Thread: An introduction and a question!

Hey everyone!

I've been loitering for a few weeks now, but finally decided to make it official and join after my first credit card approval!

My name's Jay, I'm 24, and I've been trying to learn what I can from you guys and girls here!

I just applied and was approved for an Amex Blue Cash Preferred. This is my first "solo" credit card - no joint account with a parent or anything - so I'm kind of excited!

I'm just curious, though - I applied for the card by phone Saturday night and saw my approval online Sunday morning - how long does it take to actually receive the card? And does my spending limit information come with the welcome package and card? Or are those, themselves, separate?

Thanks, and I hope to be as helpful at some point as y'all seem to be!

Congrats on the approval! Is it really your first credit card? I was told you had to have a couple cards and a couple years of experience otherwise, but that's great.

As far as the arrival time, I'm not sure. I was approved for the Zync literally 2 weeks ago, and still haven't received the card- so if I don't hear anything by the end of the week I'm going to give them a call.

Otherwise, credit limit/etc should be enclosed with your card. But again, congrats, and welcome!

I was approved for the Blue Cash Everyday earlier this month. It took 10 days to receive the card in the mail. If you want to find how much your credit limit is, go back to the online approval page. Somewhere on there is a phone number, all you have to do is call and ask the customer service representative. At least, that is what I did.

Welcome to the forums, and congratulations on being approved for a phenomenal card. I too am a little surprised you were approved with this being your "first solo" credit card. Have you ever had a student loan/ Car loan? You parents accounts must reflect very well on you. Just make sure you NEVER make a late payment, and ALWAYS pay the card balance in full each month.

Hey y'all, and thanks for your replies!

When I was in high school, my parents opened a joint credit card account with me, but aside from that, this is the only credit card I've ever had, and it's definitely the first I've ever gone for solo. I'll be honest - I was the slightest bit surprised, too! As far as student loans go, I did, for the first time ever, take out a small student loan for grad school about a month ago as a way to start building credit, but I've certainly had no other loans.

As far as my personal credit history goes, I'm really not quite sure what my score is, but hoping there's a bit of info bundled with my acceptance information! In fact, when I tried to guesstimate using the CK website, they told me my credit profile was "too thin" to generate a number...

That said, my parents have had Amex cards for as long as I can remember (I believe they've had Green, Gold, and Platinum cards at various points in time), but I've never been personally associated with any of those accounts.

Maybe it was my new job? Haha

Either way, I'm very happy - I've always wanted an Amex card, and I'm glad I got the one I was going for - I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it!

Thank you both for all the tips and the warm welcomes - I'm sure there'll be more questions in the near future =)

They say that you should expect your card in the mail in a plain white envelope from Nebraska within 10 business days. Generally they under promise and over deliver. It will probably take a working week.

It should tell you what your credit score was from the bureau they pulled. It is on the back of the page with the huge APR% info.

CC Deville, zapper_89 -

Thanks for the insights, guys!

It's always nice to have expectations managed, so here's to hoping Amex pulls through and doesn't keep me waiting for too long - I feel like every dollar I spend on my debit card before my Amex gets here is a waste of perfectly good cash back! Haha

And I'm excited to hear that, zapper - it's about time I get my hands on a credit score. I've looked and looked, and haven't been able to get the information. It seems like it should've been easier to come by!

Originally Posted by JNK

Question: How long have they (credit card companies) been telling people which credit bureau they pulled from?

I don't remember seeing ANY of that information when I have applied for cards. On the other hand, Care Credit aside, I haven't applied for a card... in a few years now!

I think they changed the laws a few years back to mandate it if you are denied. AMEX provided it even though I was approved, it was pretty hard to find on the sheet. I thought it would be large and bolded, nope. It is a tiny little thing thrown on the back. With the CITI card I just received, the score was not provided. AMEX actually provided me my EX score, the hardest to get because you can not purchase the FICO anywhere, only the FAKO.

If you want to get your TU FICO for free or pay for your EQ FICO you can get it from myFICO.com All you have to do is sign up for the free trial, and then cancel the service. I did this for my wife and me, it is the only place on the entire web that still offers true FICOs.

Originally Posted by JNK

Question: How long have they (credit card companies) been telling people which credit bureau they pulled from?

I don't remember seeing ANY of that information when I have applied for cards. On the other hand, Care Credit aside, I haven't applied for a card... in a few years now!

It is my understanding as part of CARD Act banks, credit unions and finance companies are required to let you know what your score was and from what bureau(s) they pulled from only if you are not given the top APR or product. For instance, if you apply for a card that offers APRs between 12.99% and 21.99% and you are given 15.99% they are required to tell you why you didn't get the 12.99%. So, if you got the 12.99% you shouldn't receive your score.