Twenty years ago I got behind on my AMEX green card account. I paid a collection company just after AMEX charged it off. With better finances now and a clean credit profile, I wish to apply to AMEX. If I apply, will AMEX still have my record on file and reject my application due to this history?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but yes... 2 ways I know: close friend works for them and their files go back to the days when Dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Even though it is not on your credit file, THEY know your history with them. Way #2....my brother had a charge-off w/them from 1994 . Now his scores are all HIGH 700's and they denied him a card. I can't remember the reason they gave him, but he said that they even sent him a settlement letter (that of course had a "this is not an attempt to collect a debt...sent for informational purposes, this is not a bill" disclaimer on it. The charge-off is not even on his credit reports, but Amex knew the full amount. So...go ahead, if you want, but they are sticky buggers there.
I do not have a balance as I paid the CA the full balance. So the account has a zero balance. My concern is the negative history their files may contain that are linked to my SS number. Unfortunately for me, I also got sideways with Chase. I paid the balance to zero. Do these cc companies and banks save all history or do they purge data after a period of time. Like I said previous, this was over 20 years ago.
A friend of mine owed Amex a balance from the early nineties. She applied for a blue card and was declined. When she called to inquire, they informed her of the previous account. She asked about paying the balance for a possible approval since her credit at the time of applying was perfect. The rep stated it was a possibility she could be approved if the balance was paid. After the check she mailed posted, she called Amex and the analyst approved her on that phone call for a $6,000 limit. It is possible. Good luck!!
I had a Amex account in the last 70's and used to do the NSF thing and always paid late. Amex closed my account but I did have a zero balance at that time. I recently applied for a Amex Green and a Amex Blue. Both were approved. Best regards, Mirage
