Amex & BK

Had a nice chat with a MORE specialist on Friday.

A few months ago I wanted to add the Starwood card to my collection ... was declined due to BK7 (3/95). Was told at that time that after 7 years (3/02) they would be able to do a manual review of the situation.

Since my BK didn't include personal/consumer debt and since this has been "over-commable" with most creditors, I felt good about it and did the application. It was immediately declined. I then spoke with New Accounts and was told "no way we could approve until the BK falls off"

I then spoke with MORE who said that Amex tightened up their criteria LAST MONTH and no applications with a BK of any kind showing can be approved or overridden.

ARGH. Wasted an inquiry.

The MORE rep said they might loosen that criteria, but they (obviously) won't make that public. Best advice was to call 1st before applying.

Hope that saves anyone else out there an INQ.

-mj

 

Depending on the situation around the BK (medical, self-employed, etc.) Diners does review personally.

You'll probably have to let it initially decline, then write a letter to the underwriting group documenting your situation (telling your story).

I have been very pleased with DC- especially with the rewards and personal customer service.

 

King-

I've come to appreciate Amex. I still LOVE Diners - they were there for me when few else were, and that has earned my loyalty. Basically-

Amex Positives

Membership rewards points
With Rewards Plus, they are 1.5x with travel partners when any of our linked cards are used - that includes my corporate card. Very cool.

Best Value Guarantee
This has brough in some serious $ for me over the last few years - especially on electronics stuff. Unfortunately they killed it from all but Gold and Platinum charge cards.

Extended Pay Option
We have an 8.99 rate on ExPay charges - that's lower than the Blue rate, and since the Gold charge card has BVG - it's becoming our preferred card

Customer Service
While Diners is a 5-star in my book, Amex is 4.75. I've had some instances where I needed to get to a supervisor, but in all they are professional and have done what I've needed. When I lost my wallet in NYC last year, I was able to get a replacement Amex the next morning at their (former) offices in the WTC.

Diners, while not able to do a replacement for 48 hours, was willing to allow me to use the account without the card at my hotel (that's VERY cool... it's all done verbally. The hotel looked at me like I was nuts until they spoke with DC rep on the phone who talked them through the process).

Diners Club

ClubRewards points are transferrable to ANY airline or hotel program. This is great if you need to "top off" several airline or hotel accounts . They also offer occasional "double" or "point and a half" transfer opportunities.

ClubPlus LOC is at a "decent" 13.5% rate, but more importantly doesn't report (hidden LOC). It's easy to use, and you only pay interest form the DATE YOU TRANSFER, not from the date of the original purchase (like Amex does).

62 days to pay - I use this all the time. If my company is delayed in reimbursing me, I have until the 2nd statement to pay it. Amex takes your MR points away 15 days after the next statement closes.

Primary rental car coverage - everyone else makes you go through your own insurance 1st - then picks up what the other insurance doesn't. With Diners, they are primary, which means you don't tell your auto insurer anything. It's always fun at the car rental counter telling them "no, really, it's primary, I don't need anything else from you."

Customer service is 5-star. Humans answer the phone 1st (there's another number to call if you want to punch buttons for account info). They are wonderful, and have always been helpful, whenever and whatever I've needed.


Hope that helps- and good luck

-mj