American Express Platinum Card Reviews

I contacted a Customer Care Professional via email to inquire about my points and they stated that they never heard of that offer and could not help me. The next day, I called the American Express 800 number, spoke directly to a Customer Care Professional who stated the same thing... they never heard of that offer and could not help me. A few days later, I called the 800 number again, was informed by a Customer Care Professional that they did not see an offer of 40,000 points after spending $3000 in 3 month, but that I was now enrolled in a program that offered 50,000 points after spending $5000 in 3 months (which, by the way, I was no longer qualified for because I spent less than 5K and it was after the 3 month period). When I asked the Customer Care Professional to show me THAT offer on the AMERICAN EXPRESS WEBSITE, the Customer Care Professional was unable to do so.

Over the next week or so, I telephoned American Express 4 more times (7 in total) at this point for clarification on the points offer I was informed by each and everyone of them that nothing could be done and to file a claim. After filing a total of 4 claims stating the same thing, I finally received an email from American Express, indicating that I failed to qualify for the 40,000/$3000/3 month offer because I failed to include the RSVP number associated with this offer. Problem is, I was never given a "RSVP" number when I applied for the card nor did I see a RSVP number in my American Express welcome package back in May 2016.

On my 8th telephone call to American Express, I spoke to yet another Customer Care Professional and asked her if she could pull up the 40,000/$3000/3 month offer and she said YES. I asked her to review my file and see if I was signed up for any points offers and she said YES. That I was enrolled in their 50,000/$5000/3 months offer. When I asked her to go to the AMERICAN EXPRESS website and pull that offer up so I can make sure I used the "RSVP" number she stated that SHE DID NOT SEE THAT OFFER ON THEIR WEBSITE. At that point, I was placed on hold while she "researched" the issue and after being on hold for more than 10 minutes I was disconnected.

Bottom line is, American Express is not a reliable company. They tell you one thing and when you meet that goal they change up the rules in the middle of the game. Had I known I was in enrolled in this "mysterious" program of spending $5000 in 3 months for 50, 000, I would have done that. I will say that the Customer Care Professionals were respectful, for the most part, but they were useless when it came to being able to make a decision on my account. I am very disappointed in the service I received from American Express Platinum card and I will be ending my relationship immediately.

I asked to speak to this dispute dept. that needs half a month to check their website and verify what I am telling them and they said they do not speak with customers. Growing up I always thought of American Express as a respectable established company and this is a horrible first personal impression. I am so disappointed in this experience. I am upset that my credit was pulled under false expectations, I am upset that they cannot give me a human answer and I am upset that I have to wait 2 weeks to probably still be told there is nothing they can do. I have attached the screenshots below of the card I applied for on americanexpress.com as well as the page that pulls up when you click rates and fees. It is stated as clear as day. I will not stop until everyone knows what they have pulled on me.

If all my calls in were this good, I would recommend this card all the time. Based on my recent customer service call, I'd even wear a Platinum Card T-Shirt based on the customer service.

Original Review: Aug. 26, 2016

Worst customer service ever! I've been using this card for 8 years. This company operates terribly. Simple tasks can take 15 transfers between states and countries that don't communicate. Oh, and it's like 90 percent of this company is run by thick accented Indians. Go Visa Black or CitiCard.

Original Review: Aug. 23, 2016

American Express Credit Bureau unit customer service are so unhelpful. My husband & stepson have the same name, so American Express reported to TransUnion a credit report but it went to the stepson instead of my husband's. When I explained this my husband, my stepson, & I all spoke with them. 2 days of talking to people, faxing information to them, we accomplished nothing with these people. I can't get above the Credit Bureau Unit. I did send the same information to the Complaints Dept. all this was done by faxes. I was told someone will contact me in 24-48 hours, so far it's been 27 hours.

My stepson's credit is hurt by this, we need this fix immediately. He was trying to get a vehicle & his debt to income ratio is affected by American Express's failure to fix this horrible mistake that they did, not to mention how MY info with my credit card is not so private. Is there a lawyer in the house. I am going to pay off American Express & shred their card & send it back to them all because they will not call me back. Take this off of my stepson's credit report. I am so frustrated with them. I don't know where to get resolution! American Express you lost my business. I seriously doubt they care! I am bummed because I have not had any other problems with them other than this, which happened twice. Last time they did resolve it promptly not so much this time. Peace out. I am done with American Express for good!

A few years ago I was in a boating accident where the boat sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The day before I had purchased almost $500 worth of fishing equipment for the trip. With these extraordinary circumstances, I was sure it was a long shot that AMEX would honor their purchase protection policy that comes with the cash back card. By providing my purchase receipt and the Coast Guard report to AMEX, my account was immediately credited for the entire loss! In my opinion AMEX is a 5 star company. It is a breath of fresh air to see honesty, integrity and impeccable customer service from a major financial corporation.

Oh come stupid and ** Amex, you know your CEO's earnings' not more than a core's. This company is sucks the monies from the people who are still member of this such basters companies. If someone wants to have a credit card, please do not go for Amex. Instead it's better to any other banks credit card like sbi, hdfc, citi, etc. Pathetic company!!!

I called American Express again inquiring "where is my card?" I was told by customer service that it was shipped out and that I should have had it by now - to please give it another day or two. That same afternoon (after I was told that the card was shipped out) I received an email stating that there is a delay in shipping out my card. So in fact the card was never shipped out as I was told by customer service. Another week passes by and I still hadn't received my card. I called customer service again for the 4th time informing them I am still waiting on the card. They supposedly issued me another card that they will be re sending me out in the mail. Another week passes by and yet no card still to be received in the mail.

I called American express for the 5th time and at that point customer service tells me that I have two accounts that I applied for (which I only applied once and why didn't they tell me this before on the number of previous calls to them?). She says that she needs to close one of the accounts and that she will re-issue me the card to give it another few days in the mail. Another week passes by I get no card in the mail, but in the meantime I get a letter in the mail stating my account has been closed. Calling now back for the 6th time on June 11th, 2016 (Now mind you I'm pretty irate at this point). I ask to speak to a supervisor. Supervisor tells me that she will now send me a new card fed-ex and I will have it overnight (Great!!) and I should have it by the 13th of July. Next two days passes by I never receive the card!

July 13th (the day I'm supposed to receive the card by FedEx) I called customer service once again and was told that the card was being processed and now I will be getting it on the 14th of July!!! Even more irate at this point I request that the card be sent to my job instead of my home because it seems they can't seem to get that right. Supervisor takes down my job information, put it into the system as an alternative address for the card to be mailed to and says we will ship it FedEx overnight to your job and you should be receiving the card by the 14th (Great!!!). Maybe now we're getting somewhere!!!

Well the morning of the 14th I call customer service for the trillionth time to confirm that my card is being shipped to my job and she said it's being shipped to my house. Well I absolutely had enough at this point in waiting for my new credit card in over a month!!! I really blew a fuse and asked them to cancel my account!! This is the only credit card company I have had this kind of experience with. Never, ever, ever again will I want to deal with them!! Anyone wanting an American express credit card, Don't!!! Stay away! The worst company ever! I have a chase freedom unlimited credit card and absolutely love them! Never any problems and great customer Service!

When I asked to speak with someone that had more experience, a supervisor came on the phone (Ann) and 'debated' with me about the fact that she should have said something. The supervisor said it would have been better to say nothing than give a wrong answer and she continued to debate with me that it was okay for the new person to be completely silent - very poor for a customer service supervisor to 'debate' with the customer. I wonder if American Express ever looks at their reviews - they have one star.

I made numerous calls for assistance in this matter no help, even as a high spender to get them to reduce interest rate from their standard rate of 11.99 (3.5) which is ridiculous. My M/C is 8% with USAA. My Visa is 9.99 with Ascend. I would never do business with Amex again or recommend anyone to do so. Also it is a total joke about earnings on their card as well. I earned $ 98 since January 2016 and have spent approximately $13,000.00. Some being travel!!! Big fat rip off...

As of this morning, my account still shows $0 credit remaining. Also, ever since I opened my account, they have continued to show my address WITHOUT my apartment number, even after several Live Chats and telephone calls, they insist that my account shows my apartment number. Yet, the first card they sent me never arrived. Then they closed that account number, and FedExed another one. It arrived WITHOUT my apartment number on it! Then they emailed a letter to me; they showed my address WITHOUT my apartment number. I've gone back into my account 3 more times to try to correct my address; it won't accept it. (When I had American Express through Costco, from 2008 to June 2016, I NEVER had any problems.) American Express should be ashamed of themselves for putting the customer LAST when American Express MAKES A HUGE MISTAKE. I plan to NEVER use American Express again.

I will give my business to another credit card company I have discovered and they are top notch. Also I forgot to mention when you call amex your minimum wait time is at least 45 minutes, then hopefully when you do get one of their illiterate reps on the phone they don't disconnect you. Now I will never apply there again. They can keep their high annual fee and horrible customer service. I will continue to use my trusted Discover.

I provided them with the email that was sent to me as verification that it was emailed to my address and they checked the POID number which is their internal ID and it was a valid offer for 60k miles. Still they are sticking to their claim that I didn't use that like. Since they claim that their tracking records are so in depth and accurate, I asked for an investigation proving that I had received an offer for 30k and the supervisor said that was not possible and that the decision was final and nothing further could be done. I am thoroughly disappointed in their decision. It is a matter of principle. I'm only asking for what they offered me. I verified what they offered me and I satisfied my requirements. This is the bait and switch and it is unacceptable that they are allowed to treat people this way.

Thanks for wasting my time AMEX, I have better things to do. I never had the opportunity to speak with anyone regarding my application for a new card or to accept their offer. Their automated system also transferred me twice to an extension with a busy signal, further wasting my time. In the end, I ended up shredding the offer and will never do business with AMEX again, no matter what the offer!

After being transferred, this person had to redo everything and we had to re-explain ourselves again before she told us that she was going to transfer us to customer service because she didn't have the ability to do so. This happened for a total of 2 more times, with a current total of 4 new representatives with 15 minute holds between each. On the fifth person, I had to verify my identity again but this time, she said that I was not on the card. At this point, I'm starting to get angry and asked her to speak to her manager. She then denies me access to speak to the manager by constantly stating that I was not on the card (when I was 4 times ago) before sending me to another customer service representative stating that I had to add myself to the account. When this 6th person went through the whole process of verifying my identity, lo and behold, I was already on the account!!

Livid at this point, I finally hang up the phone and redial again before speaking to a 7th person who finally helped me out with the problem by giving me a clear, concise answer and a much simpler solution that could have been answered over an hour ago!! Throughout the entire phone call, each person was giving me new information that *MIGHT* apply to my card then transferring me to another who then denies it then transferring me elsewhere because they could help with the situation. Also, we had just received an email from Amex stating that because there was a person who called and was trying to access the account when they *weren't* on it, they are going to send us (my husband and I) a new card to ensure our fraud protection. Ironic.

A week later I call them to ask if the review had been finalised, to which I am told that they "never received" the passport photocopy. Despite repeatedly telling her that the photocopy was most definitely sent, she relentlessly drilled home the point that it "was never received". Rude and insulting my intelligence. I have a Masters degree in Finance from a top UK university, I know what I sent American Express. Never could it have possibly been the fault of whoever opened the envelope at American Express, instead "it was never received". I closed my account in the same phone call.

At first you will have someone in India try to sell you on applying for another card with lame benefits. There is no way to modify your AMEX Costco Card to another type of Amex card without going through an application process for another card. I refused and complained and got transferred to a rep in customer care who again said the same thing tried to approve me for a new AMEX card only to be denied due to volume!!!

I ** again and got transferred to a supervisor in customer care who shared my frustration and said that I clearly show pre-approved for another platinum or gold and that he will personally push it through on the phone. Except that the he said my application is showing pending and he didn't know how long it would be before he would receive the approval! He apologized profusely and said how sorry he was that this was affecting millions of people. He said I will have to wait a few days for a response in the mail or I can call back in a day or two. I can only imagine how many thousands of people are calling about this daily as they are about to lose great benefits and none of this is their fault. And many are applying for new cards which are getting denied affecting their credit as AMEX now can't handle the volume of non stop applications.

This is by far the worst credit card experience I have had. I did nothing wrong and I am getting dumped into a new Visa card and I am losing the amazing benefits and AMEX is getting clogged up with the hundreds of thousands of requests like mine daily and now they can't handle the volume of this mess. How do they not expect to get sued by millions of Costco members? Citi Visa will be nothing like the Amex card.

We did nothing wrong and AMEX is treating us like crap and they are losing millions of customers on June 20th when this officially kicks in. They knew this would happen for the past year and they did NOTHING to prepare themselves to handle this mess when it hit. They should have offered options for existing AMEX members who want to remain with AMEX and cut off Costco if we have to, instead of now not being able to handle the volume of requests. To top it off my platinum Costco amex had no membership fee. A new platinum amex will now cost almost 500 a year, gold card costs 160 a year. So is AMEX trying to make money on this deal or what? Disgusting horrible experience.

And after 20 days, they cannot tell me when I will get an answer. They promised yesterday or maybe by Monday at 5. And if you call and get a supervisor named Parul, ID **, RUN the other way. She was rude and insulting. I am honestly SHOCKED by how I am being treated and how little they are trying to take care of the COSTCO AMEX customers who prefer an AMEX but are being handed a VISA. That VISA is sounding really good right now.

The supervisor promised to call me back on Tuesday after reviewing my complaint, but of course never did. So I applied for the remaining transfer balance of $6700 to finish paying the roof, and here's the final bomb: it was rejected because it exceeded $7500 TOTAL. Are you kidding me? I made it clear why I applied for the card, and was totally duped. Ok... here is another bad practice: AMEX hooked me by TELLING ME if I spend $1000 in the first 90 days (including balance transfers) I will get a credit of $250... BUT after I received the card I saw that that won't happen until July 2017, over 1 year later, so forget about cancelling the card anytime soon. What a racket and now I have to finance my Mom's roof causing her an unanticipated capital gains expense since I unduly relied on AMEX. Their customer service is the worst.

Yesterday I received a phone call telling me that they were cancelling my card immediately as I had breached it by using it for my business. They told me that I had to pay the total balance immediately or else it would be sent to a debt collection agency. I apologized for making the mistake and asked to speak to a manager.

Today a supervisor rang and did not change her decision even though I asked her to realize that I was acting on her colleague's advice. So as from today, the 'debt' is being sent to a debt collection agency (which I think may also be owned by them). I have lodged a dispute with the Australian Ombudsman for Financial issues. But they lost out as the very next phone call that I made was to cancel the American Express facility in my business eftpos terminals. I am disgusted in their reaction and certainly will not hold back now in telling anyone who wants to listen that they cancelled my card without any warning for such a ridiculous reason.

I called them again and the agent told me there's no time limit on these kinds of requests. It might take several months so I should just stop calling and keep waiting. What a great customer service and what great knowledgeable customer support. I don't think I ever dealt with a company worse than this. So I'm waiting right now to see what'll happen. I'm tired of calling them so if I don't get my miles in the next month I'll just cancel my card and update the thread.

Yesterday I was notified my account was cancelled. Thinking it was a joke I called AMEX and had to be connected to the financial division. They informed me my account had been cancelled permanently for "Violation of my card holder agreement". I said, "WHAT VIOLATION!" They had conducted an audit of my account as my spending amount (not earning amount) puts me in the "fat-cat" category according to Dodd/Frank financial reform regulations. What the audit discovered is that in March I had paid $9,000 of vendor invoices owed for goods and services related to a trade show. The vendor happens to be a member of my extended family.

As I've discovered this week under Dodd/Frank a business owned by one family member is required to be flagged by a bank when it makes payments to another business owned by an extended family member as it could represent a "shell-game". Their system noticed so my account was cancelled. No amount of explaining or pleading made a difference. They said, "I'm sorry sir, we don't write the regulations, we only enforce them".

I tried to apply for another business card yesterday afternoon and was declined because of the flag to my social and business tax id. Now my business has no credit. Thanks to democrat & RINO politicians in Washington. Without business credit my job and the job of my 6 employees is finished. To say I'm ticked off at AMEX and at government meddling in the business market is an understatement. The government has so scared the banks with threats of fines etc. they would rather close my account out of caution than be investigated & fined by the IRS.

The only change that AMEX is willing to do is help me to manage my debt. My FICO is 802 and indicated to them I will no longer use AMEX. Citi has offered reward dollars, etc.. 0% APR till 2017 so it looks like Amex is no longer in the future. I just don't understand, the only reason I have been with Amex for the past 12 years is because I don't have to deal with the third world when I have a chat or a problem. They are not willing to extend the APR so it's time to move on, but they are willing to lose customers instead of being flexible.

Three weeks later after I connected all my business accounts to the card, my American Express business account was suspended and refused to make any payments. I called them and found out that I had gone through their Financial Review. The account manager used words that I was been pre-educated and I was not listen. I can not talk to anyone else during their financial review and every time when I called her it went to voicemail. When she called back, sometimes 1 day or 2 days later there was no number showing on the phone. She kept pressure me to cancel the card.

The card was frozen for over a month and they set a limit on the card. Who would want a credit card had only few thousand dollar limit with a $175 annual fee! I was glad this happened at beginning of my business adventure so I could move on to a better offer. I had to open another credit card and they left me no choice but to cancel this one. Don't ever touch American Express if you don't want to be mistreated. They will ruin your life when they had a chance!

I got tired of the business card reaching some random limit they would change or impose on a monthly basis. My personal card would be closed off as well as the business card. Only to have calls all hours of the evening and night at my personal home and cell numbers requesting a payment be made to the account to reopen charging privileges. Why could they not call the business number between normal business hours regarding the company account? I asked this of the representative who first called me. Because he was calling from India or Jamaica or somewhere outside the United States, he couldn't tell me. I asked for them to call the office and contact the person in charge of making payments to the account. No calls were EVER made to the business contact.

AMEX used to be a card of respect and one I considered top tier. No longer is it anything other than a credit card. The fee charged yearly is for nothing. The customer service is poor and it is hard to get someone on the phone that knows anything or that can make a timely decision. My request was simple... Make calls regarding the company account to the business phone number during business hours. Make calls regarding my personal account to any of my numbers at reasonable times of day. Not a difficult request, but one that was never followed. I closed the business card today... ONLINE... I waited what seemed like forever on the phone going through steps to reach someone, when LIVE CHAT popped up. So, I live chatted my way to closing the account. WHAT A JOKE!

I will never do business with this company and want to make everyone aware of the unwillingness American Express has to make the customer happy. Lesson learned, never process a large charge or any charge for that matter to an American Express card. I have never encountered such poor business practice and I will reach out to all of my worldwide contacts to let them know not to use AMEX for their credit card needs. I will always suggest they use VISA or MasterCard.

A week later I received a warning letter from A.E. It informed me that there was a debt owed (which, upon further checking, was not actually owed at all) and therefore they would in the future be cancelling my card. Notice that the "notice of intent to cancel" was mailed a week after they had blindsided me. Another week later I received a renewal notice from A.E. The notice specified that for paying the renewal fee my card would be "renewed" but not cancelled, thus affording me the right to "renew" a card which could not make any purchases. American Express: Accepted by document shredders everywhere.

"In order to calculate/analyze balance totals and payments, best work with American Express, and to avoid further discrepancies, we need the following: A detailed payment and balance summary for each month for the past three years including the monthly balance from the prior month as carried over monthly. Balances showing a summary of payments made before payment amount is subtracted from the total due.

To reiterate, a detailed end of year summary for 2015 does not include a payment summary. This is extremely confusing and generates errors. Thus, we want a detailed payment and balance summary for 2015, 2014, and 2013. In addition to monthly spending and payment totals, we want beginning balances to track the account. Previous months balances are not calculated into the beginning statement of the following month AND payments to account not recorded so each monthly statement starts with misleading miscalculations that carry over monthly. Discrepancies result.

The problem is that credits/payments not subtracted from the total due, but the charges remain the same. For example, on 2/15/15 the total balance was $7214 but payment of $5000 not credited. Where are all the non-credited payments? They need to be calculated. The August 2015 balance is 12,159 but 4511 paid, so why are charges still at 12,159.99? The balance should be 7648.28. In August 2014, for example, charges are $5452, but payment made of $6k and total still says $5452. Where is the 6k? To summarize, we want detailed payment and balance summaries for each month for past three years with previous months balances showing payments made and subtracted from total due."

Practices such as these perpetuate wall street style criminal shenanigans. By not informing people of their beginning monthly balances and including a record of payments made in balances and year end summaries, American Express profits off interests, late payments and potential collections agencies when closed Amex accounts are sold to collections. When you add the incompetence of multiple calls to uninformed service reps and difficulty in even speaking to real personnel, American Express Corporation is just another sad indication of corporatization and dehumanization of the American experience.

On the second I indicated yesterday I told him I was not the person and it was my cell phone number, and repeated the same, and requested the representative's name and to speak with his supervisor. He only provided his name quickly and did not give me the opportunity to speak with his supervisor. He repeatedly told me the call was being taped, so the tapes from both dates should be able to be pulled to listen to. I repeatedly told the representative I was not the person and it is my cell phone number. I had to end the calls on both days not only because I was not the person requested and stated as such both dates, the representative was harassing me and I am not going to endure that mistreatment. I am filing complaints everywhere I am able to and have blocked the number from being able to contact my cell phone. I want no further contact in any form from American Express.

Today I get a call from a collection agency who is trying to collect something I've been paying without any issues. The agent thinks just like everyone else who sees my account that it is closed because of non-payment instead of their request for additional personal information. I would never have an Amex and I have deter any of my family members to get one or any person I know to have one. It is incredibly unprofessional to give a credit and then request IRS personal information specially for 3k. The way identity theft is now I don't trust anyone with that type of information. So, now I have a "closed account" who everyone thinks is because of non-payment and on a "Debt Collection" coming soon to my credit history. WOW. Thank you American Express.

Instead of apologizing and making up a story about a rare incident of a dropped call, she began arguing with me and telling me that "My line was ringing and so I picked up to answer as I always do, and I got you. I don't know anything that happened before". These reps should learn to sympathize with customers not explain their side of the story. Now if you were the customer, wouldn't this tick you even harder? It did to me and now I began yelling and the rep maintained her stance. I told her I am not upset at you personally but at AMEX as a whole... She cut me off in between and said "Ok sir, say whatever you want... I staying quiet... Go ahead". I was the one ticking but she dropped the bomb!! I then politely asked for her supervisor.

After an additional 15 min being on hold, a phony dude's voice with a condescending scammer's tone took over and tried to smooth and console me. He tried to comfort me on every sentence of mine, even if it didn't require any sympathy!! Now I began doubting the credibility of this person who was meant to represent the rep's supervisor. He probably believed he calmed me down and also told me he would take action on the rep, and ultimately told me with an underlining tone "Sir, when you make a payment, please make sure to minus this charge ($92.99) from your statement and pay the balance. We will take care of this for you".

I immediately said, "No, I will pay more than in full and I will expect a credit carried forward to my next billing cycle. I asked him for his name to the end and he recited every letter carefully: M-A-N-A-V. Apparently AMEX has employee ID number to recognize their reps. They don't attend by names in such a big company, but he was indeed happy to feel content that I now knew his name.

After 15 mins, on suspicion, I called Amex again to verify if a dispute for the charge was ever registered, and this rep told me there wasn't anything in file!! What do you make of this? I told her "It happened about 10 min ago. Is it possible that it would need time to update in your system?" She said it was likely to be true that it may update in a few hours. I called back AMEX on Monday 2/8 at 4:30 in the evening and guess what: NOTHING ON FILE!! AMEX: YOU GUYS SUCH HARDER THAN A CORNER STANDING **.

At the other side I was waiting for my new card, this should take 12 days but I am currently 1 1/2 month further. After a month they mentioned that I did not send a passport (I did) but ok, I did it again. Last week they came back in the address that was missing (I did provide this, but ok, I did this again). Now I am still waiting on my card and no replies from their side although repeatedly asking for it.

At the other side, I never got a reply that my account was settled (I double checked, money is wired correctly to the correct address and number etc) and noticed that last week they did withdraw my latest portion from the last month, which was 800 pounds, but I already included that in the settled the account. So without confirming that all was fine, they incorrectly taking money from my account, which I consider as a big issue. I of course emailed them directly when I noticed this and I probably have to wait a week for their reply... That's how great this company is and I prefer never to deal with them if I had the choice.

Updated on 02/05/2016: After six months of American Express giving me nothing but excuses for their delay in crediting my account the overdue $300 due me for opening a business card with them, they are now claiming that they forgot to include the RSVP code on my application. So, now they're claiming that since the RSVP code wasn't on the application, they don't have to pay me the $300 credit that their reps have been telling me I was getting since the day I opened the account. Nice Try American Express.

Funny how the card I received matches EXACTLY with the card they were advertising. The interest free period matches. The 3% back on the category of my choice matches. Funny how the only thing that doesn't match is their obligation to credit my account the $300. American Express beware. I will fight you through every legal avenue available until you credit my account. The lost revenue in bad publicity will cost your company more than the $300 you owe me.

I then received a card with a misspelled last name. I called back AmEx requesting a new card with my correct name be sent. She takes my new name and says I will be sent a new card. Two weeks later, no card. I try and login to my online account, it's a no-go. So I call back customer service for the third time, saying that I had called about my name change mistake but never received the new card. Now this representative tells me that she has ABSOLUTELY NO RECORD of this name change, and that I would have needed to fill out a form providing legal proof... despite receiving a new card with the wrong last name on it already.

So then I ask her to just give me my account information so I can login online, and lo and behold, Idiot #1 completely misspelled my last name on the username, despite having JUST taken down my new name. So she resets it (after I have to spell it three times because she isn't listening when I tell her where the second N goes). So I'm hoping I actually get the right name on the card this time. I am only keeping this card so it doesn't damage my credit score. After this ridiculous experience I never want to deal with American Express again.

One week later, I received a letter regarding that matter and had to call again to solve the problem. Once I received the plastic card, all the interactions I had with Amex were underwhelming at best. Generic responses and inefficient outcomes from the online chat, frustrating conversations on the phone. Another Identity fraud stamp was issued as I added back my Amex card to Android Pay (a seamless and simple operation with all my other credit cards). I went through all the hoops with customer service and ordered a new plastic card with a new number, hoping I would finally get rid of those Identity Fraud alerts and to possibly use my Amex card on my phone again.

I received an alarming email from their security department the next and had a very unpleasant encounter with them at 6AM. What a nice way to start the day! I received the new card three days later and I thought I could finally move on and use my card conveniently like any other card. Even though I had talked to them and I now had a card with a new number, the payment I made to my cell phone company did not appear on the account and I had the same error message when adding the card to Android Pay.

After over one hour with the customer service department on the website, they finally found out the Identity Fraud stamp was still there and they wanted me to talk with the security department over the phone again. This is when I decided enough was enough. I replied that they had all the elements at hand and could escalate the issue to have it solved or that if they were calling me it would be to close the account. They called back and I had to make the decision to be over with Amex as they were too big of a nuisance.

I have never seen such inefficiency. I am used to Discover Card's superior service. I never had any issue with other brands that don't have such a stellar reputation, and I work myself in customer service, so I just could not deal with congratulations on my welcome bonus when I report an issue or answers about Apple Pay when I talk about Android Pay. If Amex used mystery shopping services to find out about their customer service policies, they could probably catch up with the rest of the credit card market, but for now they are definitely behind when it comes to customer service. To me, they were definitely worst in class.

After canceling the cards, we were advised to notify their Fraud Dept, which, we did, or, at least, tried to. My husband spoke w/ them first & was asked for his social security number. At this point, we were so creeped out, neither of us wanted to give it to them, although my husband offered to give him the last four digits. They hung up on him. At this point, I don't know if this is fraud or if Amex is just a really hinky company to deal with.

Just today I received a warning letter from AmEx that I was past due on my Optima account and that I would be assessed a 24% (actually it was more than that) interest. I had received an email for a $1.92 charge on my Costco AmEx that is paid automatically so I was totally confused. When I got the warning from AmEx, I was totally puzzled. I had not set up autopay only because I thought it replaced the Costco AmEx that was already set for autopay. AmEx was very unforgiving and even though the total cost including late charge was minimal, it really upset me to the point where I cancelled both cards. I'd rather not deal of AmEx again!

On 10/02/15 Sometime after she was already started with IV, she asked me if the IV nutrition could be helpful for prediabetic, stating she was diagnosed prediabetic; I answered "It could be helpful by improving general condition with nutrition indirectly." I recommended her to follow up with her primary doctor for her prediabetic. She paid $650 with American Express with her authorizing signature after 2 hr IV nutrition was finished. 2 months later (12/20/15) my office got letter, from Merchant services (case number **), that American Express cancelled Recurring Transaction. I faxed the customer's original signature (for 10/02/15) with Dispute Response Form (case No **) to credit card company to reverse rebate on 12/28/15.

My office got dispute summary on 01/09/16; it is written as Chargeback Reversals, issued by American Express (Case Number **). My office called American Express, and the company said they had nothing to do with it. I called the customer (the patient), and she said that she was dissatisfied of my services because IV nutrition was not helpful for prediabetic. She said the credit card company cancelled the transaction when she complained of it. I recalled the patient that she requested me to give her IV nutrition because of her fatigue with decreased vision with scheduled eye operation, for energy booster.

From the point of credit card user for business, I am very dissatisfied with American Express since they cancelled prior transaction which was authorized by the credit card user. The credit card company has their own role, and the customer (credit card user) should have asked me about the efficacy of IV nutrition if she had questions. The American Express credit card company has nothing to do with the credit card users' dissatisfaction of the service which was already served 2 months ago. The credit card company already approved to pay, for the services which was already done based on the credit card user's authorization for the payment. The credit card user has a duty to pay for the rendered services, which has been done based on the payment from the credit card at the time of services.

I would like to request you to review this case, to prevent misuse of credit card by customers and American Express in the future. Thank you.

Why? No idea. I expected them to just close it like usually. But since there was a refund on it, they decided to charge it away. A fee on a card they never sent, and that I don't have. When I called to speak with the rep to find out what the charges were and why they're on there. It's the standard, I'm not sure, maybe it was a charge you made on the phone? Please the statement says FEE. After coming out with the sudden fee out of nowhere they decided to charge monthly. I closed the account. But wait, it will be another 2 weeks before they are able to do that and I would need to call again and try to close. Nothing like the feeling of being fleeced. If there were (-) stars, they would be the first to get them.

No discussion, no further request. If they didn't want me as a customer they could ask me to close the account myself and when they closed, it affects my credit and give cause. Tax return for self employed contains many business write offs, deductions. depreciation, carry forwards, etc. from different businesses and is not a simple easy filing. Amex Platinum working with sophisticated members should know that, and sensitivity of members about it. What if we were traveling with this card? We would have been put in a horrible situation mid travel during holiday season.

Thank god we weren't and didn't need to use this card. This behavior is not acceptable. If they need income verification our bank could have send them yearly deposit totals. They have their right to cancel or issue cards but their behavior and manner of actions without obvious reason is scary and worrisome. I recommend choosing other cards. You don't want to get cancelled unexpectedly. I have other cards and don't really need this card. I liked the convenience but didn't worth the experience. That is all.

They suspended our card two days before Christmas with no calls, no explanations, and wanted us to fill out a bunch of paperwork to produce our 1040's. We have over 70,000 points that I am not able to use because no one in the entire customer service department can figure out how to use them with a suspended acct. So I just had to book a $200 flight with my Chase card when it could have been free. Needless to say this has been a HORRIBLE experience and once our nonsense audit is over I'm using my points and cancelling the card. There are a million other points with cards available to not be at the mercy of AMEX which isn't even accepted everywhere. #byebye

When I got home, I called AmEx and asked why my card was declined. They told me the reason and I expressed my disappointment at missing out on $25. To my pleasant surprise, they said they would give me a $25 credit to my account. I was taken aback by this kind of service. This was essentially my fault for not opening the mail with new card. This is in stark contrast to ** "service" I get from Verizon, where they would blame me for unauthorized service contract changes when I use their online platform instead of calling customer service.

It's amazing how two mega corporations choose to treat their customers so differently. One wants to ** on their customers and nickle and dime them any chance they get, and the other is willing to go the extra step to value your longstanding relationship with them. I rarely write reviews but this experience compelled me enough to write one. Thanks AmEx!

I learned the hard way that by paying larger payments than the requested amount they use tactics of closing the billing cycle and none of your "overpayment" will be used to cover the next payment cycle. They do this so they can use this unfair business practice to collect the maximum interest and the maximum late fees. Only a fool would even consider keeping this card! I can be thankful for one thing... by continuing to do this to cardholders they financially (and gratefully for me) place use of the account permanently out of reach!

I asked for further compensation for the inconvenience since I was hoping to get the card in a timely manner. Anil said "No problem, once you get the card we'll give some sort of compensation." He said that he would write everything down. When I called on 12/23 to get the new card delivered to me, I learned that I would now not get the card until 12/28 and that there would be no compensation. I spoke with 4 different departments. There were no notes from Anil. What company trains their people to misinform customers? Furthermore it's shocking to know that I was sent someone else's credit card along with their name and address. We're not even in the same state. It's ridiculous!!! Beware of AMEX!

Their customer service is POOR, HORRIBLE, AWFUL, DISGUSTING, VERY UNPLEASANT. Their managers and supervisors are worse than the name Customer Service. They are rude and doesn't know how to talk to customers. American Express cards are not the best cards. Choose Chase or something else.

Then, after you have signed up, he sends you a his poorly written book (not selling well on Amazon, $20) and set a homework to do and but never corrected them. That was his training! I called him several times to follow up but he found excuses not to correct my homework. After 3 months, I gave up and filed a dispute with American Express. American Express Dispute department is so incompetent that they believed in everything this scammer said. They said that I got what I paid for ($1250), the homework assignment and the book. Yes, I got a $20 value book sold on Amazon for $1250. What a deal!

American Express believed in everything this scammer said. They never checked or verified any evidence that I provided, even when someone else complained that he was scammed by this same Michael Dresser. Since then, the PR firm who placed me on his show has permanently removed him from their database. When American Express asked Michael Dresser about this, he said my PR firm is still using him. I told American Express that Michael Dresser lied and that they should call the PR firm who will testify that another client just got scammed by Michael Dresser.

Conclusion, because American Express Dispute department did not bother to take 5 minutes to make a phone call to verify my facts, it cost me $1250. That is how incompetent their staff are! I plan to close all my American Express Cards after I have a replacement with other banks. It is very annoying because I have built a good credit history for my company and now will have to start all over again. Do not apply for American Express cards. That will be your next nightmare!

The explanation that (AmExFS) gave is that I did not fill a form that allows AmEx to view my tax returns filed with the IRS. I have never heard about this form prior to AmEx blocking my account. I requested that AmEx remove the block on my account until this form is obtained, filled out and submitted to the IRS, after which they can make a decision whether they want me as a customer. But to block the card and close the account first is something I never experienced before. It shows the utter disregard for their customers who make them rich. At this time they still never unblocked my account.

AmExFS were kind enough to email me the form and gave me 3 days while my account is still blocked. I filled and faxed the form. They refused the use of email, which was very surprising and SUSPICIOUS since they use the email exclusively for every other purpose. Two days later AmExFS called me up and told me that the form can not be presented if any information is missing. I filled out a new form and faxed it to them making sure everything is perfect and also printed a confirmation page that the 2 pages were faxed. 10 days went by without hearing from AmEx. I called, they said that the fax was unreadable, and they requested I fax it again. They gave me another deadline. So I did. I called after a week and they said that my fax machine is no good and the copy is again unreadable. I use my fax machine to fax and receive patient records to other veterinary hospitals, Lab & Blood reports... Etc.

They advised me to go to staples and fax the form. I went to staples and faxed the form and paid $4.00 to fax 2 pages and got a receipt and a confirmation page. I called AmExFS immediately after faxing the forms and waited a long time on the phone until the receptionist came back and said they did not receive it yet and they will call tomorrow to confirm receipt of the fax. They never called. I called few days later. They were very rude and almost belligerent which is unlike AmEx that I was used to.

When I attempted to use some of my 900,000 + Mileage points that were accumulating and showing on my monthly statements, I was told by a mean and rude rep from AmExFS that my points had expired a year ago (even though they were increasing every month including October 2015 statement according to AmEx monthly statements). I use the AmEx cards exclusively for almost everything from the local supermarket to all the needs of my business and to all construction in my new project. My account was very active for the last 42 years.

Today 12/02/2015, 5 weeks after suspending my credit cards and leaving me in shock and embarrassment in a hotel lobby, AmEx did not want me to be surprised. The unexpected inconvenience has occurred already 5 weeks ago when all the merchants I have been paying through automatic means with AmEx cards have called my office demanding payments on the spot. All those accounts had my establishment's excellent reputation to be questioned.

So far the reason I was given by AmEx for closing my account is: 1. AmEx never received my FAXES. Which is impossible. 2. Delinquency. That is strange because delinquency for 1 month is not a reason to close an account. MY ACCOUNT WAS SUSPENDED AND CLOSED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN GOOD STANDING AND NOT DELINQUENT. Reviewing my charges I had a charge of $300.00 donation made to The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (P.C.R.F.) (www.pcrf.net) which is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-governmental organization established in 1991. I hope that is not the case. If it is this will be certainly a class action suit. I am presently in contact with my lawyer.

I did not see the justification to keep "donating $475" for benefits that I was not using, and when the time came to take advantage of one of them, they give me such a hard time and ultimately deny it. So in light of that I CANCELLED the card, and for a Company that "prides itself" according to self-promoting videos, in customer service they are SEVERELY Lacking in CUSTOMER SERVICE. Having being a customer since 1990, with a clean record, did not mean much to them. So I said goodbye.

However in December, I received a mailer from DELTA Airlines where if I signed up for a DELTA SKYMILES Platinum, I could get a $100 credit after the first purchase, + 5000 Delta SkyMiles, so I took advantage of it and signed up for it. But SURPRISE, SURPRISE, I don't qualify for those benefits because I was a previous customer, and to add insult to injury they opened the new card with such a low credit line (2K), that I could not even purchase an international flight that was over $2400. So it became obvious to me that American Express did not want me as a customer, no matter what. So again I canceled this card, and as much as I will miss it, I have to say "good riddance".

Several rounds of communications have been promised the satisfactory action internally but to no avail. I am clear and as all my other credit cards are never having issues, I repent being associated with Amex for 16 years or so. Please check internally and close the matter immediately. I will be forced otherwise to put my grievances in social media also which will impact your rating. Thanks.

So after I spent $1000.00 dollars I contacted AE again but this time was told I will not get 20 000 as I was "returned customer". When I pointed on previous chat I was hung up upon. Second guy, I think, "Tom" promised to find out but never did. Ever-since I am trying to get answer why I am being told to wait. Is it normal practice for credit card to cheat up on customers? Please help.

I immediately contacted AMEX to see if they had such a policy. I always get great service when I call AMEX Customer Service and they told me to contact the Insurance Department. I did, and the lady was so helpful. She immediately filed a claim and told me a claims adjuster would be in touch within 2 business days. The next day, I received an e-mail from the adjuster asking me to mail in my receipt and AMEX statement. Just those documents. I did, and two days later I received an e-mail from the adjuster that the full amount of my stolen jacket had been reimbursed and I would receive a cheque in the mail. No fuss, no muss, no questions, no red tape. I am so grateful. Thank you AMEX!!!

I also REALLY like how they set up their rewards. 3% cash back on groceries and 2% cash back on gas which is pretty much the only thing I buy with any of my cards anyway. I never really liked the rolling % rewards some other cards have because half the time it was for stuff I would never buy or go, so this card is really useful and practical for me. It's also really easy to redeem rewards and they add up really quickly, which is nice. So far my only complaint is that I cannot use this card exclusively because it's not accepted everywhere, otherwise I would. I really like how easy it is to use, how great the rewards are, I love the customer service and I generally just think this is the nicest credit card I've used so far.

Never mind, Amex had recently cancelled their Admirals Club deal so I had actually planned on cancelling. What I did not know, was never informed of or told about in that phone call is that my 150,000 points were going to be deleted in a few weeks. So all this time I have assumed the points were sitting there when really they were gone. No warning, no letter, no email. What a fine way to thank me for years of "membership".

I would say that American Express is not worth the money they charge anymore but this action and the rude service people I called to discuss it with makes me question American Express's honesty and integrity. Do not do business with them or if you do, and I can understand that, just be sure to use your points or transfer them to another company that will not steal them out from under you. Shame on you, American Express, shame.

AmEx was great about reversing late charges several times. Finally after 5 or 6 times over about 8 months, I realized that the way my bill pay was set up it was not accounting for weekends or holidays so consistently my payments were showing up a day or two late when scheduled over a weekend. Surprised neither my bank or AmEx recognized this problem when I repeatedly asked about it. Also surprised that being 1 or 2 days late would trigger a letter going out and a huge interest rate increase for a decade-long customer.

This spring though, things got way worse. I was traveling for work and my card was declined buying gas. I called and was shuttled through numerous customer service reps who couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally after a few days of having the same problem, I talked with someone who said they had sent me a new card with the chip technology. Though I hadn't received it or activated it, they cancelled my old card without telling me. I needed it to pay for a hotel the following night and Global Services was actually amazing in making that happen, despite the card's being cancelled. They promised they would send another new chip card right away.

I don't use my card often but needed it again for a business trip in September. Was at the rental car counter and again my card was declined. Same issue. No new card. Ninety minutes and five customer service reps later, I was finally able to get my rental car. I so wish I could get the hours back I spent on the phone with AmEx over the past several months back. Some reps are excellent, others are rude and incompetent and some are difficult to understand with foreign accents, and you never know which you will get. I feel sorry for them that they have to work for a company whose reputation is clearly declining and with so many angry people on the phone with them daily.

The last straw came today. There was some problem with my account and they called my parents. I haven't lived with them for more than 20 years. There is no reason their phone number should even be connected with my account in any way. When I asked them to remove the number permanently from my account they said they couldn't, that it would come up again automatically. What?! I was initially attracted to AmEx because of travel services, roadside assistance, car rental insurance and other perks, but I rarely use these services. Have never had enough points to use for anything and can no longer put up with the terrible, terrible customer service and lack of caring for long time customers.

Evidently it doesn't matter that we were scammed or that the work was never performed... since the mechanic forced us to sign credit card receipts in order to get our vehicle back, American Express considers it valid. Even though the work wasn't ever done. So, buyer beware.... American Express supports scammers and if charges done by scammers are disputed, American Express will still allow the charge and deny your dispute even if the service was never performed...

Does not sound like a lot, but here is the case. I purchased 1 movie for $8.99 + tax so the cost should of been $9.67, but was in fact $10.67. I also purchased 10 songs at $0.99 each and was billed an extra $11.00 dollars for the $1.00 confirmation fee on each purchase. When I looked at my email receipt I contacted the online store and talked with their customer service. The store is one of the bigger ones for online purchases, and they informed me it was not them, but American Express that wants this charge for rewards cards. I kind of believe them because when I use my regular credit card I am never accessed a confirmation fee, and I have never been accessed this fee with other rewards cards like Visa for rebate amounts.

So I contacted American Express and the customer service person more or less confirmed this fee. So for every purchase I make online, or by telephone I will be charged an extra $1.00 fee which adds up. I am told it will be credit back into my rewards card in 2 to 7 days, but the point is it cost me on every purchase and when the rewards card which is non-rechargeable is down to the last few dollars no matter how I work it I will lose $1.00 or more due to this hidden fee. So my rebate is not $100.00 but more like 98-99 dollars. I contacted the company who gave the rebate and let them know about this and they claim it should not be happening and the rewards card should be for the face value. They said they would check into it and should that be true stop using American Express for the rebates.

My score was perfect till I got American Express. They tell you there is grace period but apparently there isn't. No one knows their job in American nor they explain all the same. They canceled my account because of FICO score that dropped for 30 points and it was because of them. I didn't receive any notice of cancellation. When I called they didn't know to explain what happened since account looked fine. I got in mail a letter 2 weeks after they canceled account that it is canceled because of stop payment and FICO score.

Apparently there is many of us who had the same issue. They are the worst to work with because they have no idea what they are doing. I am beyond upset because I will have a negative mark on my credit score and I paid all my bills in time. If you can't keep up with their policy, don't even try to get them. It costs too much time and nerves. I am actually glad I don't have them anymore. It's like signing a contract with the devil.

The supervisor said "well you wouldn't have qualified anyway because you've had that card in the last x years so not eligible." I said she didn't tell me that either and how was that even relevant if she purposely sold me an expired product. They said they would "investigate". It's been over 2 months and no response. So I contacted the consumer affairs people at Channel 5 in SF. They wanted to do a story so came out and videotaped an interview and then called Delta and Amex to say she was doing the story. Delta denied any culpability, that it was Amex's fault because they have a contractual agreement with them. So the camera man taped over my personal info on the card and videotaped it showing the huge Delta miles logo, and the phone number if need assistance call Delta Airlines and the phone number.

When the reporter called Amex they stuck to the ineligible story, ignored the fact the person sold me an expired product and said they had on tape that the salesperson put in a brief disclaimer regarding exclusions (which she may have but it was general and didn't say anything about having had a previous version of the card). So the reporter asked to listen to the tape and they refused to let her listen, for obvious reasons. To mean this is beyond bait and switch; it is outright fraud because she had to have known this product had expired 6 months previous.

Few days after, my boss came to me and asked if I can call American Express again since they have send us another letter with the same content. I called and asked if they did not received our faxed documentation since we got the same letter again. They have told us that now we will be charged the $130 because it was our fault that the person got charged. I asked how is this our fault that someone's card got stolen and charged. The representative told me that it is our fault because we didn't swipe the card and get the client's signature.

I then explained to him that he paid for the services over the phone then he came in few days later and received the services. We couldn't swipe the card again because that would mean we would have to charge him again. He even spoke to the receptionist that called them the first time and she told him that we were informed that we won't have to pay for anything. He seemed like confused and like he didn't know what to say next so he told we can file a police report.

After that, I got off the phone with him and repeated everything to my boss. At that point she was getting more and more angry with them and told me to call again and ask for a manager. I called again only to find out that we already have been charged and the documentation we provided was insufficient. So from somebody telling us we are not going to be charged, we ended up being charged. At that point I asked to talk to a manager. The manager told me that we have to pay for that and that the fraud department can't do anything. I asked her how is it our fault that someone used somebody else's card? She repeated what we have already heard, that, "it is your fault because you did not ask to swipe the card again and you did not get the person's signature." I repeated myself and told her that the services were already paid for and they would be charged twice.

Also why wouldn't the person report the card stolen? If it would be stolen we wouldn't be able to run it. I told her anybody could have used that card, what if it was the client's girlfriend card and now they just wanted their money back because they were giving us trouble at the spa, so now our spa is being punished. All she kept repeating was it is our fault. I asked one more question at that point, "what if someone is buying a gift or a surprise service for somebody and pays for it over the phone?" Well her answer was, "I don't know." Great, thanks for your help. They are a credit card company, they are insured for things like this. Now they are taking our money because they can't do their jobs. I assured her we will never accept American Express cards ever again at our spa and something will be done about this. We will not let this go.

When I call back about 4 days later to make sure about the reward points, I was told the account is inactive and my points will be forfeited and the only way to claim them to reinstate the account which is clearly not my intention and the tone of the representative wasn't very nice. I understand the rules and obligations and all that stuff but my disappointment was after being assured several times during my first call everything will be taken care of and I will be able use my points was not true I guess.

The case is reopened with more promises of protecting my interests. Only they predictably disappoint. They have not shown any interest in my case, no one has contacted me to discuss this despite many requests. I am in doubt anyone in AMEX has seriously read the documentation I sent. The short long is they will not act on my behalf. In spite of having irrefutable evidence that I am telling the truth. Interestingly, an acquaintance was also lied to and stolen from in the same way by the same trainer... Difference is that her credit card company reimbursed her! So I am a victim of a thief and of AMEX! Who needs this type of credit card company? I usually use my Chase cards and the experience with them is refreshing. Any problem and I am instantly reimbursed... So, I would never recommend taking an AMEX. Use a safer, more protected way of buying your merchandise and services.

Well guess what? A statement for over $700 came, and when we called, the rep said we were never back on the pay over time plan, and transferred us to a supervisor in a different country who could barely speak English, making this even more difficult to resolve. We paid the balance in full today and closed the accounts. If people expect to resolve any kind of issue or error, this is NOT the company to be dealing with. Very bad business to lose 2 accounts and several thousands of dollars a year to customers who have excellent credit and always pay on time or pay off completely during the year. STAY AWAY FROM THIS company.

I doubt that is the case but as courteous as they were they suggested I go through the process. I think the clerk even told me about the process I'd have to go through... which means to me that they had this happen before. Anyway, I went back to Amex for another try. The second call identified that I needed to FAX (who uses a Fax?) the front and back of the card, some government id showing my mailing address, and the receipt. They also wanted the packaging, which I didn't have any longer. They advised at that time, that would be ok. The next day during a certain period in the day identified by the amex rep, I electronically faxed them the info and called immediately after to ensure they received it.

They redirected me to another phone number. I spoke with a rep who found the fax, and apparently went to the manager to see if the investigation could go further without the packaging. He came back to advise that without the packaging they can do nothing. I asked for a case number and was given one. I asked him to send me a email advising that there is nothing that they can do without the packaging. I'll be surprised if I get anything, and I have a feeling that the case number will be an actual one that will trace back to this concern.

Long Story short. Don't give AMEX cards as gifts. Besides the outrageous purchased fee, it would appear that AMEX counts on errors being made in the activation and also counts on people not bothering to chase them down for a refund. Huge profits in this gift card process, and if it happens to be you, the purchaser... you have wasted your money. If you are the receiver you waste your time and may never see the intended gift. Shame on you Amex. I'm going to advise everyone I know, and every business owner I know about this scam. I hope they listen. I'm sure AMEX will find another way to scam people out of hard earned money.

A responsible/caring company would have instantly wired the money back into my account... they had created a nightmare for me and the overdrafts were piling up to over $1,000. Instead of doing the proper thing for me, Amex danced around for 4 days before replacing my funds. Now I am told that a form will be mailed to me for getting back the charges ($1,080) for overdrafts and fees. How fair and concerned for me, an elderly lady on a limited income, is that?

Again, I am being mistreated and abused by a giant corporation that has no regard for the lowly customer who was basically "robbed" and left out to dangle in the wind. I told AMEX to call my bank to verify the amount AMEX owes... Nope, the supervisor was too lazy to do that. Instead, she chose to ignore my phone calls and to delay paying me what is due.

Where is Ralph N., consumer advocate, when you really need to hold a culprit to task for the sake of doing what is fair? I believe he is dead and AMEX is about to put me into an early grave for the sake of holding onto the almighty dollar as long as they can. SHAME ON AMEX... I say this on behalf of all the "little people" like me who have been rooked by a monster!!!

I call Amex and was told that someone will give me a call and when I asked when? I was told that they didn't have an answer and it could be anytime. I check my account today and my card account number has changed. So I called Amex again and was told that they cancelled and closed my account and I now had to apply all over again. I had never received a phone call about this or was explained this. I had to argue with the lady on the phone from about 2 hours for her to explain to me and yet a different representative told me something different. This is ridiculous!

After much persuasion I received a call from the account rep supervisor. She has to be the worst supervisor ever. She was very condescending and interrupted me every chance she could get. She even told me that my check was damaged and would be returned to me (have not received it yet.) I think she told me this because she wanted to get rid of me. She just went on and on about sending a new check or paying over the phone. Nope. I want to speak to your supervisor. So after another 45 minute call I talked to a supervisor who actually helped me. He told they had a copy of check and it wasn't damaged.

All the pertinent info was recorded. He doesn't know what happened but said he'd make an inquiry to the situation and try to find out what happened. Good luck with that. He said to just wait for a few days and see if it processes into my account. AE has horrible customer service. Given there are some customer service reps who will go the extra distance if you happen to speak to the right person. So sad. I'm closing my account and moving on as soon as my problem is resolved. What a nightmare.

So how is it the merchant thought he had already processed a refund to the card? American Express claims the merchant has to expedite refund, then when talking to another AE customer service rep, I was told it takes the banks that long to process the transaction. Still a third AE customer service rep said, "American Express is not a bank, it is a financial institution." So which lie is it? Get yourself a real bank debit card and do not buy Bluebird prepaid debit card. My bank card only takes a few minutes or two days max to return money to my card, not 7+ days.

Now my problem with this they didn't call me. I was out of town on vacation and they just decided to shut me down. I called and they said they have the right to pull my account in at any point for review and because of my high spending with a new card is why they did. Mind you I've been with and sending 50,000 a month and I explained this and they said "Yes as matter of fact you pay early every month. The day your statement comes out you pay your bill" so I'm very dissatisfied with American Express.

I finally called directly and mentioned some form of payment program that would stop the collection calls and spoke with a woman who proceeded to yell at me, escalate the situation to a whole new level. At this point, I plan to pay off all my American Express bills and never do business with them again. Even though they do seem to have some good people working for them I would never do business with this company again knowing that they knowingly employ people that do not understand customer service and retention as well as practice unethical business practices.

However, they looked at the Hotel online, saw vacancies and recommended I go online immediately and book. I did using the Amex card, got confirmation and all was well. Got to Rome and after a few days thought I would use the card to buy train tickets for myself and the Wife to Florence for a day. CARD didn't work! I should add that the next billing cycle was not due until after our return and the wife had queued it at the bank...no problem. We had never had a late payment or fees or were outstanding on anything. When the card didn't work (3 days into a 7 day trip) I called their "emergency number" and was told there was an issue with the card..."You didn't think there wasn't a limit did you?" They had cut me off for exceeding my "limit" which is of course never told to you or discussed as there being one.

The next bill was for a lousy 6K and not even due at this point. So after grilling me as to when I was going to pay a bill that was not due and after much ranting on my part they had the nerve to ask me, "Well how much more do you need to complete your vacation?" Which I found incredibly patronizing and insulting. They said "we will allow another 5K." You can imagine my response. Bottom line is that IF this was the only card I had and had planned on using for the vacation, they would have refused to pay the Hotel bill that they had committed to online at reservation time and left me incapable of paying it; stranded in a foreign country. They accepted the Hotel reservation and then cut off credit prior to settlement/check out. Thank God I tried to use it for something innocuous prior to checkout. Incredible!

As it happens, I have plenty of other cards and substantial cash/assets so this was not an issue but they had no idea that would be the case. I am in the process of cancelling this card and will never deal with Amex again. I would also add that despite the $495 a year I was also charged a fee for booking through their travel desk (just to add insult to injury). Also I had two "off the cuff" emails after the call "confirming" I would pay on the date the bill was due. I am disgusted and angry over the whole episode and they sure don't have your back on travel. Don't forget they knew I was in a foreign country... They booked it and refused charges in it!

Two weeks later the mortgage company calls me and tells me the mortgage application is on hold because they have not received the statement from AMEX. I call AMEX and they tell me they don't fax balance letters as I described above. WHY DID SOMEONE FROM AMEX TELL ME THEY DID IT? I asked them again if they could do it since this is running so late and they told me they would do it within 24 hrs. 24 hrs later it hasn't been done. I called Customer Service --and they try to tell me I didn't give them the fax number. That is major league BS! I give them the number AGAIN and now they say it is a 72 hr turnaround. WTF!

I funnel $30,000 a year through that card and I get lied to and screwed. Why can't a current balance statement be a report that is available online? They have a web page that will show the current balance. Why can't that page be a report that looks like a statement so the card holder can download it just like a regular monthly statement? I am a computer programmer. This is a simple thing to do. It certainly can be done. Why do I speak to an American when I apply for a card but after all is done I can only speak with someone in Pakistan who has language challenges and is taking a job from an American? What is wrong with AMEX? Up until now things have gone good with AMEX but this has seriously damaged my opinion of them.

I called today to speak with B ** like she said I could if there were any other problems. The initial operator refused to find her, so I spoke with Demir who word for word stated "It's not American Expresses fault you paid early and got a late fee!" This can be verified as it was being recorded. He said THEY were generous enough to remove the late fees and interest accrued (except May, even though they removed June) - THAT THEY CAUSED BECAUSE I CALLED 8 TIMES, AND POSTED ON FACEBOOK SEVERAL TIMES FROM MARCH TO JUNE 9 TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR!! Demir has a supervisor but he told me no one can ever speak with him! I ask if I could email him my issues. Demir replied "No you cannot contact him in any way". His name is Michael **, I would assume he is as much of a horse.

So a month later still no card. Called, spoke to a "Supervisor" - apologizes but that does nothing for me as I am trying to book a trip and use the card and pay the fees for the travel insurance, so he tells me the card is in processing - as opposed to being expedited unlike the other rep said she would do. Long story short, there are other bank cards that have points and travel benefits. Will go to a bank tomorrow - bet I leave with a card that I can use to book my trip!!! Was a good company now I think my dog could do the job - where do I sign him up!

I was told this was based on a periodic review which came mysteriously close to this large payment I made. I have seen my credit report in the last 3-6 months. My FICO score actually went up some, probably based on some paid off amounts, but any, and I mean any periodic review that was conducted 6 months, a year even more, when my limit was at its max would have given greater cause to perform a credit line cut. One I would have completely understood.

But I KNOW one just done shouldn't and couldn't have been worse or only now given just cause for them to do what they did. And keep saying it was just a coincidence that it was cut only weeks after I practically paid off the balance. I was also not informed of their "action" until I called because of a decline on my card, which I'd used problem free only the week before which I've never gotten any cause for them to reduce or even cancel over the years of carrying a very high balance.

I'm also told the decision CAN'T and WON'T be reversed without basically providing them financial information that is almost in equivalence to refinancing my home. Very upset and not only the action they've taken, but the lack of information provided in them doing it. An email telling me about the slashed credit was only sent to me AFTER I was on the phone with a second representative. Snapshot shows payment and credit limit available. Action they took was on 6/9/15. No notice.

I called American Express and told them that I reserved a hotel room with the free cancellation option. I told them since I reserved it way early, that I carefully chose the room with free cancellation option. American Express reassured me that they will open dispute and works towards getting my money back. I reported to American Express 4 weeks prior to my check in date. American Express closed the dispute in favor of the merchant 3 times. I lost $2,190.00 plus $50 for foreign transaction, for the device I never use. The hotel denies my claim. I felt deserted by both the hotel and American Express. I shredded all my my credit cards except one BOA card. I am to using cash as much as I can.

India also has massive human rights violations, e.g. women abducted and put into sex slavery, child labor in rug factories, widespread police and government corruption. Next in 2015, AMEX was found guilty of violating antitrust laws in Federal Court. After that, I closed all of my AMEX accounts (three) and I told them that their business ethics and their customer service was unacceptable. I would recommend that other AMEX customers take a closer look at the sub-standard business ethics used by this corporation.

Original Review: May 15, 2015

After the amount due is paid, the next day, the new cycle, 10 years we have had this card never a late payment, nothing, no dings, just out of the blue for no reason. Amex puts a limit on the card, which is less than what is owed for the next months bill, by about 20k. Tells you if you want to use your card, you must pay next months bill immediately or card will be turned off until you do. This is the same crap they did to a ton of people in 2008 and 2009. Work hard, pay your bills, and then just hit blindsided by them. Amex has always been our top priority bill, but, I guess they must not have enough working capital to blackmail people into paying a full month early. Geesh. Will stick with Chase for now.

It does nothing for you: 1) better deals with hotels? Forget it. I did better all the time; 2) better deals with airlines? Again, forget it I did better all the times; and 3) your personal concierge? Can you believe it? Phone them and you get someone on the phone who does not even speak English. And mind you I am phoning to England. No they are totally ignorant of the language but also of the subjects that are so colourfully described in their brochures.

You will agree with me that they keep you on the phone, again and again, simply because they do not have the qualifications for their job. In the USA you can ask for a supervisor. Not really in Europe. If you got one on the phone - did it help? Did you realise WHY AMEX only wants communications by phone? Yes you do. Nothing can be traced. In all 4 countries that I had AMEX cards I found they did not live up to regular banking procedures. They promised all sort of things but staff on the phone did not know and so your miles or rewards can easily disappear. Yes. Oh dear! They have no record or can not find it. Their administration is totally primitive so their phone staff's main concern is hiding their ignorance and keeping you busy with verifications. Although the AMEX cards are handled by different card companies in various parts of the world the instructions by AMEX are the same: make no trace, never put anything on paper.

After weeks of calls and weeks of questions, LOTS AND LOTS OF QUESTIONS, I finally got someone to tell me that my cards came of for review because I wasn't using my card on the corporate account and they wanted to be sure that I could support any and all charges that the additional cardholder was spending. Okay that is fair but I was exhausted now, the process to find out why I was being treated as though I did something wrong was exhausting. Not to mention I am super busy running businesses and using Amex! I supplied AMEX with everything they asked for - phone call after phone call.

Finally I got to what I was told to the end of the process and everything looked good but there was a form that they didn't like the size of the font. I had submitted this form to them several times and they accepted it but now they wanted the font bigger. I made it bigger but I guess this time I forgot to check a box and the font was too big on one area. Did I get a phone call, NO. Was my financial documentation in order, YES. Could I support all charges, YES!! I was away on business the last couple of days and as I was paying for a taxi and my card didn't work.

I looked at my emails thinking - "Oh Amex thinks this may be fraud and they are looking out for me." I got an email from AMEX telling me that my ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. My twenty plus year relationship with them was DONE over a box not being checked and a font size. ALL FIVE CARDS - a few I have businesses that I run my business with Amex. Are you kidding me!!! I didn't do anything wrong, no late pays - nothing nothing nothing WRONG!!! American Express shame shame shame on you!!! I am moving to the CHASE card, never to return to AMEX. Please join me. Stay away from AMERICAN EXPRESS!!

Months went by and I continued to get bills and occasional miscellaneous charges that I hadn't yet disabled to use American Express. The best part of this was a bill I received from them cancelling my 130,000 points and crediting me with 20 points or so from charge that flowed through the account. Somehow my account was cancelled, my points were confiscated, but they continued to charge my account and send me bills.

This was one of several discouraging events with American Express. I can't tell you how many times I was standing in some airport with an Amex card that didn't work because of some arbitrary decision on the part of Amex. The only reason for paying $500 or so for an annual platinum membership is some sort of improved service. I think there was value 10 years ago, but now, they are more trouble than they are worth and short of being shysters.

I found out who the company was that took my money and they gave it back to my account, that is closed right now. As Bluebird American Express has decided to close my account. With the money that the fraud company took from me. Now they tell me I have to wait till they hash it out. Hash out WHAT, I did the work, they closed my account and now I cant use the card or even get the money that's in there back. What do I do??? I could really use some help.

Beware of the so called company BLUEBIRD AMERICAN EXPRESS. They do NOT have the right to hold my money, and tell me they will decide what they are going to do. Swear, that was told to me today, and felt with what they have done to me. I should let the public know what they have done to me. I have read some real horror stories relating to this company. So, do your homework before you go spilling all your bank info to BLUEBIRD AMERICAN EXPRESS. Cards are a product of Walmart. Hope this helps someone. Thank you and God Bless.

I attempted to purchase a $1000 gift card online with my Platinum Card. After three failed attempts because of trouble with their website, I called the customer service number. TWO hours of being shifted from one department to another, I spoke to someone who barely understood me and took so long to input my info, the session timed out and she said she would have to have the info repeated. At that point, I said "never mind" and hung up the phone. Tried to buy the gift card through local AmEx office, also local bank & was told the only way to buy a denomination that big was online.

Went back on line using my Costco AmEx instead of Platinum & successfully purchased the gift card. That day I received 2 emails congratulating me on the purchase of TWO $1000 gift cards... one on Costco card & one on Platinum!! Called AmEx Platinum... another 45 mins wasted... got a supervisor on the line who SWORE to call me back the following day to correct the situation. That was three days ago. There's no way to contact Corporate to complain... you just go round & round the same circle. Will try again today but I think I'm going to be stuck paying for both gift cards. Moral of the story... avoid doing business with American Express. I'm canceling both cards ASAP.

They hold payments and will not put them on the account until they see fit. They canceled and terminated the account the same day they got a payment. I have never seen an unprofessional organization such as this and I have been using credit cards half of my life. Finally they want your checking account number so they claim the payment can be posted right away.

PLEASE read the terms and agreement they have the right to go in your account whenever they see fit. And they can place a stop or hold on your account. Most people believe their products are the best, however I love Discover. Discover gives cash back and they don't try to get over on their customers. There is hype with American Express and I am glad the relationship is over.

I called AMEX CS....FIVE people later, even being escalated, I was told my account had been closed & they could only reinstate it w/ dozens of questions as if I were applying for a new one. I refused to give all this personal info over the phone. Next I called AMEX Corp., switchboard girl answered. Told me there was not Customer Care or Resolutions or Delta SkyMiles Liaison Depts. at all. My ONLY option was to write the CEO!!! She gave me his name, his fax number (supposedly) & his email address (supposedly). So I guess I will try this ONLY way to get my issue resolved.

I not only used to work for Delta Airlines (I called their SkyMiles Dept. & reported all this, as well as the many articles written about AMEX losing BIG TIME MONEY which I am reading today and will fax to the CEO with my letter!! SkyMiles needs to know their long-time customers - I've been with them for 12 yrs since no longer a Delta employee - and it will be escalated. I gave them the URLs of the many articles talking about AMEX losing its big clients in past 5 yrs. I also worked for the top two credit card processors in the world, First Data Resources Corp and TSYS Corp. for 15 yrs, so I know ALL about credit cards from beginning to end. I KNOW my account can easily be reinstated WITH AN APOLOGY, but this was NOT done for me today at all.

Maybe I no longer want to be associated with a company going downhill fast like AMEX after all. But I will try this last-ditch effort (like the CEO will really see my letter, right?) to write this letter, but I will also be pulling my Credit Report and if there is anything detrimental to my credit score on it, I WILL also be contacting my attorney to send a letterhead letter to AMEX CEO!!! No wonder AMEX is falling flat on its face, look how it treats its loyal cardholders, who have NO resources to get their issues resolved. Bad, bad, bad business in this competitive world today!!!

I am hopeful that, as a company dedicated to retaining existing customers, they would (1) alert customer service to avoid a defensive communication style with customers; (2) allow the billing/customer service departments to waive interest charges in especial cases; and (3) ensure that customer service agents honor prior commitments. I also note, that in my nine years as a customer, this amounts to the first instance I accrued an interest charge.

The fact that they said, "Yes it's waived," waited for me to be approved and then stated that since I was now a card hold I have to pay the yearly membership fee is shocking. I will never do business with AMEX again nor will I ever refer to have anything good to say about them now. They are complete crooks and use the bait and switch tactic to take advantage of people and veterans. They initially agreed to waive the fee then went back on their word. They should uphold their initial agreement and waive the fee for veterans.

I got an invitation for this card due to my excellent credit history. It was an expensive card ($450 in annual fees) but also had a lot of benefits, especially if you were traveling a lot like I was. I was using this card and paying off my balance in full every month. Then, one day I got a letter from AMEX informing me that I was now eligible for pay over time because of my excellent credit history and so on. Based on this and the fact that I had some unexpected expenses, I put on a balance on this card. At the highest point, I had over 18k in balance on the card.

Mind you, I was still paying a good chunk every month and had never missed a payment on the card (or any other credit account with any other card/bank). Despite all that, in a few months, I got another letter from AMEX that after a review, they had decided to revoke my "Pay Over Time" privileges. I could still pay the existing balance over time but had to pay any new balance in full each month. Around this time, I also realized that the APR had gone up to 19.99% a month. Angry at this development, I paid off about 7k on my balance (bringing it down to 11k). Shortly after, I got yet another letter from AMEX informing me that after another review, they had now reduced my credit limit to around $11,300 (I do not remember the exact numbers).

Based on this action, my utilization ratio on this card was almost 100% causing me a negative impact on my other credit accounts as well. I went ahead and paid off another 5k and brought down the balance to 8k and soon after, got yet another letter from AMEX informing me that they had conducted another review on my account and reduced my credit limit to 8300. Once again, even though I had brought down my balance from 18k to 8k, thanks to AMEX, it still appeared that I had a utilization ratio of almost 100% on the card.

I plan to pay off the remaining balance and close this account soon. However, I hope people look at this review and realize that you could end up in this situation even if you have a job, are paying off more than the minimum, have never been late on your payment and have a score of around 700 or more. Why on earth should you pay $450 in annual fees for a card that you cannot trust. You cannot trust their "Pay in Full" or "Pay Over Time" policy or their Credit Limits or the APR. And on top of that, it is the card that is least accepted. Never again will I use AMEX again.

Obviously, it's hard to believe it's a human, when a person can't realize that on noon March 8 24-36 hours have past after payment on March 6. He didn't transfer me to a supervisor, and didn't do anything to help me. It was the second useless representative in one day. He was also saying that when they receive the second payment, they won't return it, because I still have a balance at AMEX. Since when AMEX decides how much I pay, if it's more than a minimum payment? Now, I finally understand why nobody in Europe accepts your credit card and why do they say that "it's always a problem to deal with AMEX."

My son denied using my social security number. Amex insisted my son committed this fraud and implied that he would be in trouble unless I paid the debt. After hours and hours of phone calls, Amex admitted they had made a mistake and the debt was not mine. However, they had attached this debt to my credit report and damaged my credit rating. Doing business with Amex has been a nightmare and they and their employees were rude and disrespectful to me and damaged my credit rating for no reason.

On 2/23, I received another email from UPS letting me know a new package was being delivered to my old apartment number. I was quite astonished to find out that it was a package from American Express once again. I immediately called American Express to ask as to why a replacement card was sent to an account that was flagged as fraud. The customer rep. was rude and and not very cooperative but told me the card was inactivated immediately. On 2/24, I received another email by UPS letting me know the packaged had been delivered at 2:03 p.m. and had been received by "cust man". I went to retrieve the package from my old apartment to find out that the package wasn't there, the current resident did not receive the package. That package is lost.

#1 American Express allowed a request for a new account to go through and get approved with an old address, #2 After the account being flagged as fraud they still sent out a replacement card which is now lost. To be continued...

American Express service on this issue has been non-existent. The transactions were within Amex. If it were a third party they would have resolved quickly. Not sure why they won't resolve an internal mistake. I have spent a lot of time on the phone to resolve this. When I asked to lodge a formal complaint they transferred me to the prepaid card line. They just don't care. You think that Amex is a premium card but the only thing premium about it is the fees and expense. The service is not premium.

Two hours later- no call back. I called again and spoke with another team member reciting words off a screen. This time he put his supervisor on the phone when I asked. The supervisor went through the same spiel about a review on my account and that due to recent inquiries they felt the need to decrease my limit. I explained we recently purchased a house which was the reason for the inquiries and I have been a member since 2011 and have never experienced this. He said in order to file an appeal I would be required to submit a pay stub or recent tax return! Tax return?! I am not applying for a new card! I am an existing card member with a good standing account history since 2011!

He said he would send me an email with all of the information on how to submit the information for the appeal. I told him I would consider closing my account if nothing could be done without my having to provide documents. He said nothing could be done but he would send the email anyway. Seven hours after the call I have yet to receive an email, phone call or any follow up for feedback based on my experience. It's disgusting that this is how they treat loyal customers.

According to my January statement, the total amount due was $601.15. As previously mentioned, I paid the remaining balance IN FULL through the bill-pay option. This means it immediately paid from my account to Amex therefore I cannot figure out what interest accrued since I paid it right away. If the balance was going to include another $1.70 why wasn't it added to the $601.15? The way I see it, the balance will never go to $0.00 because "trailer interest" will accrue with every subsequent payment!

Amex already charges nearly 30% interest!! It's mind boggling to me, especially considering that I once had nearly $25,000 available to me until one year when Amex just decided to revoke all but $2000!! No explanation ever accompanied the rescinded credit allowance. I have remained diligent in my credit card debts for over 30 years. Although I was never wealthy enough to pay balances in full, I ALWAYS paid more than the minimum, always on time, and never missed a month. So much for responsibility and loyalty.

I P Marine LLC attempted to pay an invoice for service, materials and labor rendered by IPY and the charge was not only declined, but the account specialist, Chris **, accused me of using my card to pay an affiliate so that I can get cash, and then closed both my personal account (which I've had for over a decade) and my new business account. Ms. ** treated me as if I were a criminal and I was given no opportunity to prove that I was not a criminal. All I was innocently trying to do was paying a vendor's invoice for service, materials, and labor rendered.

The cancellation of both accounts was a devastating surprise since I had given the card to a couple other vendors to use as payment for services rendered, but their attempts were declined - an embarrassing situation for my company.

I then called to speak to Chris ** supervisor to explain and ask if my account could be reviewed and offered to submit proof of my innocence. Greg (no last name given) returned my called the next day and he told me that my accounts were closed because of company policy. I asked where this company policy was written and he told me it is not written in my agreement, but Amex has the right to cancel my accounts because I didn't follow this policy. I asked how was I supposed to know this policy existed? He said there's nothing that can be done and suggested that I could apply again for another personal and business card.

I asked Greg for an mailing address to where I may file a complaint and he told me there is no address, everything is handled by the telephone. I told Greg that my other company, The Electric Marina, Inc. also a women-owned, eco-friendly company has a merchant account that accepts Amex and that because of their actions - I plan to end that relationship and I will pursue to make as many people as possible aware how a women-owned, eco-friendly business was treated by American Express.

I am an honest business woman and I'm very upset to be accused of illegal acts and to be punished for something I did not do. The cancellation of both my cards has hurt my company since I was depending on using this business card for global dealership travel and with other vendors.

I would like for as many people as possible to know what American Express, as judge and jury has convicted and sentenced me to, before giving me an opportunity to prove my innocence. And of the financial damage they have caused my earth-friendly business. Please help me spread this message.

NOW, last week the same exact thing happened. By chance my husband logged in and noticed that the amount was reduced AGAIN. I called them trying to figure out why the reduction was done. I was transferred to a representative based in India. I asked for a supervise right a way. He asked me what the problem was, I didn't want to explain my issue twice to two different people. Of course he took my information and my complaint but was not able to assist me as I expected. He told me he would have a supervise call us and to this day we are still to receive this phone call from them.

Unfortunately, this is not the worse part. We tried to book a trip with our points. We were told that the card was declined. My husband got on the phone to find out what was the issue. He was on the phone for over about 45 minutes AGAIN and got a manager who told him she wasn't able to fix the issue and her job was to help him navigate the system. By the time he finished talking to them (in vain) the flight that fit our travel plans was GONE. Three incidents so far with in a month. Our record is meticulous with AMEX but it doesn't seem to pay off whatsoever. They have some representative living in India who have no idea what an okay customer service is. We are extremely frustrated and upset because of how AMEX is mistreating us and not appreciating our business. We're looking around for a better card that still value good customers and not too big to care anymore.

Now they say I will get them at the end of February. You'd think with technology today that someone in charge would get on a computer and key in the miles I'm owed. Very unhappy with their methods of rewarding their customers. They don't seem to be interested in ensuring my satisfaction and have not gone out of their way to rectify the situation. Spoke to a Daniel who was very monotone and extremely unfriendly-said he was a supervisor but they obviously have no power so why even bother talking to me. My recommendation, don't go with American Express. You won't get what is promised to you. Maybe eventually but I'm still waiting.

45 minutes later with no phone call I made my 3rd call. I was then informed my mobile was incorrect and someone will call me back. I stressed the urgency and was "promised' a return phone call will be made in 5 minutes. 30 minutes later I still did not receive that phone call. 4th call was made fuming with frustration I was told they are trying to speak to the primary cardholder for 'verification' as this was an abnormal transaction. I explained that I have made tens of thousands of dollars worth of transactions and yet this was abnormal?

If I knew this from the beginning I wouldn't be sitting here 3 hours into my break from work and could have asked my wife to make the call with precaution as I was buying her birthday present. Furthermore I then asked to speak to a manager and was informed, "We do not have a manager for you to speak to but we will have someone call you?" Another call back? I said fine, no phone call was made. During this time my wife picked up the call before I could get to her to find she found the place of purchase, the amount, and now knowing what I had purchased for her 30th birthday.

My wife is furious and demanded the representative an answer as to how the transaction is abnormal knowing all previous purchases and the only response received was "Hahaha sorry, I will arrange someone to call him in an hour." My wife responded with, "An hour? Are you kidding?" It was agreed a call back would be made in 5 mins. No call back received. I went back to work having to pay for an unnecessary cab ride and to explain to my boss the reason, which was deemed as unacceptable. I am now dealing with surcharges to direct debits as this account "being under review" has caused the direct debits to be declined.

My wife now knows her 30th birthday present. I was lied on 4 occasions and my wife was lied to on the one call she made. Today is the 26th Jan, 5 days after the purchase now having to work on weekends to make up the lost time, I was informed that there is no management in customer service for me to speak to or was that a lie also? And worst of all I still haven't received that call.

Working in the digital media industry myself I will pursue every avenue to voice my opinion and experience with AMEX CS received. My previous work colleagues at one of the largest media companies in Australia now have great interest and I will soon pursue this issue with the ombudsman for loss of work, unnecessary costs of organizing a cab ride back to work due to the excessive time this event had caused, promising multiple call backs? No management for me to speak to? The expectation of AMEX to block accounts without probable reason and expect to wait for their customers to call them? Ruining my wife's 30th birthday present? I am lost for words.

I was advised by the reps at Amex that once I clear up these 2 issues, my cards would be reinstated. I did and they did not!!! No explanation was given as to why they would not reopen my cards. I was shocked and embarrassed that I had to borrow money from someone to pay for my mother's spa treatments. I am further perturbed (and that's putting it lightly), that Amex did not have the decency to inform me of the cancellation of my cards before I attempted to use them. No warning, no reason, no excuse, no solution, no reinstatement!!! The Amex rep even stated that I never had any late payments. What horrendous business practices. Disgusted and disgraceful. How do they get away with this atrocious behavior??? I was treated like a nobody. If I was a celebrity or wealthy, this would never have happened. What a double standard bunch of nonsense!!! How did this happen?

Original Review: Jan. 14, 2015

Well, for my b'day I decided to go to the bahamas and booked a condo through a website called flipkey. When I arrived at the condo, it was located in a rundown ghetto that was unsafe. I immediately told the renter that I would not stay at the dwelling and would contact flipkey for a refund. I did and flipkey said I must provide photos for the cancellation. I also did that, but they also emailed me telling me that they paid the renter already even though I cancelled the stay. I had to search for a hotel to stay because I was stranded.

I disputed this with AMEX and do you know they are still charging my card for this cancellation along with the hotel who charged me, as well as priceline whom I booked the hotel through? The total amount for this overpayment is close to $4000.00. I contacted AMEX and will continue to dispute charges for a dwelling I cancelled with emails to prove that I contacted the thief flipkey to cancel because the dwelling was actually a ghetto and was not centrally located as the hotel was. I am still waiting for reimbursement for these charges and will continue to dispute the amount till they are corrected. I will allow AMEX the opportunity to fix this, but am extremely disappointed at this time and feel like AMEX really do not care about their customers even when documentation is provided to them.

I'm very dissatisfied and shocked to be treated like this from a reputable company. I need help, pls let me know how to take a step higher because I will fight until I get my money back.

Here is what happened next. Representative #1 verified my identity by going over the usual steps. Place and year of birth, etc. Rep #1 suddenly asked me if I had a moment. After about 5 minutes, he asks me if I received a voice mail from an AMEX representative informing me about some 7-digit number. I didn't so I said no. He told me he couldn't do anything for me without the 7 digits and assured me I would be called by AMEX within the next 48 hours with the required digits.

Now I have only been in the country for 4 years and I'm not an American. Maybe this is just the way they do things over here, I thought. Furthermore, this was my first time dealing with credit card fraud. Maybe this is just the way things are done. But then I started thinking, what if I would have been abroad? My phone doesn't work half the time when I'm in Europe. There must be an alternative way to verify my identity. So I gave it another try and called once again. I explained my story to Rep #2. "No problem," he said, while going through the usual identification steps. Just like Rep #1, he asked if I could hold on for a moment. After a 5-minute wait, he suddenly disconnected, without saying anything. I call again, and asked Rep #3 if she could refrain from hanging up on me in the middle of our call. She agreed, was very helpful, and transferred me to her boss. Her boss tells me that she will block my card. "UPS will bring you a new card around 10 am tomorrow morning," she said. However, it turned out that the system just reverted whatever adjustments she was trying to make to my account. After putting me on hold for a while, she tells me the same story: a mystery man will call within 48 hours.

After an hour or so, I decided to call again. This time, just to file a complaint. I ask Rep #4 about the proper way to do so. Instead of answering my question, she tries to actually solve the problem herself. After a short discussion, I finally give her the rundown. At this point, I'm still calm, she's the one getting angry. She keeps insisting on helping, even though I tell her it's okay. She puts me on hold. And yes, she hangs up on me after about 5 minutes. :)

Finally, I logged on to the AMEX website. This time I decide to chat with a representative. Rep #5 says he never heard of such a scenario before. The friendly rep files a complaint on my behalf and provides me with a reference number. He appears to be more shocked about the whole situation than I am. Current Status: The $4,500 in fraudulent spending on my card are not reverted. The mystery man has not called yet. I'm very anxious and therefore, find it quite difficult to focus at work. I'm the chief of technology for a tech startup in NYC. Conclusion: This card might be great if you are never subject to fraud. I mean, look at the perks, they are fantastic! However, the anxiety is simply not worth it.

As a computational astrophysicist, I know quite a bit about algorithms. I think the fact that I'm not an American citizen might have triggered the 48-hour mystery man action. If you are a foreigner, I think you should go for another card. Trust me, it's just not worth it. Settle with a few perks less from another provider. (I will update this post while the story unfolds, as well as the copy of this post on various credit card review blogs.)

The flowerpot broke in transit, understandably since it is pottery, but Amex said it is my fault and will not credit my account. This is but one of several transactions where Amex blamed me unjustly. They INSISTED that I pay for gas purchased in Tulsa, OK when I have never been there and my statement shows that I was right here in Yonkers, NY signing for my purchases and glad to pay for them. There were two exact transactions for the gas, exactly the same amount $53 at exactly the same time. This in itself is suspicious, but Amex was too happy to pass the charge on to me.

A letter to Kenneth Chenault solved the problem, but I was determined to take it into court if they persisted in charging me. Once again, the Post Office and I are at fault. I will send a summons and am sure a judge will evaluate more fairly.

On top of the monthly fee, there are additional charges plus a $99 dollar annual fee. I have always paid the bill in full and only received very little points that cannot be redeemed for anything! DON'T APPLY FOR THIS CARD THROUGH SCOTIABANK! It's a bank PROMO SCAM!

How did we get here... I did nothing to fault the account, Amex already showed it was their error. We agreed the payments would continue to be made at the specified time through auto-pay, fees would be credited, no negative reports and I would be receiving an email verifying the above. Well I did not get the email but I got the calls as noted above. Now I will wait to see how long it takes before I receive the promised email...Amex customer service stinks!

1) They sent me an email offering $20 reward if I use Amex to pay for Amazon purchase. I do so but did not get the $20. Amex tells me I should have signed up before I used the card. The email never mentioned any such requirement. Meanwhile I figured I'd see the card anyway and so made some purchases. Yes, their trick actually worked and I used the card, but here's the experience.

2) I paid my balance using a bank account that was closed. Since I hadn't used the card for ages, I didn't realize that this account was even on record. However I realized the very next minute and called Amex to revert the transaction and take my payment from my other account. They said they cannot recall the payment processed (okay I understand) but they also cannot process my request to pay from my current bank account since technically the balance due is $0. Absolute nonsense. If other banks can do it, why can't they.

3) I called 2 days later (payment was overdue a day now) and the rep. processed my payment even though balance due was $0. 4) They charged me late fee and interest for late payment even though it was they who refused to process my payment. 5) The experience was enough for me to stop using the card and so I put the card away. The following month they charged interest and late fee on the unpaid interest and late fee which now amounted to $67.

6) I called to discuss and request reversal but after spending ONE hour on the phone, they refused to waive it, all the while stating they are not at fault. Why did they process my payment the second time but not the first. Answer by a stupid and arrogant lady named Bethany from Salt Lake city office was, "We made an exception". Amex made an exception just in to charge me interest and late fee from a customer who is pleading them to take his payment!! Does this make sense? 7) During my one hour with them I asked to speak with a manager and all they did was just pass me around to other reps who were not managers or supervisors.

Amex is the worst I've seen. I've had the card since grad school days so just kept it for old time sake. but NEVER AGAIN will I give my business to these blood suckers and neither should you. There are many good options out there. 8) As a practicing CPA, MBA, I've been in finance for very long and know exactly what these rascals can and cannot do and I can state with confidence that Amex does not deserve my business nor yours.

Original Review: Nov. 20, 2014

I've had my American Express Platinum card since 2009. I had been very pleased with it until they began undergoing changes in March of 2014 and until my lifestyle in business changed with my traveling. It's an excellent card if you are a flyer and want the perks of having your money work for you with benefits. I loved the Admirals Clubs I could get into with my card with no charge. It was one of those perks with the $450 per year fee for the card. Layovers were long. They were amazing. Then airlines got tighter between landing and takeoffs. I noticed I wasn't using the Clubs as much. In March of 2014 AXP announced that they would no longer offer the Admirals Clubs and that American Airlines (an airline I am exclusive to for flying) would be getting their own card that would need to be applied for. American Express was now becoming almost completely useless to me.

I called Member Services in August and told them that my flying had toned down and the issue with the Clubs. They didn't want to lose me as a customer so they offered to waive the next $450 fee and told me to gauge the next year to see if, in fact, my circumstances had truly changed. To me that was an awesome gesture. The credit was immediate. Just recently I get my statement and the fee charge was on it. I called to inquire. The CSR told me that the credit was from LAST Fall. Huh? Member services specifically told me that they would waive the upcoming fee and give me the year. I talked to CSR, a Member Consultant and Member Services and neither three of them understood it. Member Services got hostile with me and the Member Consultant knew he was losing the battle in the conversation and accidentally "disconnected" me. I finally had them cancel this card like I wanted to do in August but with their empty promises, I hung on actually believing that what they said would be true. This company has really gone down hill. It's not what it used to be.

I switched to the American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard. Every dollar that goes onto that card gets converted into points which transfers to American Airlines. I can also use it at the Admirals Clubs by only paying $50. I won't use that very much but when I do, it will sure be worth it compared to how American Express was doing nothing for me anymore. More importantly I was really disappointed in the customer service I received from August until just last night when I had the horrific encounter with three departments. It confirmed that I was making the right decision.

When I call American Express check my points they said “You are not qualified for reward points because you had the American Express card before.” I am feel they are lying to me. At beginning they know I canceled the card and American Express officer keep sent me letter and call me said by phone to me that I am will get 70000 reward points only I used $5000 in three months. After I applied and expense over $20000 then American Express officer said that “You are not qualified for reward.” That is totally lying to customer. It is too bad.

American Express is big company, how they could lying to the clients? Please investigate this Card. American express should give me 70000 reward points and American Express have to say sorry to me and American express have to educate the officers to stop lying to the customers.

I couldn't believe that response. I have since located a phone number and sent correspondence to both the COO and CEO of AMEX. Several years ago, over much protest, I was able to convinced the board of my corporation to renew acceptance of AMEX as a benefit to our customers. Charge privileges previously were suspended due to ongoing issues with AMEX. I will cancel both my personal and corporate accounts today. Thank you, AMEX, for your total incompetence. You are no longer welcome.

Why does Amex rights usurp my rights? Why do we continue to allow arrogant banks to trample our rights and profit from their own initiated adverse actions to boost their profits and simultaneously ruin the good credit of upstanding American citizens with callous disregard for the customers who made them. It used to be an honor to acquire an Amex card, now it is a badge of dishonor to be associated with such a low life form. Amex has lowered itself to a bottom feeder status with a predatory, greedy reputation. There are still credit cards who actually want and value our business. I am flushing Amex out of my system forever.

So I then asked him to look into each one of the items he mentioned. He first stated that my credit file shows high balances and payment history that affected the decision to lower my limit. I then pointed out that I paid 70% of the balance for my American Express credit card and mentioned the others outside of the company that had also been paid down. He then excused or dismissed my mentioning of these items by replying, "Well our decision is not solely based on the credit file. It also has to do with your FICO score." I explained to him I understand how credit works and that I also know that American Express has a copy of my FICO score on file and if he were to look further into it that he would see that my FICO score has also increased by double digit points. He told me to hold briefly and he was going to look into it.

He returns and acknowledges that my FICO score has increased and that he is now not sure as to why American Express made those changes. He suggests that his manager will need to look into the matter but the manager is not available and will have to call me back at a later time. I'm concerned because the representative cannot comprehend the nature of the sudden change either. He tells me that it is beyond his control and he cannot raise the limit back to what it was but then mentions that I can take care of it right away if I make a payment of $2,000 by December or provide documents showing all my sources of income. I found this to be odd considering I just paid them upward of $10,900 and have been a member since 2004 without any problems.

I felt this was a very improper way of handling the situation and somewhat offensive considering the hassle the company is causing me to have my limit established to what it originally was. I also understand the adverse effect that this will have on my credit file going forward because it will now show that I have a maxed-out credit card when in reality American Express lowered my limit to right above the current balance. This happened amongst many creditors during the fall of the economy back in 08-09 and affected a lot of American's credit files and FICO scores.

When American Express makes a move like this all the others follow because it is documented and has happened before. This negatively impacts a loyal customer who has always paid on time, never late and has always stood by its products and services. If it could have been explained to me in a logical matter as in I had some negative activities to my credit file or FICO score then I would understand the decision; however, this is not the case or the circumstance. I am not a risk to American Express. I have never been one nor will I ever be.

When the manager Lila called me back she said she understood my frustration but I will not be able to understand how American Express makes their decision and that I only have the two options that representative suggested. I have shared my situation with other individuals with well-established credit as well as a very close friend who is an underwriter for a competing creditor and they all have suggested that I have American Express give me a valid explanation. This kind of practice affects people's lives when sudden changes like this happen. It affects me the consumer which I feel American Express does not care about, but fails to realize that it is customers like me that keep them in business by paying interest on the balance that I carry.

I have given American Express the opportunity to explain their actions. However they failed because their reasons are not valid or relevant to my account. Is it common for American Express to give its members high credit limits and then when they are used and paid down by 70% to lower the limit right above the current balance? This seems like an unethical practice without merit. The representatives are like robots and seem as though they were just reading from a general script instead of addressing my situation on an individual basis. The level of customer service is not the same!

When I called American Express, I spoke to a representative named Carolyn. I advised her of the $32.82 in interest, showed her that the complete balance had been paid off by the due date, and referred her to page 2 of 9 on my credit card statement. Although the contractual agreement is clearly expressed in writing, Carolyn argued with me and told me that this is not how American Express charges interest; moreover, she claimed I was not interpreting the language on my statement correctly.

I'd like to state that I have worked in lending in the past, spent over 4 years in credit card lending, and I am thoroughly familiar with how to interpret contractual agreements. In addition, I have an undergraduate in English, have taken prior Business Law coursework, and I know for certain that they are violating the terms and conditions of the contract. Please refer to page 2 of 9 on my statements for how they charge interest, and page 1 of my statement that clearly states the "New Balance" to be paid.

When I threatened to report American Express to the CFPB, Carolyn stated she would look into having the finance charges removed. Prior to telling me if they would refund the charges, she purposely aborted the phone call. All I heard was a rapid busy tone. So I called back and requested to speak to a supervisor. This time, I spoke to a supervisor named Matt. I complained about Carolyn's handling of my phone call, and I again explained the problem that my account was billed interest when I paid the balance off prior to the due date. Matt again reflected Carolyn's statement that this is not how American Express bills interest, and again I had to refer him to the terms and conditions on page 2 of 9 on my statement, as well as the "New Balance" that was clearly reflected on page 1. Matt paused, and then he stated he would refund my interest. When he looked into the refunding the interest, he found that Carolyn indeed had already refunded my interest, although she rudely hung up on me.

Although this matter is resolved, I do not have confidence that this will not occur in the future or that this violation of the terms and conditions of American Express's contract is not happening to other customers as well. I specifically believe this because I have had to complain about this issue in the past, requesting each time to have interest refunded. Therefore, I have reported American Express to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (online report) and the Attorney General of New York (online report as well because all of the payments were made online). It is also important to note that the account is an American Express Costco Rewards Account (I don't know if all of their cards have the same terms and conditions listed on the statement, so this might just apply to the Costco cards). I'd suggest that if you have experienced a similar problem with American Express that you report them as well, because these offices need to establish a pattern of behavior.