Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: 1. I purchased an American Express Gift Card ( AMEX Gift Card ) from XXXX XXXX in XXXX AZ XXXX on XXXX XX/XX/2023 with a balance of {$500.00}. ( See enclosed proof of purchase ) 2. The purpose of purchasing the Gift Card was to buy a computer, monitor and printer at XXXX and XXXX. I had done my research and in the AMEX Gift Card FAQs it said that the card could be used to make internet purchases. ( refer document enclosed that comes with Gift Card, but information is also available online at : https : //www.amexgiftcard.com/frequently-asked-questions ). I assumed that well known merchants like XXXX ( that I purchased this Amex Gift Card from very ironically ) and XXXX would be on board with being able to spend my Amex Gift Card dollars online without any problem ). 3. I first tried XXXX on XXXX XXXX and with XXXX one has to put the card in the XXXX XXXX first. Then place the order. And then after a number of minutes I got feedback by email from XXXX the card was declined. I tried to do the purchase twice. I then tried to remedy this by going to my Amex Gift Card online account to see whether I could register the card. But there was no way to register the card. One can only check balances at the URL they provide for " managing '' the card, which allows everything but the ability to manage the card. One can only check the balance of the card. 4. I then went a step further and opened an AMEX account hoping I could link the gift card but that account was limited to buying new Gift Cards only. Then after this I phoned the AMEX Gift Card Customer Service number provided : XXXX and there was no option to speak to a live agent about my problem. I then opted for the Lost and Stolen Card option and finally arrived at a live agent I could speak to. Who then said that my card was declined because of additional security measures at American Express with their Gift Cards! Effectively blocking my card from making my online purchase. Her suggestion was to try another merchant! 4. I then waited a day and followed the AMEX customer service agent 's advice and did an online purchase for a printer and printer paper at XXXX. This purchase was also declined. By American Express. I tried three times at different intervals, and then chatted to the XXXX XXXX XXXX that was available alongside the purchase. They said that the problem was with American Express. They suggested that I visit XXXX XXXX where I purchased the AMEX Gift Card to find out how to solve the problem. I also phoned the AMEX Gift Card Customer Service in the same way as the previous day letting them know that my card was declined again. They were unable to help me. 5. I then followed the advice of the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and visited XXXX XXXX in XXXX AZ on the morning of XXXX XXXX. This is the store where I had made the original purchase. I was hoping I could get a refund, but part of the condition of sale by XXXX is that I can not get a refund for the AMEX Gift Card. They however went out of their way to try to help me. For starters they tried to swipe the card to check the balance, but apparently the AMEX Gift Card is set up so that the merchant is unable to check the balance. I then phoned the Amex Gift Card customer service agent while I was at the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, and the agent advised that the merchant will not be able to check the balance. The card can only be swiped when a purchase is made and won't read the balance of the card. Furthermore, one can not get cash refunded on the card. All of the purchases can only be consumer items. One can also not buy another Gift Card with it, i.e. XXXX XXXX XXXX. He reiterated what I had heard before from another AMEX agent the day before. AMEX technical department had increased security of card use, and this has had a negative effect on cards and must be why I am unable to use the Gift Card online. 6. Bottom line. AMEX Gift Card is lying when they say one can make online purchases with the card. By virtue of having increased security of their Gift Cards. One can only use the card with swiping.They are also withholding very important information that once purchased, one can not register or manage the Gift Card, only read balances.
Company Response:
State: AZ
Zip: 85614
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: I was summoned and required to answer a complaint on XX/XX/2023 for a repayment of XXXX. I do not owe that amount. This is incorrect information. I responded for them to give proof of these purchases being made by me. On XX/XX/2023 I received an email from a company goodleap asking for payment of XXXX dollars. I called them and they proceeded to inform me of a loan over XXXX dollars this is incorrect.
Company Response:
State: SC
Zip: 29440
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Fees or interest
Subissue: Problem with fees
Consumer Complaint: AE Brilliant Card. Annual fee increase from {$450.00} to {$650.00}. My card was charged on XX/XX/XXXX {$650.00}. I was out of the country. Came back on XX/XX/XXXX. I check the card online and select cancel card. A message came up that {$580.00} Will credit back to my account. I called, spoke to representative to cancel card. He confirmed annual fee will be prorated. I notice no credit was returned, call on around XX/XX/XXXX, and was told no annual fee will be refunded after 30 days. Per my request, an inquiry was created and was told I need to call back and check the result. Called today, and was told no refund for a prepayment annual fee.
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 77024
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Subissue: Didn't receive advertised or promotional terms
Consumer Complaint: I signed up for an American Express card with a sign up bonus. When I called them to verify the bonus, they told me I signed up for a lower bonus amount but that I could cancel my card and reapply for the higher sign on bonus. I followed their advice and did so, only to find out that I was not eligible for either bonus because I already had the card ( which they advised me to cancel in order to get the higher bonus )! I've tried to get them to make it right and reactivate my card so I don't have an additional credit inquiry but they refuse to do so. I'm a XXXX XXXX and this is unacceptable.
Company Response:
State: UT
Zip: 84604
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Subissue: Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/2023 I received a communication from American Express ( hereafter AMEX ), dated XX/XX/2023. This communication outlined several false statements and actions the company intends to take if I did not " respond '' in time. The communication states, " Since your account ( XXXX ) is past due and we haven't been able to reach you by phone, your account ( XXXX ) will be cancelled if you don't act soon. '' The communication further outlines threats and actions were outlined, which included : " 1. Your account ( s ) maybe cancelled. 2. You may lose any rewards you have pending with American Express, if applicable. 3. If your consumer account is reported to credit reporting agencies, your account will be reported as past due if we don't receive the total amount due for XXXX or more consecutive billing periods. On XX/XX/2023 A copy of my credit reports ( XXXX XXXX report and XXXX Report attached ) show American Express already took fraudulent and unlawful negative action against my account reporting debt delinquency. No attempts were made to contact me by phone as stated in the communication.
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 30047
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-20
Issue: Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem
Subissue: Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Consumer Complaint: Most of problem like many others is with XXXX, AMEX. Yes have racked up credit debt. AMEX went after me using their credit. They gave a {$10000.00} limit when first signed up. So started using it. Also it's XXXX a big problem reporting amount I had used. Who's to say we have monies saved up. XXXX and AMEX crossed the line.They have so many documents you would have to be a lawyer to keep up. We already paid down {$1000.00} to AMEX as well as {$100.00} recent payment. They dropped my usage down to {$2900.00} from {$10000.00} I'm citing AMEX with bad policies holding credit against its customers Also XXXX for dropping my scores no doubt to get into their high credit interest cards. Companies like these should be closed. I'm pretty sure XXXX must get a cut behind closed doors. Never use info against consumers. Especially paying on time. I think they try to lower scores for their own benefits. I didn't misunderstand a thing if they should try the consumers XXXX ploy. Thank You
Company Response:
State: OR
Zip: 97223
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-19
Issue: Trouble using your card
Subissue: Can't use card to make purchases
Consumer Complaint: On Saturday, XX/XX/XXXX, I was on my Delta SkyMiles app looking for a last minute flight from XXXX to XXXX, roundtrip. I selected a departure flight from XXXX on Saturday, XX/XX/XXXX. I selected a return flight from XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. When it was time to complete my purchase, there was an offer to apply for a Delta SkyMiles Gold from American Express card & upon approval, receive a {$250.00} statement credit when the purchase was complete. On top of that, you'd get XXXX bonus miles after making {$2000.00} in qualified purchases within the first 6 months of opening the account. To me, that seemed like a GREAT deal, because my flight would now only cost me {$350.00} after I would get that statement credit. So I applied, I was approved, and then was prompted to complete my transaction. That's when I received an error that the card I tried to use was not recognized, and that I should check my email to retrieve the temporary card number to complete my purchase. So I did that, and STILL could not complete my purchase. I tried several times and triple checked that I was entering the temporary card information correctly. After trying for about a half hour to make my purchase, I gave up and decided I would call in the morning. When I spoke to American Express customer service, I was told there was nothing they could for me except offer me a {$15.00} statement credit for the inconvenience. In addition, the last-minute flight that I wanted to book went from {$600.00} to {$730.00} overnight. So if they couldn't honor the price from the night before, I could at least try to book it at the higher price now because I would still get the statement credit, right? Wrong, I would now need to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before I could make any purchases. This is where I felt scammed. I had to wait until Monday, XX/XX/XXXX, before I could speak to anyone in " New Accounts '' at American Express. Once again, I was disappointed by their customer service as they could not even help me with completing the transaction with Delta over the phone. This made absolutely no sense to me seeing as it was a Delta SkyMiles Gold from American Express Card... how are the two not the same entity? In summary, I feel like I got scammed into applying for a credit card that I now have NO USE for as it will not arrive in the mail until after my planned departure date. This is the worst experience I've ever had with both American Express and with Delta.
Company Response:
State: MI
Zip: 482XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-19
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-19
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: In accordance with the fair credit reporting act, American Express has violated my rights. In accordance with the fair credit reporting act, XXXX XXXX has violated my rights. In accordance with the fair credit reporting act, XXXX XXXX has violated my rights. 15 USC 1681 Section 602 States I have the right to privacy.1 5 USC 1681 Section 604 A Section 2 : It also states a consumer reporting agency can not furnish without my written instructions. 15 USC 1666b : A creditor may not treat a payment on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan as late for any purpose. 15 USC 1681a : report containing information solely as to transactions or experiences between the consumer and the person making the report. 15 USC 1681c-2 : Block of information resulting identity theft. 15 USC 1681n : Civil liability for willful noncompliance. 15 USC 1681o : Civil liability for negligent noncompliance.
Company Response:
State: MS
Zip: 39401
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-19
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-19
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Consumer Complaint: I filed a dispute with American Express related to a charge from XXXX in the amount of XXXX billed don XXXX XXXX, 2023. It was for a Hotel Reservation ( XXXX XXXX ) while I traveled to XXXX XXXX. I am disputing the transaction for a second time with American Express because the Hotel Manager agreed to CANCELREFUND my reservation due to the fact that the HOTEL POOL was under renovation. This information was not posted by the Hotel at the time I made the reservation. I was sent after the reservation was made via email. I never made it to the Hotel and decided to book another hotel. The dispute was reopened by American Express and this time I uploaded ll the documentation to back my case. I hope this time they make the right decision. Below is the full content filed with American Express : //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Please, READ WELL and UNDERSTAND the nature and details of my dispute. It happened while traveled to XXXX XXXX and some communication from the Hotel is in XXXX, so you need to UNDERSTAND XXXX to follow through properly. I expect that you will handle this case fairly and will not side with XXXX. To protect myself this second time a case has been filed with the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The communications with the Hotel Manager related to this dispute are in XXXX LANGUAGE Mostly. Since most Americans sadly only speak English, you will surely need an interpreter who fortunately speaks XXXX or use XXXX translator. DO YOU JOB PROPERLY AND PROFESSIONALLY!!!!! ITS MY MONEY ON THE LINE HERE!!!! XXXX/XXXX/2023 ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX local CR Time ) Attachment # 0 RESERVATION While traveling in XXXX XXXX I made a Hotel Reservation using XXXX, Itinerary # XXXX for 1 night stay at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX/XXXX/2023 @ XXXX local ( XXXX EST ) totaling US XXXX XX/XX/2023 ( XXXX XXXX EST ) ATTACHMENT # 1 Received an email from the Hotel AFTER RESERVATION WAS MADE stating that the MAIN POOL will be under RENOVATION. I didnt like the fact that they didnt provide the information upfront and it was a DEAL BREAKER since there were other Hotels available that I would have chosen if I was made timely aware of that LIMITATION during the reservation process. I called the XXXX XXXXXXXX ( Phone. XXXX XXXX XXXX ) in the afternoon ( around XXXX local time ) and spoke with XXXX XXXX ( Reception ), asked him to CANCEL THE RESERVATION DUE TO THE POOL RENOVATION ISSUE and he stated that he will speak to the Hotel Manager next day morning ( XXXX XXXX XXXX local Time ) and will call me back. I called XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Local TimeXXXXXXXX EST ) and explained them the situation. It was a long 43 minute call that might cost me more than the US {$96.00} REFUND I am claiming. The Reservation Agent ( XXXX ), while I was on the call, Called the Hotel and asked them to CANCEL & REFUND the reservation from their end so I could get the REFUND. She sent the request in written to the Hotel and al she updated my the CASE # XXXX XX/XX/2023 ( XXXX XXXX Local Time/ XXXX EST ) ATTACHMENT # 2 Used XXXX XXXX email ( Virtual Agent ) and sent XXXX XXXX ( Hotel ) a message so both XXXX and I had a record of our conversation. XX/XX/2023 ( XXXX XXXX Local Time/ XXXX EST ) I called the Hotel ( phone call ) and spoke with XXXX XXXX directly . He verbally stated that the Manager AGREED to CANCEL & REFUND the Reservation ( even if it was not refundable ) due to the POOL RENOVATION ISSUE ). He stated that they ( Hotel ) didnt want me to feel uncomfortable with all the workers around the renovation area. He stated that he was working with XXXX replying to their request to CANCEL and REFUND. XXXX/XXXX/2023 ( XXXX Local Time/ XXXX EST ) ATTACHMENT # XXXX & # XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Hotel ) send me a message ( IN XXXX ) via XXXX XXXX email ( Attachment # XXXX ) stating that I needed to contact back XXXX for the cancellation since they were unable to do it from their end due to technical issues. The message states that XXXX will give you and answer and XXXX XXXX has not charged my Credit Card up to this moment. I tried to call XXXX, but I was unable to get in contact with them and also experienced the same issue as XXXX XXXX ( as Unexpected Error has Occurred ) both over the Phone and XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Virtual Agent ). Notice that all communications with XXXX and Hotel where BEFORE XXXX LOCAL TIME ( Hotel Check-In Time ). It is NOT MY FAULT in any way that XXXX was unable to properly communicate with me or XXXX XXXX due to their technical issue ( XXXX IS A BIG PIECE OF XXXX! ). I DEMAND MY MONEY FULLY REFUNDED ( US {$96.00}. ) ITS NOT YOUR ( AMEX ) MONEY OR XXXX MONEY ON THE LINE HERE!!!!
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33028
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-19
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-06-19
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: Good afternoon, Amex Account numbers as follows : XXXX XXXX 15 USC 1681 section 604 " states rights to consumer privacy '' Reporting agency 's can not furnish an account WITHOUT my WRITTEN consent!!
Company Response:
State: NV
Zip: 89701
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-06-19
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A