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American Express offers a wide range of credit cards for both individuals and small businesses. It’s easy to review the features of each card, find the one that works for you and then apply online.
But while the card issuer can make a decision about your application immediately, it’s not a guarantee. If your application for an Amex credit card is pending, here’s what you can do.
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Credit Score: 700+ Good to ExcellentA credit score isn’t a static number and there are several factors that go into calculating it. The credit bureaus use their own proprietary algorithms and calculate their own credit scores. Equifax uses the Equifax Risk Score, while TransUnion uses the CreditVision Scoring Model. They are provided as guidelines to the issuer, which may take different factors into account, and approval is not guaranteed.
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On American Express’s Secure Website
Up to $100 in Statement Credits
Regular APR (Purchases)
Credit Score: 700+ Good to ExcellentA credit score isn’t a static number and there are several factors that go into calculating it. The credit bureaus use their own proprietary algorithms and calculate their own credit scores. Equifax uses the Equifax Risk Score, while TransUnion uses the CreditVision Scoring Model. They are provided as guidelines to the issuer, which may take different factors into account, and approval is not guaranteed.
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
On Scotiabank’s Secure Website
Up to 45,000 Scene+ points
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Credit Score: 700+ Good to ExcellentA credit score isn’t a static number and there are several factors that go into calculating it. The credit bureaus use their own proprietary algorithms and calculate their own credit scores. Equifax uses the Equifax Risk Score, while TransUnion uses the CreditVision Scoring Model. They are provided as guidelines to the issuer, which may take different factors into account, and approval is not guaranteed.
It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete a credit card application online, especially if you have all of the required information on hand.
You’ll need to provide the following details:
You also need to be a Canadian resident, be of the age of majority in your province or territory (either 18 or 19) and have a Canadian credit file.
You’ll then review the terms and conditions for the card you’re applying for and agree to submit your application. Some cards may have special eligibility criteria and you’ll be asked to provide additional information, such as bank account details. If you’re applying for a personal credit card, Amex will process your application, perform a soft credit inquiry and tell you whether you’ve been approved, usually within 60 seconds.
If you’ve been approved and you accept the card, Amex will complete the process and perform a hard inquiry to provide you with a credit limit.
If you’re applying for a small business credit card, submitting an application will result in a hard inquiry, whether or not you’re approved. Again, it typically takes 60 seconds to get a response, which can be an approval, a denial or a pending application.
If you don’t receive an immediate approval or denial, it means the card issuer needs to review certain information to make a decision.
Depending on the circumstances, Amex may reach out to you and ask you some additional questions.
To see where you are in the process, you can visit the application information update centre and provide your application reference number, postal code and date of birth.
Here, you’ll see your most recent and possibly even previous applications for Amex credit cards and loans, along with the current status and any required actions. You can update missing information, upload required documentation and complete additional mandatory government identification requirements.
For example, income verification documents may include one of the following:
Alternatively, you can call the American Express New Accounts Department at 1-800-575-2273 or submit your documents by fax or mail.
The card issuer will give you an immediate decision after you submit your application. If you’re approved, you’ll typically receive a confirmation shortly after submission. If your application is pending, you can use the application status page or call the application status hotline to find out if you’ve been approved.
If you’ve been denied, you can appeal the decision by calling the New Account Department at 1-800-575-2273 and a representative will review your application manually.
There are several reasons your application could have been denied: Your credit score or income is too low, you’ve had too many recent credit pulls, your credit history is too short or your credit utilization is too high.
Once you know the reason for the denial, you can work on fixing your credit issues and apply again.
Because American Express typically takes less than a minute to process credit card applications, it’s virtually impossible to cancel if you’re doing it online. If you’re applying over the phone, you may be able to cancel the application before the representative submits it for underwriting.
Fortunately, if you’re applying for an American Express personal credit card, you can submit your application without worrying about a hard credit check. If you change your mind after you’re approved, you can simply decline to accept the card without any impact on your credit score.
If you get approved for a small business credit card, however, or you accept a personal credit card, your account has already been opened, and you’d need to close the account to cancel the card.
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