maybe I can wiggle my way back into getting my own card with them again. He gave name SS and DB and it was approved instantly. This was 2 days ago 4/10/17. My purpose of adding myself was to re-establish myself with them and if they asked me to repay I would’ve but they approved it. My reason for denial was because of my bad rep with them but as AU I got approved. Card should be here soon let’s see what happens if they shoot me down upon further digging on my bad rep with them.

Hello, I have a question about the blacklist that I haven’t seen anyone else ask. In 1988 I was unable to pay 300.00 due on an Amex Green card. It stayed on my credit report for 10 year. I’ve been repairing my credit and now have scores in the lower 700s, no negatives, 4 good accounts, though not much credit history. Credit Karma tells me I have a ‘very good’ chance of being approved for two Amex entry level cards … so I’m curious if I’m on the Amex blacklist or not.

Here’s my question: when I check to see if I’m prequalified for a Amex card on the Amex site, it asks for last four or my social security number, and then tells me they weren’t able to match me with any offers at this time (and they show me cards I might be interested in). I assume they do a soft pull (why else would they ask for last four of social?) … but would they do a soft pull if I am on their blacklist? Wouldn’t they just immediately reject me for previous non payment without a soft pull?

Your thoughts appreciated …

Here is my experience… been with Amex since 1998 and carried the Personal Plat since 2003. In 2010 I started a big investment opening up a 20,000sqft restaurant/lounge that totaled over 4.5MM. Well as most restaurants do, it failed miserably but still didn’t have much debt personally. I had to file Chapter 7 in 2013 because of all the PG’s I signed from the restaurant. In the BK was the Amex that only had 5k on it but was told by my BK attorney that it would be a waste to pay it off. They will close the account anyway. So I listened and left it in the BK untouched. Towards the end of 2014 though I figured I’d see if my wife would add me as an AU to her plat corp card which is my business anyway and was approved to my surprise. Here is the weird part. When I first got the card it shows member since 2014. The magnet got damaged somehow and they sent me a new card and that showed member since 1998. Not sure if that means I’m off the blacklist or it was just a mistake on their end but I just wanted to share my experience. I’m scared to apply for an AMEX personal thinking they can go back and take back my corp card lol.

Hi Shawn, I am on the blacklist due a business closure many years ago that resulted in AMEX writing off around $50K. My wife has outstanding credit and we have been using her AMEX card for a number of years now. We charge a LOT of expenses (6 figures) on the card each year. I would like to try to be added as an additional user but we are worried they may flag her to my old balances and this may cause them to review her account and close it or reduce the credit line, especially since we are self employed so run our expenses on a personal card.

Have you ever heard of a request for an additional cardholder who is blacklisted triggering problems for the primary cardholder or a review of their credit use or limit?

I can’t find an answer to this anywhere, maybe you can help. I have a green card that I owe 35,000 on and they sent me to fr. I did not give them any requested items and they cancelled my card. The $35,000 was all on pay over time. How long do I have to pay that money back? The first statement I received was normal and had a minimum amount due. Will they just keep billing me as normal until it’s paid off?

12 years ago, I had the Amex Blue and Amex Gold cards. My (now ex) husband was an authorized user. We used our cards for everything but eventually my husband chose to stop paying his balance. I closed all my cards leaving a balance of $2,000 on the Blue and $4,000 on the Gold.
I stopped using all credit for 10 years however 18 months ago I decided to rebuild my credit. After reading your advice regarding applying for a card to see if I was on the blacklist, I applied for the green Amex but was denied as I had an outstanding balance. I applied again several months ago and received the general “Sorry we cannot approve your application at this time…” The kicker is that they ran my credit – so off the blacklist, right?
Today, I was approved for the Amex Blue, the only card for which I applied.
Awesome advice Shawn, thanks so much.

I was discharged Chapter 7 in 2010 and recently applied for new Amex credit. They are the only company that I am aware of that denied me credit without pulling my credit report that I am aware of. And when I asked about it they told me after I finally got through to the right department that I was banned for life unless I paid the discharged debt and legally I am told any company can do this.

Ho Shawn. I has a conversation with you in 2015, over my being on the Amex blacklist. I followed your advice, and just the other day pigs flew. Amex removed me from their blacklist – without paying back the debt, and they approved me for a American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred – 2 k limit, but no restrictions. And eligible for their 3x CLI in 45 days.

BTW, since communicating with you in 2015, I have acquired 7 card accounts, but the two newest I am dropping because the have a nasty habit of sticking misc interest charges onto my statement during the overnight when my statement posts. And the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is in my sights in 6 months time.

I would never have checked again had I not had the dialogue with you. So, thank you..

C. Lavenger

So October 2015 I got my final decree issued for my chapter 7, so it’s been a year now. Amex was listed in the BK and the balance was under $2,000. Does this mean I’m blacklisted with Amex? I read that the Delta Amex card is easier to get, and possibly with my income and score I could get it. Since I’m rebuilding my credit now (it’s been a year) and my FICO is increasing and currently at around 650 and Credit Karma is showing 697 (whatever that’s worth). Is it worth applying for? Or should I just avoid the credit inquiry and try a different card?

I defaulted on a AMEX 10 years ago for about $1700. About 5 years ago, my boss tried to add me as an AU to her corporate AMEX only for them to deny me…HOW EMBARRASSING. My credit was super crummy too, and that boss would occasionally REMIND ME. Glad that job is over. Fast forward 5 more years to now: My credit is MUCH better and moving in the right direction. I was in the low 500 when I decided to turn this around and now in the mid-700s. I suppose I had a shot of courage yesterday after now having 2 BOA Visas (4000CL and 2,000CL), a Cap 1 MC (3,800CL), two store cards (Neiman Marcus (2,000) and Bloomies (500) and a Discover(10K CL), that I, with GREAT TREPIDATION, hit the ENTER button on my online AMEX application – hoping and praying my blacklist days had ended…..SUCCESS! I was approved for a Blue Cash Everyday card for a $10K CL! I almost fell out of my chair. I just received an email that it’s shipping but I still can’t believe it. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!!! I can guarantee you this: No matter what…I will NEVER screw up my credit again! It’s a long arduous road but it can have a successful ending!!! Hang in there!

If I was an AU on an account that has been cancelled and the $1200 on the gold charge card was paid back to Amex in full, can I try to apply for the blue card now as primary. Am also on the BL. Can I even get approved for a basic Amex card?

I o my drfaulted $1200 on Amex a few years ago and I can’t even be added as an AU. On the app, it says AU must not have defaulted on Amex in the past.

These ‘lists’ exist. I work for a credit card issuer and we will decline all applicants that have had a charge-off or bankruptcy ‘on-us’ — ever. If you have had a charge-off and/or bankruptcy ‘off-us’ we will eventually consider your application depending upon how long it’s been since the event.

I am on the AMEX blacklist as I settled $10k of a $15k debt in 2014; after I was served for defaulting. I haven’t tried to apply again as I’m working to rebuild my credit.

I had perfect Credit with Amex until my x husband that was just an authorized user ran my card (his card) up to $12k and didn’t pay it. This was in 2004. I’ve applied in 2013 and got the automatic reply about an old account and tried again today – 7.28.16 and was denied again, same reason. It’s been 12.5 years now. I guess I’m going to be on their blacklist forever! 🙁 I was added as an AU user today and the response was we’d have an answer in 14 days, If I was approved I would get the card in a white envelope. I’m not holding my breath though.

Does it matter which card you apply for? I had the GOLD in 2004 when this happen. Are some easier than others?

I notice each month that there are Soft Pulls from AMEX on all 3 of my Credit Reports. Why is this happening if I’m still on their blacklist? Seems it would be a waste of their time.

Credit Karma always has several Amex cards listed and say that my approval rate is good.

My Credit Score is in the 800’s now. I hate that I can’t get another card with Amex because of what my AU did on my account – they didn’t know that he was my husband as we didn’t have credit together, he was just an AU.

Funny thing is – he has his own account now after screwing mine up.

I went Bankrupt in 2005, with a few thousand on an Amex card. I had been an Amex card holder for over 20 years.
I applied after the BK was removed from my credit report. FICO 785 or so.
Got the dreaded denial because of previous relationship.

Had a business colleague offer to list me on his card. They did, charged him$175 and dropped his credit limit so far that his card became useless. I called and had the additional card removed and they agreed to refund the $175, Dinged his credit.

When I talked to them they tole me the ban was for life. If I wanted any reconsideration I would have to pay off the card.
This certainly appears to be an illegal attempt to try to collect a discharged debt.

A pox on them.

I had an AMEX Gold card when I was 18, that I defaulted on for about 23K when I was 21, and included in a BK with no payback. Fast forward 21 years later, I’m now 42… with Fico scores in the low to mid 800’s between the big three. I have every credit card worth having, and have available credit lines of between 28K and 100K, (some are corporate cards for my business) and a 2.1M mortgage, and a 525K boat that is financed – I had no issues procuring either. Long story short, I still get denied by AMEX. I’ve tried a few times over the years, only to get a letter of denial because of my previous history with them. No, I don’t need the card; I want what I can’t have. The author is correct, they do not pull your credit if you are on the “blacklist;” their internal system does a cross check of the list, and instantly issues a denial letter. You could apply daily with no affect on your credit bureau. Today my girlfriend added me (authorized user) to her AMEX Platinum personal card, and her Platinum corporate card in an attempt to see if I can get myself removed from the list that I have been on for over 21 years. I will keep you posted in about 3 months to let you guy’s know if I get approved for any of their products going forward. Lastly, thank you for the informative article.

I was curious about this policy and decided to test it out. In 1985, AmEx offered me a Green card, and after a while, I added a family member as an AU who could not get his own card. (In retrospect, bad idea, but I was 22; what did I know?) For several years, there was no problem, and I was upgraded to a Platinum card after a couple years. The card was good for far more than I could personally handle, thanks to the AU…but in 1993 things went bad and I was left holding the bag for 57K. Eventually this was cleared in a Ch. 7.

I applied for a “Blue Cash Everyday” card, and received a decline because of “prior adverse account activity” with AmEx. I called their customer service, essentially to say “Seriously, you’re turning me down for something that happened over 20 years ago?” and I was told that their current policy is if any AmEx account is closed in an unfavorable manner, you can’t get another one. They don’t even run your credit; their system pulls your app immediately. I said, “So I’m banned for life from having an AmEx card?” and was told that this is their current policy; it could change in the future…no promises.

I had a personal Amex Platinum and a Amex Gold in 1980s and 90s. Back in 2002 I had some financial difficulties and filed Personal BK which included both Amex Cards for a total of $17,000. Since 2004, I tried couple of times for new cards but I was declined automatically, I guess I was on their famous Black List.
Since 2004 I own a multi million dollar business, Amex was after me to add them to our current merchant service to start accepting Amex Cards in addition to our exsisting merchant service account for Visa, Master Card and Discover. Last month we started to accept Amex Cards as well.
About a week ago I got a call from a representative of Amex Premium Business Account Acquisitions, she offered us to open an Amex Business Platinum Card with first year fees waived and 100,000 membership points upon approval. As expected, as soon as my social was entered the old BK and $17K write off showed up.
The representative made several calls to different departments while I was on the phone listening in. She finally spoke to one of the supervisors at their credit department in Florida and obtained an ok to remove me from the list upon making a $17K payment.
I immediately got two cashiers checks for the two old accounts and sent to Florida via FedEx Priority Express. I was removed from the list within 24 hours and received my new Business Platinum Card within three days.
I must also add that my business charges about $35,000 a month on our current two AAdvantage Business Cards from Citi Bank for the last 12 years. I guess, I can confirm that Amex is currently running an aggressive campaign to transfer premium business accounts from other banks high limit credit card holders.

Even though I hadn’t included it in my bankruptcy (was really hoping to keep it), my Starwood AmEx got cancelled in 2009 with about $3k still on it (which somehow rolled into the bankruptcy). Since then I haven’t been able to get a card from AmEx, but I just signed my wife up for a Blue Cash AmEx, and added myself as an additional card member. She was approved just fine, but they turned me down for an additional card on her account. The T&C for additional cards even state that “Additional Card Members must…never had a defaulted account with American Express.” Seems perhaps this is no longer a viable way to get off the blacklist.

I had a amex gold card back in 2009 but I had some issues with my family and job so I didn’t pay my account about 780 dollar now I was reading about all this information because I want to apply back I want to grow up my credit. should I just pay and try to apply right away or do I need to talk to someone first about what happened ??? do I need to send and apology letter with the payment?

I defaulted on two american express cards in a chapter 7 back in October 2009. They were paid off in full this year – I just reapplied for a Delta Platinum Card and was approved with 10K limit. Credit scores 746/731. I originally called right after the debt was paid in full and was told to call back in 30 days. I did have a gold amex issued through work during this time as well.
Hope this helps!

Nobody has answered me yet.

Is Soft (account review inquiries) on Experian and indicator that you are blacklisted.

Thank you.

I was blacklisted for 10 long years after a $6000 charge off. Since that time, my credit score and income have risen substantially. Just got approved for an Amex Platinum.

I know this post is a year old, but it’s still an interesting read.

I defaulted on my Premier Rewards Gold card a year ago due to a sudden catastrophic family event. It was for a relatively minor $2200, but my finances were so exhausted back then that I couldn’t even begin to pay it down. This all went down about a month after I started a new job where I was issued a Corporate Green card for necessary travel expenses. Even though my Gold card was cancelled and the debt collectors were let loose on my arse, my corp card remained fully functional through it all. I paid off the $2200 as my financial situation improved, however, and Amex in turn sent me a paper application for their Optima card about a month after the last payment posted. I filled it out, sent it in, and was given an Optima card with a $500 limit. And according to the paperwork, I’ll be eligible for other Amex cards after a year of good behavior with the Optima. So it looks like I’m back in… I wonder if my Corp card kept me off the blacklist?

Hi Shawn,

Very nice post, but not helpful for me yet… I will get straight to the point and hope you can advise.

I received my first AMEX in 2005 and in 2007 defaulted on it (and on very many credit items at that time) due to some personal problems. It was approximately 6-7k debt to AMEX.
It has been over 9 years since then and all negative information has been removed from all of my credit reports as statue of limitation expired. My score is 740 now and I was just approved for a 20k Chase CC. I have a leased car under my name for over 2 years now, personal income is over 100k. Four years ago my wife added me to her platinum AMEX account and I spent over 300k on it since then, no late payments ever.
AMEX, however still refuse to issue a card under my name (or the business name) and they say the only reason preventing me from getting is my old default with them. I have spoken to maybe 10 different representatives in AMEX but no one can advise how to help the situation and restore their confidence…

I would greatly appreciate any useful ideas?

I applied for the cards I wanted last week, then applied for AMEX PRG, just in case they HP’d me, which they didn’t and I was promptly denied, because AMEX cancelled my previous accounts. I am on the list also…AU time!

My story: In 1993 I filed for BK at the age of 21, and I owed AMEX 29K on a Gold card. Who gives a 21 year old kid a Gold Card and lets them rack up to 29K in debt in a 30 day period? Fast forward to 2016 (now 42), and with available credit lines of 268K (aggregate total) between all my personal revolving accounts – all with a 0 balance. I also have 5 business credit cards (two are VISA lines of credit that are 200K each) that I personal guarantee with an aggregate total of 500K in available credit, all with 0 balances – or it is paid off monthly when any/all are used. My FICO score (at the time of this writing is 833; my mortgage company just gave me a copy of the report as I’m in the process of buying another home. The report I ran on “creditchecktotal.com” said my FICO score was 807 (ran on the same day as the mortgage company – and it was a soft inquiry). My point, your FICO score does vary depending on what type of credit you are trying to ascertain. Back to my AMEX story… At least once or twice a year I have tried to apply for an AMEX card; I’ve tried for the Green card, Gold, Platinum, etc. I’ve even tried to get it under my business (in business for over 20 years with annual sales in the MM). Every single attempt, every single year has yielded negative results. The author of this article is correct, they won’t even pull your credit report; their internal blacklist flags you immediately and generates a denial letter.

A good friend of mine was telling me the other day how he just got approved for the Blue card by AMEX. I asked him how (he had a previous BK with them too)? He said his wife had an AMEX card with a 10K limit (not sure which card) and she added him as an authorized user. He said when she added him, they reduced her credit limit from 10K to 1K within 30 days. He then said a few months later he applied on his own for the Blue card, and was approved for 5K. He said he would add me as an authorized user to his account if I wanted. I told him I will try it after I get through my mortgage process. I know his credit is a little shaky, and that could affect my credit report. I also told him that when he adds me as an authorized user, he can keep the card – this way he has no risk of me damaging his credit. I will keep you posted after I do this.

I’ve read many posts in these forums, relating to possibly/likely, being AMEX blacklisted and becoming an AU on an existing account. My question is, is it better to become an AU on an existing account and just be added, or have my wife app for say the PRG and add me during that process? That way it’s a card I can use alone for awhile. I currently have a 693 EX and recently had a Corp card through work. I left that company, but paid on time for 12 months. I am going to app for Marriott Rewards myself in a couple of weeks, so just in case AMEX pulls my credit, I am waiting to see if I am truly on the blacklist.

Hi Shawn, Just happened to google this topic because I was denied for having a bad prior relationship with AMEX in the early 2000s (layoff, etc.) where the payment plan was just undoable and they were having none of it while I was unemployed. The account was charged off in 2003 (about 2500) and when I applied in December 2015 was automatically denied. I asked for a further review (not knowing about the black list) and nothing happened. I followed up and they did pull a credit report but denied again citing the same reasons as they did in the first letter. I guess I’m SOL. I have near-perfect credit (800+) and have for years. What’s the best way other than AU route to get back in their good graces? I now wish I’d known about this sooner so I wouldn’t have this inquiry on my report for 2 years.

Hey, thanks,
DS

Is being blacklisted relevant to direct applications with Amex, or does it effect any card they sponsor?

I.e. I know I am blacklisted by Amex, but would like an Amex from Citi / Wells Fargo, etc. Anyone with experience here?

Searched online, but can’t find any data points. I’ll try an application in a few months the next time an inquiry drops off.

THIS IS ONE QUESTION NOBODY HAS BROUGHT UP:

I had a charge off about 9yrs ago. I have had soft inquiries on my experian regularly since. If I were to be removed from the blacklist would those inquiries cease?

This worked for me. I was an AU on the AMEX Delta card for about 3 years. We run over 100K per year through it. Last month I applied for my own Hilton Amex and was approved instantly. Credit line is low, but i figure that is to be expected.

My credit is excellent and so is my track record with AMEX, but I’m concerned that I may end up on the blacklists when my elderly Mother passes away. She is now in a nursing home on Medicaid with no assets and there is a $2000 balance on her Delta AMEX card.
.
Since she started to develop dementia, I have been listed as the manager on her account, which authorized me to pay bills, etc. But-unlike any other entity-AMEX required my social security number to designate me as account manager. Although I am not legally obligated to pay her debt either now or when she passes, I am very concerned that they may blacklist me when she dies and I notify them as executor that there are no assets to cover the debt.

I for one am greatful for the blacklist. If they’re not going to approve me anyway, they’re saving me from a hard inquiry. I applied when I joined Costco in Oct. 2013, a year after bankruptcy. Prior to the bankruptcy I had an AMEX card for over 15 years. It was my go-to card for all my living expenses and I paid the balance in full every month, never late. Even though I included them on the list of creditors that were NOT INCLUDED in the bankruptcy, they shut off my card and let me know my account was now “terminated”.

Anyway, the Oct. 2013 rejected never resulted in an inquiry on my credit report.

I had three AMEX accounts back in 2005, that were removed from my bureaus long ago. Since then, I’ve always wanted to get another card with them, but knowing I defaulted for quite a bit of money. When I started my job last January, part of my employment was to have an AMEX Card for travel and expenses. I was freaking out back then thinking this credit denial, would keep me from a job.

I had to apply for the card through AMEX, using my companies code or something. To my amazement, I was approved, through AMEX. I have heard of a blacklist they keep. Also, the corporate card is in my name, no mention of the company on the card. On the statement mailed to my house, the bill is in my name with company name on second line, before address.

Also, I just recently noticed, there was a hard credit pull/inquiry on Experian around that time back then. So my question is, the fact that all the above happened and the AMEX derogs are not on my bureau, could I possibly be eligible for another card, when my score increases, or now, based on my being approved for the corp card with a hard credit pull?

I was just denied an AU Card under a family member and called was told due to past relationship 2005 Bankruptcy where 5K on Amex was discharged. Next month will be ten years. No Big deal have a Visa Signature Card with Capital and World Card with Barclays. Amex loss in my books because they make money on charges and interest if a credit card and also the discharged debt was a write off for them. My opinion the risk is low on AU cards so I really think Amex is making a bad business decision.

I defaulted back in 03 on about $6000 on an AMEX green. Tried to get on as an authorized user with my father and he was told that I could not become an authorized user do to a bad past relationship with them.

My post isn’t showing up so I am trying again. I apologize if it eventually appears twice.

Hi,
You wrote in your article the following to determine if (I am) still on the Amex blacklist:
“The easiest way is to apply for a card. Since blacklisted people don’t have their credit checked, there really is no harm in applying once a month or so to see if things have changed. If you are still on the blacklist, then no inquiry will show up on your credit.”

So, in a nutshell, I was fairly sure I was on the Amex blacklist, having defaulted for a few thousand Dollars back in 2002/3. That would be about 13 years since defaulting. My ex went after my money like a rabid dog, and she destroyed my credit, and forced me to close my company and thus almost 50 people lost their jobs. She ended up getting nothing because my liabilities outweighed my assets. Wonderful.

So, turn the clock ahead to March of 2015 (this year). After having hideous credit for all those years, I finally decided to check my reports. SURPRISE! EVERYTHING negative had fallen off all of my reports. I applied for a Cap1 Quicksilver Mastercard – got it. Also got a Chase Freedom Visa, a Discover Card and an Amazon Store Card. Because of my old, old car loan still showing on my reports, all 62 payments were perfect, my credit score was upper 700’s until last month – but last month I had to spend a bit because I moved apartments. It is down in the mid-600’s now because I used a high percentage of my available credit. HOWEVER, my Cap1 MC and my Chase Visa credit lines were just substantially increased. My score will rebound nicely this month, and I have also started to pay off the $2000 that I owe on the cards combined. I have been perfect with my payments since recovering my credit, and it WILL stay that way.

So, I wanted to find out about the Amex blacklist, and how I could find out if I was on it. I read your article. Taking your advice I applied for a Green Card, on-line. I was denied within 10 seconds. An hour later my TransUnion subscription sent me an alert indicating that Experian was reporting a new inquiry from American Express.

I am somewhat baffled. Are you 100% sure that they do not run credit reports if someone is on the blacklist? 100%?? And again, as if I am a bit dense – seriously, does this really mean I am off the blacklist? I NEVER expected it to happen. But I would appreciate your feedback on this.

Also, can I ask Amex to reconsider me in two or three weeks when I know and can confirm beforehand that my score went way back up?

According to this, I’m on the super-blacklist since I went into chap7 BK in 2010 and was discharged in 2011. My spouse tried to add me as a user and they have denied me twice! Like other CC users here, I have Chase, City and Barclay from Apple, but can’t use AmEx.

I have three accounts that went bad during a divorce back in 2005. I have recently been cleaning my credit and been hired by a new company. I have to have a corporate AMEX for my job, applied and was approved. Does that mean I’m not on the list?

help

I had three accounts with AMEX that went south through a divorce back in 2005. I have cleaned up my credit and was recently issued an AMEX Corporate card via my job. Could this happen if I was blacklisted?

i failed to pay my 3000 credit card bill back in 2007 due to loosing my job. amex no longer shows on my credit report. My mom just added me to her account and after sending application online a message read: Pending final verification of your application, the following Additional Cards will arrive at your primary billing address in a plain white envelope displaying the American Express Blue Box logo, addressed to each individual below, and with a return address in Omaha, Nebraska.

not sure if that means they will send it? maybe if I was black listed they would have denied me right away? i believe i applied a year ago and i got denied right away. but I’m not ssure if i remember that correctly whats your take on this?

In 2013 I made a $5000 investment on my Amex card in a local business here in town. Naturally, the investment turned out to be a total failure, and I lost my money. Three month’s later, the company that I worked for, went out of business out of the blue. I was unable to keep up with my payments. The card eventually was cancelled, and the fees started piling on. Fast forward to September of 2014, and I worked out a settlement to settle for 2k on a 7k debt, and after reading about the blacklist, I figured I was done for with Amex. I stumbled upon this article, and after reading about how if you are “blacklisted” they won’t do a hard pull on your credit, but just a generic message saying based on past experiences we can’t approve you blah blah. So I figured, what the hell, I’ll give it a go. I could also absorb the inquiry as well. I applied for the Amex Everyday Card, as I knew some of the others were more “prestigious”, thus tighter approval standards. Expecting to receive the rejection message, imagine my surprise when I was approved for a $3500 limit. My Fico score that I paid for through Equifax is a 670.. Needless to say, I am quite shocked…

I screwed Amex for about 15-20k in a bankruptcy. I had a blue credit card with a 10-15k balance and gold card with about 5-6k balance and I filed Ch.7 due to a large real estate venture (failed obviously). I have been on the blacklist for 6 years now. I have not tried the authorized user approach and probably wont anytime soon. My credit is back to a decent level 715 approx on EX and TU. My score was over 800 when the wheels came off….. live and learn. God Bless.

I had an issue with them in 1990 and I did apply about ten years later and got the message that I had past issues with them. Lately I read reports that although some were slipping through the blacklist. In January of this year 2015, I applied for the American Express Everyday Blue Cash rewards and immediately came back with approved!
At the time it said member since January 2015!

I took advantage of setting my preferences, bank account on payments, etc., and even gave me the credit line limit. The card would be arriving in a week or so

This blacklist still haunted me and although it was approved, was it really a done deal? So I logged in the next day and the member since date changed to since 1986!

Two months later, on taking up their preapproval offer for their Gold Premier Rewards card and was instantly approved.

Who knows, I was probably off the blacklist for some time. I have learned a lot from those early years.

I tried to apply for AMEX card today, and I was turned down because my account was closed due to bankruptcy in 2010. The agent was asking me to pay my previous payments in installments, and I said by law they ask me to pay what was included in BK. The rep transferred me to another department, and the other agent told me that they might have to run another credit check but mostly likely I will be denied because of the BK, I was already upset and hanged up. I am planning on adding myself as an authorized user on spouse’s account. Hopefully, it will do the trick.

I tried to apply for AMEX card today, and I was turned down because my account was closed due to bankruptcy in 2010. The agent was asking me to pay my previous payments in installments, and I said by law they ask me to pay what was included in BK. The rep transferred me to another department, and the other agent told me that they might have to run another credit check but mostly likely I will be denied because of the BK, I was already upset and hanged up. I am planning on adding myself as an authorized user on spouse’s account. Hopefully, it will do the trick.

Could you please post same thing about Citi if you know?

This is a very helpful post for me. My bankruptcy was 9.5 years ago, and I’m currently thinking of strategy for applications after the 10 year mark passes. One of my bad debts was Amex. Thanks very much for writing this.

The claim that a “select group” of people on the AmEx blacklist cannot become authorized users while others on the blacklist can is a myth.

If you are on the blacklist, you will not be approved as an AU absent a system glitch. If you are approved as an AU, you are not on the blacklist.

FYI – There is a limit to how far back Amex will backdate your accounts. I had a Green and an Optima card back in the late 80s and early 90s. I cancelled them both due to the (then) high AF. Both were closed in good standing. I didn’t open my next Amex account until 2010. All my cards now say “member since 2010”.

1) Does anyone here know how Amex handles a former customer who refused to submit documentation for an Amex Financial Review and closed all his accounts?

2) How long should this customer wait until he applies to open a new Amex account?

3) Is he black listed for several years or more?

4) Would the authorized user trick work in this case?

I hope you can help. I got a RB (Redbird) myself and want to get an additional card by using my dad’s SSN. FYI he currently not in US and is living overseas for a while due to his job. He was living at different address than mine and when he moved overseas, he entrust me with his ID (now expired) that has different address than mine.
I called and asked him for permission to use his SSN to apply another RB, he said it’s fine as long as it won’t affect his credit or anything, I explained that this is prepaid card and it won’t be any hard pull so he gives me an ok.
So I bought a temp card and load it with $500, then register for permanent card online.
I entered all of my dad’s info including SSN and DOB and use my current address as mailing address for the permanent card.
At the final page of registration, to my surprise it asked me 3 security questions with drop down multiple answer for each question.
I think I accidentally got one of the answer wrong, it asked me something like if my dad know me (I was surprised!) and I chose “no” as I was scared if I say yes that Amex flag it for double application for me as I already have a RB.
After hit submit, it says something like “unfortunately we can’t approve your registration at this time and need more information from you”.
I called Amex and pretending to be my dad in hope that they can approve it over the phone, the rep said more info needed and will send me email.
I received an email that they need my dad’s valid ID or DL that shows my address on it (since I entered that address on registration) and last 3 months phone or electric bills with my dad’s name on it and my address. Problem is my current address only has my name on it since I am the one living there.
Should I wait it out and re-register again using new temp RB? I am concerned if I send my dad’s ID that not shows my address through secure document upload, it will make Amex even more suspicious and flag it.
Greatly appreciate any advice.

I can say this certainly worked for me, I defaulted on an American Express Platinum Charge Card for $35000 set up payment arrangements for it and paid it all back. Month after it was all paid off I applied for another card but still showed blacklisted..after having a friend add me as an AU for a year I reapplied for a Delta Skymiles and Instantly approved for $15,000CL.

I am on it and worse yet, I didn’t do what they say I did. They claim that I defaulted on about $2000 almost 30 years ago. The truth is that it was an Amex screw-up that I was told was fixed 30 years ago, but later their records showed I never paid it. Here is the real kicker. When my wife tried to add me a few years ago as an authorized user, they sent her a letter telling her that I had defaulted on accounts and was denied. I did not apply and never signed anything, yet they told her this because she tried to add me to the account. I probably should have sued them because even if they claimed that I had defaulted, they had no right to tell a third party when I had nothing to do with the application itself and never signed anything. By the way, I have excellent credit (often 820 or above) and everything I could ever want from Chase, Citi, and Barclays, but that does not matter to Amex.

I’d be interested in finding out which Amex cards are considered “entry level”.

Very interesting post. Lots of Old Blue folks may benefit from this.