jan_believes

Does anyone know if a co-branded AMEX has the same seniority features as another "regular" AMEX product?

I've understood from reading here AMEX cards even if issued recently harken back to year of first AMEX issue.

I'm not being approved for travel rewards cards now because the lack of seniority with the averaging is hurting my cause. Many of my cards or my AU statuses work out to 2 years or less. My score is actually improving but the age factor is hurting. The same with my DH.

Everyone agrees not to close accounts because of the debt ratio concern. If I pay off some small CC debts on these newer cards and close them, will this help?

Let me give a few examples lest I cause ill-fitting conclusions.

I have the Barclays US MC from Dec and the Chase WN RR Visa from Oct. I did receive my bonus miles from both. If I could keep those bonus miles, could I close that Barclays to eliminate one card from the averaging? I don't want to close my WN RR.

I also was added to my DH's brand spanking new Chase Amazon in Dec. Should I delete me as an AU? I don't use it. And, should I remove myself from my DH's Chase UA card opened in April, 13? Oh, wait, the anniversary is close. That means AF...

What about my new BOA cash rewards card recently issued? I can claim my bonus and be done? I will see if they will transfer the amount of the CL back to another card they took it from. I've had the older card for over 7 years.

Should I close a CU CC that offered 0% interest for a year after it's paid off in June? I don't expect another promotion would be forthcoming. That one might ouch a bit because of the $5k CL.

Thanks for insight.

nccarguy

I think I understand your question. The USAA card is not issued by Amex so your years of membership from the USAA card will not carry over to a card issued by Amex. I have had an Amex card since 1989. When I got the Blue Cash Preferred card the card showed member since 1989 and the card showed history from 1989 on my credit report. If you get another USAA card it will not back date because of your USAA Amex.

skitch23

Cards with you as the primary holder continue to age for about 10yrs even after canceling. They don't just magically fall off after the account is closed. AU cards can be removed from your credit report but it takes some effort.

If you are worried about your AAoA, the easiest way to increase it is to keep your cards open.... Especially if they are no AF cards. Signing up for new cards will only set you back further.

jan_believes

Thank you both for your responses.

Interesting about the 10 years. That would explain why I get no credit for having a couple of cards I previously cancelled because I'm allergic to annual fees. Delta, for instance.

Would getting another DL AMEX help with aging? I'm always getting offers but seldom fly DL. Last flight 2008, maybe?

skitch23

You do get credit for closed cards..... Which is why I said they continue to age for 10 years. I suggest you pull your credit report and you will see your old accounts still listed.

cbn42

If the card is ISSUED by American Express, then it will backdate, even if it is co-branded (for example, the Delta or Starwood cards).

If the card is issued by someone else (Bank of America, USAA, or some other bank) and is just on the American Express network, then it will not.

jan_believes

TY!

gkbiiii

I just got approved for the USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card.

$150 cashback, after the first $500 in charges.
5% cash back for gasoline and military base purchases up to $3,000 annually.
2% at grocery stores up to $3,000 annually.
https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/bank-cr...erican-express

This is my first USAA card, my father was in the military in the late 1960's--early 1970's.
Does anyone have experience with this card or USAA in general?

Blind and Green

I'm a big fan of USAA and have their Limitless 2.5% cashback card (no longer available).

I've never had any issues with their products or their service.

gkbiiii

I'm surprised USAA does not get more attention here?