Date Received: 2021-09-30
Issue: Fees or interest
Subissue: Unexpected increase in interest rate
Consumer Complaint: We are in the midst of a pandemic. And, American Express just notified me that my interest rate will be changing to 18.99 % from 13.24 % even though my payment habits have not changed, I make payments in excess of the minimum due, I have never been late and my financial situation has not changed. This increase is not a nominal amount. It represents an increase of over 43 %. During the midst of a pandemic and given interest rates are hovering at ZERO for American Express, I am quite appalled that an interest rate would be increased by over 43 % when nothing about their customer has changed. I contacted American Express who told me my account is being realigned to what others in my credit score range are paying. This is an extremely narrow range of criteria considering I have been an account holder since 1996. I won't be using the card any longer. I am reporting this complaint and will also be voicing my dissatisfaction through social media. The actions taken by American Express against customers in good standing during the midst of a pandemic is nothing short of disgusting greed.
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 30350
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-30
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: On XX/XX/21 I was billed for my wife 's XXXX XXXX. My Platinum AmExp card has a benefit to pay the {$100.00} for this service. When I received my statement I noticed the charge on my bill. I called American Express on XX/XX/21 and XXXX, who was very nice, confirmed my account would be credited back the {$100.00}. I paid the {$100.00} and bill in full, as always and on time because of our agreement. On XX/XX/21 I made a series of calls about this charge that remained on my bill and questions about the {$550.00} fee and continuing the account. I spoke with XXXX, XXXX, XXXX ( XXXX ), XXXX, Ms XXXX, and XXXX. The calls tallied just under 2 hours. After these lengthy conversations, XXXX, the Supervisor at the Retention/Loyalty Department said that I would be offered {$150.00} to offset the {$550.00} fee but I would have to go back to AmExp Customer Service to rectify my valid complaint about the {$100.00} dispute that was previously resolved. When he transferred me back to XXXX, I was disconnected. Please have the bosses review the recording with XXXX, etc. XX/XX/21 XXXX that lasted XXXX. Ms XXXX, XXXX XXXX said no to resolving the {$100.00} credit and then told me the {$150.00} Loyalty credit had been taken away. Later it was put back on my account.
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 30269
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-29
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Other problem
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/2021 I used my BlueBird by American Express to transfer funds from my Checking Account ( XXXX ) to my BlueBird card. I have a {$500.00} limit on my XXXX card for withdraws and needed to withdraw {$750.00} to fix my vehicle. After speaking with XXXX I was able to withdraw the full amount needed and instead moved about {$30.00} into my Bluebird card for my significant other to use. After checking my Bluebird account via their online app I saw the funds were there and available. Today XX/XX/2021 I tried logging into my Bluebird account again and I was locked out. I called their customer service number ( which has no way to get in contact with a customer service representative ) and found out via a recording that my card had been suspended. I checked my email and was sent a generic letter saying that my account was suspended indefinitely for activity that went against " section 22 ( d ) in my membership agreement ''. After looking up the section 22d I am still confused and not able to get ahold of any customer service representative regardless of the several numbers listed on their website. No where in the membership agreement or section 22d does it state what will happen to funds left in the account upon closure. I have had many many issues with the BlueBird by American Express in the past ( My account was hacked into, I was locked out, the App never works and always says the system is down, among many other issues ) I kept this card as a backup to move funds into periodically for use by my significant other and am not upset my account was suspended as this company is troublesome all together, and I would never recommend anyone to get a BlueBird by American Express card. However I would like to be able to speak with a Customer service representative when issue occur but it seems as though this company does not want its customers to get ahold of them.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 34655
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-29
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Problem with customer service
Consumer Complaint: American Express canceled Delta Sky Miles credit card because I complained about being unable to read the account number of the back of the card. XXXX cancelled the card without any notice or any information on rights of appeal on or about XX/XX/2021. I called Amex customer service to request a review of this decision but was summarily rejected. The representive who answered my call alleged that I had violated XXXX rules regarding customer abuse, but offered no access to information on the offense such as dates, recordings, reports, or any other substantive information on the process. I was told twice that I could only receive further information on the alleged offense only with a subpoena. I told the customer service agent at XXXX that I was XXXX years old when I received the card with the number embossed in light gold on a background of deep purple ( Delta 's colors ) and that I had difficulty reading the card because of age. I also made clear that I had been upset with a Delta representative who implied that I should have been able to read the card even though I wear prescription reading and long-distance glasses. It was a brutal conversation and humiliating experience. Moreover, I believe the XXXX decision was both ageist and ableist. I admit that I was quite upset about the decision and made my concerns adamantly clear in my conversations with XXXX. All I asked for by way of a resolution was a card that I could read with a magnifying glass and a high-wattage lamp. The representative added to the injury with a patronizing stance and without mentioning any options for further review and a possible refund of my annual {$550.00} fee. That's it. Arbitrary, nasty, ageist, and ableist, yet no route for review or appeal.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10012
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-29
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Subissue: Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
Consumer Complaint: After receiving dozens of offers from Amex, our business decided to apply for Amex Platinum with " no limit '', and we got approved. Since the begining, the process has been terrible. Initially, checking the spending power, the Amex website showed up to XXXX but the card got blocked as soon as the balance reached XXXX. Its been 2 months dealing with this for a business that is processing XXXX in sales so far in 2021, and growing. After discussing endlessly and using other cards, payments were made and neither Amex Platinum nor Blue cards are overdue. This morning, I check the spending power and it was approved for XXXX however, when I tried to pay my vendor, it got denied and I got an email from Amex that the card that has " no limit '', has a limit now of XXXX. Given current balance is at XXXX ( knowing XXXX is due XX/XX/XXXX ONLY ), now this credit card has a negative balance of XXXX per its new reduced limit. Even worse, if I make any payment from now till XX/XX/XXXX, it does not free the credit so to use for other purchases like any other normal card does. Amex is playing with our business.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 331XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-29
Issue: Problem getting a card or closing an account
Subissue: Trouble closing card
Consumer Complaint: I had a Bluebird American Express card from XXXX in the name of XXXX XXXX. My sister XXXX XXXX who lives in XXXXXXXX Arkansas stole my card and has stolen several checks from me via USPS mail. Deposited them onto that card and spent my money.
Company Response:
State: WA
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-28
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: An American Express account was opened in my name without my permission or consent
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 78704
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-10-07
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-28
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: This is not specific to one transaction. I use a business American Express card a lot, and have to dispute charges every month or two. American Express makes it nearly impossible to obtain updates after filing a dispute. Their website will show a dispute that is in process, but once " resolved '', it does not tell you what the resolution was. It only states " We have completed our investigation. Please refer to the communication we sent. '' The main issue is that American Express is not sending me communications. I have no idea if they ruled in my favor or in the merchants. I have to call customer service and fight through their phone system to get an update. And more than once, they have ruled in the merchants favor because I did not send information " that they requested '', but again, they NEVER send me any communications once a dispute is open. And since they never told me their decision, sometimes by the time I find out they ruled in the merchant 's favor, it is too late for me to reopen the dispute. Their inability to communicate must be violating the FCBA by not informing me of dispute status and resolutions.
Company Response:
State: WA
Zip: 98225
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-28
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-28
Issue: Closing your account
Subissue: Company closed your account
Consumer Complaint: Today on XX/XX/2021 I got an e-mail from AmEx saying they were closing my account. When I called them they said the reason they did so was because I has serious delinquencies on my record. So if said serious delinquencies were a thing on my record why did they even give me a card in the first place?
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10035
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-28
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-09-28
Issue: Problem with a purchase or transfer
Subissue: Charged for a purchase or transfer you did not make with the card
Consumer Complaint: You are reporting inaccurate information on this account. Per FCRA, reporting must be 100 % accurate or the information must be deleted.
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-28
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A