Originally Posted by
fredc84
You said: "And as far as I know Barclays and USB don't have any such policy at all." Their policy is 24 months open, closed, and not being a current card holder. Whether or not people are getting around it or getting caught by it (and we've seen examples of both) but they definitely have the policy. Just like on the AA Citi thread, both wiki's state the policy and they both note there are or have been exceptions. It would also be a shame (as you said) if someone reads a post and thinks there are no restrictions and then ends up being one of those unlucky enough to get caught by it.
Our experiences were AUTO-DENIED when applying the 2nd card with an existing card back in second half of Sept - just when the policy has become "enforced" by the system. We did not bother to recon it and just decided to close the existing cards despite the 10K anniversary miles because 10K AA miles definitely not worth the $89 fee. With the same $89 fee one can get another Aviator should one do not have an existing one, and get the 60K. This part of the application process has NOT been enforced by Barclays , yet.
So there are 2 layers of the current scenario -
Having an existing card now will get auto-denied by the system, but could be able to recon thru it, though it has been getting much more difficult. Not everyone is willing to keep doing HUCA for that.
Once no more existing Aviator card, and not having many inquiries / new accounts in recent months, plus no new Barclays application the past few months, it seems one could sail thru the system and get an auto-approval.
So this part of the restriction, (closed the card within 24 months) is not enforced by the system. At least not yet.
To sum up - the current enforced restriction is by the system denial on anyone who applies a second Aviator while still holding an existing Aviator.
We will not know when and if, the other restrictions being enforced, until DPs surface.