What credit score does Amex use? Data points indicate that American Express uses the FICO 8 scoring model from the Experian credit bureau. The bank is also likely to pull the same score from either Equifax or TransUnion but the applicant won't know until after they try.
Which Credit Bureau Does American Express Use? American Express appears to primarily pull credit reports from Experian, but this doesn't mean it doesn't occasionally pull from one or both of the other major consumer credit bureaus as well.
There is anecdotal evidence of applicants with scores as low as the mid-600s being approved, but that's rare. Even for the American Express® Green Card, a more beginner-focused travel card, a score of 670 or higher is probably necessary.
American Express uses Experian most of the time. Though Amex will use the other 2 major credit bureaus, TransUnion and Equifax, for some applications, they pull Experian for the majority.
Credit Score Needed for American Express Credit Cards
Aim to get your credit score in the mid-to-upper-600s if you want a basic, lower-end American Express credit card. And if you're interested in the higher-value cards that carry big fees (but also offer big rewards, perks, and benefits)?
The American Express credit score requirement is 700 or above, depending on the card. That means people with good to excellent credit are eligible to be approved for an American Express credit card.
Amex primarily pulls Experian, though sometimes Equifax or TransUnion reports. Chase favors Experian, but may also buy Equifax or TransUnion reports.
The card is so hard to get, you have to be invited to even apply. While Amex doesn't really have published requirements to procure such an invite, it's reported that you'll need to spend at least $350,000 a year on your credit cards to be considered.
Yes, American Express does a hard inquiry when you apply for a loan. This credit report inquiry will likely drop your credit score by about 5 to 10 points, but you'll be able to get back on track with a few months of on-time payments.
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is hard to get because applicants need to have a score of 670 or higher to be approved for the card. However, you'll have a better chance of being approved for the card if you have at least a very good FICO score (740 to 799).
Although this card carries no annual fee, folks report needing a credit score of at least 680 to get approved. But some others were approved with scores of as low as 650, so you might have a good shot even with less of a credit history.
The USAA® Secured American Express® Card used to be the easiest American Express card to obtain as it was available to people with bad credit.
With either preapproved or prequalified Amex offers, the issuer uses information like your income to determine if you're in the target audience for a particular card. Both are good indicators that you will be approved when you apply, though preapproved is a slightly better chance.
The American Express® Gold Card reports to the credit bureaus monthly, within days after the end of a cardholder's monthly billing period. The Amex Gold card reports the card's credit limit, account balance, payment history, and more to all three of the major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
The Platinum Card® from American Express requires good to excellent credit to qualify. This is typically defined as a credit score of 690 or better. Issuers will usually also consider your current debts, income, and other pertinent information.
American Express does not disclose a specific income requirement, but it will need to be enough to make payments on the card and to afford the $250 annual fee.
While American Express doesn't have a "5/24" rule like Chase does, the issuer does limit welcome offer eligibility based on your card history — nominally, you're eligible for one welcome offer per credit card “per lifetime,” but it's not necessarily as simple as that.
This will not affect your credit score. However, your request for a Card will show up on your credit bureau reports as a request for credit, also known as an "inquiry."
According to Doctor of Credit, once you have one card with American Express, the bank will do a soft pull on your credit report monthly, to check that it's in good standing. This is the internal information they draw from to judge whether or not you are conditionally approved for your second, third, etc. Amex card.
What does your credit score need to be for the Amex Platinum card? While there is no set score needed, we recommend you have a credit score of at least 720, 2 years of clean credit history, and an income of at least $50,000 per year to apply for the Amex Platinum card.
According to Weiss, one of the most recommended cards for high-net-worth individuals is The Platinum Card® from American Express . While this card comes with a wide range of perks that make it seem too good to be true, it also comes with an annual fee of $695 (See Rates), which is higher than most other credit cards.
American Express sends a letter to affected applicants citing why the application was denied. Common reasons an application could be denied include a low credit score, an insufficient annual income, number of open credit accounts, and more.
If you're getting a credit card directly from American Express, you'll generally need good credit to qualify. If you have fair credit, though, you may be able to get an Amex card from a different credit card issuer, such as the Credit One Bank American Express® Credit Card.
Will I get a hard pull on my credit report by requesting a credit limit increase from Amex? Generally, American Express does not do a hard pull on your credit report when you request a credit limit increase.
For an Amex card to be good for your credit score, the account must be kept in good standing with on-time monthly bill payments. Every month an open Amex account is used responsibly, positive information will be reported to the credit bureaus.