New job but have to apply for corporate card

[robertkhanh]

I just landed a new job but friends told me that I have to apply for a corporate credit card for travel&expense on the first day. I filled for BK two years ago with Amex in it and my credit rating is still poor. The issue of credit never came up during the interviews and the job doesn't involve management nor finance. I really need this job and I am scared that the new company my rescind the offer if they find out that I am not qualified for credits.

What should I do? Please help.

[catleg]

I BK'd on Amex and was able to get a corporate card, even though I cannot get a personal card with them anymore. If it was 2 years ago, you'll probably be fine.

[justbroke]

The key is whether the card is personal liability or corporate liability. The latter being the best since you are not responsible for the card.

Good luck!

[Flamingo]

If you are given an application or form to fill out by your employer for this card and you need to provide your SS number, they are not guaranteeing the card; it will be on you. You can either wait and see what happens or have a talk with your HR Manager about the situation to see if they can intervene in anyway. Have you accepted the position? If you have, they cannot fire you just for having a BK on your record

[robertkhanh]

Thank you all for the replies. The amex card issued to me when I filled for BK two years ago was on my name. It took me months of searching to land this job and so when I got the offer, I signed on without hesitation. I am about to start in the next couple of days and I have to go through a 3-month probation period.

So from what I understand from your replies is if the application asks me for my SSN then I should talk to HR about my situation. Otherwise, I just fill the form and hope for the best. Is that the best way?

[Flamingo]

Thank you all for the replies. The amex card issued to me when I filled for BK two years ago was on my name. It took me months of searching to land this job and so when I got the offer, I signed on without hesitation. I am about to start in the next couple of days and I have to go through a 3-month probation period.

So from what I understand from your replies is if the application asks me for my SSN then I should talk to HR about my situation. Otherwise, I just fill the form and hope for the best. Is that the best way?

The decision is up to you. I work in the Corporate Legal area which includes HR, amongst other areas. HR usually makes arrangements for you to obtain your Corporate AMEX (this could differ among companies). They would provide you with a form to fill out for them to submit to obtain your Corporate Amex (fill out and sign). If you have to provide your SS# on that form, you are agreeing to a credit search by AMEX and it is not a card through the company for you to use (i.e., the bill would be sent to them for payment for your card usage). If you have any doubts about this and that it could affect your probation period if there is an issue as to a possible denial, it is always best to come clean with someone about the circumstances especially if all this is in the past and does not affect you now. Discussions with HR are confidential. I am sure they have been through this before and it will be nothing new. However, it's up to you whether to do that or just see what happens and handle it if a denial comes through. You do have the job; what is indicated during the probationary period in any documentation/letter you may have received? If credit denial for a corporate card is included in there (which I highly doubt), you probably do not have too much of an issue and the company will work with you and/or guarantee the card for you. It's a situational/policy thing depending upon your company, any contract, and your circumstances. Personally, I would sit down and talk with the HR Manager - they would probably appreciate your openness and honesty and realize how much you want the job and will be a good employee.

[lrprn]

I work for a company that does *not* guarantee payment for charges on our corporate credit card used for travel. Over the years we have hired new employees who could not qualify for our corporate credit card due to low credit scores, filed bks, insufficient credit history, etc.

In that situation, the new employee's travel arrangements are made by one of our support staff and placed on a "generic" department corporate card used specifically for this purpose. It's tougher on the employee to have someone else always involved in making travel arrangements for them, but it does work.

Given the state of the economy these days and the number of people impacted with lower credit scores due to late payments, getting too close to credit limits, etc, hopefully your company already has an arrangement like this in place for employees who can't qualify for the corporate cards on their own as well. Be upfront about the issue and find out what your options are. Good luck - I'm betting there will be a way to work this out!

[Flowers]

First of all, congratulations on the new job!

Can you just go ahead and use a credit card that is your own? Once past BK that is. I mean, why do companies insist on Amex when they clearly do not want to guarantee it? I've worked for several companies and it was always my responsibility.

[Flamingo]

First of all, congratulations on the new job!

Can you just go ahead and use a credit card that is your own? Once past BK that is. I mean, why do companies insist on Amex when they clearly do not want to guarantee it? I've worked for several companies and it was always my responsibility.

_____________

It's company policy. To get beyond company policy, you have to speak with HR/Boss, etc. for an exception to be made for you and most people don't want to do that to make waves especially when just starting a job. The OP will still have to explain why especially if he is sent on a business trip where the costs may exceed his card limit. Corporate AMEX's come with a very large credit line for business and travel purposes.