So I had an American Express Blue card from 5 years ago that I let go delinquent in 2003 ... they charged it off in 2004 and really did not put any collection into it ... I didn't get collection letters or calls, and they didn't sell it.
When I got myself back on track this year, I figured since they were patient enough not to hound me for it that I would pay them off first, before I tackled my other credit cards.
I called them in October and said I wanted to take care of my balance. The guy said because I was a valued customer and took care of my responsibility, that I was pre-approved for an American Express Optima card. It made my laugh a little and I asked the guy if he was serious; I halfway thought it was a ploy just to get me to follow through with my payoff. He said "yes I'm not kidding." So I said "well we all know how those pre-approvals work... I'll fill out the application and then once you check my credit you'll change your mind." He said they wouldn't even check my credit...
So a few weeks went by. Today a lady from American Express called; asked if I got the application, had any questions, and was I interested in applying? I told her I never got it; she read back my address and they had the wrong city and zip code. She said "I've updated the records and we will mail you another one... you really should sign up for it."
I'm thinking if this is real, it might be a good start to get my credit back on track.
But i'm just wondering why they're so anxious to get me to apply for it? They put more effort into this then they did collecting my old card.... I've never had a credit card call to see if you got their application.
Does anyone have experience with an American Express Optima card? Are there hidden fees? I'm just thinking this is a little too good to be true.
i dont understand why Amex would offer someone who had too much debt, more credit to get into MORE debt. i dont not think this "card" is from Amex-- this is a program run by a collection agency that work primarily for amex. we got the letter today at the bottom it reads: this is an attempt to collect a debt-- which by law collectors have to state.
would not recommend ppl doing... if you want to clear your debt, call Amex cust svc, not the number given on the letter.
I just got the same call from FirstSource collection agencies. I accepted I hope it is not a scam. I really want to pay back my debt and rebuild my credit after the year I have had. They told me I will be receiving a welcome packet in the mail as well as a $100.00 gas gift card....
I was in the same boat wit Amex had a clear n gold car with a lot of rewars. All my accounts with Amex went to collection in 2008 I finish payin them off n applied for the optima. I got wit a preset spending limit of 500. My credit is shot n Amex is the only CC company that gave me a card. Take advantage of it and just use it carefully. I Love amex n all of their offers. No scams no jokes guys this is real. You will just get the card wit a pre set spendin limit. Its like starting all over again. I'm sure that as long as they see you can handle this card they will offer other card they think you might qualify for. Good luck wit ur Optima....looks really nice too....if u hav any questions post somethinm
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Wow, I originally posted this thread a long time ago! Probably one of my first posts after I came to this site.
Well, back then I had paid off my charged-off Amex account for the full balance owed (no settlement). They never sent me the application for the Optima card, and I never pursued it either. Which is probably better anyway, because nowadays I'm seeing lots of stores with signs posted that they no longer accept Amex "because of the high/unfair merchant fees they charge."
Also, aside, Amex is the only chargeoff I haven't been able to get off my credit report. I settled with 2 other Chase accounts, and got those removed shortly thereafter. But Amex keeps verifying it whenever I dispute. You'd think after 3+ years being paid off, they'd have better things to do. Guess I should have negotiated a little better back then and demanded a pay-for-delete.
Just received the letter in the mail, hoping to get back on the Amex family. They really were great, best CC I ever dealt with.....I will see what happens, Since they don't check your credit, how do they determine your pre-set limit of the new opti card?
I had the AMEX platnum, gold business, gold personal. I got in trouble with my business and got behind with Amex. I paid off my accounts after six months, and was offered the optima "to get back on track". My premium cards were cancelled, now I have the Optima card. 29.99% + $49 per year. I need all the credit I can get, so it will help. I've paid on time for the last 15 months, so it will be interesting to see If I can get a good card again.
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I also recieved many phone calls & the letter in the mail from AMEX re: the OASIS program. DO NOT PARTICIPATE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE APPLICATION & YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE CARD.
I made payment (~1500) but twas then flatly denied for the card. Nothing changed in my credit file, no bankruptcy this is just a scam by a collection agency (You are not dealing with AMEX in this matter) to settle old debts. Old debts that are not even legally collectible anymore.
Arghhhhh.....Don't get scammed like I did---Do not PArticipate, there is no guarantee you will receive the card. Google Amex Oasis & you will see the complaints
I had the optima card for years and they gave it to collection when it went delinquent. The company representated itself as Amex, telling me I could repair my card problem and set up a payment plan. Amex, could care less. I wasn't notified before they did it and I was scammed by the collection agency.
I too was offered the Optima card when my account went deliquent 30 days. I was sent to a collection agency but I had already paid Amex the same day. The card IS in fact offered by Amex. If you read the fine print it says clearly, "The Optima Card is issued by American Express Centurion Bank" - Nowhere on my letter does it say it is an attempt to collect a debt. The reason they offer it is because if you are someone whose paid off your account then you are someone who will ultimately pay period. Even if you get in a bind for a short time. And they value that more than people who never pay them and they have to charge it off. There is nothing to be afraid of. It is just a credit card - Not a charge card through Amex to show you can be responsible again. Simple
I also had a previous collection situation with Amex Blue Card - after I paid the debt I was offered an Amex Optima, I wanted to rebuild my credit so I accepted the card. Im just paying my bill on time at the end of the month, like I did with the Amex Gold card, hopefully if I continue to pay on time, I will be able to regain my Amex Blue card again. Time will tell.
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I was just recently offered this card, and I am going to accept it, since I really want an Amex as it is a good card and it sucks I lost my job and screwed up my first one, I know they come with limits what is the avg. credit limit they come with?
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