American Express
reviews and complaints

As someone deeply invested in the world of financial services, I've come across a wide range of opinions regarding American Express. It's clear that the company evokes strong emotions from its customers. Some praise the exceptional customer service and quick dispute resolution, highlighting instances where American Express went above and beyond to protect their interests. On the other hand, there are concerning reports of funds being held without explanation, credit limits being drastically reduced, and difficulties in resolving issues with the company. It seems that while some customers have had positive experiences with American Express, others have faced challenges that have left them frustrated and dissatisfied. It's essential for potential customers to weigh these contrasting reviews carefully before deciding to engage with American Express.

I have had 3 different AMEX cards over the last 10+ years and customer service as well as the website have been outstanding. Compared to the websites and service with the 3 other major financial giants I have credit cards with (Chase, CITI and Barclays) I would rate AMEX the highest not just in terms of customer service and the website's usability but their credit cards have the best rewards programs available. I would especially recommend the Blue Cash Rewards American Express Card.

I have an American express credit card and make payments on time never late. They just lowered my credit limit to the owed amount. I have great credit and pay all my bills on time. I'm sure this will drop my score because now the card shows maxed credit. No problem will pay it off. I talked to them on the phone and told them I was essential and still working. Wow that quick they were willing to
Reconsider raising it back up. We'll that seems illegal. Don't need them. Just wondering if this is happening to other customers.

Having a question about my bill, I called American Express customer service. The person who took my call, Abraham, was the perfect example of what a customer service rep should be. He was professional, knowledgeable, personal and committed to giving the customer a positive result to the impending problem. My problem was involved and he followed it through to the last detail.
I was an extremely happy American Express customer when we ended the call. Thank you to his supervisor for selecting such a dedicated customer service rep

I am a Gold member and I with is was a Platinum! The service they have provided me is stellar and their customer service on the phone has been great! They look things up for you on the spot especially if you are using their travel services. The card does work slightly different than traditional credit cards. There is no set limit you can make purchases like normal but for large purchases you need to get approval. Not sure the limits on the amount to barrow is. I have not needed to use that service but if i needed to make a larger purchase if would probably use a different card or get a loan. I am using this card for travel purposes at this time!

This is THE credit card to carry and use, and it is the oldest.

There are several levels of cards for holders -- each level is designed to meet the specific needs for its client: travel, large purchases, fat bonus points, etc.

An AmEx card/account is not for everyone, mind you. You must settle up the balance due each month, or risk a hefty penalty. It is not financially designed for those living from paycheck to paycheck. But, if you want to be able to conveniently charge your purchases, travel, dining, etc, this is the most respected, prestigious and least hassle-free.

Really and truly -- do not leave home without it.

5 lovely stars for my 100th review go to American Express.

I have had my Business American Express card for about 20 years and I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THEM! (And no, I'm not a "paid review" nor was I solicited to write one) Just yesterday they saved me from falling deeper into a Yelp "campaign" that I see other business owners got smacked for hundreds of dollars. They send a text notification with each purchase (if I'm not making the purchase in person) and I was able to stop Yelp from sucking hundreds from me. AMEX has ALWAYS been EXTREMELY HELPFUL with any single problem I have ever experienced and I tell everybody that I have never called them and not had an extremely pleasant experience... their staff training is impeccable!

The staff at the American Express Travel have exceeded our expectations! Thank you Stacy and Chris for your help in canceling a hotel reservation in Napa at the 3 Palms Napa Valley Hotel and Resort,
When we received notice day of our travel that the performer at the Uptown had canceled his show due to illness, we immediately called American Express travel to see if we could avoid any penalty's, these gals called the hotel direct and explained the situation. Unfortunately the manager at the hotel declined to waive the penalty, which was the one night charge. But, our American Express representative was able to waive the cancellation charge by AX and get some money back to us!
Thanks American Express!

First, not all American Express Cards have an annual fee. I. e. If you belong to Costco, you can get an American Express Card for free with rewards, such as, getting 3% back on gas purchases anywhere. The rewards will vary according to the card used, so pick your card carefully. Their customer service is excellent and from AMERICA!

Recently, I had a battle with United Airlines to refund a ticket price due to my sister having cancer and not being able to fly. Her oncologist stated that she should no longer fly. I sent a letter from her doctor to United Airlines and United refused to give back any money despite the fact that they stated they would do so. I fought with United for over a month and then decided to dispute the charge with American Express. American Express asked for my documentation and had the matter settled within 5 days. United gave back 100% of my ticket price.

Not many companies appear to go to bat for their customers or use their resources to help them. Most companies are simply out to get whatever they can from you and forget that YOU are the customer resulting in a loss of business for them. American Express breaks the mold and will do whatever it takes to help their customers. Kudos to American Express.

I started out with the green card. I thought it was pretty good but I also didn't think I was getting enough points back.
Then I had a dental emergancy. Everything worked out good until I was getting ready to pay. When I got the bill I was in shock, over 4K. I was in a slight panic as the receptionest was stairing at me waiting for me to pay. I opened up the Amex app on my phone and checked my spending power. Approved in 1 second. When I was leaving the parking lot all I could think of was WOW this is the best card I ever had! A few months ago I upgraded to the gold card and at first I thought the annual fees were a little high $250.00 but the points are amazing. 4X the points, some of their preferred places are 10X the points. In 2 months I earned over $300.00. The gold card is made out of metal and very heavy it's a Beast. When you hand it to someone for payment it commends a lot of respect. I highly recommend it.
I always keep in mind that its a check card and not a credit card so I use it like cash, I only buy what I can afford and generally make 2 payments a month.
One problem that it does create(by being so awesome). I have to force myself to use my other credit cards so they don't lower my credit limits.
If I could give Amex 10 stars I would :)

As a fellow consumer, I feel compelled to share my experience with American Express Serve. I applied for an income tax advance through Jackson Hewitt and opted for their Serve card. Unfortunately, the card never arrived, leaving me without access to my funds. Customer service was a nightmare - outsourced to a foreign country with poor English skills, long hold times, and no resolution in sight. The representative's only advice was to wait 30 days for the card to be issued. It felt like a scam, and I urge you to steer clear of this service.

On May 28th, 2022, I initiated a bill payment from my Serve account to a small cleaning company in FL for a residential cleaning scheduled for the following week. I was aware the payment was being made by check, but the delivery date given was 'By 6/04/2022'. I was hoping for delivery by 6/02, but 6/04 seemed acceptable so I confirmed payment. The payment amount was immediately deducted from my account on 5/28. I notified the company that I had paid the invoice online and delivery would be on or before 6/04/2022. Well 6/4 came and went and no check. I called Serve Customer Service and I was told to wait until Tues, 6/08, for check to arrive. Well, the mail was delivered on 6/08 and they still did not have the time to check. The business said they could not wait any longer and they had concerns about an additional hold on the funds by their bank. I contacted Serve again to advise them the merchant requested alternate payment, but and I was told to call back in 2 days. As requested we made the payment by Cash App and the funds were in their account within seconds. Of course, the payment did arrive the next day. They had already been paid so they mailed the check back to me. I tried to deposit check in my none Serve account by endorsing check with Not used for intended purpose. I thought it was a long shot since I was not the Payee but my name and address was on the check in the usual account name spot on the check. As I anticipated, my bank would not take the check. I contacted Serve again and explained the check was returned to me and in my possession. After 15 min, I was told the check was still 'Processing' in their system so they couldn't return the funds to my account at this time. I said to the person on the phone that this was my money not theirs. I was told to call back in one week. The check is $120 and they have been using my money for free since 5/28/2022 and that just isn't right! I think Serve must be the Amex for poor folks and thus they treat you as SUCH! VERY DISSATISFIED IN VA

This card was offered as a payment method for tax returns. It's trash! Serve.com sent me two emails a day telling me to enroll in direct deposit. It was confusing because I was supposed to get my check directly deposited anyway. As it got closer to when I was supposed to receive my checks, it got extremely annoying!
Now I got my refund and I can't use this card anywhere. I tried to pay bills, no-one accepts it. I tried to withdraw money from my bank and its ATM. No deal. I can only withdraw up to $400 a day from certain 711 stores.
The MoneyPass app you need to download and use to find compatible ATMs is also trash. They lead you to little hole in the wall places that almost don't exist. I couldn't find one open.
My other option is to drive an hour away to the nearest Wal-Mart, stand in line for hours and supposedly withdraw up to $2900 a day. I hope my contractor doesn't mind getting paid in payments. I hope I don't lose the cash.

Update:
Yesterday I spent several hours trying to withdraw money. I went to one Wal-Mart, stood in line for 30 minutes only to be turned away. They said the card wasn't allowing me to withdraw any amount of money. I called the Serve customer service number for the 5th time. Those operators are clueless. She kept asking me if I want a new card or to change my pin. I kept explaining to her, as I did others, that I need to withdraw all my money at once. She said there was nothing wrong with my card. I got transferred over to American Express, waited 20 minutes and when someone finally answered, they couldn't hear me. They hung up on me.
OMG! I lost my sanity at that point!
I drove another 45 minutes to the next Wal-Mart. I figured something was wrong with the system. Same problem. I asked for a supervisor and was ignored. I called Serve again. I got a rude operator and argued with her for a while before she finally told me about the RIA money pick up. Its not called a withdrawal, so nobody knew what I was talking about. Like I said, clueless!

So, the Serve website says you can receive up to $2900 a day. Not true. You can only get $2500 at a time.
Wal-Mart's prices to "withdraw" money and cash government checks are significantly less expensive than using this card.
My plans have been put on hold. I've wasted so much time and gas on this card. I can't transfer my money into my bank account where I can withdraw it for free. It pushed me into an emotional breakdown!
I will NEVER use or recommend this card again. As a matter of fact, I'm taking the American Express stickers out of my shop window and will no longer accept American Express at my place of business.

Photos:
One photo is a screen shot of the serve website where it says you can send yourself up to $2900. That's a lie!
The rest are in order as you search for a way to access your money. One shows the balance with no options. You have to figure it out yourself.

Then you get some vague options. Look at the silly name for the option I needed.

When you click on ATM withdrawal, it requires you to download an app that doesn't work.

Bottom line, Serve.com and its products are trash!

My mother in law last Christmas bought me a Gift certificate for $200. It’s a Simon gift card but combined with American Express. My husband passed away at 44 in January of last year so I’ve not used it from lack of even a want too. Finally I decided to use it at a clothing store tonight. My total was $177.84. The card is for $200. I checked my balance on- line and on automated system and it gave me balance in full of $200 on both systems. Each time I tried to complete this purchase it declined! It states to reach out to card issuer. I even tried to add it as a payment method in PayPal and same thing. DECLINED! I then tried to add to my phone wallet but same! I called them and they said it doesn’t accept reoccurring charges. I explained one time purchase. Then they made up a story there was a I tune charge! They are complete scammers. I literally just pealed the sealed card tonight to use. Not 1 human has ever even saw this! They hung up on me!

It is logical to assume that you close a dispute after you receive a merchant refund. Merchant sent me email to that effect. Amex stated that They gave me the refund and since I closed the dispute, I had to reopen another and wait up to 90 days. I sent them a copy of the refund email. Then, they opened a chargeback to the merchant after he gave me the refund. I am very depressed and have had chest pains over this fraud. The consumer protection act does not require 90 days, but gives the credit company this amount of time to settle the dispute. So, Amex, it manipulating the law to their advantage. I think this is a way of manipulating their income sales figures.

I don't believe these people should be able to abuse senior citizens or their well being and health.

i reported a fraudulent charge on my card prior to transaction, amex chose to believed the seller and not the fake document and emails they sent (I reported to the company they copied in NY)

amex originally refunded me, then after another review they changed because the seller couriered an empty box that I refused..

amex chose to pay a scam seller above a loyal customer that pays on time and did 300k + in a year.

I received a gift card from my employer and when I went to activate the card it had already been hacked and monies taken off the balance. I called AmexGift card and was told that they would follow up with the complaint. Six weeks later no action was taken until I called multiple times and days later. Then I was informed that I would get just was left on the balance even thought I had not charged anything on the card. Accordingly, there was no follow up until I called back multiple times. the Card was a $50 gift card and I am only being given a $33 check because the account was hacked. I will no longer accept the gift card from my employer I will encourage them to give us Amazon Gift Cards. You guys could/should do better.

I hold 2 Amex cards a Platinum and a corporate card. I’ve never really received great perks from the company and was excited to have access to see the foo fighters at Austin city limits. After waiting an hour and a half on line. I was finally allowed to access the American Express lounge. I was up there a total of 10 minutes in between performances and was told I need to leave by a Sarah Miller. Those “perks” I was so excited for was completely false advertising. As a loyal customer I feel the company has lied to me and made me feel insignificant. Really considering canceling my card and going to master card where they appreciate their customers.