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American Express review: lowering credit line for no reason 36

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2:33 pm EST
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I have been a customer with American Express since 2000 with no late payments. They recently sent me a letter reducing my line of credit from $13, 000.00 to $6300.00. My experience with Amex has been an exact duplicate of a report I see here from a California customer. When I questioned their action, I too was told I had 'too many delinquent accounts' 'and I was late paying my mortagage - I do not have delinquencies and I am not late on any of my mortgages. I had pulled my credit reports prior to contacting AMEX as my bank account had recently been compromised and I feared ID theft. My credit reports were all clear: no delinquencies, no late payments. I proceeded to make repeated calls to American Express working my way up to the Department manager of their RLA department. I explained that the false information they gave me regarding 'delinquencies' had caused me a great deal of distress and wasted time contacting the credit bureaus to investigate. American Express are now telling me that what I see on my Experian credit report is not what they are seeing and 'I have too many delinquencies'. I did manage to speak with Experian directly, they assured me that the credit information they sent to me is the same information supplied to vendors. They also said they are receiving a lot of complaints from American Express customers for the same reasons I list here. I am appalled at the conduct of American Express and their blatant and willfull misrepresentation of customer's alleged 'bad credit'. I am contacting the FTC tomorrow and will update this site, I too believe this must surely be an illegal practice. If it isn't, it should be.

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36 comments
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jbradl
Arvada, US
Jul 03, 2012 4:07 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

So I made a payment to American Express and called several days later to make sure it went through via ACH Bill Pay. I did so I made reservations knowing I would be covered. Went to use it and was declined called American Express and they said they don't know where it went but do show it was there and cannot put it back on my card till they investigate where it went.

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WWB-WACCABUC
Waccabuc, US
Dec 15, 2011 2:18 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

THEIR GIFT CARD ORDERING PROCESS IS PAINFUL. ITS SO BAD THAT THEIR OWN STAFF CAN NOT COMPLETE THE ORDERS ON THE SYSTEM EITHER.
AMERICAN EXPRESS WAS A PREMIUM BRAND THAT COMMANDED A PREMIUM PRICE BUT NOT NO MORE...

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Carolyn Burnside
, US
Aug 09, 2011 1:00 am EDT

On June 11, we arranged for a new card number to stop charges by a family member to the current card. On June 14 and 15, American Express accepted charges to this new number although the person charging lived in another state and we did not yet have the new card number. The AM Ex rep insists the charges were made to the new number, which is impossible. We closed the account, which had been in effect since 1967. Trust Am Ex? No way.

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Plooster
, US
Mar 02, 2011 6:59 pm EST

I have been an AE customer for 9 years. I have an excellent payment history and excellent credit. They yanked my chain when I tried to cash advance myself for $2, 500.

My credit line with them was 50K.

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Willliam A Kennedy
Jamaica, US
Nov 02, 2010 12:34 am EDT

My wife died on September i9, 2009.We had a joint account with American Express.My wife charged about 10, 000 dollar on American Express.And the card was insured with American Express.American Express refused to pay off the balance.They stated the insurance was on me-not my wife.They finally pay the account when the my lawyer got involved

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shirleygarcia
Boise, US
Jun 30, 2010 2:02 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I wish to get off the account. Please remove me from your list and do not deduct $1.00 anymore from my American Express card

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Arthgallo
Reno, US
Jun 01, 2010 3:42 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Cancelled both my Blue and Gold Accounts without notice. No late payments, no over limits. Claimed it was based only on my credit report. I do have a house in default working on modification (investment).

This after having a card since early 1990s.

The representative offered to attempt reinstatement but if reinstated would charge me $25 !

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rij
Atlanta, US
Aug 18, 2009 10:19 pm EDT

good ole amex freezes my card about every other charge. Their "fraud" dept. made a merchant call in to question a $100 charge. I charged 11k last month and always pay the bill in full. Been a customer since '92 and never had the slightest case of fraud. Last year I billed 200k with them. Pathetic customer appreciation hassling customers

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Oliver
, US
Jul 18, 2009 12:38 pm EDT

American express took $6000 out of my Business Check account without my authorisation, just because one of my cleints did not recognise the business name on is statment 6 months after the event. The cleint owed me the money now i have to track him down. He has moved his business. What change now. American Express have no right to do that without contacting me.

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Mark
, US
Jul 04, 2009 6:20 pm EDT

They cancelled my credit card without pre-alert and without any reason. All rewards points gone. It is unfair. We used their card and get the rewards points which they promised. Now they stolen our rewards and cancel our cards just because they are in the crisis of economic. How can they do that to the loyal customers? Does anybody know how to file the complaint and how to fight with them to solve the problem?

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mame
, US
Jun 26, 2009 6:16 pm EDT

American Express Canceled my account with out any problem, The main reason to cancel the account is to keep the balance pay off in full every month.

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adusmc
, US
Jun 23, 2009 10:42 pm EDT

American Express cancelled our cards for no reason, no late payment, paid in full every month, cancelling our card immediately after acknowleging the payment. Then to transfer our points they want to keep 5, 00 of them for a $25.00 transfer fee - not in their paperwork either.

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William Schroeder
Oak Park, US
May 28, 2009 7:51 pm EDT

I was just notified that AMEX canceled by credit card using a credit report as the reason. My credit is clean. I have had the card for years, never made a single late payment, recently paid off the balance on the card and now in fact have a credit balance! Their canceling the card will reflect badly on my credit report. This is an outrageous practice and there should be consequences for a company expecting a bailout with my tax $$$!

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Christi
Lake Havasu City, US
Mar 17, 2009 3:55 pm EDT

Yes, I too was canceled by American Express after paying my account in full. I'd never missed a payment or been late, but they cancelled my account which will, in turn, adversly affect my credit. I'm looking forward with great anticipation to see how many points come off my FICO score.

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Myron Chai
Manhattan Beach, US
Feb 10, 2009 3:57 pm EST

When I used my American Express Card today to make a purchase, it was declined. When I got home, I called American Express and the representative told me that my account was canceled. My credit is good!

AMERICAN EXPRESS IS TRYING TO RUIN MY CREDIT 3 TIMES ALREADY:

1) LOWERED CREDIT LIMIT
2) LOWERED CREDIT LIMIT
3) CANCELED MY ACCOUNT

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Rain
Thousand Oaks, US
Feb 04, 2009 12:04 am EST

Have had a credit card with American Express for 18 years with excellent standing. This week I was told that my credit card had a limit on it. This is the first time that this has ever happened and I am so shocked by Amex. I checked my ratings and I have had excellent credit payment history with them, which confuses me. I am very disappointed with Amex and will be eliminating them in future… Sorry to end a long relationship.

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Rajesh Sharma
Morristown, US
Jan 26, 2009 8:48 pm EST

They lowered my credit limit from almost $18, 000 to $4000. I have a score of 725+.

When i called, they said i have bad credit report, so i pulled my report from Experian, and nothing wrong with it.

So i called back, and they start giving me different excuses, i just told them to close the account.

Do not trust them, they are bad, seems like they will be out of business soon...

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nilsw
orlando, US
Oct 11, 2014 8:21 am EDT

what is happening, yet, again, is those of us who ARE responsible, and DO pay our bills are being penalised by this, yet another OBAM admin, kneejerk RLA nonsense. This IS the DIRECT result of the fallout from all of those idiotic, irresponsible ###S, who took out foolish, subprime mortgages, and defaulted. The rest of us, who do actually pay our bills responsibly, are penalised for the actions of others. its and insult, and, its a joke.

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Yoeff
Kun, US
Jun 16, 2009 3:35 pm EDT

My credit card was cancel because I had a high balance for 2 months and had balances on other cards.

I've never missed a payment, never was late, had just payed off the perverse months balance when they canceled the card. I've have a balance of 185 dollars and they canceled my card!

When talking to them they couldn't give me an answer. "It is business decision". I had over 100 dollars in cash back when they did this.

I think I know why they are doing this. It is because of the new laws going into effect any they thought I might be a risk. You know the guy with a 719 for credit score is such a big risk.

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ksRagan
, US
May 19, 2010 2:47 pm EDT

I have been a loyal customer of AMEX for about 6 years now. I have never made a late payment and always paid several hundred dollars above the minimum payment due. A few months ago I was informed that they were lowering my credit limit to the balance due to too much extended credit which is bull. I have a credit rating of 850, a single mortgage, and only one other low limit credit card. Today I paid the balance and asked to have my account closed. All AMEX had to say was OK. They did not care enough to ask why I was closing my account.

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LT.B
Orange, US
Jul 11, 2012 1:55 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Amex stipulates that a penalty of $35.00 MAXIMUM would be applied to a late fee of even 1-day late. That implies the penalty could be lower and the maximum would probably be based on the amount of the balance. HOWEVER, what Amex failed to indicate is that the $35.00 penalty is fixed-- there is no lower penalty, even when the balance is just a previous late fee. That makes their method no different than that of a loan shark. A loan shark may break your legs, but Amex costs you an arm and a leg--and deems it legal. Advice? Go to another credit card company. Forget Amex.

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jbradl
Arvada, US
Jul 04, 2012 6:59 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They ruined my entire 4th of July and this mistake should have never happened

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amvict2
Brooklyn, US
Feb 03, 2012 12:04 pm EST

It is true AMEX was "premium brand" but not anymore and it is beyond "not anymore". Private favors for certain customers against another customers, scams, cancellation of services for long term customers for "contacts" used by other customers, abuse, lawlessness, do not keep promises, not reliable, do not dispute properly charges that had no services rendered and granting money to merchant who never provided any services and never even asking that merchant if he provided any services-that is just small list of new AMEX doings that are routine and usual for AMEX now.
AMEX is now dangerous for your fiances, may abuse you anytime and then even punish you if you complaining about abuse instead of appology by cancelling any services related to AMEX.If you need reliable, respectful, great services card-it is not the AMEX, have to find other card. But it use to be the best services card not so long time ago, within the years! Significantly not anymore! It is shocking and very sad.

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pobarjenkins
Minneapolis, US
Mar 02, 2011 10:41 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Please give more description than "yanked my chain".

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WhoCaresAboutYou?
Patchouge, US
Jun 30, 2010 4:43 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This website doesn't just "fix" problems, especially if no other details are there.

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shirleygarcia
Boise, US
Jun 30, 2010 2:03 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I did not authorize to deduct $1.00 from my account!

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Catiosca55
Paterson, US
Dec 17, 2009 5:18 pm EST

Ok here goes american express the blue card is charging our son 17.24 % interest rate on a debt of $21, 400.oo original line of credit was $34, 000 then it was cut last august 2008 to $21, 600. My son has been on time with this card every month. He called a couple of weeks ago to have his interest rate lowered. He was told to call back in two weeks which he did today. He is paying $512.00 for this month. However with a variable interest rate everytime interest rates go up so will his american express card payment. Can someone do something about this. I can understand if he were delinquent but he never has been delinquent. We the taxpayors bailed these companies out and then the companies turn around and raise their interest rates. This isn't right and these credit card companies are forcing honest taxpayors into bankruptcy court for sure.

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plditallo
Conyers, US
Nov 30, 2009 3:37 pm EST

Thanks for leaving your experience online re: AMEX on the complaints board. I wish these practices were ONLY relegated to American Express--but such practices are pervasive in the credit industry in general. I have started a new, free social network where I hope all of us can keep each other alert to these types of practices. I'd love to have you join!:-)

http://credicope.ning.com/

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McMilln
Springfield, US
Aug 26, 2009 12:09 pm EDT

I am reading these comments, and I am very outraged. I encountered a similar situation with Amex. I had been a cardmember since 1989, always paying on time. I have very good credit, never delinquent. A few weeks ago I received a letter in the mail from Amex requesting "financials" from me, and failure to contact them MAY result in my account being closed. Of course, I contacted them to understand what exactly they meant by "financials". They promised to e-mail me forms to sign authorizing them to review my most recent 1040 tax form I filed. That did not sound legal to me, but I agreed to look over the forms they will send. However, about a week later, I checked my account to pay a bill only to see my account was closed. I was mortified! I contacted them, and they said their decision to close my account was based on the fact that they did not receive the information they requested, even though I told them I expected them to send me forms as indicated. They also said my account was "delinquent" sometime in April (not the case). I am so angry with Amex, that I am considering going further with this. After 20 years, how could something so petty be the reason for closing my account!

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another opinion two
, US
Aug 19, 2009 6:57 pm EDT

We have (make that HAD) a personal AMEX (since 1974), a business AMEX (for 8years) and were accepting AMEX via our merchant status (for the past 4 years). On 8/18, we received a letter from AMEX dated 8/11 advising us they were exercising their right under their merchant agreement to begin 'holding' funds due to us in 'reserve' under some b.s. they called a 'business decision'. Lo and behold they also cancelled both our personal and business cards this week which have NEVER had a late payment, NEVER been over the credit limit, and RARELY have a carryover balance. We have excellent credit. We were told we were 'costing' them money because we pay in full. Needless to say, we have cancelled our merchant status with AMEX (but will accept cards that 'seem' to appreciate our business) and are thoroughly disgusted with what used to be a small business, customer friendly company. The are now lower than the stuff slugs excreet. AND...took our 124, 918 award points advising because the card was closed, the points were no longer valid. HEY YOU AHs -- YOU closed the card without warning for no sensible ethical decision. Well, know what ? What goes around, comes around and I hope you get yours SOON.

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Timmie
, US
May 29, 2009 7:41 pm EDT

### american express. rat ###ing ###

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nissenjc
Denton, US
May 19, 2009 9:22 pm EDT

They did the same thing with us. When we called to find out what was going on, they stated "cancellation due to your credit profile". Our credit profile is full of perfect on-time payments to every creditor we have! Oh well. No more $200 "anal" fee for amex. Will try to persuade any and all amex cardholders to drop amex for their poor service!

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K. Hussey
Seattle, US
Apr 09, 2009 2:58 am EDT

I just had the same thing happen to me. I tried to make a purchase and it wouldn't go through. My credit limit was extremely high and I was nowhere close to that limit. So, I called AMEX and they proceeded to tell me that my limit was reduced by over 66% due to several delinquent accounts and a poor credit score. They told me the information was provided by Experian. I was mortified! I have no debt and and a great credit score. I received my report directly from Experian to find a credit score of 745 and NO delinquent accounts or ANY late payments whatsoever. I have been a long time AMEX customer and I am outraged. I am not sure what my next step is now... but since AMEX has been absolutely NO help, I am not giving up. Today they gave me a number to fax my report to and guess what... the number just rings and rings!

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Adrian
Dallas, US
Feb 18, 2009 3:08 pm EST

Which card product do you have? Unless it is a charge card that you are required to pay off every month, then you have always had a limit. The only card product they offer that allows you to revolve your balance and has no limit is the One from American Express and they wouldn't be able to put a physical limit on that. So if it is a credit card with an interest rate and the ability to revolve your balance, then you have always had a limit. You just may not have been aware of it.

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hervemec
Los Angeles, US
Feb 11, 2009 3:04 am EST

I having the same problem with Amex.

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andree clark
Lighthouse Point, US
Feb 06, 2009 11:55 am EST

I just had the same experience with AMEX. They cancelled my card based on an Experian credit report that they claim they received that should serious delequency. My credit report score is 715. I have been a member of AMEX since 1986. I also called Experian and they told me that they had received a lot of complaints from other AMEX cardholder who had been cancelled even though they had very good credit report. I use my AMEX a lot and pay the balance off every months. They just happened to cancel my card last week and guess what: They were supposed to send me a cash rebate of almost $500 in February for using the card this year. These rebates are sent once a year based on the amounts of purchase you made on the card during the year. Now because they have cancelled my card they claim that I am eligible for the rebate. This looks very fishy to me. What a better way to same money for AMEX. I will contact a lawyer on this because what they did is outrageous.