American Express Optima Card-Is it worth enough to get one?

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.

This may be a good offer but be aware that you are creating a new account amidst your existing debts. This will have an effect if you apply for a loan with your bank. If a new account is opened, the credit score goes down because there is no track record or a credit history on that account.

However, if you have made up your mind, clear all the doubts before you sign up for the card. Go through all the terms and conditions carefully and speak with the customer care to get the answers of few questions not mentioned in the contract. Once you sign it, the document becomes legal and both parties are bound to follow the terms.

debt cruncher,
I am in the same "boat" w/Am.EX.paying off a collection and then having the collection agency offer to mail an application for the Optima Card. Sure they can mail the app....I tell her, but will I still be quaranteed a credit card. She was very confident about my receiving the card. I became very suspicious and did some online research about this "optima card" by Am.EX. I have read many pros and mostly cons. I came upon this site and after reading the posted message...figured out Am.Ex. is out to either gain back a customer and then "stick" it to us w/outrageous charges. My husband is totally against accepting this optima card. If Am.EX want to keep customers then accept our request for the Blue Card instead. Requesting Comments!!![/b]

This is a special program they have been running to get their former members back in their family.They will probably tie it to their oasis repayment program so that when the past debts are paid off,you will be a Amex member with a very good prime card to boot.

I did receive the American Express Optima Card as well. There is just a pre limit setting and there are no hidden fees etc. I am very happy with this card. The only point I do not like is that you cannot collect points/miles. And I had the Gold Card before and AMEX took my 37000points when I couldn pay the card on time. this is very dissapointing !

shari-
what did your old acct look like on your credit report? Does it still show collections/charge off? Does it improve your credit file?

It's an approach that maybe other credit card companies should try. I would've never applied for another card but they seem to understand and allowed me to pay with no pressure. I know there business is to make money and I'm cool with that. I just like their swagger! My card will be here tomorrow.

HI GUYS.. I AM FROM INDIA PLANNING TO GO ABROAD FOR MY MASTERS.. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR APPLYING CREDIT CARDS WITH AMEX, HSBC,MBNA,RBC.. PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT THIS..WHICH IS THE BEST ONE TO APLLY.AND HOW MUCH CREDIT LINE DO THEY OFFER TO STUDENTS IN AMEX BLUE OR OPTIMA....

I am glad to have stumbled upon this page because I am in the process of the same exact thing. I am in the process of paying off my AMEX Corporate Card and I have received the same offer. However I was sent to a collection agency to collect payment for the debt, however this company primarily services AMEX only. I received the letter as well and the gent from the collection company told me the same thing that once I cleared my balance that I will automatically receive this Optima card, and the application was a mere formality. And that they wouldn't even check my credit. That I would get this card with a $5000 limit. Has anyone actually received this card besides Shari_NY and is this the real deal?

Same thing here. Paid off past due balance was made the offer. When the account went delinquent I had almost 800,000 reward points that they will not give back! AMEX SUCKS!

Yes I am actually going through the same thing with AMEX, they told me after my debt was paid off that I would recieve the offer to get the Optima card, to try to re-boot my credit with AMEX, we will see how good of a deal it actually is. Anyone else actually get this card???

Hi,
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 went through the same problem and finally paid them off, sure enough they called me a week after sending back the application to verify employment and told me they would process thew card, a week later I got the card with my preset spending limit no hidden fees no bs, Amex rules

i just received an app from amex opti card to pay 49 .00 anual fee. and im going to get the card. i can do it on line here and use a debit card to get the anual fee and no spending limit. theyalso say on the letter they want me back from previous yrs. i always paid them off every month so what i read here there ripping ppl off . is this true?

Same story, got the American Express Optima today. No hassles, will see how the bill looks when I use it..

Optima is just a credit card! Turn over your app and read the fine print and watchout for your interst after a year!