American Express: Now Get Approved Without Hurting Your Credit Score

Knowing whether you're approved doesn't have to hurt your credit score.

Applying for a credit card can be a stressful experience. You fill out the application, submit it, and then wait to see if you're approved. And in the meantime, your credit score takes a small dip. But what if there was a way to find out if you're pre-approved for a credit card before even applying? With American Express, now there is!

American Express announces pilot program

American Express announced today that it is piloting a new program where select applicants can find out if they are approved without impacting their credit score. If the applicant is approved and chooses to accept the credit card, then their credit score may be impacted. 

This pilot program is unlike pre-approved offers, since applicants will know with 100% certainty if they are approved for a U.S. Personal Card for which they’ve applied. Additionally, there is no additional form or information that the applicant needs to submit after receiving the decision on their application.

According to American Express Executive Vice President of U.S. Consumer Marketing Sara Milsten, "With our new application experience, prospective Card Members can apply for a specific Card -- and know if they are approved -- without having to worry about whether their application will change their credit score until they accept the Card. We hope this new, more transparent application experience encourages anyone with an interest in American Express membership to apply."

How the American Express pilot program works

Currently, only certain personal cards are part of the program. It is available for individuals who apply at AmericanExpress.com/us/credit-cards or by calling American Express. It is not available if you apply for a new card in an existing American Express account. 

Once you choose a card and submit an application, American Express will make a soft credit inquiry. This doesn't impact your credit score, unlike a hard inquiry. 

What this new program means for you

Applicants will be told with 100% certainty if they are approved for the credit card before having to accept it. If they decide to do so, then a hard inquiry will be made. American Express' new pilot program is a great way to apply for a credit card without impacting your credit score. 

While this new pilot program is only available on its website or by phone, American Express will extend the program through its co-branded partner websites in the future. Eventually, it will also be available to existing Card Members applying for a new American Express personal credit card. 

If you're thinking about applying for an American Express personal credit card, now there's a way to check whether you're approved without your credit score taking a hit. American Express is one of the largest credit card companies, so by starting this program, other credit card companies may decide to follow suit. Checking to see if you're approved before accepting a credit card is a great way to get peace of mind before your credit score takes a hit.