No doubt some of the first 10,000 will be disqualified, so more applicants will be included to make that mark, HOPEFULLY!

Then, they have to verify DL accounts, as well. The computers can do it faster then an army of girls eating chocolates.

Roadrunner--

I could be wrong, but that's not how I read it. It seemed to me that the first 10,000 to apply passed the first hurdle. No matter how hard person #10,001 tried, no matter how many of the initial 10,000 dropped out because of the spending requirement, person #10,001 would NEVER be eligible. That's how I read it... But I don't know...

I doubt they reached the threshhold. Aother big add in the WSJ and its still on the web site. I'm going to keep the add to play it safe though.

All:

I think this is the best deal around, unless there is a catch that I don't know about yet. I have 40K flown miles on United this year (150K+ in my account), so I *know* I'm going to get 40K at the least. Hopefully the full 50.

I applied this morning via the Amex website. I got the "7-to-10 day" notice. I immediately called Amex and did two things: (1) confirmed that I *am* in the first 10,000 applicants, and (2) got my approval over the phone. I was told the reason I didn't get instant Internet approval was because I already hold another Optima rewards card (the Callaway Card). I clarified that I wanted both credit lines kept separately, and the customer service rep completed my application and approved me.

Because I *never* fly Delta, I took the Gold Card - not the Platinum. If you are just after the approximately 70,000 miles for $10,000 in spending, this appears to be a better value. The Platinum Card looks better if you are actually going to achieve Medallion status.

To all of you who applied and don't know your "first 10,000" status, give Amex a call. They should be able to tell you your status, and maybe even approve you on the phone, short-circuiting the 10 days.

Just spoke to AMEX. They claim that they have yet to reach the 10K limit, and that the website is set up to stop taking applications once this threshold is reached. She did not know whether this meant 10K applicants or 10K approvals. So, it would seem that whether people spend the 10,000 USD is not applicable into allowing additional people into the offer.

I applied online and got the 7-10 day msg.

I called today to follow up and was told they needed to verify name and address info.

They approved me on the spot and said a credit line would be assigned later today.

As far as one of the first 10,000 applicants, I was told that if you applied through the link and submitted the application, you were one of the first 10k and are registered once approved.

In other words, once 10,000 applications are received, the link will be removed.

Additionally, I was told to get the 50,000 matched miles next May, you have to spend $10,000.

Then you simply mail a copy of ANY FF statement from September 2000 and they will match the ending balance up to 50,000 miles. The matched miles do not have to be flown or earned 2000 miles, just an ending balance!!!!!!!

Too good to be true so I jotted down this friendly gals name in case any problems come up next Summer.

I spoke with Ann in Salt Lake City and her employee id # is F204.

Same results as the above, but had to cancel Starwoods/Amex account to get approved. Bye Bye Starwood!

RR- sounds like it is NOT correct to me!

Perhaps try another agent!

Good luck!

The Starwood Optima is a good card!

Called Amex and reduced the credit limit on my Hilton Optima by $2000. Then I called Amex again about the approval status of my online Delta card application. Told the agent I had just reduced my Hilton card limit. He was able to "move" the $2000 to a new Delta card and give me instant approval ($2000 credit is the minimum for a Delta card he said).

I didn't touch my Starwood Amex!

Sadly, as usual, this is only available to US citizens.
MY UK Centurion status didn't help one bit.

Be careful, I believe that you are only eligible if you signup online for the bonus.

Also what happens if you apply for 2 cards (1 personal & 1 small business), can you switch over 100,000 miles (50,000 each from 2 plans)?

[This message has been edited by Rssrsvp (edited 10-06-2000).]

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Be careful on what type of statement you submit. The rules say that it has to be from September,2000.

If you are receiving online statements and do not have current activity for that month such as on US, you can't get a statement.

Also, I have a big balance at NW who I had been getting written statements from, but haven't flown them for awhile, and they refused to send me a printed statement. They said that without monthly activity, they also don't issue statements.

[This message has been edited by Rssrsvp (edited 10-09-2000).]

Does anyone know the customer service phone number for this card? I would like to call and see whether I was one of the first 10,000 customers.

Thanks.

edited