If I click on the "Request a credit line increase" button on AMEX's website, will they pull a hard or soft inq? Anyone know? Thanks for the help...
I have applied 3 times online and they never pulled a hard inquiry. My latest increase was just this morning and I received a $1,000 increase as well as the option to request more if that wasn't enough (that feature appears to be new). I took the 1K as my limit is high enough for me right now. I'm sure that if you are not pre-approved, they will have you fill out an online application (that will be a hard inquiry). This happened to me the first time I ever applied for an online increase with them. I chose not to fill out the application. My last two increases never requested me to fill out a form. Just a congratulations message. This has been my experience. Good luck!!
Ditto Milex's message-- If you are automatically approved, there is no hard inquiry. If an ap screen comes up, they will (I assume) pull a hard. The only bad thing about the automatic increases on Amex is that (unlike Citi for instance) they are only $500. And you are limited to one every six months. So, (IMO) it is better to call and get an increase over the phone.
Hmm-- Just re-read Milex's post and see that the auto increase was for $1000. I've only seen $500, but when I called they gave me $6000 with no hard, no questions. Interesting.
