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Lauren Graves

American Express Reconsideration Line – Tips on What to Say

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Which American Express credit card did you have your eye on when you applied? Maybe it was the The Platinum Card® from American Express that offers over $1,400 in annual perks. Or the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express that gives you up to 6% cash back at U.S. grocery stores. Or one of many prestigious business cards.

You applied–but you got denied.

What a lot of people don’t know is that you can actually call for reconsideration if you are denied an Amex credit card that you feel you should have been eligible for. This process requires you to make a phone call to a dedicated line and doesn’t guarantee approval, but it might be worth it for you.

Here are some strategies for success if you’re thinking about calling American Express for reconsideration. Use this article to prepare what you’re going to say and find out who you need to call to get the job done.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Find Out Why You Were Denied

American Express will let you know why they didn’t accept your application in your rejection letter. This is required of all credit card issuers by law and is going to be one of the first things you read in the letter.

The reason included with your denial is important if you are thinking about calling for reconsideration. You will need to come up with an explanation for why the reason you were denied should not disqualify you. You will be more or less likely to be successful depending on your reason.

Having too many new credit accounts on your credit history is a common reason for being denied. Too many recent inquiries–for anything from new credit cards to loans–is another thing that can hurt your application and chances for approval because it can make you look like a risky borrower. You may have trouble getting approved even after reconsideration.

If this was your reason, you may do best to just wait six months or so to reapply and avoid opening any new accounts for the time being. This should improve your credit too.

Also note that American Express only allows you to open two new Amex credit cards within 90 days and have five existing accounts with them at a time. You won’t be able to change their mind about these ones if the reason stated in your letter is “too many new accounts” or “too many American Express accounts.”

If your credit history is too short, as in you haven’t been building your credit for long and your accounts are young overall, you probably won’t qualify for a premium card just yet. But if you didn’t apply for a premium card, you might be able to talk your way to approval.

Income and credit score requirements cause a lot of American Express applicants to be denied. Some of their cards are pretty tough to get. If one of these things was given as your reason, you may be successful when asking for reconsideration and there are steps you can do to make your application stronger.

Who to Call

The phone number you need to call for reconsideration is 1-800-567-1083. This is the dedicated reconsideration line for new personal credit card applications. The dedicated reconsideration line for customers who already have an American Express account is 866-314-0237. Both lines are open between 8 am and 12 am Monday through Friday and between 10 am and 6:30 pm on Saturday (closed Sunday).

It is best to call for reconsideration within 30 days of being denied. This is how long American Express will usually accept requests for a second review before closing the application permanently.

If you do decide to submit another application after going through reconsideration, wait at least 30 days after receiving your rejection notice. It is not likely that you will be approved so soon after being denied and you don’t want to add another hard credit inquiry to your report. The next section will help you determine when to call and how to get ready.

How to Prepare

Before you call the American Express reconsideration line, you need to be sure that you’ve been denied. Don’t call if you’ve been waiting for a response after applying and assume you’ve been turned down.

If you haven’t heard back at all, go online to check the status of your application. It only takes a couple of minutes. Or, you can call 1-888-826-3471. Your application will show as either approved, denied, in progress, or canceled. If it’s still in progress, continue waiting before calling for reconsideration. This is not an automatic “no.”

If it shows that it has been canceled, there might have been an issue with your application and you will need to call American Express to find out if they need anything from you to process your application.

After receiving a rejection letter for any credit card, it’s a good idea to get to work building your credit and improving your financial situation, whatever that may look like for you. For example, try paying down your debt to quickly decrease your credit utilization ratio, shooting for somewhere around 30%.

Finally, although not necessarily recommended, you could close another one of your other credit card accounts if you have too many open. This can negatively affect your credit by lowering the average age of your accounts but may allow you to open one more. Don’t do this unless you feel strongly that this new card is better for you than your other cards and definitely don’t close your oldest card. And again, nothing is guaranteed, so this is somewhat risky.

In general, it’s a little more complicated to have a business card application reconsidered than it is to have a personal card application reconsidered. You may need to provide documents to show that your company is legitimate and help the representative understand how you plan to use the card.

Review Your Application

Did you accidentally leave a question on your application blank? Answer something incorrectly? Fail to provide necessary documents? Any of these things can land your application in the metaphorical “no” pile or cause it to be automatically canceled, but they are easy to fix.

Before calling for reconsideration, make sure that your application was filled out properly. Getting approved could be as simple as correcting a mistake on your application.

Review Your Credit Report

The reason you were denied might not even be your fault. There could be an error in your credit history–like an incorrect date, a debt recorded twice, or a misreported account balance–that caused your application to be automatically denied.

You can dispute an error on your credit report by calling the credit bureau responsible for the report containing the mistake. Each bureau has its own process for opening a dispute. Wait until your credit report is 100% accurate to call American Express for reconsideration.

Use Your Current Credit Cards

Especially if you already have American Express cards open, you want to show that you use them. Add spend to your cards and pay the balance in full before the due date. You want to appear as American Express’s #1 customer.

Do the same with your other credit cards as well, just don’t send your credit utilization ratio skyrocketing.

Call for Reconsideration

If you have taken the above steps to build your case, you’re ready to call American Express for reconsideration. This is not the same as reapplying, so it doesn’t require a second hard inquiry and they can use your existing application.

The next section will help you figure out what to say for the best chance of approval.

What to Say

Prepare what you’re going to say with the reason you were denied in mind. You don’t want to fumble your way through the call. American Express does not guarantee that asking for reconsideration will change your outcome, but it’s worth a shot.

Was your reason that your income is too low? Explain how you have been working to increase your cash flow and pay down debt with careful budgeting. It’s possible that lowering your overall credit limit by calling your other credit card issuers can help with this issue to improve your potential debt to income ratio.

Was your reason that you already have too much credit with American Express? Explain that you are happy to shift some of your existing credit with the bank to this new card. This often works.

Was your reason that you have poor or too little credit? American Express does not allow co-signers, but you might be able to provide examples of ways you are working to build or improve your credit. Or if you found that your credit report had an error that brought your credit score down and you have since resolved it, you can explain the situation to the agent and they will reconsider your application with your new score.

When you call for reconsideration, be prepared to answer a series of questions. Be patient and helpful to the representative you’re working with and they’re more likely to be willing to hear you out.

The American Express agent reviewing your application may ask you to submit additional documents to support your case. For example, they may request proof of income such as a pay stub or ask for a copy of your lease or title papers to prove that your current address matches the one on your application.

They will also probably ask you to provide more detail than the application asked for. They may ask you to explain why you have so many recent hard inquiries or have opened so many new cards, for example. Maybe you just moved and needed to apply for a mortgage, car loan, and new credit card in a short time period. Depending on how strong your application is otherwise, this can work.

By the end of your reconsideration call, you should know whether your application has been accepted or denied.

What to Do If You Are Denied After Reconsideration

Calling for reconsideration doesn’t always work. You may receive the same answer you did the first time. If you get denied the first time you try, you can always try again. Wait a day or two before calling back.

Feel free to ask the American Express agent for suggestions if you get denied. Even if you don’t walk away with a new card, use this opportunity to find out what Amex is looking for in applicants and how to make yourself more creditworthy in the future.

If you keep getting denied, the issue could be that you set your sights too high. Maybe you applied for a luxury card but something geared more toward everyday use would be a better fit given your credit, income, and history.

If you do plan to reapply, we recommend waiting at least six months. Although you can technically submit another application just 30 days following rejection, your chances might not be a lot better in such a short time frame. Plus, reapplying requires a hard credit pull that will hurt your credit. Don’t do it until you’re much more confident about being approved.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have anything to lose by calling the reconsideration line when you get denied for an American Express credit card. If you received a rejection letter after your most recent application, you can call to have your application manually reviewed a second time within 30 days.

American Express cards are a little bit harder to qualify for than the average credit card, with some cards requiring excellent credit to get approved. So you may not hear what you want to hear when you apply, but you may have better luck the second or third time around–especially if you’re well prepared for the conversation.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Icelandair Baggage Fees, Policy & Loopholes

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Full disclosure: We may receive financial compensation when you click on links and are approved for products from our advertising partners. Opinions and product recommendations on FlyerGeek are those of our writers and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by any advertiser. Learn more about how we make money.

They still recommend for your safety and convenience traveling with as little carry-on baggage as possible.

Passengers are reminded that they still have the option to check in approved carry-on baggage at no additional cost. Please speak with a representative at the airport check-in desk or at the gate.]

You probably know that the aptly-named Icelandair can get you to and from the lush Nordic island of Iceland (and several other European countries), but do you know everything there is to know about their baggage policies and allowances in 2022?

If not, and for more information about ways to save, keep reading.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Carry-On Rules for Icelandair

When it comes to baggage fees for Icelandair flights, what you’ll pay and what you’re allowed to bring is entirely dependent on your flight class. There are ​five flight classes​ for this airline:

  • Economy Light
  • Economy Standard
  • Economy Flex
  • Saga Premium
  • Saga Premium Flex

Every​ flyer is allowed ​one free carry-on​ and ​one free personal item ​aboard their flight, and Saga Premium Flex passengers are allowed ​two free carry-ons​ and one personal item.

Carry-ons are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​21.6” x 15.7” x 7.8” ​and maximum weight of ​22 pounds​ and these must fit in the overhead compartment of your plane.​ ​Personal items are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9” ​and these must fit under the seat in front of you. These size and weight restrictions for carry-ons and personal items apply to all passengers.

Checked Baggage Rules for Icelandair

Size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, on the other hand, are ​not ​the same for all fare types on Icelandair flights. If you’re in a premium Saga class, you are permitted to check heavier bags for no additional fee. With that said, the standard weight allowance for checked bags is ​50 pounds​ and the standard dimension ​62 linear inches.

See the chart below for bag allowances by class.

Number of Checked BagsWeight
Economy Light0–
Economy Standard150 lbs
Economy Flex150 lbs
Saga Premium270 lbs
Saga Premium Flex270 lbs

But flying Economy Light doesn’t mean flying with no checked baggage. These allowances are simply what’s included in your fare.​ Any passenger can purchase additional bags or heavier bags than their fare permits. The maximum per person is 10 checked bags.

Certain ​baggage is allowed free of charge​ to qualifying passengers, either onboard or as cargo. This includes:

  • Folding strollers
  • Approved child car seats
  • Wheelchairs (read about maximum dimensions ​here​)

Excess Baggage Fees For Icelandair

Icelandair enforces excess baggage rules depending on flight route. Flights from Iceland to Europe, from Iceland to the U.S. or Canada, and from Europe to the U.S. or Canada all incur distinct oversize, overweight, and additional bag fees. See these below.

1 Additional Bag (50 lbs)1 Additional Bag (50 – 70 lbs)
Iceland to Europe$59$50
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$69$58
Europe to U.S. or Canada$95$80

Icelandair’s website does not specify what you’ll pay for items that are oversize in dimension but not weight (A.K.A. too large but not too heavy). Though if your items fall into one of the following oversize baggage categories, here’s exactly what you’ll be charged per item for a one-way flight:

Skis, Angling, Golf Equipment, Skateboard, Weapons, Diving, HockeyBikes, Kites, SurfboardsKayaks, Vaulting Poles, Windsurfing, Surf BoardsOversize Musical Instruments
Iceland to Europe$42$83$126$42
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$49$99$148$49
Europe to U.S. or Canada$58$116$174$58

Keep in mind that heavy bags can only be paid for at the airport and that excess baggage fees are non-refundable.

Money saving tip:​ If you pre-purchase extra baggage through ​Manage Booking​ or an Icelandair service center ​before checking in ​for a flight exclusively through Icelandair, your baggage charges will be discounted 20% ​(a maximum of three additional bags can be discounted in this way).

How to Get Reimbursed For Baggage Fees

Travel credit cards are the way to go when it comes to getting the money you pay in incidental flight fees back. For more cash in your pockets, consider one of these credit cards:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: ​$200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express® Gold Card​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Travel reimbursements will save you some serious money long-term.

Credit Cards That Let You Check Bags For Free

The Icelandair Mastercard and Icelandair Premium Mastercard are the two airline-exclusive credit cards to look into if you’re wanting to earn more points for Icelandair flights and purchases. These cards, issued by ​First Bankcard​, have no foreign transaction fees and can earn you points, called Saga Points, on Icelandair purchases and purchases made anywhere else. These can be spent on baggage fees, flights, and more. To apply for these cards, you must become a member of the ​Saga Club frequent flyer program (more on this next).

The Icelandair Mastercard comes with no annual fee and awards 5,000 points as a first purchase bonus, one point per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and 0.5 points per dollar spent everywhere else. The Icelandair Premium Mastercard costs $39 a year, awards 10,000 points as a first purchase bonus, two points per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Icelandair Fee Waivers & Loopholes

Because it is a European airline, Icelandair does not offer discounts or fee waivers to U.S. active duty military members or their dependents. However, there are a couple of ways to hack your way to discounted prices through Icelandair. The first is to become a member of the ​Saga Club​.

Anyone over the age of 12 can ​become a member​ of the Saga Club, but only members with 40,000 or more Saga points are upgraded to Saga Silver status and only members with 80,000 are upgraded to Saga Gold. Silver and Gold flyers earn more rewards and have priority access to exclusive offers (remember those free extra checked bags?) and upgrades that other passengers do not. The Saga Club does not cost anything to join.

Another way to save is to use Alaska Airlines points and miles on Icelandair flights and fees. This works because ​Alaska Airlines is Icelandair’s largest U.S. partner​, so many rewards between these airlines are interchangeable. Of course, always opt for economy class when possible, check your bags ahead of time, and keep your baggage under the size and weight restrictions, as well.

How to Save Money Flying Icelandair

You’ll find that there are many ways to cut costs when flying with Icelandair. By knowing the (above) baggage rules, policies and potential waivers, you’ll be in the best position to fly Icelandair at the lowest possible cost to you and your family.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees & Loopholes

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Scroll down to find clever ways to avoid or reduce baggage fees when flying on Alaska Airlines.
Full disclosure: We may receive financial compensation when you click on links and are approved for products from our advertising partners. Opinions and product recommendations on FlyerGeek are those of our writers and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by any advertiser. Learn more about how we make money.

If you haven’t visited the Alaska Airlines baggage information page in a while, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with current rules. Knowing the ins and outs of baggage policies makes it possible to save as much time and money as possible when flying, and this guide to 2022 fees and allowances can help with that.

From up-to-date bag size restrictions to every potential fee and waiver, here’s every baggage policy you’ll need to know before flying Alaska Airlines.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Rules

Alaska Airlines passengers are allowed two free carry-on items per flight: one personal item and one standard carry-on bag.

In 2022, carry-on bags must be no larger than ​22” x 14” x 9”​. Current size guidelines stipulate that your total bag measurement (length + height + width) should not exceed ​45 inches ​(linear).

There is no size rule for personal items, but Alaska Airlines lists purses, laptops, and briefcases as examples of acceptable carry-on items. Lap infants are ​not g​ iven separate baggage allowances, so diaper bags must be counted toward the standard carry-on allowance.

Other items that can count as a carry-on bag but that may exceed size restrictions (as long as they still fit safely on board) include:

  • Human Organs
  • Art/advertising portfolios
  • Paintings
  • Delicate scientific equipment
  • Fishing poles
  • Small musical instruments

Items that can be brought on board that do not count toward the carry-on limit include:

  • Coats, hats, and umbrellas
  • Pillows
  • Food to be consumed on the flight
  • Child restraint seats and transportation devices such as car seats and strollers
  • Properly documented service animals
  • Mobility and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, breast pumps, and walkers

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Rules for 2022

  1. Alaska Airlines allows a weight of ​50 pounds​ and linear measurement of ​62 inches​ for standard checked baggage. Bags weighing and/or measuring more than this will be charged additional fees (outlined in the section below).

For bags within the standard size and weight restrictions, the fees are as follows:

1 bag2 bag3 bag3+ bags
$30$40$100$100 (each)

Items exempt from checked baggage charges include:

  • Strollers and car seats
  • Pineapple from Hawaii
  • Mobility and medical ​assistive devices
  • Wine—for ​Mileage Plan​ members through select US airports only

Fees for checked baggage may be paid at any airport counter or during check-in online. If your flight is eligible for ​self-tagged baggage​, you can print your luggage tags at home beforehand or at a self-tag kiosk to save yourself time in lines (note: size and weight fee restrictions still apply).

It’s useful to know about the Alaska Airlines 20 minute baggage guarantee. Alaska Airlines commits to getting its customers their checked bags within 20 minutes of their plane’s arrival at the gate. If this time guarantee is not met and a customer is kept waiting at baggage claim for their luggage, they are eligible to receive either a $25 discount code or 2,500 bonus miles.

Baggage Fees for Trips that Include Multiple Flights

If you’re flying to a destination with one or more stops along the way you may have to pay additional baggage fees if any of your layover(s) are more than 12 hours. In the event that your layover is longer than 12 hours you will need to claim and recheck your baggage. If you had to pay for additional or oversized baggage in a previous leg of your trip, then you’ll likely pay for it again in this scenario. Any layover under 12 hours, Alaska will book your luggage all the way through to your final destination.

Excess Baggage Fees

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds and/or measuring greater than 115” (linear) are strictly prohibited, but checked-baggage may exceed the standard limits as long as it does not exceed these maximums. Oversize and overweight baggage incurs additional charges.

Here is a chart of price per bag for checked luggage that exceeds size allowances.

AllowedFees
< 50 lbs and < 62” YesStandard
51 – 100 lbsYes$100
63 – 115”Yes$100
> 100 lbs and/or > 115”No–

If a bag weighs more than 50 pounds ​and​ measures more than 62 inches, only $100 is charged. ​Special baggage items​ including firearms, sports equipment, fragile/bulky items, musical instrument, and big game have their own restrictions, so make sure you know those as well. Also see ​seasonal checked baggage limits​ per person during peak travel times.

These Credit Cards Reduce Baggage Fees

Many travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for incidental fees associated with flying, and that includes checked bagged charges. The following major credit cards offer annual baggage fee reimbursement:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express:​ $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express® Gold Card​: $100
  • Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige® Card​: $250

Many cards also offer luggage reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, which is probably worth looking into if you do a lot of traveling or are flying with valuables.

Credit Cards That Give You 1 Free Checked Bag

You get one free bag per flight with any of these cards above.

Alaska Airlines has a few airline-branded credit cards that you can use to automatically get free checked bags rather than having to get your payments reimbursed. These cards, associated with Bank of America, are:

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Business
  • Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Each of these cards offers its members ​one free checked bag​. This baggage fee waiver applies for up to 6 guests traveling in the same reservation. In addition to free checked bags, Alaska Airlines credit cardholders can earn miles, get cashback on in-flight purchases, take advantage of ​Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare​, receive discounted lounge passes, and more.

Waivers and Loopholes

Travel cards aren’t the only way to hack the system. Some flyers that do not hold qualifying credit cards can still have baggage fees waived through Alaska Airlines if they meet certain guidelines. These include:

  • Active duty US Military personnel and dependents​: first 5 bags free (see more exemptions below)
  • First Class flyers, upgraded before baggage has been checked​: first 2 bags free
  • Flyers traveling within Alaska​: first 3 bags free
  • Elite Mileage Plan members: first 2 bags free
  • Club 49​ (a Mileage Plan program for Alaska residents) members:​ first 2 bags free

To qualify for military discounts, individuals must present valid military ID at the time of baggage check. In addition to free checked bags, active duty military personnel and their dependents have overweight and oversize fees waived for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring greater than 115.”

Knowing Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees and Policies

Find out if you qualify for baggage fee exemptions, whether your baggage meets acceptable guidelines, and what you are allowed to bring with you ​before ​you board your plane. Be an informed traveler to make the most of every flight.

Chase Private Client – Are The Benefits Worth It in 2022

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The Chase Private Client Welcome Kit was designed by AlyssaStrand. Image courtesy of AlyssaStrand.com
Full disclosure: We may receive financial compensation when you click on links and are approved for products from our advertising partners. Opinions and product recommendations on FlyerGeek are those of our writers and have not been influenced, reviewed or approved by any advertiser. Learn more about how we make money.

[Update January 2022: The $2,000 welcome bonus is now available by invitation from Chase. A FlyerGeek subscriber received the offer in his (physical) mailbox on January 13, 2022. See the comment section below for more information.]

In 2022, banking is more sophisticated and nuanced than just putting money into an account for safe-keeping. And with so much at stake, you want to make sure that you’re partnering with the right bank to meet all of your financial goals and needs.

If you’re a Chase customer with considerable assets under your belt, you may be considering the Chase Private Client Program. This personalized membership offers countless member-exclusive benefits, including one-on-one time with various financial advisors, banking and lending perks, and discounts on loans and transactions.

Here is a detailed look at everything this elite club has to offer.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

What Is the Chase Private Client Program?

The Chase Private Client Program (CPCP) is an invite-only program that offers countless exclusive benefits and services to its members. According to the bank, Private Clients enjoy a “personalized relationship” with Chase through which they receive access to only the best banking features and services offered.

From customized ​J.P. Morgan investing guidance​ to exclusive lending programs, there’s almost no end to the special treatment you’ll get as a Private Client. Other benefits include but are not limited to:

☎️ Priority banking service (24/7 on-call access)
💳 Member-only credit cards
🏠 Loan discounts*
👵🏻 Extensive retirement and financial planning resources
💰 Lower fees on most transactions (including those made abroad) and higher withdrawal and credit limits
🤵 Access to dedicated lending advisors
  • Chase Home Lending offers $500 off of the processing fee for Chase Private Clients with combined assets of $150,000 – $499,999 in eligible Chase deposit accounts and waives the entire processing fee (up to $1,150 for most loans) completely for $500,000+ in such eligible accounts.
  • Receive a 0.25% discount on your standard auto loan when you’re a Chase Private Client customer.

Who Is Eligible for the Private Client Program?

Not just anyone can become a Private Client (PC) with Chase. This invitation is given only to Chase’s “best customers,” and you’ll either need to request a meeting with a Private Client banker to discuss your qualifications or wait around for a letter just to be invited. There are two ways to qualify for an upgrade to top-tier status with Chase:

Have a combined total of $250,000 or more between all of your Chase personal and business checking, savings, and investment accounts. This does not include online self-directed investment accounts with ​You Invest​ or retirement accounts.

Have a family member extend their Private Client membership to you. Though being a Private Client does not technically cost anything in membership fees, members not invited by a family member must maintain a daily average of $250,000 for continued status. Within 45 days of upgrading, Private Clients must disperse this sum across whichever qualifying accounts they choose.

For most, that’s quite a chunk of cash and not a lot of time. You’ll want to consider any opportunity loss you may incur from moving money out of another investment or savings vehicle to meet this $250,000 requirement. If you don’t have that kind of money lying around, you might find yourself selling shares of stock, pulling from a savings account that was accruing interest, and even missing out on countless investment opportunities you were considering pulling the trigger on – just to meet this target. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the program is worth the sacrifice.

The second way to hack your way into the CPCP is to become a joint account owner with another Chase Private Client that is an immediate family member. All adult members of a shared Private Client deposit account are awarded the privileges of a membership, whether each of them has $250,000 or not. This loophole is utilized by many Chase customers that would otherwise never qualify for elite status.

Benefits of the Chase Private Client Program

Several aspects of modern banking are changed for Chase members elevated to Private Client status—overall, the program has many strengths, but it also has many caveats. Chase works hard to keep its Private Clients, but be sure to read the fine print before you make any decisions.

$2,000 Sign-Up Bonus – Back January 2022!

$2000 Sign Up Bonus sent via mail January 13, 2022 to FlyerGeek subscriber JB.

Chase customers opting to upgrade to Private Client status are periodically provided a hefty reward.

Chase is offering existing clients upgrading to Chase Private Client a lucrative welcome bonus of 💰$2,000💰 after completing a few qualifying actions.

Qualifying actions include:

  1. Meet with a Private Client Banker to upgrade to Chase Private Client CheckingSM account and
  2. Within 45 calendar days, transfer a total of $250,000 or more in qualifying new money or securities to a combination of eligible accounts.

Eligible VS Ineligible Accounts:

–  Eligible Accounts: qualifying Chase personal checking accounts and savings accounts, as well as J.P. Morgan investment accounts. These must be opened in a Chase branch and serviced by a J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor or Financial Advisor. 

–  Ineligible Accounts: Chase business checking and savings accounts, any You InvestSM accounts, any J.P. Morgan retirement accounts (such as Traditional and Roth IRAs, Keoghs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k) plans); CDs; insurance products; fixed and variable annuities; J.P.Morgan Fund Accounts; 529 College Savings Plans; attorney trust accounts; client fund trust accounts; as well as Government or Non-Profit accounts.

Credit Cards and Rewards

Behold! These are Chase Bank’s most illustrious credit cards. Image courtesy of AlyssaStrand.com

The Private Client Program does not have any unique cards except for the debit card given to members; even the highest-rated Chase cards are available to all. Any Chase member can apply for the ​Chase Sapphire Reserve®, an elusive travel card that un​officially requires a credit score of 750 or higher​, and the ​Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which requires a 700 or higher.

Private Clients are more likely to have these cards, but their approval odds are only higher because they have more money and better credit to begin with. If a person is likely to qualify as a Private Client, they are also likely to qualify for the top cards. The CPCP does not guarantee credit card approval and card rewards and points are the same for everyone.

Unless you’re a long-time personal finance junkie, you’re probably not familiar with the Chase 5/24 rule. This quietly enforced “no more than 5 credit card accounts opened in the course of 24 months” rule includes ​all​ cards that contribute to a person’s credit (not just Chase), and it is firm for everyone. That means that PC’s aren’t likely to get around this stipulation even though they are Chase’s “favorites.”

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Convenient Banking

Members of the Chase Private Client Program never have to go long without getting help. Private Clients have access to a 24/7 exclusive Banking Services line ​(Domestic: 1-888-994-5626, International: 1-405-235-4847) to answer questions the moment they have them, no in-person appointment or hours on the hold required.

Members of this program also have a dedicated banker ready to help them navigate and make the most of their membership. There’s a lot to the private program, but clients don’t have to figure it out alone. ​In addition to these helplines, Private Clients are offered a number of banking benefits, including:

●  Higher daily ATM withdrawal limits (up to $2,000)

●  Higher daily purchase limits (up to $7,500 with Chase Private Client debit card)

●  Higher QuickDeposit and QuickPay limits ​($25,000 per day and $100,000 every 30 days and $5,000 per day and $40,000 every 30 days, respectively)

●  Rushed (free) card replacement

●  No Chase fees at non-Chase ATMs or on wire transfers

●  No monthly service fees on checking or savings accounts

Business Account Bonuses

Chase members with Private Client status that also use ​Chase for their business banking​ can count on a few special accommodations. Specialized business banking advisors are assigned to every Private Client business owner. These advisors can answer any of your questions and help you strategize your business spending so that you’re using your money as effectively as possible.

Private Clients do not pay any fees on electronic deposits to Platinum or Total Business Checking Accounts or service fees on these accounts. Even better, minimum balance requirements are lower for Private Client Platinum Business Checking accounts. If you’re wondering whether your business account funds can be used to qualify you to become a Private Client, the answer is yes.

Investment and Retirement Counseling

Rest easy with a dedicated investment advisor.

Members of the Chase Private Client Program get to partner up with dedicated J.P. Morgan investment advisors. Because J.P. Morgan is one of the biggest investment banking companies in the business, that means access to global expertise and vast market research. Clients meet with their advisors regularly to discuss immediate financial needs and market and economic trends as well as smart next moves.

Chase Private Client members also get help preparing for retirement​ in the form of a comprehensive 4-step plan. Through this plan, clients identify what they want to get out of retirement, evaluate their current financial situation, develop strategies for success, and assess their goal progression, all with the help of an investment professional.

However, there is a catch. Giving J.P. Morgan the reins to manage your investment portfolio and offer advice isn’t free, even for Private Clients. An annual fee of 1.25%, billed quarterly, is charged for portfolio management services from J.P. Morgan. Many professional portfolio advisors, through firms like Vanguard and Personal Capital, charge less than this (the average is more in the 1% range). If users choose to use You Invest, a self-directed free trading platform, instead, their investment opportunities will be severely limited and their returns much lower.

Mortgage and Loan Advice

The stressful process of taking out a home mortgage or auto loan is made less stressful for Private Clients because these Chase members receive discounted rates on lending and top-notch personal loan advice. Through the Chase Private Client Mortgage Rate Program, members work with home lending advisors and other team members such as underwriters and processors to plan their home loans with big picture financial goals in mind.

When it’s time to take out a loan, Private Clients can expect up to 1.25% off the standard variable rate for a home equity line of credit and a 0.25% rate discount off standard auto loan rates with an additional 0.25% off of that when refinancing.

Privileges for the Whole Family

Benefits the whole family can enjoy!

While Chase Private Clients can extend their benefits to other members of their immediate family with whom they share accounts, the family privileges of this membership don’t stop there.

Parents might like the fact that they can set withdrawal and spending limits on authorized debit cards for use by their kids through the Private Client Program, but young adults can learn more about responsible banking themselves through ​Chase’s Student Banking Program​. However, these features are not exclusive to the CPCP.

Additional Benefits

There are a few final hidden perks to the Chase Private Client Program that shouldn’t be overlooked for those that enjoy skipping lines and being treated like a VIP. Chase Private Clients have access to annual member-exclusive events, early ticket purchase on select entertainment, and can even utilize their membership to gain special entry into certain institutions through the Chase Private Client Arts & Culture Program​ (though use of this perk is limited).

Does It Pay to Be a Chase Private Client?

The CPCP likely isn’t for anyone still improving their credit, new to investing, paying off large loans (other than perhaps home loans and mortgages), or just beginning to plan for retirement.

The Chase Private Client Program is best-suited for larger asset-holding Chase customers that favor convenience and may want a little help with big financial decisions but have already made some progress towards long-term financial goals. It’s also worth noting that not all Chase banks participate in this program, so this is very much a case by case offer.

As with anything, there are pros and cons. There are discounted loan rates, waived service fees, and member-exclusive events, but there’s also that massive $250,000 ​minimum ​account balance requirement.

Do you have experience being a Chase Private Client? Please share in the comments.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Chase Reconsideration Line: Tips for approval + contact info

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Did you get denied for a Chase credit card that you had your eye on?

Don’t worry, you might be able to change that.

Getting that rejection letter isn’t the end of the road. Some Chase credit cards are pretty hard to get and have a fairly high rejection rate but getting rejected once doesn’t mean you can’t get that card. You can actually call the Chase reconsideration line and ask for your application to be reviewed again. With a bit of persuasion, you have a good shot at changing their mind.

If you’ve never done this before, don’t just call the reconsideration line without preparing what you’re going to say. Here’s who to call and what to say when you get denied after submitting a credit card application.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Find Out Why You Were Denied

A credit card application can be denied for any number of reasons. Your credit score or income could be too low or your credit history too new. The reason could also be your age of accounts, with too many new accounts reflecting poorly on your creditworthiness. Excessive hard inquiries alone can lead to rejection, even if you haven’t actually opened many new accounts.

Negative marks on your credit such as delinquencies, collections accounts, and bankruptcies can also cause a lender to turn you away. A history of late or missed payments also makes your application less likely to be approved.

And if you have opened too many new credit accounts in the past six or twelve months, that’s another valid reason to be denied. For example, Chase may reject a new credit card application if you have opened two or more cards with them in the past year.

Like a lot of banks, Chase mostly follows the 5/24 rule. If you’ve opened five or more new credit card accounts in the past 24 months, you are not likely to be approved for another.

Generally, Chase will tell you why they’ve turned down your application. If they don’t, you can try to call and ask or otherwise review your credit report to try to find out for yourself.

You’ll need a good idea of why your application was rejected before going onto the next step.

Who to Call?

The first step is to find out if you should call Chase, because you might not need to. The process for initially reviewing Chase credit card applications is automated, so you may not get auto-approved even if you qualify and eventually get approval.

If you don’t get approved right away, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to call to make your case. There are a few different scenarios where you may apply and not hear back right away.

In the event that your application isn’t auto approved, you may receive a letter from Chase stating that it was neither approved nor denied. This message will also state that Chase will get back to you with a final decision within 30 days and ask you not to resubmit your application until you have received a follow-up message.

You can call the number 1-800-432-3117 to find out the status of your application while you wait, but this is an automated line that will just tell you how much time you have left to wait. If it tells you two weeks, this is a good sign that you’re in the process of being approved. If it tells you between seven and 10 days, this is a good sign that you’re in the process of being denied (but these are not hard and fast rules).

If you do receive official notice that your application has been denied, it will be accompanied with a reason why. This is the point where you can think about calling for reconsideration.

Chase has a designated phone line you can call with questions about your personal credit card application and that phone number is 1-888-270-2127. Call this number between 8 am and 10 pm Monday through Friday or between 8 am and 8 pm Saturday and Sunday to reach a live representative.

There is a separate line for business credit cards and that number is 1-800-453-9719. This number is open from 1 pm through 10 pm Monday through Friday only.

When you call these numbers, an agent will manually review your application and reconsider as if you had just applied. They may tell you that you don’t qualify now but you will soon or that you don’t qualify and what you can work on to improve your application.

How to Prepare

You’re almost ready to call for reconsideration. Before you reach out, there are a few things you can do to make your application more solid and give yourself a better chance of success with a reconsideration agent.

Spend Responsibly

The first is to use your other credit cards wisely. If you are carrying high balances on all of your existing cards and close to the top of your limit, this may not look good when you ask for reconsideration because it shows that you already have a lot of debt, and they might assume you’re struggling to repay it.

Start paying off your cards and make sure you are making at least your minimum payments on time. This can decrease your credit utilization to make your debt-to-income ratio more favorable. And be sure to pay all of your other bills on time as well.

Lower Your Credit Limits

Maybe you feel that your combined credit limit is as high as it can reasonably be given your age and income. You may be at the top of what you qualify for, and that could be part of the reason your latest application was denied even if you don’t ever borrow at the top of your limit. If this is the case, you can call your other credit issuers and request to have your other limits lowered. Many are more than willing to grant this request.

Doing this with credit cards you don’t use often can be a good strategy in some cases. It is not recommended to close cards you’re not using because this can give you shorter overall credit history. Just be aware that lowering your limit can negatively impact your credit score by increasing your credit utilization ratio, which you generally want to keep down.

With that said, if doing so means you get approved for this new Chase card, your limit will go back up (maybe not quite to what it was before, but up) and your credit utilization ratio should decrease again, so the negative impacts should be temporary or minimal.

Look for Errors in Your Report

Another thing you can do to potentially help your chances is to study your credit report yourself. If you spot any inaccuracies or errors, report them right away to the three major credit bureaus.

These could be negatively impacting your credit score, and getting errors resolved can help with your application. This is a good habit to get into anyway. A credit dispute usually takes about a month to be resolved, so hold off on calling Chase until this is handled.

Improve Your Credit

If your credit is really poor or you have very little history, you might want to work on that for a while before you call the Chase reconsideration line. You can ask somebody to add you as an authorized user to an existing credit card or open a secured credit card to build credit and improve your score, but this can take time.

Call for Reconsideration

You can call for reconsideration after taking the above steps to clean up your application and/or credit. Generally, you should call within 30 days of submitting your initial application to have it reconsidered.

Having your application reconsidered does not require another hard credit pull, but reapplying does. It also does not cost you anything to call.

What to Say

What to say when you call the Chase reconsideration phone line depends on why you were denied. Certain reasons may make you more or less likely to be successful when asking for reconsideration.

Bankruptcies and charge-offs, for example, are taken seriously and may disqualify you regardless of negotiation. But if the issue is that your income is too low or your credit history is too limited, you may be able to talk your way into approval.

Sometimes, having your application reconsidered means negotiating the terms. You may have to compromise on a few things. Here are a few example scenarios where you might be approved after asking for reconsideration:

  1. They may approve you for a lower credit limit than you hoped for.
  2. They may approve you for this new card if you agree to move some or all of your credit from another Chase credit card (or cards) to this new account.
  3. They may approve you if you agree to cosign for the new credit card with another creditworthy individual who will be responsible for paying the bill if you are not able.

Alternatively, the representative may analyze your application and find that it’s not been completed properly. If this is the case, they’ll just ask you to fill out any responses left blank and can probably tell you after this if you will be approved.

Remember that these are humans handling reconsideration cases. Be prepared for back and forth and to explain yourself as many times as needed, potentially to multiple people if another representative or manager gets involved. This process can take a while, depending on how complicated your case is. Being kind and patient will go a long way and could mean the difference between approval and denial after reconsideration.

You should be prepared with details about:

  1. when you applied and
  2. when you were denied.

This will help the person assisting you to find your account. By the end of the phone call, you should know if your application has been approved or denied. If denied, the agent may give you suggestions for building a stronger application, if you ask nicely.

What to Do If You Are Denied After Reconsideration

If you apply for reconsideration and are denied again, wait at least six months before reapplying. You don’t want to add another hard inquiry to your account too soon and risk rejection for no reason.

But while you wait, you can certainly call back and try for reconsideration again. The second representative you speak to could be more willing to approve your application, or they could tell you that the answer is the same.

There is no limit to how many times you can call, but keep in mind that your past responses will be recorded, and your reconsideration case will eventually be closed. Start working on your credit as early as possible in this process.

Or you may just decide that it’s not worth calling again for reconsideration. If Chase rejects you for this card with a resounding “no,” it’s time to think about your other options. Maybe you don’t need a new credit card just yet or you feel confident you can get one with another bank.

And if you ever have to request reconsideration again, you’ll be better prepared for it.

Final Thoughts

Going through the process of applying for a new credit card just to get rejected is disappointing, to say the least, but it doesn’t mean that you’ve been denied for good. If you have the time and it’s worth it to you to get this card, you can always call Chase to request reconsideration.

This will entail a live representative going over your application and discussing it with you. This is your chance to persuade them why you qualify for the card. Before calling, get ready to make your case and be prepared to defend your spending and borrowing habits, if needed. It may be worth calling for reconsideration if you feel that you were wrongly denied.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

American Express® Gold Card VS The Platinum Card® from American Express

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American Express has a reputation for premium products and above-and-beyond customer service, and Amex membership is generally pretty rewarding. Just how rewarding depends on which card–or cards–you carry. Two of the most popular American Express cards are also two of the most premium.

These are:

  1. American Express® Gold Card and
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express

These cards are often compared, with Gold being the next step above Platinum.

So what are the differences between the Amex Platinum and Gold cards?

These two premium metal credit cards are not as alike as you might think. Keep reading to find out more about the similarities and differences between Amex Gold and Platinum and decide which one is right for you.

✈️ Looking for a new travel credit card this year? See today’s top offers below:

Differences

To help you understand how these two credit cards really compare, we’ve put together a table outlining the differences.

Note that the American Express Gold and American Express Rose Gold cards are equal in every way and differ only in color.

 Amex GoldAmex Platinum
💸 Fees
– $250 annual fee
– $10 or 5% for cash advances
– $40 late or returned payment
– No fee for adding more cards to your Gold account
– $695 annual fee
– $10 or 5% for cash advances
– $40 late or returned payment
– $175 for each additional card you add to your Platinum account (up to 3 permitted)
✅ Credit Score670-700 minimum690-700 minimum
Income Level 💰Estimated to be at least $50,000 per individual. Not disclosed by American Express.
Estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000 annually per individual. Not disclosed by American Express.
💳 Credits
(terms apply)		$120 dining credit – up to $10 statement credit per month when you use your Gold card at:
– The Cheesecake Factory,
– Ruth’s Chris Steak House,
– Grubhub, Seamless,
– Boxed, and
– select Shake Shack locations.

– Up to $120 Uber Cash annually when you use your Gold card to pay for rides and UberEats orders, with $10 Uber Cash credit every month.

– Also earn 4 points per dollar on Uber rides and UberEats purchases.		Total value: >$1,400
– Up to $200 Uber Cash when you use your Platinum card to pay for rides and UberEats orders, with $15 Uber Cash credit every month plus an additional $20 bonus in December.

– $300 Equinox Credit
– $25 per month toward your luxury fitness membership when you pay for Equinox All Access, Destination, or E by Equinox using your Platinum card.

– $240 digital entertainment credit – up to $20 per month on partner subscriptions including Peacock, the New York Times, Sirius XM, and Audible.

– $179 CLEAR credit per year when you pay for membership with your Platinum card (annual price is $179).

– $200 airline fee credit per year when you charge incidental fees to your Platinum card.

– $100 Saks credit per year (up to $50 every six months) when you make Saks Fifth Avenue purchases with your Platinum card.
⭐️ Points
(terms apply)		– 4 points per dollar at US restaurants.

– 4 points per dollar at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year).

– 3 points per dollar on flights booked direct or on amextravel.com.

– 1 point per dollar on everything else.
– 5 points per dollar on flights booked direct or through American Express Travel and hotels paid for in full in advance of stay (up to $500,000 per calendar year).

– 5 points per dollar on hotels included in the Hotel Collection and paid in full prior to stay

– 1 point per dollar on everything else.
💲 Welcome Bonus
(terms apply)		– 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within six months of signing up as a new Platinum card member.– 100,000 bonus points when you spend $6,000 or more within six months of signing up as a new Platinum card member.
📈 Rates– 16.74% – 23.74% for Pay Over Time
– 25.99% for Cash Advances
– 29.99% penalty APR		– 16.74% – 23.74% for Pay Over Time
– 25.99% for Cash Advances
– 29.99% penalty APR

As you can see, most of the differences come in when you’re looking at points and perks. The majority of Platinum perks are related to travel–such as 5x points on flights and airline fee credits–and this card offers a number of generous bonuses and credits. If you were to use every single Platinum benefit available to you, you would receive about $1,419 in value.

Gold offers a variety of perks from dining benefits to purchase protection. This card doesn’t give you as many statement credits, but the points earning categories are ideal for everyday use when traveling, shopping, or paying bills. And that’s not to say that the Amex Gold card isn’t also good for travel–members receive annual Hotel Collection credits and 3 points per dollar on flights, and all American Express premium cardholders receive personalized travel services at no cost.

As for similarities, these cards charge the same interest rates and fees except for the annual membership premium and cost for adding additional cards.

You may be able to get the annual fee waived for either of these cards if you are an active-duty U.S. military member if you get in touch with customer support.

Which Is Better?

The better choice for you depends on your bottom line. Are you looking to save money on travel specifically or do you think you’d get more use out of a general card with several perks categories?

If you’re looking for a card with travel perks, then the Amex Platinum card is going to be the better option. Because the majority of additional benefits that come with this card are for travel, members can save more if they travel or fly a lot, but this card does cost considerably more than the Gold card. Unless you are offered the invitation-only Amex Black card, the Platinum card is the most elite card you can get.

If you travel a lot, you will probably find the American Express Platinum card to be more rewarding. It offers a number of travel perks including up to 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels as well as hotel and Uber credits, but you might not necessarily need or even use all of this enough to make the steep annual fee worth it. If you don’t travel a lot and you’re just looking for a great card for everyday use, the American Express Gold card is for you.

We also recommend the Gold or Rose Gold card if you want a less expensive option but you still want the benefits of being an American Express member. This card could also be better for you if you don’t think you’d qualify for Platinum, as it is easier for most applicants to qualify for than the Platinum card.

With that said, neither card is easy to get. Although income requirements are not provided for either card, applicants who do not have stable incomes will not be considered, and you may need excellent credit if your income isn’t great or a high income if your credit is lacking.

Or maybe neither card sounds quite right. American Express has many credit cards in its product suite, so you can explore these for more options. For example, with an annual fee of $150, the Amex Green card is a more affordable option that rewards you three points per dollar on restaurants and travel.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, these are both all-around good credit cards if you’re in the market for a premium metal card. Which one is right for you depends on what annual fee you’re willing to pay, what benefits you’re looking for, and how you’re going to use your card. If you take advantage of all perks offered with an American Express Gold or American Express Platinum card, you can get your money’s worth from the annual fee pretty easily and start saving.