Amex Blue Cash Increased My Credit Limit
Well, I just got a mail from American Express telling me that my credit limit for my Blue Cash card has been increased from $10,000 to $15,000! That is a very pleasant surprise indeed. I did not ask for a credit limit from them at all. And I’ve never had this experience below. Our credit card bills are normally about $2,500 on the card and we’ve always paid up the bills fully on time. Aside from that, I also have the Amex Platinum Card.
So I guess if there are few tips to give to get a credit card limit increase without asking, here it is :
1. Pay your bills on time every month. In fact, I’ve set up automatic bill pay.
2. Never carry a balance - This may not be a hard and fast rule, but by not carrying a balance, you avoid paying high interest charges.
3. Pay your other bills on time (not just your credit card bills) - Your credit card issuer not only watches your payment on the card they issue you, but also on your other bills, debts and loans. If there is a negative report in your credit report, they will know about it.
4. Having a good credit score helps - If you follow the tips above and don’t carry too much debt, you will have good credit scores.
5. Have a long history with the credit card issuer - I’ve been with American Express for over fourteen years. I started with their charge cards and only three years ago did I get the Blue Cash. I’m not too sure if that helps at all, but it certainly cannot hurt.
Given that lenders are becoming strict in credit approval due to the sub prime crisis, this credit increase was certainly a pleasant surprise. Have you got your credit limits increased recently?
February 11th, 2008 at 2:49 am
I have those same two cards but have not seen an increase in my credit limit.
February 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
[...] Mr Credit Card got a credit limit increase on his Amex Blue Cash card. He reflects on how he got to this point by behaving well over the last 14 years he’s been with the company and 3 years he’s had the card. [...]
February 15th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I’m not sure about carrying a balance part. I got a regular Blue card in 2001 and basically used all of my $9,000 credit limit to pay for my wife’s engagement ring, honeymoon, etc. It took me until early last year to finally pay the balance, but during that time Amex increased my credit to $28,000 (!!!). Unfortunately, my APR also recently doubled shortly before I finally paid off the balance.
I think I fit into the mold of the “perfect” customer. I started with a large balance and slowwwlly paid it off without missing a payment. At the same time, my income dramatically increased as well. Then again, who knows what criteria they use?