How to Remove Amex/DSNB From Your Credit Report

Seeing “Amex/DSNB” on your credit report and not sure why it’s there? This entry usually ties back to a Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s credit card issued by Department Stores National Bank (DSNB), in partnership with American Express. Whether it’s an old account, a hard inquiry, or something you never authorized, here’s what you need to know—and how to deal with it.

What Is Amex/DSNB on Your Credit Report?

Amex/DSNB stands for American Express/Department Stores National Bank. It typically appears when you apply for or use a credit card from Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, both of which are issued by DSNB—a Citibank subsidiary.

Here’s how Amex/DSNB might show up on your credit report:

• Hard inquiry: You applied for a Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s credit card.
• Tradeline: You currently have—or once had—a card from either store.
• Soft inquiry: You were prequalified or received a credit limit review.
• Authorized user: Someone added you to their Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s account.

If none of these sound familiar, it could be a red flag for identity theft.

Why Amex/DSNB Might Be Listed on Your Credit Report

Amex/DSNB can appear for several legitimate reasons. Here’s a breakdown of each:

You Opened a Card With Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s

If you applied for and received a credit card through either store, Amex/DSNB will show up as a tradeline. That means the account is being reported to the credit bureaus, whether it’s still open or closed.

Even closed accounts stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. If the account was in good standing, it may actually help your credit. But if it shows missed payments or high balances, it could bring your credit score down.

You Recently Applied for a Store Card

A hard inquiry from Amex/DSNB will show up any time you apply for a Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s credit card. Hard inquiries can slightly lower your credit score and stay on your report for up to two years, although the effect usually fades within a year.

You Were Prequalified or Got a Credit Line Review

Soft inquiries also appear under Amex/DSNB. These don’t impact your credit score and usually happen if the store reviewed your credit to offer preapproval or a credit line increase.

You Were Added as an Authorized User

If someone added you to their store card, the account could affect your credit score in two ways:

• Positive: On-time payments and low balances could boost your credit.
• Negative: Missed payments or high utilization could drag your score down—even if you’re not the primary account holder.

Identity Theft or Fraud

If you never applied for a card and don’t recognize the inquiry or account, someone may have used your personal information without permission.

Here’s what to do right away:

• Contact Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s customer service to verify the account.
• File a dispute with the credit bureau showing the entry.
• Report the fraud through IdentityTheft.gov to create an official FTC record.
• Keep an eye on your credit reports for other suspicious activity.

How Amex/DSNB Affects Your Credit Score

An Amex/DSNB account can help or hurt your credit score depending on how you manage it.

• Payment history: On-time payments help your credit score. Late ones can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
• Credit utilization: High balances can hurt you. Keep usage under 30%—or better yet, under 10%.
• Account age: Older accounts strengthen your credit history. Closing them too soon can have the opposite effect.
• Credit mix: Store cards can improve your credit mix if most of your accounts are loans.
• New applications: Hard inquiries may drop your score slightly and stay on your report for two years.

How Long Amex/DSNB Stays on Your Credit Report

• Hard inquiries: Stay on your credit report for two years.
• Open or closed accounts: Can remain for up to 10 years if they were in good standing.
• Negative entries (like late payments): Stay on your credit report for seven years.

The impact of a hard inquiry usually fades after 12 months, even though it stays on your report longer.

What to Do About Unauthorized Amex/DSNB Inquiries

If you spot an Amex/DSNB entry you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it. Contact Department Stores National Bank using the contact info listed on your credit report. Ask them to explain the inquiry.

If it turns out to be a mistake or a fraudulent entry, you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus to have it removed.

How to Remove Amex/DSNB From Your Credit Report

If Amex/DSNB is on your credit report due to a mistake or unauthorized inquiry, you have options:

1. Contact DSNB: Confirm whether the inquiry or account is legitimate.
2. Dispute with the credit bureaus: Provide any proof that supports your claim.
3. File an identity theft report: If applicable, submit documentation through IdentityTheft.gov.
4. Work with a credit repair company: Services like Credit Saint specialize in challenging inaccurate or harmful credit report entries.

Need Help Fixing Your Credit?

If your credit report is weighed down by negative items—like late payments, charge-offs, or collections—Credit Saint can help. They’ve helped thousands of people clean up their credit reports by disputing inaccurate or unfair entries.

They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, which makes getting started risk-free.

Ready to take control of your credit? Visit their website to see what they can do for you.