If you're on the hunt for a new credit card, you probably don't want to submit multiple applications to find a card you qualify for. Not only will that take up valuable time, but it can damage your credit score in the process.
Fortunately, the Amex Apply With Confidence tool allows you to check your approval odds before doing a hard credit check that dings your credit score. If you're approved, great – all you have to do is complete the application process and await your new card. If you're ready to give pre-screening a spin, take a look at a few of the best American Express cards you can get.
Key Takeaways
- Each time you apply for a credit card, card issuers do a hard credit check to determine whether or not to approve you.
- Hard credit checks temporarily drop your credit score.
- Amex Apply With Confidence in Canada does a soft credit check, which doesn’t harm your score.
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What is Amex Apply With Confidence?
Have you ever wanted to know whether or not you'd be approved for a credit card before applying for it? Now you can find out! Apply With Confidence is an Amex tool for its personal credit card line. Even better, your credit score won't take a hit.
Apply With Confidence is easy to use – find a credit card you're interested in on the American Express site. Then, click the Apply With Confidence banner or button on the card page. American Express will then run a soft credit check and tell you whether you'll be approved for the card if you submit an application.
Amex only offers this tool for its line of personal credit cards. If you're hoping to get an Amex business card (like an Amex Aeroplan business credit card), you'll have to submit an application and await a decision.
Soft vs. hard credit check
Confused about the hard vs. soft credit check? Fortunately, the difference is straightforward.
The majority of credit card issuers usually run a hard check of your credit report when you apply for new credit. Each hard credit check causes your credit score to temporarily drop. This isn't a huge deal unless you apply for several cards in a short span of time or you have a big purchase coming up and want to protect your score.
Soft credit checks are different. Since they don't pull your entire credit report, your score won't take a hit. A soft check just gives the issuer your personal details and some of your credit history, like how many credit card accounts you have open and whether you've been good about making payments.
Learn more: How to Get Your Free Credit Report in Canada
How does Amex Apply With Confidence work?
Think of Amex Apply With Confidence as a pre-screening tool to help you decide whether or not you want to submit a credit card application.
When you allow Amex to do a soft pull, they'll look at your personal details and brief credit history to determine your approval odds with them. If you're more than likely to be approved, you'll be encouraged to apply for the card.
How to use Amex Apply With Confidence
Using the Amex Apply With Confidence tool actually streamlines the whole credit card application process with the card issuer. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Find an Amex credit card you're interested in.
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2x Award winner - Once you're on the American Express website, click the "Apply Now" button directly below the card image. Here's what this looks like:
- Read the eligibility requirements that pop up and click "Agree & Continue."
- Fill out the application by providing your contact details and household income. You have the option of giving your Social Insurance Number.
- Follow the prompts to get the decision, and accept the card if you're approved and interested.
Amex approval requirements
American Express often has low or no income requirements (unless you're interested in a premium credit card). Still, it helps to know the approval requirements for various Amex credit card tiers before you apply.
| Amex card tiers | Example credit card | Income requirements | Estimated credit score requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | American Express Green Card | None | 650+ |
| Mid-tier | American Express Cobalt Card | None | 680+ |
| Premium | The Platinum Card | None | 720+ |
Remember, even if you don't meet the estimated credit score requirements, you may still be able to get the card – and now there's no harm in finding out.
Learn more: Best Instant Approval Credit Cards in Canada
The best Amex credit cards to apply for
American Express credit cards are unique in that most of them don't come with income requirements. They're also known for being credit cards with hefty perks and rewards.
Here are some of the best American Express credit cards for you to consider.
| Card name | Annual fee | Average earn rate | Welcome bonus | Apply now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | $191.88 | 4.5% | $300 | Apply now |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | $250 | 2.95% | $1,200 | Apply now |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | $120 | 2.09% | $679 | Apply now |
| American Express Green Card | $0 | 2.1% | $200 | Apply now |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | $599 | 2.79% | $1,700 | Apply now |
| The Platinum Card | $799 | 2.45% | $2,000 | Apply now |
FAQ
What is Amex Apply With Confidence?
Amex Apply With Confidence is a pre-screening tool that helps you estimate your odds of approval before submitting an application. By only applying for cards you're likely to qualify for, you can protect your credit score from unnecessary credit checks.
Does applying for Amex affect your credit score in Canada?
When you're just using the tool to see if you'd be approved, your score won't be affected since it screens using a soft credit check. However, if your approval odds are good and you're encouraged to submit the application, Amex will do a hard check before issuing the credit card.
What does "apply with confidence" mean?
Typically, when you apply for a new credit card, you should review your card's eligibility requirements, but you still need to apply to find out whether you're approved. Amex's Apply With Confidence screening tool improves this process. You'll find out the odds of approval, so you can be confident you'll be approved if you finish the application process.
How do I apply for a credit card?
First, decide which credit card you'd like to get and check that you meet its eligibility requirements. Then, fill out an application by providing your personal information, contact details, and household income. Submit the application online, and you should quickly get a decision.
What's the best Amex card to apply for?
The best American Express credit card (and the overall best credit card in Canada) is the American Express Cobalt Card. We love it for its high rewards rate, generous welcome bonus, comprehensive insurance package, and flexible redemption options.
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