Complaint: I cancelled my all of my American Express cards more than a year ago. What I realized about this company is that their website is very liberal when it comes to being approved for new cards. I applied for and was accepted for the clear card, Hilton Honors, the blue card, and a couple of others. I applied for credit limit increases on these cards (using the website) and was approved for limit increases on almost all these cards. Again, using the website, I took advantage of the amazing balance transfer rates that were offered. I transferred several thousand dollars to some of these cards. I also made use of the card that has the attached high interest savings account. I transferred $20,000 into that account. At this point, there wasn’t a problem because I had $20,000 in savings compared to roughly $7,000 on the cards. (As a side note – if you’re already an AE member, don’t take advantage of this savings account. My money was immovable for multiple weeks because they were having web server problems. Don’t let your money get tied up in this account unless you’re cool with waiting several weeks to get it out again.) When I went to transfer the $20,000 in to an outside brokerage account, I got a letter from American Express that said my accounts would be cancelled in 30 days because my credit is bad (my FICO score has stayed in the range of 690 to 710 for the past several years.) I don’t have the best credit score, but all the approvals still went through when AE checked with Experian. When I compared the negative information in the AE letter with my actual report from Experian, I realized that AE had made my information more negative in order to justify closing my accounts. Luckily, this is only their internal credit report and has no bearing on the actual Experian report. I complained to an AE representative that their information about my credit was not right. They didn’t care. I transferred my balances to other cards. Then I cancelled the AE cards myself (looks better on Experian report that I cancelled.) American Express is a mess internally. The credit approval division doesn’t know what the fraud division doesn’t know what the credit check division is doing. I realized this when they had to alter my credit standing within their internal records so that the liberal approval division didn’t keep approving me for new cards, limit increases, and balance transfers. Also, their fraud division is hyperactive. Don’t be surprised if you have to call in several times a month to confirm the purchases you’ve made (they shut down your card until you validate these purchases.) Some might like this extra security, but not me. I’ve never had another credit card company that was so suspicious of normal credit card activity. I realized that American Express really only wants card holders who have perfect credit, who have already been with them for many years, and who don’t carry balances on their cards (even though AE’s more recent, new cards are meant for carrying balances from month to month.) I know there’s this kind of prestige connected to owning an American Express card. But please think twice before applying. Learn from my experience and don’t waste your time with this company.

Complaint: This is just another case of the consumer who plays prey to the big credit card company, and then you have no recourse against them. After being a customer for more than 8 years with American Express, and with the exception of having 2 payments slightly more then 30 days late in the past year, and I paying the account off in full, I receieved a notice from them stating that after review of my account, they had decided to close it. When I called customer service, they informed me of the 2 late payments, and said it was their standard practice. I also apoke to their collections department, who was unable to help me, because my account was never referred to them for collections. Then they tried to tell me that it wont be reflected negatively on my credit report, but I guess they are not living in the real world. Because the bottom line, it gets reported to the agencies as closed by them. i just figured I would let everyone know, because I guess as consumers, and with the way the economy is right now, ANY of us poor working slobs, struggling to make ends meet may be placed in this position. Definetly not the way to do bussiness, and when they can treat someone like this, it just makes you wonder what else this company is willing to do.

Complaint: My acccount was cancelled and immediatly transfered to a collection agency after a random credit check. I bought a new home last summer & my score dropped due to the mortgage. American Express has no reasonable explanation as to why a CURRENT account went to collections, they "no longer handle it". I have lodged formal complaints against both companies and wanted to let everyone else know. Don't buy a house, it lowers your credit score, don't save money, no debt lowers your score too. After 12 years as a customer "we no loner handle it", isn't good enough.

Complaint: I am writing to complain about Amerian Express customer Serivce. they are becoming the worst/the ugliest. i been with American Expres for more than 18 years. i had a Gold Card with extended payment aparently. the extended payment on my Gold card wasnot availiable. i continue to pay on the extended payment plan. Stupied American Express refuse to work out a payment plan and closed the use of the card. this compnay works a scam. I have always used american express. American express outsources their public relatins. you will never have a good luck if you ever hope to be understood by a representative who can not dpart from the few words of English that they have been taught. This is becoming one fo the ugliest credit card company ever.

Complaint: Complaint: I canceled my AMEX card. I had an auto pay to it and I contacted the vendor to cancel the autopay but they said it would take 10 days and would still go to the card but when the acct. showed closed they would send me the bill. So I paid them on the phone with another cc. Well when the autopay went, AMEX accepted the charges on a closed account. Then they charged me finance charges and late payment fees on a closed account. So I fought with them and finally paid the charge and they said they would cancel the finance and late payment charges and the account was properly closed this time. Then I get an email 4 months later showing more finance charges saying they are suspending my charging privliges on an account I have now paid off and closed twice. This is a major scam!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Complaint: I have been a customer of AMEX blue for eight years... good credit standing, etc. My invoice even makes a comment on the statement. I just used a substantial amount of money $1950 from my savings to pay down my account. I have a $16,000 limit........ they posted my payment, and turned around and REDUCED my aval. credit as low as $5000!!!!!!!! So much for long term customer gratitude. I called them, and even spoke to a supervisor, and he could not do anything to change it and blamed it on computer generated response. I used almost all my savings reserves, now the only cr! edit card I have has NO remaining balance for emergencies. Way to go BLUE !!!!!!! I hope everyone learns from my lesson... don't use all your cash toward ccard pay-off......they will swipe it away, and knock you down!!! Mad in Ohio

Complaint: Warning, do not count on American Express. I got this card in 2001, it had an initial $10,000 limit. Used it for purchases - costco, gas at costco, etc, sometimes close to limit, would pay it off, never late on any payment to any creditor - perfect credit except for utilization (If a creditor offers me a low interest balance transfer, I take it, invest it, and pay it back when it expires - never had a problem, but it hurts my credit scores by about 50 to 100 points for "too much use of available credit - they have no way of knowing, the money isn't spent, just invested." So in late 2007, I asked to have my! credit limit raised, Amex raised it to $35,000. Recently, I asked to have my interest rate lowered, they lowered it to less than 9%. They then offered me a low rate balance transfer, As the existing Balance Transfers on two of my other cards were expiring in a month, I decided to go ahead and transfer the balances to Amex. I called Amex, they said no problem, if I wanted they would send me checks or do it ove the phone, I asked them to send me checks. I then wrote two checks for a total of $34,000 out of the $35,000 available credit I had. Both other card companies took the checks and credited the accounts. So I decided to check the Amex web site to make sure that I had calculated the fees correctly (I had) - imagine my surprise to find out that they had declined both checks, AND reduced my credit limit from $35,000 to $500. I called AMEX and they said, well we reviewed your credit, and decided we didn't want to authorize those checks because of your credit report - again,! I have 0 late payments, only possible ding is utilization. But to red uce from $35,000 to $500 after raising the limit recently (credit checked), reducing the rate (credit checked), and then to claim it was my credit. That is an insult. So I had to call other two companies and explain situation, they agreed to waive bounced check charge "you are a very good customer to us", and I will now just have to pay them with cash from my investment account. Bigger issue, is that now, my "utilization" is going to get even worse because I just lost $34,500 of available credit!

Complaint: my ex wife had an amex a few years ago and im pretty sure she transferred the amount on it to another card. we've not been together for over a year and suddenly they keep calling me day and night weekends whenever. allways say the same thing, apologise and promise to delete my name and the next day it starts again. how can i get off their database.

Complaint: I had three AMS cards, I usually pay online. I paid my business account using a bank name that was on file with american express that is no longer in use, I did not realize it at the time. Two days later I check the account and realized what I did, I correct it and pay the bill. Seven Days later I received a letter from AMX that my account was close due to the fact that the bank did not allow the transaction. I called AMX to explain the problem. They asked to to reapply in three months. Ho to Hell. I call CITI Bank a and open a new business cards with them.

Complaint: American Express executive told me that the membership fee for the card is 5,000 and so I got interested and got the credit card and in first statement they charged 25000 as membership charges on which I contacted them and asked to cancle the card. After they told me that they will cancle it. I tried to contact them when I got the bill saying 33,247.33 as outstanding and they have cancled the card. Now what I should do?

Complaint: Almost exactly the same as the AT&T complaint just issued. In other words, they do not protect you; - on the contrary; - they charge you plus interest that goes up each month plus late fees and all for a claim that never happened!! This has been going on for 7 years!! I did all the right things - in writing and over the phone. Initially they issued me the credit, then billed me again ad infinitum until the bill which was originally $399 became over $2,500!! Then they stopped and sent it to credit collection agency (ies)(over time) Now with the economy being the way it is, all banks, credit card companies, etc are looking over credit reports to find ways to keep their heads above the incoming tide. So who do they find?? Those like myself who stand their ground and do not "pay" just because of threats. This is just plain disgraceful

Complaint: Did you know that American Express watches what you buy and who you buy from? If they do not like what you are doing they will shut your card down by lowering the limit on your card. It doesn't matter how good your credit is or if you make all your payments early they are going to try and control your spending. I have canceled my cards and will never do business with them again. Do they really think they are the only credit card around. Hopefully this will enlighten someone who is thinking of getting one of their cards.

Complaint: first, let me start with all the complaining people that knowingly fall behind in their cc payments should look in to their closets, cars they are driving and compair it to their beer budget living on a wine appitite. try this on for size..i am a amex card holder of over $54k and was recently hit for a garnishment taking 41 percent of my annual pay check. Business Blue is also in contact with prior employees with their cards issued as authed users trying to get them to pay for the charges they made. I ran a personal credit report and no negative charges appear. Why? After careful review and research i have devised that they! cannot come after me or my previous employees because they never signed the original request for credit. Dont let amex fool you into thinking they can collect from your past authorized employee's. Tell them to Cease and deceast and they will stop calling. If they dont then report them. Amex 0 me hmm 50K.

Complaint: I have to tell what happened to me. I am a American express business card caring member until today. I have carried this card for about 1 and a half years. I have never used this card until 3 days ago. I got this card which they tell U has no limit which is a joke. I used my American express card and charged about 2800.00 or a little less REMBER 3 days ago. Here it is a nice Sunday afternoon and I am driving home from the families house and my cell phone rings. American express representative calling me wanting a payment over the phone no I am not joking. I could not believe it unreal. I was treated so rude and bad by them I am still in shock . I then return to my home and play my answering machine and there is a very important call from American express I must call them immediately . I have NEVER been treated like this from and company whatsoever. NEVER AGAIN WILL I DO BUSINESS WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS Sincerely Pat wickliffe Springfield Ohio

Complaint: The worst card ever! I've applied for American Express Blue Card on June 2008 getting promotional rate of 0% for 12 months. The problems began immediately after receiving a card: I was not able to set up an online account for my husband who is primary card holder and had to add the card to my existing AE online account which I've had since 2004 for my AE Costco card (the Blue card was entered as supplementary). The customer service remained completely clueless about cause of my husband's problems, but assured me that I will be able to see the activity of the card, and make the payment online for this account by having this Blue Card enrolled into my existing account. I was spending money for my personal and company needs and paying them back, until in September 2008 I've got a first big issue. When I went online to make my monthly payment, it has not showed me any amount due at this moment (in fact-it showed "0" due), and has not let me to post the payment online. I've decided to go back in few days, however got the same results. One week later we received the phone call from American Express that "our payment is past due and subject to finance charges of $38 and loss of promotional rate". I immediately went online and indeed saw the past payment due screen (few days ago the amount due was ZERO!) Then I went into my other online account -Costco card, which I paid off just month ago, but since that I've had a new charges in amount of $620 (marketing expenses) applied to my account. And I saw another miracle: payment due was ZERO, as well as card balance (and I knew that balance was indeed $620). After weeks of phone calls, emails, hours on line with customer service representatives who were acting either rude (even screaming on me) or clueless, and conversations with customer service supervisors, I made them to admit the AE mistake and refund me back all late charges. However it has been my second phone to AE management within the last two weeks and second promise from upper management to "return my card an original promotional rate of ZERO due to the company misprint"/ Few weeks ago, they assured me that everything is taken cared of and my interest rate has been changed back to zero. However after the first promise I've received a letter from American Express telling me that my dispute for $0.02 adjustment has been resolved!???? This company is full of crooks, causing fraud with customer's accounts and making you pay dearly for their ignorance and unfair practices.

Complaint: American Express just lowered my credit line from 25,000 to $1,100 after I requested convenience checks. I've been a customer for many years and never missed a single payment. Truly an outrage; words cannot express my anger. So much for this Christmas.

Complaint: I wish I had of read all of these before i opened a business credit card with Amex! Our company has used them now for a year. We have a low limit with them, but use the card so much for every day business that we make 5,000 - 10,000 a month in payments. They rewarded us for our great credit history by waiting till I made yet another large payment and then putting a hold on the card! Almost immediately after! I had a deadline to make a payment in Houston ( I am in Dallas and they would not accept check by phone ) for 5,000 flyers to go out to a specific area that would not be targeted again for another 2 weeks. I cal! led twice and waited each time for 30 minutes before hanging up. Finally I got through and they transfered me to different people for an hour before putting me through to a guy who hung up on me! After a few more times of calling and being given the run around some arrogant and rude man told me that they had put my account on hold for a review! No warning, nothing. He said he needed to ask me questions and email me a form that I had to fill out before he could take the hold off my card. However, he then told me that once I had sent back the form it would take another 4 days till he had checked with the IRS that my income was what I said it was ( not the business's income, but my own personal income ) and that then they may take the hold off! I asked him what he thought my business should do in the mean time - especially considering I had people in Houston that were also on this account, that had gone out there on business and were relying on this card! Of course he didn't! care. I also think that a few transactions I had made for higher limi ts might be refused ( though I had made payments to make plenty of room on my card), which is going to mess things up even more. I will be canceling all my cards with these idiots! I hope that this credit crisis puts them under!

Complaint: I have had a blue card for a couple of years. they even increased the limit shortly after receiving it. We did not, however use the entire limit. We did run up close to the original limit amount when I needed to get some printing done for my business. since then we did not use the card, and made payments on time, and in excess of the minimum payment. every 3 to 4 months they lower my limit, thus increasing the ratio, so of coarse, my FICO score goes down, and then they lower the limit based on the FICO score that they have created. I want so much just to close them out, but I understand that looks bad ! on your credit report, not sure what I am going to do next. They also accused my mortgage company of having a history of bad credit customers, and that was another reason for them to lower my limit. My mortgage was bought by this company, it was not my choice, but still I get the bad rap. I plan on never using them again, and just pay them off, and keeping a record of my payment, charges, and their letters, I may need that kind of evidence in the future.

Complaint: I have been an American Express customer since 1989, the same year I started my business. I have been an "OPEN" customer for several years (I sometimes called it "CLOSED") and have a business credit line. Yes I got the letter in the mail saying they had lowered my credit line (to what I owed)saying the same BS about this & that. I too have a high credit scrore. People: don't call them and get peed off, and more importantly, if you can, DO NOT pay your balance off. That's what they want you to do! Make them sweat! That will learn them! I have a good rate. I'm going to call them to make sure they ! don't raise it.

Complaint: My husband and I have had American Express cards since 1975. 33 years. We have never had a problem. We use the card for gasoline, meals, business and personal travel and miscellaneous purchases, averaging about $1,500 per month. We always pay off our balance in full and on time each month. We have never missed a payment or been late on a single payment and their representatives verified this. Approximately four months ago we started receiving monthly phone calls with "urgent messages" to call right away regarding our account. Every time we call we are told there is no problem, our account is in goo! d standing, they do not know why we received the call and they are sorry and will make sure we do not receive anymore telephone calls regarding our account. Yesterday we receive another urgent message/phone call from American Express. It turns out they want to verify that my husband makes over $100K per year and they want his employer's telephone number to verify his earnings. "They have not updated it in five years." We thought this had to either be some sort of scam or Amex had contracted with an outside firm, as the tone of everyone we spoke to was uncaring. We have made at least four calls to Amex within the past 24 hours, held the phone for hours waiting for an account manager or supervisor only to be told their call volume was high and no one could speak with us, then had the person we spoke to refuse to give their name, identification number or extension number. They have lost our business forever.

Complaint: We recently have been assigned limits on our American Express Gold Card (yes, the cards you pay for that are not suppose to have limits). We have NEVER been 30 days late and have always paid. We have a Sign and Travel balance on our Gold of $8500. We also have a Platinum Card that we paid off ($38,000 balance). They lowered our Gold limit to $2900 putting us over limit on our Gold by $5600 because of the Sign and Travel balance. Then lowered our limit on our Platinum to $1300 BECAUSE we are over limit on our Gold!! We had no notification they had done this until we tried to use the! cards for travel and were declined!! We received a letter several weeks later on the Gold card and to this day have yet to receive official notification regarding our Platinum. My understanding is its illegal to lower your limits without notification...but I guess the law doesn't apply to Amex. When we called and pointed out their actions caused us to be over-limit they didn't care and said they set the limits due to our credit report. Panicked...we immediatly got a copy of our credit reports and guess what? They were completely clean...no problems...good FICA...nothing we could see to justify this action. They don't seem to care that they have pissed off cardholders that have been with them for over 20 years. Yea, they'll get us to pay off the Sign and Travel...but we will also cease doing business with them!!!! So WATCH OUT they arbitrarily adjust limits without notice...

Complaint: I had and Optima and Green American Express Card. I was suddenly laid off from my position of 6 years. Anyway a month before I was laid off American Express sent out a letter offering me the option of extended payment on my green card which I accepted by filling out the necessary forms and returning them. Well once I was laid off I had a balance of $450.00 on my green card. Since I assumed I was on an extended payment plan I began sending out monthly payments. I was also sending monthly payments out for my Optima Card. Well the third month into it they contact me and say I must pay in full. I explained to them that I! returned the form and had chosen the extended payment offer they sent me and they just kept going round and round saying I had to pay that balance in full. The collect was unbelievably rude yelling at me and when I told her I had been laid off she asked why I had used the card up unti a certain date. I told her that my unemployment benefits were prematurely cut off. I told her that I could only make monthly payments. Well they wind up closing both accounts and sending them to collection even though the Optima card was not delinquent. When asked why they did this they said it was there right. I wasn't using either one of the cards. The funny part to this is I worked for a company in the past which was predominately programmers. American Express purchased a majority of the shares of that company and drove it into the ground. They basically outsourced most of our programming jobs to the overseas market and or workers here on Visa. It's kind of funny that they could ! not collect their money because of a trend they strongly supported if not initiated. Anyway the green card was paid off and the Optima still had a balance that I made a payment against every month. They kept racking up fees because they said it was delinguent even though it truly never was. Well recently they pressured me to pay it in full and offered me a settlement figure. I decided to pay it off and then they began to pressure me for the full amount. I asked them if this would be a negative strike against my credit and they said no. I said I would take the settlement offer and they then began to ask me rather personal questions one of which was "Where did you get the money to settle from?" I was taken back and said I'm not answering that. The collector was unbelievably rude saying it was American Express's right to know because it was their money and it was a law. I told her I was going to call The Attorney Generals Office and call her back. I did call and they said they were not aware of any such law and then they directed me to T! he Banking Division. They told me they read through all 24 of Debt Collection Sub-Laws and there was no such law that they were aware of. They said to request a copy of the law they were referencing. They would like to take a look at it. Well wouldn't you know when I called them back a different woman answered the phone and was nice as pie stating they were not aware of that and she'd make a note of it.

Complaint: Credit limit reduced by 50%, then given the reason because credit balance is high relative to credit limit ... What ? Ridiculous ... had it stayed where is was it wouldn't be high. Blue Card increased interest rate by 33.3% effective Dec. 2nd on total balance. No reason. Credit rating perfect - no lates - no misses. AmEx supervisor stated ALL BLUE CARDS WILL BE AFFECTED. What happened to AmEx now being a "Bank Holding Compnay", $700 BILLION, and the Fed's LOWERING the interest rate by 50 basis points (1/2%) ? Anyone know of a current CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against AmEx ?

Complaint: I closed over three years ago, and I got the same responses from Amex. In this case, my number appears to have been copied down by a contractor who was in my house. My daughter had found the old card in a drawer was playing with it and left it out. The contractor was in our house on Friday Nov. 7, and then on Sat. Nov 8 someone used this old Amex card to pay for Dish Network service. Amex did contact me about suspicious activity - but I was appalled to learn that it was on an account I had closed more than three years ago. Amex told me they approved the $336 charge from Dish because it was submitted by the company - not ! swiped. I have never had a Dish account. I still can't believe I am even in this situation. I then called Dish to see if they could tell me whether someone had used my old Amex number to pay a bill. And sure enough, they had a payment approved for $336. Dish would not tell me name of the account holder but verified it was not me or my address. They did confirm that the person who used my old Amex # used the phone pay system and Amex approved it. They also confirmed that whoever made the charge lives in my metro area. The only way I could get the info they said was to call the police and have them investigate. So I had to invite the police over and ask them to open an investigation. All because Amex has a clear flaw in its system. Also, Amex tried to tell me it was a policy not to reject these kinds of charges due to some consumer protection laws. Not sure I am buying that one. Amex has no record of me signing a contract with Dish. So, it seems that when you close a credit c! ard with Amex, and someone happens to gain access to the old account # , Amex will approve charges and reopen your account. And this is not just about recurring charges - as Amex will try to tell you. You can apparently use anyone's card to pay your bill on Dish Network, and will accept a stolen account # since there is no effort to authenticate it against the account holder's name. Amex is now sending me a bill which I have to fight through their fraud department.

Complaint: As the old saying goes "Buyer Beware". This applies even more to American Express. I have had American Express Cards since 2004. My average spending per year across all cards is about 150k. I pay off my balance every month and on small occasions I would keep some small balances because I am in business for myself and it helps in the slow months with cash flow. As of this last month they have taken an aggressive approach to try and get rid of there good customers like me. Good customers means people with at least a mid 700's credit score, pays there bills on time, and never have any late payments anywhere. Up until a month a! go I had 100k in credit limits plus a platinum card with no preset limit. My credit limits were brought down from a total of 100k to 3k last month and my no preset limit now has a limit on it. As of November 1st I will pay off all my accounts with them and close them to be done with them. There actions indicate to me that they are in financial trouble and do not have the money to lend anymore. Instead of them being tactful in their approach they have chose to make all their users of of the cards look like bad guys. The letters they sent me as to give me a reason for their action was that the places I have recently shopped "other members" who do not have a good payment history with American Express have also shopped their and therefore made the decision to decrease my credit limit. There is more information on their tactics at http://. My situation is not unique and they are doing it to everyone. These actions in my opinion show that American Ex! press has financial weakness and they may be the next one to go under. I would recommend to everyone who has an American Express card not to use it and to close your account. The annual fees they charge for their cards are too much and you are no longer getting anything for it except aggravation. All merchants I would recommend you close your American Express account and not take the card anymore (this is what I am doing). If they do go under next I would not want to be left holding the bag and loose money they have tied up because of their financial ruin plus their rate is almost 3 times mastercard and visa rate. These are just my personal opinions based on my experiences and the experiences of others including research done. You should not act on anything based solely on what I write but encourage everyone who reads this to do their own research and come to their own conclusions and take actions based on that and not just mine.

Complaint: Since August 2008 I have had issues with my Amex Gold and Optima accounts. Sometimes charges would work, sometimes not. I have always paid my bill on time and have a credit score in mid 700s. Finally I called and spent over an hour on the phone to be told they can do what they want and that they may or may not approve charges based on where you shop (What????). Then I got the story about the economy is bad and they are just here to help me. I called two other times and got different stories. Finally in October I received an email that my 'no preset spending limit' was being reduced and given an amount and t! hat they could change that at any time without notice. I literally laughed out loud. I've been their customer for 22 years and never had a problem until the last 3 months. I don't need this, I don't have time for this and I have other credit cards (that treat me well) I can use. Avoid getting mixed up with Amex. Their service is lousy and they appear to be in a panic over the economy. When all this evens out and they come back begging I won't be biting! No way!

Complaint: Recently I had two incidents. Once, about a year ago I received a call from American Express. I was on one of their flexible pay plans. I had been paying and had not missed any payments. They called and said that I just "couldn't be on the plan anymore". In order to stay on the plan I needed to pay them $9000 on a 17000 balance. I don't think they were expecting me to say yes. I paid the $9000 and then a few months later, my wife clicked on an electronic payment incorrectly for the same day instead of when it was due. We didn't have any money in the account that day. Th! e payment bounced. We called AMEX the day before our payment was actually due and they told us there was no way we could make a payment. No Western Union, no phone payment, nothing except mailing something in. I was horrified, there was nothing I could do. Then they promptly canceled my flexible options and closed my account...the same day...and demand payment in full. They've been talking with us and now want $2500 and $800 per month. We've decided to not accept American Express at our shop, and we are never going back with them again.

Complaint: These guys are obviously in financial trouble themselves and are changing their many deals with the cardholders minute-by-minute. I'm sure they are not required to give notice on these arbitrary decisions, but I am equally sure we're not required to continue to do business with them. I recently tried to put a small charge on a Blue card with about $2,500 in "available credit" and was refused. I called AmEx and the nice lady said that a payment was due on my Gold card and the company couldn't authorize the additional credit on the Blue card until this payment was made. "This is the payment due not now, but next week, right?" "Yes Sir." "Are you concerned that I won't be making that payment? "Oh, No Sir!" "What's the payment record on those two accounts?" "Oh, your payment history is perfect, Sir." "Well," says I, "I'm obviously not the sort of customer you are looking for." If you have enjoyed these guys as a credit card company, you'll love them as a bank. I guess it's pretty well known that they couldn't raise any money through securitizing their card charges in October, and I suspect that they had the same problem in November. I'm not at all sure, however, why they were allowed to become a bank, especially as the Fed had to waive their waiting period. I can't imagine they would have any luck whatsoever attracting depositors. And any they do attract will not stick around. Their poor customer service will eventually do them in. I know that I'm done with them.

Complaint: I had Amex gold since 2003. Blue personnal since 2003 and Blue for Business since 2006. Blue personnal had a credit limit of $15,000 from startup. Blue Business also $15k from startup. Gold unlimited. All cards payments have been made either by or before due date and all well above the minimum or paid in full. This past November I received three letters stating that my credit limits were being reduced. From $15k to $9k on Blue personnal, from $15k to $2500k on business, and extended payments on Gold will no longer be available. Balances on Blue personnel $8500. Gold $1000 and ! Business $1500. Letter stated that reason was caused by "one of the following: Bad credit report." Contacted Espiran as I was advised to do. Got a copy of the report, saw nothing negative. Called Espiran to inquire and the rep. stated that she " saw nothing that would cause this and your credit rating is fine." When I contacted Amex the rep. there said "bad credit report." When I explained that Esperian rep. and report said no such thing, He (Amex Rep) said Amex conducts a peridoc review to "determine credit limits." When I asked him when ws the last revied completed he said "November." When I asked when prior to November he said I don't have that information. I asked to speak to a supervisor. I was transferred to someone to whom I explained the situation and that lowering the limit on my business account would impact my business she just sain "sorry." I asked from her name and business mailing address. The business name given was RELIABLE LENDING CORP. Based in Florida. Amex doesn't review credit status, THEY FARM IT OUT. With the current economic situation in the world, Amex is trying to reign in all the credit they threw around so freely. Probably paying RELIABLE 10 cents on the dollar for all the unused credit the reign back in. Bottom line, what an education Amex has given me. Paying your bill to them on or before due dates, over minimum due, MEANS NOTHING. They (Amex) have also given me a quest that's two fold. 1. To pay off all three balances in full on their (cards) respective "DUE DATES" and 2. to bring this issue to Amex Corporate (not RELIABLE) and bring as much bad publicity to AMEX's front door as possible. There are quite a few News Orginizations that would Love a story like the. You have all watched them. "News 9 On-Your-Side",etc. Helping out consumers that were obviously SCREWED by "BIG BUSINESS." I'll keep you posted.

Complaint: I had a small business Mastercard with this bank. To date, this is the worst credit lending bank I've ever encountered. This company will never account for mistakes on their behalf and they charge excessive rates & fees. The "customer service" for their credit cards has been outsourced to another country. The language barrier does not help clear up problems. My card had been at 12% for a few years. $5000 balance. Paying it off slowly. A couple of months ago the finance charges where huge. I noticed my balance was at 37.18%. I called to ask what was going on and they said they upped it (and I quote) " For No Reason". Then when I pressed I was told, "Read your terms & agreement, we can do this if we feel it's appropriate". From there it's a frustrated story of securing another card, transferring the balance and getting them to stop nickle & diming me on payment fees and daily finance charge accruals to actually get a zero balance and be rid of them. Advanta Bank Corp and their credit lending is the worst company I've ever dealt with. They will not work with you. They are criminal with this 30%+ APR nonsense, they are indifferent to people and act with the coldness of an institution that is accountable to no one. I'm very happy to close this account and move on.

Complaint: My complaint is against American Express who emailed me today and said my available limit amount was reduced from $13,000 to $1,0000. They said an explaination would follow in the mail. I called them right away and was told only that my high debt to credit ratio. My financial situation has not changed in the last 10 years until last month when I cosigned for my son and took out a $4,000.00 loan. Because he had credit issues, American Express lowered my limit to $1,000! Unbelievable. Never a late payment in 10 years, a credit rating of almost 800. I emailed them back and told them I'll be more than! happy to spend my holiday cash with another credit card company!

Complaint: I just spent 63 minutes on the phone with American Express (most of the time on hold) trying to get someone to explain why 1) they lowered my credit limit and 2) why they raised my interest rate by 3%. I was told that my credit limit was being decreased because I wasn't making large enough payments. For the past five months, my minimum payments totaled $829 while my payments totaled $1200. The customer service rep I spoke with, Kimone, informed me that the amount I paid was not enough to prevent my credit limit from being lowered. When I asked how much was enough to keep it from being decreased, she told me she didn't know but that "the customer is supposed to know to pay more." I fail to see the logic. After having the second customer service rep, Darnell, keep me on hold for over 30 minutes in order to verify that American Express was raising my interest rate, he then transferred me to the third rep, Shanaine, who when asked why my interest rate was being raised replied "it's hard to say." World class customer service! I must say I have been an American Express card holder for over 6 years and have NEVER had one problem. It's sad that they have decided to make the "little guy" pay for other's financial mistakes. I plan on taking out a personal loan and paying off this account (the same as I did with Discover - at a much lower interest rate).

Complaint: Amex is not responsive or understanding to problems not created by the cardholder. As a on again off again member over the last 25 years I have never carried a balance from one month to the other, the total amount was paid in full over every month. I recently was persuaded to get the COSTCO Amex card for the rewards it offered, it sounded like a good deal, but turned into a nightmere. The week after I just paid off my $3500 balance I was turned down for credit ($40) at the local gas station. Upon calling Amex I was told of duragatory public record or legal action. I checked with experian and the was in fact a $105 collection against me from A T & T that was in error. Experian changed the credit report and removed the duragatory claim from my report and I asked Amex to re-instate my card. 6 weeks later I recieved the same form letter I previously recieved and they declined my request to re-instate my card. In 40 years, I have never once been late on any credit payment, I have a net worth of close to $500,000, have zero credit card debt but my credit report reflects that AMEX cancelled my card and it effected my FICO score by some 40 points. AMEX can go to hell, my business ventures will never include accepting AMEX cards and I will make an effort to not buy from companies that accept AMEX. To add insult to injury, my brother, who also has a similar credit history and a 15 year history with a $2500 monthly charges paid in full each month just had his card closed for no reason while on vacation in Florida with his family and I had to wire him some cash to pay for his vacation. It appears to me that AMEX is running out of money due to the economy and is unable to meet their obligations and their loyal customers are suffering due to their mistakes.

Complaint: I too, among many, MANY loyal customers, have received the wrath of the scums called American Express. I was a long time Blue customer in good standing. They offered me a BT with a great rate and a $25K credit line. I consolidated several accounts into one and gave them my business. What I wouldn't do to go back in time and retract. It started 1 year ago, a letter came in the mail that after a review they've decided I'm a bad egg. Didn't matter that I've paid them on time, as agreed, and always more than what is due. It didn't matter that THEY made me this offer and asked me to use the account to pay off "other higher interest rate accounts". If they didn't want me to use it, why did they offer? So the chase began. Each time I pay off anything on the account they lower the credit line. Very sneaky they are, they drop it down to just above the balance on the account. This of course jacks up the utilization and in turn they've RUINED MY FICO. My FICO used to be in the 770's (all 3 agencies). Now I'm barely above 680 and I go lower and lower, each time AMEX plays their little game of cat and mouse. This for what? For being a customer that took them up on their offer. I don't give a frog's fat ass if the economy is scaring them. Punishing the loyal customers who've made good on their debts should be illegal. They should be hung by their toes and flogged. F* amex. I would love to transfer the balance to another institution and take the business away from amex, but guess what? They're scummy practices have resulted in ruining my FICO enough that nobody wants to offer me a transfer. Nice business practices, scums! I used to love my Amex blue and now I despise it, even if it does only sit in my sock drawer, it still gives me nightmares.

Complaint: I've been a member for twenty years - paid on time for the entire twenty years. they reduced one limit on a card for no reason, I cancelled it. they are now in the process of reducing another card - the business blue card - this was triggered by buying a christmas present for our daughter. I am fuming, they SUCK. I am waiting to see what they want to reduce the limit to for this paid on time card and then I will tell them to shove the card up their ass.

Complaint: American Express reduced my credit line on my DELTA SKYMILES CARD from $17,500 to $500 right after I put in a balance transfer for slightly over $500. I rarely use the card, have never been late on a payment, and have no credit problems to speak of. Just some normal debt, which isn't in and of itself an issue. Also, the SKYMILES CARD that I have doesn't even let me use the miles that I've earned, unless I get another card, which requires an even higher fee. The SKYMILES CARD is not only worthless (since you can't use your miles), but from my experience, it seems that when you actually need the card, AMEX! will leave you in hole and not come through for you. While I've yet to have issues with my other AMEX card, I have been severely disappointed with the SKYMILES CARD--which they worked so hard to sell to me a few years ago--and I canceled the card immediately after this issue. It has not been useful for me once.

Complaint: Amex is doing a scam on the public by advertising in the media and on its online site that there is no pre-set limit on their charge card which you pay in full each month. Maybe in the past that was true but when you are embarrased after a DECLINE at the merchant you find that they are perpetrating false advertising on the public and they don't have the decency of any warning of the limit till it is too late. Shame on you AMEX Damage Resulting = the credit card companies and banks want the help of the taxpayers but they act like loanshark mobsters with their customers who have excellent payment records They at least need to have a warning system regarding spending limits since they changed the way they deal with CHARGE cards. Otherwise, middle class customers will have embarrasment at the retailer and, consequently, end their use of these type of cards I have been an excellent customer of Amx for over thirty years.

Complaint: We have had AmEx Blue for several years, and have usually carried a balance on this card. There have been pretty bad problems along the way. Two years ago we were embarrassed when convenience checks we had for two months were declined when we tried to use them. We chose to pay for home improvements with our available credit of over $10,000 and the contractor called us back (check bounced). We spoke to AmEx to no avail, and so back-pedaled and found another way to pay the contractor. The problem this time: Last week I sent in a check for $11,000.00 to pay our line down to about $200.00 still owing o! n the card. Later THE SAME DAY our cards started being declined at Costco and the gas station. We had every intention of still using the card, and we have NEVER BEEN LATE ON A PAYMENT ON ANY BILL, NOT JUST AMEX. I will never use AmEx again, and my wife and I are telling everyone what a lousy card company they are. They have upped our credit limit one month, only to lower it when we decided to use the credit... Really nothing but problems. Several months of no problems through the years, but the problems have been ridiculous, and could have totally screwed us, if we didn't have other moneys available.

Complaint: I was a victim of Identity theft and several fraudulent accounts appeared on my credit reports. AMEX lowered my available limit from $20,000.00 to $1,200.00. then $600.00 without warning. I informed them that the charges were fraud and that I was in the process of getting it removed. I was told that they didn't care and only went by what was on Experian's report. (They refuse to accept any other credit reporting agency's reports as valid. I still don't think that is legal.) Fast forward 9 months, my credit has been cleaned of fraudulent accounts my credit score is above 765, I have little revolving debt and all accounts are in good standing. I request an increase to less than 50% of my original limit and am denied. Their reason, there had been a credit limit decrease in the last year so I wasn't allowed to ask for an increase. If I wanted them to investigate I would have to fax a current Experian credit report with FICO score to them and in 6-8 weeks I'd get a response. I told them that they already had unlimited access to my credit report according to the cardholder agreement I signed when I got the card 10 years ago. They told me they didn't care and if I didn't do it they were finished talking to me and hung up. They could care less about their customers and their customer service is at best laughable. Use ANY other card than AMEX.

Complaint: I have been with AMX since 2002 and have multiple cards. Recently, AMX decided to lower my charge limits on 3 cards. I did receive an e-mail and promply contacted their office. Upon demanding a reason for the change they indicated that Experian had reported derogatory information which included late charge and mortgage payments. Agitated, I immediatly closed the first zero balance account (received an additional e-mail the following day that that account was also lowered after it was closed). Since all these are potential bad hits on my credit, I ordered the Experian report which listed ! that I still have a 730+ score. The only 2 late account notices were from years ago, long after multiple reviews by AMX. It would seem to me that this is only a means to generate additional revenues for the company on those person who were not watching. Each account was lowered to the next 100 dollar mark above the balence. One card went from 15,000 to 3800. Odd isnt it. I am closing each account as quickly as possible.

Complaint: Check out this scam by American Express. I have an Optima account that I closed years ago and am still paying off a large balance. I always pay early or on time and always pay more than the minimum due. They have now changed the way they calculate my minimum due and have added another 1% of my balance to my minimum due because they say it will help me pay it down faster. What a crock!!! Raising my minimum paying by $60 will help me in this financial mess we are all in??? How is this allowed??? This is unjust and unfair and is criminal. I will have to either not pay another! bill as I am struggling to make ends meet or be late with another bill to pay this nonsense new minimum payment. My interest rate is 13.99% because of how current my payment of this account is yet they find another way to slam a good customer. Outrageous!!!

Complaint: I am a small businessman. In attempts to consolidate all business expenses in one place a applied for and recieved a Gold Business card. The representative that helped me on the phone said there were no pre-set spending limits so I shifted all of my vendor accounts to the AMEX card. Halfway through the billing cycle I recieved a call from an account rep who told me I had reached the limit of what they were able to allow for the billing period and would have to make a payment before making any further charges. I WAS INCENSED! No warning...no negotiation. I immediately cancelled the card and will never do b! usiness with AMEX again. Their willingness to shoot themselves in the foot seems an established business model. Businessmen beware

Complaint: American Express purposely canceled my account on Jan so they do not have to send me the rebate of 150 dollars. i know i am no the only one, and please make sure to maintain it and ask for you rebate ASAP.

Complaint: I was notified by American Express that my credit cards were all cancelled after a "careful review of my credit history". I knew I had no balances on their card or any other credit card. My credit score is 802 and has been for a long time. I called and I called. All I received was this "robot" response from each and every person I spoke with. I even faxed them my Experian credit report dated that day that proved I did not have a balance or any negative notes on it. I can't understand how they could just cancell someone's card without notice. What if I was away from home and this was the only card I! had in my possession. The gold card is the only credit card I pay to use. American Express must be in trouble. In the mean time they have placed a negative report on my near perfect credit card score that I worked a long time to have.

Complaint: Having not trusted AMEX since 1984 i was persuaded by my business partner to get on in August, it was a 50000 limit and no interest for 6 months. I have never carried a credit balance and decided to use the no interest feature of the card. after 3 months my balance was 19600 and i had setup the auto billing for numerous business services onto this card. Suddenly an email cam in informing me that my available credit changed to 20000. The auto charges would have exceeded the limit. I believe they do this intentionally. I paid off the full balance and did not really use it for a month then began usin! g it again, as my balance arrived at 9000 they sent another email today reducing my limit to 9600. I give up! Cancelling the card and going back to my position held for 20 years AMEX is a shit company.

Complaint: I have a low balance - been paying automatic larger payments thru my Credit Union - recurring automatically. Was shocked to find out I am late - for a $15.00 payment - they have boosted my interest up to 18% - and charged me $38.00 late fee. Wonder why I didn't get a late notice???? Going to see what is up with my Credit Union to see what happened

Complaint: I switch from the green card to the platinum card and cancelled my green card. There was no balence and I was told it was cancelled. A year later Amex cancelled my paltinum card saying I had not paid the balence on the green and that there was a balence outstading ( balence was $72.00 ) . At the time of cancellation of the green card I was told it was fully cancelled but it really wasn't. I now have to re-apply with all the new fee's ( in my case $400 ) for the platinum card. I have a strange feeling something is going on. If they can get cancel cards on people for minor balences and then get them to r! eapply charging them again they could generate more profits.

Complaint: Once upon a timne it was an honor to have an American Express card. American Express are lowering credit limits (Gold cards) when you are ot suppose to have one. They lowered mine and I had my card for 13 years with an outstanding payment history with them. I have had some problems with other creditor. They claim even though my history is good I did not have a certain credit score. I think this is unfair because they don't know the reasons for the decrease in my score especially when it has not affected them. This is untrue because my friend who has over a 740 beacon score and has never ! been late-a charge was denied by them because she do not use her card enough. I think AE is one of the worse cards you can get.

Complaint: THIS IS THE WORST COMPANY I HAVE EVER DELT WITH!!! HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, LATE FEES FOR NOT PAYING ON THE 1ST(MY DUE DATE IS THE 5TH) FINANCE CHARGES WHEN I HAVE A 0% CREDIT CARD, AND WHEN YOU CALL THE COMPLAIN THEY DONT CARE AT ALL, NONE OF THEM SPEAK ENGLISH, THEY DONT CARE ABOUT YOU AT ALL!!!!THEY HANG UP ON YOU, THESE ARE THE BIGGEST SCAMMERS EVER, AND IF THEY HAVENT GOT TO YOU YET THEY WILL SOON!!! THEY NEED TO DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND CLOSE DOWN!!!!! TRUST ME DONT USE AMERICAN EXPRESS!!!

Complaint: Consumers beware! American Express will not stand by you when a fraudulent scammer takes your card number and bills you for items that were not with your full consent. I have never in my entire adult life with at least 15 credit companies I have a history with, none have treated me the way American Express has with regard to a disputed charge. I thought they were a reputable company, who would stand by you when the laws is on your side. Oh NO! Once again, it could be that they have gotten too big to care but I hope it fails because with so many other card! companies wanting my business, I don't need AMERICAN EXPRESS! As far as I am concern it should be the next company to go under!

Complaint: First of all, I never seen any credit card company reduce credit limit to lower. AMEX did to me from 9,000 to 1,000 . in fact I have purchase bill every month. So I called AMEX to find out why is that, so a lady with an attitude named (SAMANTHA) WITH SHORT TEMPERS, she hang up on me. so I called again to complain and this time i wanted to speak to the supervisor named (SARA) and after long conversation and telling her about that rude lady she said, well I cant do anything cause I dont have any SAMANTHA in my center. WHAT the HELL is this company. is every time when I call AMEX sombody from different center answers me? No , ! but all i know that they are a bunch of craps working there and covering each others ass. {NO MORE CUSTOMERS SATISFACTION}. who cares about customers, all they care about ripping-off customers.

Complaint: In 5/08, apparently, and unbeknownst to me, I switched to paperless ebilling so I would receive my statement via email from American Express. I have had my amex card since 1996, and during that past 12 years, upto 5/08,. I have paid my bill, in full, and on time every month. I rarely use this card, primarily use a visa, and have never received a single statement since 5/08, either thru email or snail mail. I have checked my spam files, everything, not one email. American Express, during this past 11 months, with no notification to myself, accrued over $700 in late fees and interest against me. This was finally brought to my attention on 4/6, and when I explained that up until email statements, I have never paid late or carried a blance, they didn't care. Obviously, I cancelled my card, and....... I have contacted my Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, concerning this fraud they have committed against me.

Complaint: American Express has cut my credit limit twice in the last 6 months. It went from $15,000 to $5,000 and now to $3,300!!! Since I have a $3100 balance this makes it look like my credit to limit ratio is really bad. What really makes me angry though is that I have NEVER had a late payment and I ALWAYS pay signifincantly more than my minimum payment. I think it is horrible that they call themselves "American" Express. I am cutting this credit card up and will NEVER use them again, and I will tell everyone who will listen not to use them as well!!!

Complaint: April 26, 2009 American Express Customer Service 777 American Express Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33337 For the past few years my American Express account has been paid, on time every time, though a debt consolation service, Federated Finance. In December 2008 I had my purse stolen and as a result I had to close my bank accounts and reopen new accounts. The day that my bank account was closed was the day that Federated Finance was to make their automatic withdrawal and disperse payments to credit card companies, including American Express. Because the account was closed and Federated Finance could not disperse payments until later in the month when the account was updated. As a result of these late/missed payments my consolation debts were re-contacted with all of the credit card companies involved and all of the companies were understanding and willing to work with the new plan, with one exception, American Express. In February 2009 I was told by Federated Finance that American Express refused the consolation offer and would from that point on be requiring me to make direct payments to American Express. In February 2009 I did not receive a bill from American Express. In March 2009 I did not receive a billing statement from American Express. In mid March 2009 I contacted American Express requesting a billing statement and requesting information as to why American Express had now chosen not to participate with the debt consultation company. I was told that I had broken the former agreement between American Express and Federated Finance when the January payment was missed/late. I explained the situation and was told that the circumstances (theft) were not a reason to miss a payment. Instead of further arguing I agreed to make a payment once I received a billing statement. In April 2009 I began receiving a barrage of phone calls and emails about my outstanding balance. On April 12, 2009 I spoke with an obvious overseas contracted / outsourced provider, who despite the language barrier was very helpful. He noted that my mailing address was in Florida. I have never lived in Florida; he indicted that billing statements had been sent to this Florida address. The address that American Express was sending my billing statement was to Federated Finances building. This AMX provider changed my billing address, told me that I should be receiving a bill within 3 days and that he was going to wave the late fees since the mistake was not mine. I was out of town from April 13-18. When I arrived home on April 18, 2009 I went through my bills and found no billing statement from American Express. I did however have 9 voice messages demanding payment. I contacted American Express again on April 19, 2009 and was met with poor customer service and told that a bill had been sent to my Florida address. Again, I explained that I had not received a billing statement, that I do not live in Florida, never lived in Florida and that I thought I had this problem resolved on 4-12-2009. The service representative demanded payment and I told her that when I received a bill I would make a payment. The phone was then disconnected, on her end. I called back immediately and was placed on hold for 10 minutes before I hung up. On April 20, 2009 I contacted American Express, again, in order to resolve this change of address and lack of billing statement issues and was told that I would have to call a different phone number between the hours of 8-5PM and that that area was already closed for the day. I was not told at that time that my account had been sent to collections. I asked about my billing address and the Florida address was repeated back to me, again I requested a change of address. This representative was also helpful, but again did not disclose that my account had been sent to collections. On April 21, 2009 I contacted the number provided to me and was told that my account had been sent to collections and that American Express could no longer assist me and I was call forwarded to United Recovery. I was confused and concerned. United Recovery did not have my account information because it had been sent to transfer on April 20, 2009. I called back to American Express and asked to speak with a supervisor and requested information as to why my account had been sent to collections. Throughout the day I made several phone calls to American Express and was treated in a hostile manner, at one point I was told that the billing statement is a courtesy and that American Express does not have to send a statement. I was told that on April 19, 2009 I was given an opportunity to pay my balance by phone and had hung up on the representative (which did not happen). I was put on hold for up to 15 minutes at a time, when I would ask to speak with a supervisor I was transferred to United Recovery Services and in general was treated with blatant disrespect. At one point I asked to speak to the person who made the decision to send my account to collections and I was told that there is no “one person.” When I pointed out that I had spoken with a representative on April 12, 2009 and a late fee was waived and I was promised a billing statement I was told that it was my responsibility to make a payment despite American Express having the wrong address. When I pointed out that for the last few years American Express had been paid on time every time and that American Express had refused to work with the consolation services I was told that this was my fault because I denied payment in January. I was also told that American Express had been sending billing stamens to the Florida address and it was my responsibility to have my mail forwarded. In short, my credit score has taken a major hit and I have “been sent to collections” simply because American Express refused to work with the debt consolidation company that they had been working with for at over two years and because American Express could not make a change in my mailing address and send me a bill. I accept responsibility for my debt and the mistakes I have made. However, the way I was treated thought-out this whole ordeal has been unprofessional and dissatisfying. I find it frightening that in this economic climate that American Express would refuse guaranteed payment. I question if this practice violates the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. On April 22, 2009 I spoke with the representative from United Recovery and was told that once my American Express bill has been paid off I have already been approved for a new line of credit through American Express. You have got to be kidding me – no thank you. I am requesting that American Express develop a retraction in writing and accept responsibility for this credit report damage, admitting to their mistake and allowing me to begin working with the credit scoring companies on repairing the damage. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from someone as soon as possible. I will be sending a letter to American Express, Costco Inc (sponsors of American Express) and the agencies listed below once a month until a resolution has been reached. Thank You, Andrea Burnett

Complaint: I've had Amex Gold since 1984 and an Optima for almost as long. Over the last fews months I'm been having circular conversations with Amex customer service regarding my Gold "spending" card. I attempted to make a small purchase and it was declined. I called Amex and was told I had exceeded my limit. I said the Gold card doesn't have a "pre-set" limit. The customer service rep said "it doesn't have a limit, it's a spending card." I then asked "how could I exceed the limit, if there is no limit." She said "you've exceeded it." I asked "what is "it." This went on for some time. I asked the custmer service rep wh! at is the trigger that generates a declined purchase if there is no credit limit, and she could not answer the question. On the Optima card, when I make a payment, they lower the credit limit to match the balance after the payment, so it always appears that I'm utilizing the entire credit limit. They used to have excellent customer service reps. I guess of the thousands of Amex workers let go, they lost all the smart ones.

Complaint: I have had both American Express green and gold cards since 1983. Without notification both cards were canceled yesterday. We went into a store to buy something today and the store told us the cards were canceled.....not ever an call or letter from American Express. My wife and I were both in real estate and have been for many years. As most people know, the market crashed about 2 years ago. We have spent all of out savings keeping our payments up and have never had a late payment in at least 12-15 years. We now have new jobs and have no problem paying the bills, except...We have a new home (bought 3.5years ago)and can no longer can afford to keep the payments up, so we haven't made a house payment in 3 months and are trying to re-negoate the loan with the lender. Again this the only late payment we have had in many many years. We went on line to Experian for a report. After reviewing the 28 page report, the only negative one was from our lender. Ever other loan stater that our payments were "never late and up to date". We called American Express and they said that out cards could never be reinstated. WOW.....after 26 years with never a late payment to them or anyone else they kick us in the butt..... My advise.....NEVER deal with American Express...they could less about you or your family.

Complaint: Is American Express on the road to a pending demise? I have a high upper 700 credit rating. I have a Corporate Gold Card (small business) and personally I have a AMEX Costco Card. In the past 24 months AMEX has gotten excellent about mailing statements from the east (probably after holding on to them for 48 hours or printing them at the last possible moment on a Friday and letting them sit until Monday) and putting a 15 day payment on it thus forcing me to online banking to make the bill. I only use the Costco Card at ... Costco. AMEX suddenly about 4 months ago decided to take my limit from $15,000 to $500. Then my business card suddenly has been cancelled when I have paid that in full and on time for the past three years. I am at a total loss of understanding and their explanation is basically that it's a decision that has been made by the corporation and I will just have to live with it. Hands are tied, nothing they can do for me. I used to really respect this company. Now all I can think is they found Rick Wagoner's brother to run it (i.e. GM going from 50% market share to 18% while all of the internal GM management praises him for leadership). American Express seems to have a business model that would be best called Pony Express. It has definitely outserved its usefulness to me. America doesn't need unethical companies, doesn't need companies that don't care, doesn't need companies that take taxpayer money and then do a "Fun with Dick and Jane" with the executives laping up their benefits on their shell game. Good bye "Globaldyne"/American Express. I want my government to cancel their TARP line like they seem to be canceling customer credit lines. And lose the corporate idiots while they are at it.

Complaint: I have a good payment history with Amex. I recently saw a charge for $29 on my American Express card which I did not authorize. I tried to contact the vendor but they had an automated system that just kept going in circles. I tried to file a dispute on Amex website, but no success there. I paid the full balance of my account except the $29. My next statement was for $59. and Amex cancelled my card. They are a bunch of crooks!

Complaint: I read Dino's (#37) complaint with much interest. I've had a gold card since '86 and spent thousand and paid thousands of dollars. Out of the blue, American Express notifies me that my flex plan is discontinued and I now have a limit. Of course I had already hit the limit before I received the notice and the card was getting rejected. The reason was in a form letter that it might be due to a bunch of reasons. I checked my credit score- Oh no, a horrible 783! I had to scramble and cover some bills that were paid monthly on that card. None of my other cards seem to be worried about me. I've transferred all the bills off and have cu! t it up. I will pay it off and never use it again. My concern is the rewards points I have been saving for years to get a new TV. On other sites it's looking like they like to cancel your card when you try to cash in your points, using flimsy bogus excuses. Stay tuned. I think that's what's next for me. They are, however, losing thousands of future dollars to MasterCard. I have two teens who soon will also have credit cards. In this economy- American Express, can you afford lose people like me? And also, Costco- I'm switching to Sam's Club.

Complaint: My story is like so many on here: Amex member for ten years, perfect credit, FICO scores over 800 and a big reduction in our credit limits, we sent in proof of credit and income and assets but AMEX refuses to restore credit. So here is my suggestion, DO NOT CANCEL your card, make them send you statements, tie up what is left of their customer service. We called Costco and took off the auto renewal for the AMEX. Write Costco and ask them to drop their exclusive agreement with Amex. We have a small balance so we now only pay the minimum, only consider with small balances, too expensive to pay their large increase in APR. When you call them always ask for a supervisor and to ask about their APR daily rates, always ask them how the Courtney Love lawsuit is going? While must of us are hard working, paying our bills on time card members, Love is being suit by Amex for not paying over $350,000 on her gold card! NICE we get our credit cut and she spends, spends, spends! Also ask them if they are next for the next round of layoffs after the 7,000 employees Amex cuts earlier in the year. Remind them that TARP funds were too help people not hoard! You get the idea, as you have some down time, just tirade against them every chance you get, also you take a dive on credit if you cancel a long term established account, so Don’t cancel your card just hold their feet to the credit fire, hope this helps!

Complaint: All American Express cardmembers by now should have received the August 2009 letter from Amex stating the huge rate increase and the changes in the terms of the Amex contract. All members should be outraged at this despicable act by this company prior to the first stage of the Credit Card Reform Act of 2009. There are many sites discussing this travesty by a company who as recent as April 2008 testified before the House Financial Services Sub-committee this would never occur. American Express Executive VP and GM of the Consumer Card Division spoke on behalf of Amex stated adamantly, "We do not increase an individual customer's interest rate-or APR-for any reason other than the customer's performance on that particular account." He also testified, "As you know, the capital markets are experiencing considerable uncertainty, which has had an impact on the cost of commercial borrowing. Even for well-capitalized, A-rated companies, like American Express, interest rate spreads are extremely high. This means that the rate reductions American Express has passed along to consumers have exceeded the reduction in our own cost of funds. As I mentioned earlier, American Express will not increase an individual Cardmember's interest rate based on their performance with other lenders, or based on a change in our cost of funds." All Amex Cardmembers need to join together and loudly voice their objections to this act by American Express. voice against this wrongful, dishonorable, and despicable act by American Express against their loyal customers who have honored their commitment to Amex by paying their accounts on time and in good order. The American Express vow to all their "good" customers is “GOOD CREDIT DESERVES GREAT REWARDS”. Sign our petition and be a part of a unified voice against American Express. Thanks on behalf of all Amex cardmembers.

Complaint: I always thought American Express was the elite card provider until they started screwing me to the wall which continues to this day. A member since 1981, which means nothing to those idiots, I applied and was given a platinum blue card with a couple thousand credit line. Over the next few months, they increase my credit line to $29,000 knowing full well that I would tap into the level, have trouble making payments and them literally ream me out with interest rate increases and eventual suspension. Well, their analysts did a good job because that is where I am today and it is literally ruining my life. they! will not even discuss a repayment plan to help me get out of this mess. American Express threw out the bait like they do to thousands of people every year and I took it. American Express is as bad as any company out there when it comes to destroying hard working American citizens and families and not giving a s**t about it. I can hardly even believe that they use the word AMERICAN in their name. And every employee in the organization is guilty because they know exactly what they are doing to families every single day-I know this because I have talked to dozens of them and they are all limited idiots. They are greedy, misleading, and the executive levels must not even know how to spell ethics or honesty. They are a bunch of low-life thug dumb-shits. Not all is lost! After meeting with a team of attorneys (which will cost less than paying off my card), I am pretty confident that I may just end up on top. I have been told that the way they increased my limits without my authorization to an extreme level(even though the agreement does not say this) will not be seen as favorable by a jury of other hard-working Americans and that I may even be able to retire due to the emotional stress this idiot company has caused me and my family. I encourage any and everyone who is being screwed by American Express to at least seek a free legal consultation so that this company of idiots can be stopped and made to correct their faults and unethical means of making themselves rich. DO NOT HESITATE and DO NOT WAIT.

Complaint: A card not worth using capitals. WORST service , can't sort anthing out. The company I work for (a big cruise ship company) considers the card to be the worst in the business. When the file with american express card users is sent from aboard we know it will be full of errors and the customes will have to be dragged in court.

Complaint: I would first like to take responsibility for my credit history. Prior to attending law school I filled out incorrect paperwork and my undergrad loan went to collections. It was all taken care of within a month, I filled out the right paperwork and all was good with the world, right? WRONG! I recently tried to use my AMEX card and it was declined 2 times. Now, I keep a low balance and pay everything off in full each month ( I have a super tight budget). I called American Express and asked what for? Why was I declined? "Betty" proceeded to explain to me that my loan balance was too high and it went to collections on! ce so they are canceling my card! WHAT! I am flabbergasted! I believe that its because they make no money off of me in interest or finance charges, etc. But I really wish that they would just disclose that. Because the way they are explaining it to their loyal customers is that they are penalizing people for getting an education! Oh forgive me that my mommy and daddy can't send me to law school and I had to finance my education! Who doesn't these days? Seriously?

Complaint: I have been an excellent Gold Business Card Member with American Express. I have never been late with any payments and always paid more than minimum. This past year I unfortunately had to carry a balance of $7,000.00 for my business to survive. I still always paid more than minimum always on time. First, they lowered my credit limit to half, to what I had owed. Then they demanded that I FAX them over 3 years of my tax records, which I completely refused. They have no rights to demand such private information from an account that is in good standing. Now, when I had tried to log on to make a payment to my account, I find that my account is CANCELED! Despite all my legitimate arguments; it was futile. They gave than same old BS excuses.. debt-to-income ratio.. carrying large balances on other cards..etc. Despite my excellent credit rating on all debt I have they decided to close my account. They are now demanding that I pay off my balance of $7,000.00 or send them 10 post dated checks or it will go to collections. They are giving me no other options. They had asked me if I could transfer the balance to another card or get a loan! As a single Mom of 5 children and a small business I am running, there is no way I can pay-off this debt or afford the 10 monthly payments of $700.00 a month. What am I supposed to do now? What are my rights here? They refused to continue to accept my online payments of $250.00 a month; which more than minimum and is all I can afford now. Please, anyone... HELP me with some advice.

Complaint: American Express just sent me an email tonight saying they had lowered my credit limit. They gave me no advance notice at all. My credit limit went from 10K to 2K and my monthly charges were almost to the 2K amount already. I had recently decided to start paying monthly bills through my Amex and I was afraid they would go through and I would go over my limit and be charged a crazy fee. So I called them immediately. The customer service representative was not helpful at all. She just kept repeating. It is effective immediately and we have just sent you a letter. I can't believe this kind of practice is legal. It! certainly isn't good customer service. They are damaging their reputation. They had recently raised my finance charges from 14% to 19% too. I was pretty irritated at that but I knew everyone was doing it and since I pay off my balance each month, I wasn't that worried about it. But to lower my credit limit with no advance notice just really pisses me off. I guess I'm a bad customer to them because I pay off my balance each month and they aren't making any money off of me. I used to love American Express. No longer.

Complaint: Hello, I have credit card with the American Express and I never late payment before. But I was late payment 7 days after due in Nov and I have a letter from the American Express. The letter told me that I only have 2 choices. Pay the amount on the statement with the 27.24% for twelve consecutive payments or opt out in order to avoid the penalty APR along with pay the balance I have with same APR. I am requesting the American Express to give me same APR with the current account on but they refused to offer me. I explained that I never late payment before but they said this is the only 2 way. I have $8,000 balance and if I still want AX, I have to pay the APR 27.24% for 12 consecutive which is totally rip me off. I am not asking mercy for debt forgiveness and only ask for the same APR I have before. I paid for the late fee. This practice with the credit card compaqny totally bad for good consumer and I would like to request to investigate against the card company. Thank you somuch for your helpand time. Aung Moe

Complaint: Beware of American Express. Diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009, I have undergone mastectomy and multiple reconstruction surgeries. American Express, postponed their decision to accept my debt management plan offered by Money Management International, a debt management non-profit agency, for 6 months while accepting my payments via Money Management International while simultaneously charging my account $39 late payment fees. My other 2 credit card companies, Chase and Bank One, readily accepted my debt management proposal. Today, greedy American Express rejected my debt management plan despite my health crisis and major medical expenses, loss of income from not being well enough to work. Way to go American Express, proving your company to be worst in the business.

Complaint: I have been a Platinum (personal) and Business Gold Card holder for quite some time now and have never been late on a payment and always paid in full. Being that the economy has changed, within the last month, I have had to carry a balance on my business card. American Express has immediately put a hold on my card PLUS my personal Platinum card! They link them together and refuse to keep them separate. They called me, asking if I could immediately pay the balance (nevermind that I've made attempts to pay down the balance recently). I could not pay it in full, so they pushed and pushed, asking what day I could pay. ! Not only are my cards on hold, they have taken points off my card and if I want to reinstate them, I would have to pay $29.00 PER MONTH, PER TRANSACTION! Are you kidding me?! What a joke! They also won't allow me to purchase any items using my points that I have legitimately earned! SCREW AMERICAN EXPRESS! I'm doing away with them forever, once I can get them paid.

Complaint: I have had a Platinum Amex Card for 22 years for my small business, never failed one payment, always on time and in the past 4 years, I have charged 3.6 million dollars and every cent paid on time. However, due to the current economic climate, I called American Express to set some kind of payment up, as my business is hurting big time. They closed my account and send the account to collection instead. No Co-Operation from Open by American Express to a small business owner who have hit hard time due to our economical mess we have in the US. I will estimate that over the past 22 years, I have! charged around $8 million or more and always paid on time, every month.