Thread: American Express Recommendation: Need Help Suggesting a Card?

I would appreciate some advice in my next credit card acquisition. I would prefer to get an AmEx card because I already have a Visa card and I've heard the AmEx customer service is top notch. I'm debating between the Blue Cash and the Zync.

I'm a recent college graduate about to start a new job. I have 5 years of credit history, I've been using a Visa card through my local credit union for the past 5 years. I started off with a credit limit of 1000 and recently had it bumped up to 5000. I've also successfully paid off a 7k car loan. I have about 20k in student loans on my credit report but between my loans, CC, and car loan, I have never missed a payment. My score (according to TransUnion) was 739.

I'd like a card with relatively easy rewards, which is what attracted me to the Blue Cash. I didn't think about the Zync until I read some good reviews. I plan on never carrying a balance so high APR doesn't scare me too much. I don't mind the low annual fee of the Zync or even the Blue Cash Preferred should I choose that route. I'm looking for a card I can use for multiple years to come to earn some basic rewards/cash back, and continue to build credit history.

I'm curious what some more knowledgeable cardholders would suggest. Is the preferred Blue Cash worth the $75 annual fee or should I stick with the Blue Cash Everyday. Or should I look into the Zync instead. I'm truthfully not as up to date on how a credit card varies from a charge card so any insight on the whole situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Amex uses EX to decision their credit applications, so if you are in the 700s on EX you should be fine.

Are you currently employed?

Amex has a pre-approval feature:

https://www304.americanexpress.com/s..._ultimateapply

You enter your name and last 4 of your SSN (be sure that you have the padlock icon and or the address bar turns green to be sure you are using a secure browser) and they will do a soft inquiry to see what you are eligible for. This does not guarantee approval but it can help determine what you are eligible for.

The great thing about Amex is that they backdate subsequent accounts to your original Member Since date. So my advice is to go with Zync because it is easier to qualify for, pay the $25 annual fee and then next year apply for the Blue Cash when you have a better AAoA. Your new Blue will be backdated to 2011 even though it will be opened in 2012.

As far as Blue Cash Preferred being worth the $75 annual fee. Well, I would only recommend it if you spend a lot of money at the grocery store. If you are like most post college aged people, you will probably be best suited for the Blue Cash Everyday with no fee.

Originally Posted by CC Deville

Are you currently employed?

I will be starting a full time job early next month.

Originally Posted by CC Deville

The great thing about Amex is that they backdate subsequent accounts to your original Member Since date. So my advice is to go with Zync because it is easier to qualify for, pay the $25 annual fee and then next year apply for the Blue Cash when you have a better AAoA. Your new Blue will be backdated to 2011 even though it will be opened in 2012.

If I were to do this, am I right in assuming I would then have two AmEx cards? I'd like to avoid having two cards.

I used the pre-approval feature, and it said that "

Sorry we are unable to find any existing offers for you at this time.

If you are not a Cardmember it is possible that:
- your offers may have expired
- we are unable to find any existing offers for you based on the information that you have provided"

That's probably not good. Does this mean I don't have enough credit history, or a high enough score, or maybe I just made a mistake on the application. (Kind of hard though, its literally name, address, last 4 of your SSN)

I personally think the Zync's reward system is way too screwy with all the packs you pay extra for and whatnot. I like plain and simple cashback. With your score and length of credit history, you should be able to qualify for the Blue Cash. As for which one to get - everyday or preferred, it depends on if you'll spend enough to justify the annual fee.

Originally Posted by WillNY

I used the pre-approval feature, and it said that "

Sorry we are unable to find any existing offers for you at this time.

If you are not a Cardmember it is possible that:
- your offers may have expired
- we are unable to find any existing offers for you based on the information that you have provided"

That's probably not good. Does this mean I don't have enough credit history, or a high enough score, or maybe I just made a mistake on the application. (Kind of hard though, its literally name, address, last 4 of your SSN)

Yeah, that isn't good. They usually offer at least the Green card......but if your score is in the solid 700s you should be fine for a charge card. But I would certainly hold off on any of their credit cards. Again, this is why Zync is a good way to go. You get the card, pay the small annual fee (forget about trying to get rewards) and then next year when you have a little more credit history (and history with Amex) you can apply for the credit card you want and it will be backdated. It will create two cards (you can close Zync) but eventually both will help with your AAoA. My point about Zync is that it will get your foot in the door with Amex.

These 5 seem to be the most popular on CreditCardForum. Their sponsored offers are also included in the reviews.

• Blue Cash - No annual fee version available. Offers high cash rebates.
• Starwood Preferred Guest - Best American Express for airline miles.
• Gold Card - For moderate travelers that want premium benefits.
• Platinum Card - For heavy travelers who don't mind paying $450/year (does not sound appropriate for you given the details you provided)
• Delta SkyMiles - The Gold version is the most popular

Good luck,
CCG

So I finally decided to apply for this card today. I had been swamped with work recently and was sidetracked from obtaining a new card.

I did the Blue Cash Everyday application over the phone and am happy to say I have been approved. I was given a $13,000 credit limit which was a little surprising to me but I'm very happy about that. Now I will have no fears about jeopardizing my utilization as the holidays approach.

Originally Posted by WillNY

So I finally decided to apply for this card today. I had been swamped with work recently and was sidetracked from obtaining a new card.

I did the Blue Cash Everyday application over the phone and am happy to say I have been approved. I was given a $13,000 credit limit which was a little surprising to me but I'm very happy about that. Now I will have no fears about jeopardizing my utilization as the holidays approach.

Congratulations on your acceptance! I know how it feels - your situation sounds pretty similar to mine - fairly fresh out of college, and interested in my first Amex. I was approved just over a week ago for the Blue Cash Preferred, and was actually a little surprised! That said, I'll be downright SHOCKED if I've got a CL of $13,000 like you do! That's awesome =)

I hope you love it!