OK, so my scores are up a bit from my sig, all now in the 550-560 range. Here's my question - I am starting a new job in 3 weeks and I know from the interview lunch that the corporate credit card this company uses is AMEX. I was with a company in 1999-2000 that also used AMEX and fell behind on that bill when I was leaving that company for about $1,000. The balance probably got to either 60 or 90 days late and was then paid. The job I started immediately afterwards also used AMEX and I was declined (this was within 2 months of having cleared the $1,000 balance). Does anyone know AMEX's policy here? Will I be declined again? I'd rather decline to apply and be saved the embarrasment of having someone in HR informed AMEX declined me. In my reading on here last night, I came across a thread that discussed AMEX not approving an AU until he had been clear of any problems with AMEX for one year. Is this still the case? And does it apply to corporate cards?
FWIW - I have heard that AMEX "Blacklists". From what I understand, once you screw up w/ them it's hard (if not impossible) to get again. If I'm wrong, I'd be happy for someone to point it out. I had Amex Gold and Optima at one time...
If the delinquent accounts have been paid in full, AMEX will forgive past mistakes providing the the applicant's credit reports and FICO's are sufficient to warrant approval.
Well, they weren't good enough to get the card the first time around (had applied for and been denied about 6 months earlier). Wouldn't credit report and FICO not matter for a corporate card, since the company is guaranteeing payment?
A corporate card does not mean your company guarantees payment. It is usually requested/required by companies to assist with their management of corporate spending. The obligation to repay is completely and ultimately yours. If you do fail to acquire a card on your own, AMEX will accept a written statement from your firm guaranteeing payment. You've got to imagine if you can't get your own card the firm will unlikely sign off on giving you a no-limit charge card -- but there is a chance. Can't you imagine a rogue/unhappy employee purchasing thousands of dollars of crap/non-corporate related and leaving the unpaid bill to the company because they 'guarantee' it?
Goin' South Easily...It happened at at least one of the companies I've worked at in the past. Bought lots of stuff with the last thing being a ticket south. Wayyyy south (as in South America). This happened before I joined and was one reason the rules were a little-bit stricter for me and the others who joined at the same time.
This may not be the answer you'd like, but I would just be honest with your prospective employer, and tell them of the situation. Usually a corporation can sign for guarantee on the card. BTW, this leaves them the option to garnish your wages for any "unauthorized charges" they have to cover. It is best to deal with this situation honestly, I don't think you want to face the "turndown" after you're hired. Work it out up front, as someone who does hire people, I am always more willing to work with someone who gives me the bad news upfront, rather than someone who "suprises" me later on. There are many ways to structure a corporate card, I'm sure you can work out something. Just put it on the table up front, it will show your employer that you are able to deal with issues in a constructive manner. Good Luck....
