American Express
reviews and complaints

I have been an American Express customer for 14 years. I recently closed all my US accounts and returned to Canada. I had a rewards credit of approximately on my Blue Cash card number [protected] of $198.00 which I used to purchase goods on Amazon. I was not aware that the rewards had to be used in $25.00 increments and I was $1.54 short and that resulted in owing $24.00 (approximately). I purchased a couple of magazines on the card to get the rewards amount to $25.00 but of course that did not work as the it would take over a hundred dollars to equal one rewards dollar.
As I was not expecting a bill and I was away from Canada I did not get notice until my return and of course I was late with payment.
I called the chat line and spoke to a representative who assured me if I sent in my payment late charges would be waived. I have no way of paying other than postal service...which I used to sent the payment. I also sent a note asking for the late charges to be waived and my card cancelled.
I have now returned to Canada after another absence and find the original late fees still on the card plus another $24.00 late fee charge.
I called the chat line again and spoke to Naomi. She said she would cancel the late fees if she could but she did not have the authority. I asked her to cancel my card which she did.
I called the customer service number and the representative told me she could cancel 54 cents in interest charges and that I should pay the now almost $50.00 in late fees.
These late charges are not for purchases and I find them to be ridiculous for the amount owed.
Is there something that I can do to get these charges waived?
Dian Johnstone

i have been a member sense 6/ 2016 i was happy to get my card i am self employed truck driver with good credit in august my engine fail needed a engine overhaul so i went into shop was there 13 days loss pay i had a balance of 3500 on card so i call american express to tell them what had happen they said to me not to worry about my coming up and i paid 700 on bill and said i pay the balance in full at end of month i was 12 days late on the day before bill was due i got a email telling me card was cancelled after they told me not to worry no problem i was just lied to over the phone by american express that all was ok no problem but my bill is paid in full i try to reinstate card they said no try back later, what is the point of being approved to end up getting cancelled so i research this come to find out i am not alone in this they seem to cancelled many people for what ever reason they want without much notice, i have never in my life been cancelled by a credit card ever and american express card is a charge card not a credit card i will never again apply for a card that treats their members with no respect and tells lies over the phone from customer service so i stay with card s that loves theirs customers and is more understanding so if you are thinking of getting american express i would think twice and read the reviews of people who was cancelled for no good reason they seem to monitor your credit report all the time like you are out to abuse the card and not pay your bill i earn over 180.000.00 a year so i think twice before applying for this card you could be next plenty of other card who love to have your business i am done with american express i just got approve for a new credit card after american express showed me i was not good enough for them

American Express uses the trailing interest method for the interest charged on a credit card. Trailing interest is the amount of interest that accrues between when a credit card bill is sent, and when payment is received. Also called "residual interest, " It applies only when you carry a balance on your credit card. Consumer advocates call it an unfair practice because unless you call your issuer and ask exactly how much it will cost to pay your bill in full on the date you expect your payment to arrive, you'll still owe interest on your next bill, regardless of whether you make any more purchases with your card. Most other credit card issuers will not charge you any interest if the full amount you owe is paid by the due date.

I have been a gold Amex card member since 2001.
After the cards of myself and my wife had expired in April 2015, we received no fresh ones. Since last December, I have been approaching the customer service for the new cards, but with no result. Nevertheless the company keeps charging my account with regular service fees.
What I am dreaming of is to stop this farce and to quit peacefully without having to receive their next bills for "services".

Abandoned in a parking garage by amex platinum card

Upon my return from almost a week on the road for work at almost 11:00 p.M. I head to the parking garage of the airport to get in my car and leave. I throw my bag with my car fob in the back of my car, close the gate and see my car lock and the alarm activated. So this really sucks. I quickly reassure myself i have my platinum amex, with customer service they brag is the best. I've never needed to be bailed out of a major bind by them so the expectations are high. In short, they were utterly unsympathetic and uncaring. I felt like i was dealing with the irs or dmv. Basically, the first two employees abandoned me in an airport parking garage late at night. That was after waiting on hold before i got these jerks. With the first, i explained my predicament and was brusquely told he was putting me on hold. No explanation, nothing. After waiting on hold for what seemed like forever, i finally hung up and called again, only to have same experience with the next amex beauracrat. At that point i was livid and let the next two know it. They both hung up on me. With the fifth one, i had to work very hard to get him to handle the situation. It took 1.5 hours before someone came out and let me into the car. I'm seriously mulling cancelling my card. This was abominable cs. It's not worth the $400 yearly fee. Seriously, that money is a premium you are supposedly paying for premium cs. At this point, i see it as a ripoff and a joke. This was a bad situation that amex platinum cs made so much worse. Sooo disappointing.

I was an American Express card member for about 5 years now and loved everything. Never had any problems with my card and customer service was always helpful. But that was then, and now things are a bit different. I went overseas and wasn't able to use my card there. I was told that I need to contact my bank and unlock the card. When I called American Express customer service they said that there was noting wrong with my card. But the fact was that I wasn't able to use it and I was left overseas without any cash! I'm travelling a lot and never had problems with my card, until now. Customer service kept telling me there was nothing wrong but I still wasn't able to get use the card! They provided absolutely no help!

While trying to straighten out a possible fraud situation, we were left on hold by DEE DEE with American Express Consumer Fraud Protection department for 30 MINUTES after already being transferred 3 other times from representatives that kept saying another department need to handle the issue. We were on the phone a total of 80 minutes with no resolution. We had to hang up.

DEE DEE never called us back to resolve the issue and the potential problem remains unresolved.

HORRIBLE service from American Express . I'm shocked!

The monthly billing cycle for 6/12/2016 to 7/13/2016 did not account for the payment done ofn6/30/2016 of $1, 016.86. Thus the balance due is $1, 851.56
On adding the charges for the period of 6/12/2016 to 7/13/2016 and subtracting the payment of 1, 016.86 the payment due is $834.70 and not $1, 851.56
I reported the above on Saturday night to AMEX over the phone. The supervisor agreed with my analysis. However the change of the balance due has not been changed.
I called today (Monday, evening ) and informed the AMEX associate who answered the call and asked him to escalate it to his supervisor. I waited for more than 20 minutes and decided to try using the AMEX chat instead.
The person fro m Amex called Monis agreed with my analysis but said that he would have to escalate it to his management. The chat ID is [protected].
The chat ended at 8.46 PM NC time.
I'm wondering whether to contact my lawyer and press for charges.

We have a relatively small Pediatric practice and had a Costo Amex, our monthly charges were around 30, 000-40, 000 a month.
In preparation for the termination pf Costco/Amex partnership, we contacted AMEX on multiple occasions --mainly concerned about the fate of our unused rewards--, we were told time and again we would not lose our rewards and would be able to use them for travel moreover, I was told "while you wont be able to access your account, you will still be able to book travel on the site under the reward tab. I was surprised to find out that AMEX wont even answer calls related to AMEX. Their customer I have over 309, 000 reward points and they want to pay me back with GIFT CARDS!
I am upset to say the least. I am owed those reward points and There seems to be no way to get through to anyone willing to assist me!

I have been a card member since 1991 without ever missing a payment, spending about $100, 000 annually. In 2015 due to health reasons I had to take a leave of absence from my job. Even though all minimums were met Amex decreased my limit on existing balance without proper notice and hit me with a minimum payment of $7000.
Despite numerous phone calls to Amex, did not receive any cooperation and pretty much felt I was dealing with a robot.
Amex pushed me into becoming past due and ruined my credit.
I cancelled my cards and even if I win the lottery will never do business with Amex again.
Every other company understood and cooperated and helped with exception of this company.
Harrassing phone calls started and I have reported them. Reps are rude.
Now I am back at work thank god, still will never do business with Amex ever again. They are horrible.
They threatened to take all my miles and benefits away even now I am paying $2000 a month, I told them they can have their miles.

I paid for a vacation rental that was non-existent with my American Express Card. I reached out to AMEX for help & not only received no help but was treated very rudely by several customer service reps. AMEX put the charge in dispute but would not pursue. I called merchant everyday & they finally issued refund. I was in constant contact with AMEX regarding charge & refund, talked with multiple reps and it was noted in these phone calls that refund had been issued & dispute was over. AMEX for some reason charged the amount back to my account and they are holding me responsible for charges for which I received nothing & actually was refunded by the Merchant. I cannot believe how incompetent AMEX is, how bad their customer service is and that they refuse to take responsibility for their error. It is in black & white and in recorded phone calls. AMEX is not interested in reviewing the phone calls and notes in my file to honestly reconcile their mistake for which I am the victim. DO NOT USE AMEX if there is any question that your purchase may be fraudulent.

American Express bad customer service
Ten days ago I received an email from American Express that stated I had not activated a card they had sent to my spouse. We only have one American Express card, mine. Concerned that the email may be an attempt at phishing or just fraudulent I called American Express customer service using the number on the back of the card.
I spoke to a nice lady with a slight accent and established that American Express had in fact sent a card to my spouse; however they had the wrong mailing address on that card. I had her check that my card had the correct mailing address, and it did. I inquired why they had the wrong address for my spouse. She didn’t know. I told her that we had never received the card for my spouse.
I use my American Express card for business expenses. I informed her that we didn’t want the card for my spouse and to cancel the card. She said “No problem, I can do that.” After a moment she told me that it was done, could she help me in any other way. I said no, and thanked her for her help.
The next day I get an email from American Express confirming my call and that they had cancelled both of our cards, listing them separately in the email. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
I called American Express customer service again and spoke to a nice lady with a heavy accent. I explained what had transpired on the previous day. She stated that both cards had been canceled and that I could reapply for a new card, for a fee of course. I explained in detail that I didn’t request that my card be canceled. She said that they couldn’t re-activate my old card because the “chip” in the card would no longer work. They had to send me a new card. I said that my American Express Platinum card didn’t have a chip in it. She said that I had to apply for a new account. That they needed to run a credit check, and I would need to pay for an application fee. At this point I asked to speak to her supervisor.
I waited for five minutes on hold for a supervisor to come on the line. A nice man with a medium accent asked if he could help me. I explained what had transpired up to this point and he stated that he would have to put me on hold and contact his supervisor to see what could be done to remedy the problem. So I waited for another ten or so minutes for him to come back on line. He stated that his supervisor would have to send my request upstairs to get my card re-activated. They didn’t need to do an application or credit check because it was their mistake in cancelling my card. He stated that he was sorry for the inconvenience this mistake by American Express had made for me. I enquired as to how long it would take for the card to be re-activated. He stated that it would be done in 72 hours or less.
I waited 96 hours, checking my online account access daily. No joy here, online account showed the account canceled. So I called customer service once again.
I spoke to a man with a heavy accent, explained what was happening about my card and asked to speak to a supervisor.
I waited for ten minutes for a supervisor to come online. He asked if he could help me. I told him what was happening about my card and that I was assured that it was going to be re-activated by this time. He stated that he couldn’t help me, that this matter needed the attention of a higher supervisor. I asked to speak to this supervisor.
Another ten minute wait. Another man with a very light accent comes online and tells me that he has reviewed my case and that the person that handles re-activation is on leave. He doesn’t know when they will return. He doesn’t think that anyone else can re-activate my card.
I tell him that I’ve had an American Express Platinum card for sixteen years, always paid it in full every month and don’t understand what the problem is. He states that there is nothing he can do for me. It is up to the person who handles re-activation. He will try to monitor my case but he could not tell me if or when my card would be re-activated. I asked him what the chances were for the card to be re-activated. He stated that he couldn’t answer the question. I asked how I would know that the card was re-activated, would they email me. He stated that he couldn’t email me but that he would call me. He didn’t ask for a contact phone number or confirm any info on my account. He stated that he had done all he could for me and that he needed to address other customer’s calls. He thanked me for being a customer of American Express and ended the call.
It’s been two weeks since the last call and no joy. Checking online still show the card canceled. No communication from American Express other than an email offering me a “blue” card.
I need to make a Costco run for my business. Because Costco only accepts American Express at this time, that will change starting June 20, 2016, I had to go online to Costco and purchase a cash card with my MasterCard and have it mailed to me. Of course I have to wait ten days for the cash card to arrive so I can go shopping at Costco. I’ve decided that I no longer want an American Express card. I’ve destroyed my card and canceled my account with them. I put a lot of money through them, always paid my balance in full every month. I guess they don’t have any customer loyalty. I can see why their stock price has plummeted, if this is the kind of customer service they give.

I've visited your sites a few times noticing you help people who have been scammed. I was wondering if you could help me and others that have been scammed. AMEX by taking a blind eye and holding card holders to illegal contracts even when cancellation notices have been provided is aiding and abetting criminals by allowing known illegal charges to go through.

I started two petitions with two of my AMEX cards (Costco and Hilton). Would you pass these along to your readers so we can get the message to AMEX?

Our goal is to reach well over 100 signatures each and we need more support. You can read more and sign the petitions here:

https://www.change.org/p/hilton-worldwide-american-express-stop-them-from-enabling-fraud?recruiter=517120988&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

https://www.change.org/p/costco-wholesale-american-express-stop-them-from-funding-criminal-activities-and-fraud?recruiter=517120988&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

If you need to speak with me my name is Paul and my number is [protected].

Ironically I was actually told to hit the social media by one of the Amex supervisors as he was fully aware of the situation and was frustrated that he couldn't help. I even had the transaction taped showing the fraud but AMEX still is allowing the illegal transactions to go through. I have a very detailed summary, if you are interested I can forward the information.

Thank you for your help.

I did my taxes through Tax Act and had the refund deposited on a American Express Serve Card. A month and half later and I'm still waiting for the Serve card to come in the mail. I have called Customer Service 1hey have sent replacement cards 4 times and I have never received any of them. According to them I will not be able to access my funds until I have the card. I've asked them to transfer my funds to my bank account, to another card that I went out and purchased, they refuse to do anything. The only thing they say I can do is wait for the card. I've been waiting for a month and half... I filed a complaint with the BBB and American Express responded by sending me a letter ...yes...funny how they had no problems getting that letter to me by mail in a record of 4 days. They also had no problem charging me a monthly service fee for the card I have never received.

My American Express/Costco card s about to be discontinued. So I applied for a new card and now have it, but haven't used it. I have a balance on my Costco card which I always pay online. When I log on only my new account comes up. The website on the paper bill for first account takes me directly to the new account;no way to access the first one. So I made a payment by phone (automated). Tried to call their customer service number to get help with the website issue, jumped through all their hoops, was told I was being connected to a representative, and a minute later was disconnected. This happened twice! Am I correct to assume that American Express doesn't actually have a living person in their customer service department?

In August, 2015 I applied for an American Express credit card. The offer included a $300 statement credit if I charged $1, 000 on the card within the first three months. I charged over $1, 000 and am still waiting for my credit. I call every month and get "We're looking into it". "We've open an investigation". "Please give us six more weeks to look into this matter." I called today and was told that no investigation was started but they would be happy to start one. They refuse to issue the credit card credit as indicated in the letter attached to my application. RSVP Code for the credit: V342-[protected]. I tried to close this card today but was told that no credit would be applied if I did.

After six months of American Express giving me nothing but excuses for their delay in crediting my account the overdue $300, they are now claiming that they forgot to include the RSVP code on my application. So, now they're claiming that since the RSVP code wasn't on the application, they don't have to pay me the $300 credit that their reps have been telling me since the day I opened the account is forthcoming. Nice Try American Express. The card I received matches EXACTLY with the card they were advertising. The interest free period matches. The 3% back on the category of my choice matches. Funny how the only thing that doesn't match is their obligation to credit my account the $300.

Nice way to treat a military member American Express. I suppose you have no choice but to screw over your customers now that you've lost your Costco contract.

I believe that American Express is treating people inappropriately. In my situation I was harassed from September 2015 to November 2015. I received daily phone calls, weekly letters in the mail and multiple emails. Every time I called customer service they admitted that the mistake was theirs. However, they said nothing could be done to correct the situation. I took matters in my own hands and wrote two letters in October 2015. While I waited to hear from American Express they told me that they were going to report the matter to the credit agencies which would cause issue with my FICO score. Just so you know the FICO score is designed to penalize the customer. Every measure they use such as the number of times your credit report is pulled results in a lower score even when the credit report is reviewed to buy a house which is a good thing not a bad thing. They feel this is a bad thing. In any event I have paid American Express back and closed my account. American Express is legally a person. I have asked this person for a public apology. You should do the same. If you feel the same way and have been hurt by this person please write Kenneth Chenault at American Express P.O. Box 360001 Fort Lauderdale, FL [protected], email him at kenneth.[protected]@aexp.com and call him [protected]. If enough people take him to task perhaps he will behave responsibly.

On 7/27/2015 my car was broken into and my checkbook and AMEX credit card were stolen. I was in the process of signing a lease to move into a new location as of 8/1/2015 and had left my personal items in my car while at work. After calling the police and making a formal report, I immediately called AMEX services and reported my card stolen. Apparently, the individual who stole my card shortly after went to a Walgreens and made a withdrawal for $500 in cash. I was assured that the fraud on the account would be dealt with and that the account would be frozen by an American Express associate. The following morning I woke to find all of the intended rent money in my Chase banking account drained to approximately -$2, 500. Apparently, an American Express associate authorized a payment on the credit card account which was frozen at the time with the personal information from my checkbook. As a result, I frantically contacted AMEX again and was insured by a female employee that she would fix the "personal error" of the company by issuing a credit for the exact amount of the fully-paid transaction that I did not authorize on my account. I later found out that because I had no allocated funds there was an ADDITIONAL charge for the exact amount of my current account balance in question of fraud. I was, at no point informed by this AMEX associate that I would be charged an additional balance on my account that she described as a credit. After speaking to both a female and male supervisor in the fraud department I was informed that a complaint would be created on my behalf for the "company error" made by the employee who authorized the extra credit on my account without any allocated funds available.The supervisor assured me that "serious disciplinary action" would take place for the lower employee who had made this ill advised call despite my allotted credit balance was only $1, 500. I have yet to hear any response from my supposed claim complaint and I am growing impatient. I have no intentions on continuing to pay the card balance without any response from corporate on this matter. The mistakes made that led to this unfortunate situation are the fault of the company and not the client. My error was having my car broken into. My error was trusting that a highly regarded company such as American Express, would not allow someone to withdrawal cash without my knowledge or pay the full balance on a frozen account currently under investigation of fraud. My error was assuming that after multiple calls to your department and the many admitted flaws of American Express staff, someone would offer me a remedy to the situation. Instead, I have been made responsible for a near $4, 000 credit balance as result of having my car vandalized, money stolen, trusting American Express employees, and having my complaints ignored. I have every intention of continuing to pursue a solution which I believe I am entitled to. I would appreciate feedback sooner rather than later. Thank you.