Ask the Experts Q&A

Add Captcha
Enter the text shown above:

Q: Can I get approved for an American Express credit or charge card if I had a bankruptcy three years ago?

Rate now
Added June 18, 2010 from: Mike Killian
Average Rating
1.5
Answered By Mike Killian: This is a difficult question to answer as other issues are involved, such as what you have been doing since the bankruptcy. As an example, let's say since your bankruptcy you have purchased a home and a car and made regular payments on these for the last three years, never once being late. Though more difficult to obtain because of the bankruptcy--and probably with a higher interest rate--you would probably be approved for a credit card. If, on the other hand, you have had no credit extended, or worse yet, been late on a payment since the bankruptcy, your chances for approval are far less.

But you are on the right track; the three-year point does offer one of the first time periods after bankruptcy for a better evaluation of your score. Adding to all of the above, please realize credit extension has become far more difficult in the current economy. All you can do is try.  However, if this will be your line of credit since the bankruptcy, you might want to think about applying for a good secured credit card first.  Use it wisely for a year or so, then apply for an American Express card.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying. Check our credit card database for updated terms and conditions.

This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express.  Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express.  This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase.  Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase.  This site may be compensated through the Chase Affiliate Program.

Discover is a paid advertiser of this site.
Disclaimer: Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the Discover online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards.

This question is about:  American Express Credit Cards | Charge Cards
1 Responses to "Can I get approved for an American Express credit or charge card if I had a bankruptcy three years ago?"
  1. Joe June 10, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    I take issue with the above answer. I had a bankruptcy that was discharged 10 years ago. I've had perfect credit ever since, had two new mortgages since with perfect payments, and two other credit cards with perfect payment history for the entire eight years since getting them. I applied to AMEX and got an immediate rejection, based on the fact that I had a bankruptcy 10 years ago. I would recommend you save the time and effort it takes to fill out their application. It's apparently not something they are willing to forgive. JL, Florida

      Reply»  

Leave a Comment
 
 
 


Related Questions:
Most Recent Questions:
Most Popular Questions:
Related Articles:
How to find the best Cash Back credit card?
Top articles from Mike Killian