Why have I been turned down for a credit card when my credit rating is so good?

I have no negative credit history, a credit rating of 899 out of 1000 which I am told is very good. Yet American Express have turned my credit card application down. They say this is a result of my personal income (which is over the national average) combined with my credit score. It makes no sense. Can anyone enlighten me? I have no negative credit history, a credit rating of 899 out of 1000 which I am told is very good. I have no debt, except my old student loan for which I have never made a late payment. Yet American Express have turned my credit card application down. They say this is a result of my personal income (which is over the national average) combined with my credit score. It makes no sense. Can anyone enlighten me?

Public Comments

1. depends on who they use to check your history and how regular you make your payments on your current debts
2. American express cater for the more financially upmarket person, you may be very well paid but obviously not enough for them
3. you normally have to have a certain income before they accept you,anyway,why them?. they aren't that good,most Brits wont touch em as they are not accepted everywhere,plus the customer service stinks,look for another card supplier
4. It bpoils down to this, Your income, minus the amount you are in debt ( regardless of how good you are on your payments) is part of a formula that decides whether you have enough money left over to pay your credit card debt. American Express expects the balance to be cleared each month, if they calculate that you are incapable of doing this, they refuse you the card.
5. just as well they are not the best of credit cards.unfortunately it may have a knock on effect when you try for another one.there are plenty of good companies out there just be careful.