Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I have called Amex gift card services numerous times regarding all of the declined transactions. I have tried to use the card at XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX and also in person at a hair salon- all have been declined. I called customer service and all they say is that all these are blocked merchants. They said to use the card in person. However, it doesn't work anywhere. I asked them to send me a new card and they said it can't be done unless I get declined. OK ... It's declined EVERWHERE, so why is Amex holding these funds? They are scamming people and blocking major retailers, therefore making the card useless. DO NOT PURCHASE AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFT CARDS. AMEX BLOCKS EVERY TRANSACTION AND THEY KEEP THESE FUNDS. HOW IS THIS LEGAL?
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10023
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I have a {$500.00} prepaid Amex that can't be used anywhere despite there ads that it can be used anywhere Amex is accepted.The website for Amex shows the full available balance but it continues to be declined for amounts well below the balance. I called customer service, and it is a recording for declined online transactions to try another site that uses the cvv then it disconnects. I tried multiple sites with the cvv and still declined. I finally spoke to a representative after multiple calls and multiple attempts to find what button would get me an actual person, and they gave scripted responses that were same as recordings. I asked if it is because the zip code and they said if the site requires that it could be the issue because they can't update that. She said they increased security and to try other sites and said that i could use XXXX pay since she showed it connected, so I tried XXXX XXXX ... and it declined as well. A lot of good it does to have security against fraud, if I can't even access my funds! I've used prepaid cards on all of these sites before with no issues, but i can't use this Amex card at all. The customer service is clearly designed to do nothing so I stop calling. I feel scammed by Amex, I'm out money and time.
Company Response:
State: ME
Zip: 04901
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: Tried to use american express gift card on XXXX but did not work.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 91775
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I received two digital American Express Reward Cards ( totaling {$150.00} ) through my employer fitness program and am unable to make any purchases online with them. I have attempted purchasing directly with the card number as well as indirectly with XXXX XXXX and XXXX. Additionally, I am unable to add the card to XXXX to attempt purchasing with them. I have also attempt to contact the company through the number they provide, but do not receive any method to speak with an individual to resolve my issue.
Company Response:
State: OH
Zip: 45040
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-23
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Consumer Complaint: I've noticed these credit card inquire that I do not recognize. These bank did not take part of making a solution when the inquires was made. Dates provide below are the dates inquires was reported and when the they was informed. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 30096
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-23
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I ordered a {$50.00} Amex gift card that was nearly impossible to use. Amex advertises that these cards can be used at ANY MERCHANT AMERICAN EXPRESS IS ACCEPTED. That's completely untrue in practice however. Every merchant I tried ( XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX even XXXXXXXX XXXX and XXXX ) declined the card. All transactions were attempted in the US, not international. Amex prepaid customer support had no idea why it was being declined and advised me to keep waiting, try again in 24-48 hours, etc. That's useless advice. I was able to use the card eventually at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX on XXXX and XXXX on XX/XX/, but I didn't want to use my card at these merchants. I had no choice because Amex declined transactions at all of the merchants where I wanted to spend this balance. I have spent hours trying to find ways to finish off the balance on this terrible gift card.
Company Response:
State: WA
Zip: 98102
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: Attempted to use a prepaid card purchased by my job. Card is not accepted anywhere, like XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and at least 3 other online shops I have tried. Authorization charges come through, but never the full amount. Amex customer service says things like " It's a temporary issue '' or " Those locations are fraudulent stores, and this is done for security, '' but provide no other solutions. The card simply does not work anywhere online.
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 77450
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-24
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: I sent some letters to the credit bureaus regarding inaccurate items on my credit report. My letters have been disregarded and Ive been receiving letters stating Im using a 3rd party. I have attached my ID and letters to this complaint for your review.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 94538
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-24
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-23
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: 15 U.S.Code 1681b ( c ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( B ) ( i ) ( 3 ) 1681b ( c ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( B ) ( i ) ( 3 ) - Unauthorized inquiries AFFIDAVIT Notice, it is a fact, XXXX is aware, THOSE inquiry ARE unauthorized and has been furnished without my consent. There was no permissible purpose and is a violation of 15 U.S.Code 1681b ( c ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( B ) ( i ) ( 3 ). REMOVE INQUIRIES BEFORE I take legal ACTION
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33313
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-23
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: According credit reporting act this creditor has violated my rights under 15 1681 section 602 states I have the right to privacy 15 USC 1681 section 6048 section 2 it also states consumer reporting agency can not furnish account without instructions Under 15 USC 1666B may not treat a late payment on a credit card account under an open and consumer credit for any purpose.
Company Response:
State: PA
Zip: 19464
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A