Originally Posted by
CarefulBuilder14
The special card is/was called Optima Oasis. I'm not sure if it still exists, or exactly how to get Amex to offer it.
There seem to be a few different methods of them seeking repayment, but it does seem common. I've heard they tell some former customers that if the customer pays some portion of the former balance, Amex will guarantee approval for a low-CL Optima Oasis. I've also heard them approve applicants for normal cards and then, within a few days, "invite" the applicant to pay off the former balance. From what I've heard, there is some implication that the new account will be closed if the old balance is not repaid. I'm not sure if the people who report getting these "invitations" are exaggerating Amex's aggression or not.
It *is* the Optima Oasis, and in general if you pay debt in full, you get a card with roughly 1/3 of what you paid as CL. If you can manage that for 12 months, they then take you out of black list.
In theory, assuming you handled the card well, have good numbers, etc, you'll be eligible for any of their other cards like "normal" applicant.
Applying for a card (even business) within the 12 months is an auto-reject from AMEX. Not sure about being an AU for someone else though.