Also see:

• Amex Premier Rewards Gold Vs. EveryDay Preferred
• American Express Refer a Friend is back / Call for referrals

This was my first Amex experience where I was NOT instantly approved. In fact, I was straight up DENIED for the Amex EveryDay Preferred card.

I didn’t take a screen shot of the “denied” decision page because I was kind of shocked and didn’t think to do it. But yes, it said I would receive a letter in the mail… and all that yada yada.

This was to be my sixth Amex card, and the fourth issued directly from Amex (I have the Platinum Card, the Premier Rewards Gold, and Delta Platinum SkyMiles cards). Recently, I’ve been thinking of closing the PRG and/or Delta card because I really don’t use them all that much. I’d need to spend at least $30K on the PRG to make it worthwhile, and you all know how I feel about Delta by now.

The reconsideration call

• Link: Amex EveryDay Preferred Card
• Link: Amex Cards

When I saw that screen, I immediately called the reconsideration/new accounts toll-free number.

I got a great rep (whew!) who seemed genuinely sympathetic. I explained about the other cards and my willingness to close one or both to free up some credit or to create an opportunity for a new card to be opened. The rep made a note on the application, and assured me it would most likely be fine. I didn’t ask why I was denied. Maybe too many recent inquires?

I was sure to point out that I’d never missed a payment on any of my Amex accounts and have never carried a balance. In addition, I have solid spending patterns on all of my cards (even if I don’t consider it to be all that much). All was noted, I was told.

Then, the application status page changed to “In Progress” right after I hung up. A whole lot better than denied!

Then, today, I got an email that I’d been approved!

And just to see if it was reflected on the website, I checked and found this:

Bottom line

Even if you aren’t instantly approved, always call and talk to someone.

There are lots and lots of factors that go into an instant decision, and sometimes you need a human touch to push something through that didn’t go or was flagged the first time around.

If I hadn’t have called, I’d still be denied right now. And after all, you get what you ask for. If you never ask, the answer is always no.

This was my first time being denied by Amex for a card. I don’t know why or what happened, but in the end it was all fine. I am super excited about getting this card and beginning to use it. I noticed the Amex iPhone app had an update to accommodate this card today.

It will certainly be interesting to see how and if Chase will respond to this new offering, seeing as United and Hyatt (Chase’s biggest and best transfer partners) have both undergone recent devaluations. Aaaand, when banks fight, YOU win!

Will post more when I have card in hand.

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