Complain about a product or service

American Express

Gift Cards

Lynn of Panama City Beach, FL June 9, 2009

I've purchases Amex Gift Cards for a long time with no problems....until recently. I purchased two cards, one for myself and one for my son. Neither card works. Over two days, I called the 877 number, held for 30+ minutes and was disconnected several times around the 30 minute mark. When I finally did get through, I was told that Amex was having problems with it's security code system and to try the card after 5 business days.

We waited a week and a half and the security codes still did not work. After several hours of holds and disconnects (again) we were told the SAME THING and to try again in 3-5 business days. The people answering the phones are obviously not-native english speakers and are quite unhelpful. Suggestions to others with the same problem.... Write your congressperson and inform them of this problem with a link to this website. American Express has been approved to repay the 3.39 billion they received in TARP funds. the question is, is stealing from US one of the ways they've used to raise those funds they're using to repay TARP? Also, go to the store (if purchased from a store) and ask to speak with the manager and inform them of the problem with the card you purchased at their store and of the explanation you were given by American Express. I'm in the process of working with management at the store I purchased mine from to get these cards removed for sale. Most store's really don't want to put themselves in the position to create unhappy customers. 50.00, which may not seem like alot (it is to ME). I might as well have flushed down the toilet.

david of houston, TX June 4, 2009

i bought a 200.00 gift card from american express, on their web site. I never received the card, they do not answer my emails and i've spent hours on hold, without speaking to anyone at American Express.

Robert of Spokane, WA May 27, 2009

I received a giftcard for 50.00 on May 14, 2009 for my birthday that was sent by my employer. The card is invalid and several calls to Amex, I am told they are updating their system and it will be fixed in 24 to 48 hours. I call 3 days later and I get told they pulled the records on the card and it shows 50.00, but can not explain why it isn't working and it is reported so it will be fixed and it could take 3 to 5 days. I called today and was told they have no record of this card, and I should give it 3 to 5 days and it should work.

I was at the store and had attempted to make a purchase using this card. It was quite embarrassing having the clerk tell me the card is no good with a long line behind me. I happened to have my bank card and used that instead to make my purchase. So basically, thanks to American Express, I paid for my own birthday gift from my employ

MICHAEL of DES MOINES, IA May 26, 2009

I recently purchased 2 new 200.00 american express gift cards both were unopened on friday 22 may at about 4 pm. i went to use them on the following morning saturday 23 may at 9:30. when i went to register and verify the amounts on the card at American express both were with a balance of 0.00 showing charges done at or about 4:00 to 4:30 am

i imediately called the 800 number and spoke to Peter whom could not understand me to well but did speak english. he said that they were used at macys.com. i said that was not possible as i had not even opened them till just before calling him. he informed me there was nothing i can do untill macys kicks back the charges. i am now out of 400.00 because they allow their cards to be stolen so easily.

john of ortley beach, NJ May 25, 2009

in december 2008 i bought 4 american express gift cards from a display that said buy two and get a free gift card for the same price,which was 25.00 & 50.00. isent in all the information that was ask for on the form supplied and the proof of purchase receipt. to this day i have not heard from them even thought i wrote a letter to amerian express gift cards and complain to the cvs manager.

catarino of rowland heights, CA May 18, 2009

Do not buy AMEX gift cards, they are nothing but trouble. Balanaces that are available are not available. Call centers in India and Philipeins do not speak or understand English enough to help.

"AMERICAN" Express should be ashamed of themself, call centers in countrys who can not even speak or understand English. Sham on you.

Russ of palm springs, CA May 18, 2009

got a amex card for my birthday for 100. go to use it was no good. call amex and said it had 0 balance. what a rip off. have been on hold for two days

kathy of Chicago, IL May 18, 2009

I ordered an american express gift card in the amount of 250 online. After completing the transaction, the website indicated that the transaction did not go through and encouraged me to try again. I did, and found out later that they both went through. Both were for 250. I called immediately to have one cancelled and was told to call back in a few days. I did that only to be told that American Express will take aboaut 20 days to refund my 250. I find this totally unacceptable and need it to pay monthly bills.

Alan of Alta Loma, CA April 30, 2009

My wife misplaced a 100.00 American Express Gift card, but she found it last week and gave it to me... I tried to use it today and the person at the register told me the card was "no good", the date on the card was expired I was told? To my understanding, gift card do not expire in California. So I went online and found the phone number to American Express/Gift card department, of course the person I spoke to was from India.

I gave them the number on the card and they looked it up and said the balance was "ZERO?" Then I asked, when was the card used? They told me it was used on August 18, 2007 at a Casa Laguna? So, I said I would talk to my wife to see what the deal was... I informed my wife that American Express said she used at Casa Laguna? Well, to her suprise she never heard or went to Casa Laguna?... We do not even know what type of business Casa Laguna is?

In any case, I too believe that American Express is up to some funny business! My wife never used the card and American Express will not honor what was issued to use, because "they(American Express)" say we used it? Which is a straight out lie!

VBarnett of Carmichael, CA April 27, 2009

Well, here's my story, apparently it's typical of Amex.

I very recently rec'd a 25 gift card that does not expire until 02-11. However, when I checked the balance, it was only 3. Upon further investigation, I am positive the person that gave it to me as a thank you gift did not know this card had fees!!! Since Amex so very inconveniently does not post a contact email address online, I asked Amex via USPS that the fees be reversed so I can use the gift in the way it was intended. I know, probably a complete waste of a stamp.

I also tried calling the customer service line but got transferred to someone in India!!! who could neither speak nor understand English.

I am in a position to purchase and influence others' purchases for my company....especially for promotions, thank you's and other incentive-type gifts. We're not a small company, either. YOU CAN REST ASSURED AMEX, THAT I WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE NOR RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF ANY TYPE OF AMEX PRODUCT FROM THIS DAY FORWARD...for both my workplace and in my personal life. What a complete fraud!!!

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