Date Received: 2023-11-22
Issue: Trouble using your card
Subissue: Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Consumer Complaint: Dear CFPB, Based on a recent review of my account, American Express decreased the credit limit my account. Their decision was based on the fact that : " Based on your credit report, you have too many requests for credit or inquiries from debt settlement companies '' I am not aware of any request at all from debt settlement companies, nor have to intention to apply for one. On a recent XXXX report pulled as of XX/XX/XXXX, I found out that I do not have any " hard inquiries '' related to debt settlement. I am also reminding American Express that I am a victim of identity theft. My information has been exposed twice, on XX/XX/XXXX, and most recently through an incident referred to as the " XXXX XXXX XXXX '' XX/XX/XXXX. Someone is actively using my information to apply for new accounts. All 3 credit bureaus have been alerted and an extended fraud alert has been set on all 3 credit bureaus since XXXX. American Express should have seen this on my file before making an accurate decision on the account change.
Company Response:
State: DC
Zip: 20003
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-22
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I have been entirely unable to use my AMEX gift card at most locations, despite the website saying that I can use it in all places that accept AMEX. I have been unable to use it at my local XXXX grocery store, on XXXX, and all online stores that I have tried to access. Frankly, this is entirely deceptive because I am clearly unable to use it despite me having a sufficient amount of funds on the card. I am in fact, NOT able to use it any place that accepts AMEX. I started with {$1000.00} on my card and currently have {$840.00} left, so I have more than enough to purchase small things from XXXX and the grocery store. I have had only three successful transactions on the card that occurred at XXXX, a donut shop, and XXXX. I have reached out to the company and have received absolutely no help whatsoever. I was told several times that I should be able to use the card, despite me making it very clear that I have had multiple declined transactions in very commonplace stores. When attempting to use the card online, I fulfilled all the requirements AMEX noted, making sure that the vendor asked for the CVV, card number, and zip code. However, my card was still declined repeatedly. I have attached a screenshot of an attempt to use my card on XXXX, which was apparently declined and instead charged my company card without my approval. This is absolutely unacceptable, as my purchase is in no way related to my line of work and places me in a position of looking like I am misusing company funds.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 95831
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-22
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Personal information incorrect
Consumer Complaint: I am in constant communication with the 3 Consumer Reporting Agencies regarding an Address reported by American Express. According to the credit Bureaus, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX were falsely reported by American Express. That information is INACCURATE and FALSE. I am demand that American Express contact the ALL 3 Credit Bureaus and have the address removed immediately. If American Express is claiming they did business with someone with a name similar to mine, I am going to file " Identity Theft '' with the FTC because it would be a fraudulent account.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 32955
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-22
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 complaint is a continuum of complaint number : XXXX. I contacted American Express on XX/XX/2023 in regards to case number XXXX. The statement cycle in which the payment was posted was from XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX ( attached ). In reviewing my current statement, I am unable to locate where American Express provisionally credited me the amount of the disputed item. The dispute does not appear deducted from the XXXX or current statement. In all, it appears that American Express has held me responsible for the amount in dispute. This action appears to be a potential violation of Truth-in-Lending. Under Truth-in-Lending, the consumer has the right to withhold the disputed amount, and collection is prohibited. I am requesting a written response from American Express as to why it potentially appears I was held responsible for a disputed amount and if not, where the provisional credit is detailed. As of XX/XX/2023, there has been no resolution of the charge or notice provided.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 91016
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-22
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-21
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I have two pre-paid American Express gift card/credit cards. One for {$50.00} and one for {$100.00}. Both are active and show the correct balance when checking. Neither of the cards work at any online retailer I have tried. I have tried purchases totaling LESS than the dollar amount on the card and they WILL NOT WORK anywhere. I have tried over 10 online retailers. The most activity I can ever see is a pre-authorization, however, the card never approves beyond that.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33065
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-21
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: I lost my American Express credit card and someone use the credit card to make purchases, I do not know about that, American express did not provide detail about purchases, they did not investigation, never contact me about investigation, just tell me to pay totals {$8300.00} Attach documents show purchases.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 11219
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-21
Issue: Trouble using the card
Subissue: Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online
Consumer Complaint: I reached out to the company asking why I could not use the gift card, I was told that nothing is wrong with the card and it is able to used anywhere online. There is not a single store online that the card could be used for. Every single store online declined the card.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10705
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-21
Issue: Getting a credit card
Subissue: Application denied
Consumer Complaint: I applied for an American Express account and right after I hit the submit button American Express responded DENIED in 2 seconds. I couldnt believe I got a denial in 2 seconds so I called and within minutes I got an email that said DUMMY CODE and a message that said denied for returned payment. I knew that to be a blatant lie that American Express made up so I asked the operator to research and the operator said NO you DONT have a returned Payment. The operator called the credit department to inform them that there is NO returned Payment and that department said ok resubmit application.FAKE DUMMY CODE was applied again and returned payment was used as grounds for denial Again. If there is no return payment in 30 days like the DUMMY CODE says then Im being denied for another reason and thats most likely Race. American Express didnt run my credit as they would others. American Express did not change the denial excuse even after the customer service rep XXXX said I had no returns payments. If there is not a verifiable denial reason then it has to be systematic racism that is customary within the American Express institution. I have a American Express card for my son and the credit limit has been XXXX over 18 years. Now if that isnt blatant systemic racism then I dont know what is at this point. Stop the fabricated denial excuses. Fair trade practices is all I ask. Litigation seems to be warranted as this point because XXXX not the only one American Express is fabricating denials against.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33027
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-21
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: { Account Number : XXXX } { Original Creditor : AMERICAN EXPRESS { Amount as Listed on Credit Report : {$550.00} } To Whom It May Concern : Regarding the above-listed account, I am writing this letter to offer you the opportunity to settle the alleged amount owed to our mutual benefit. Kindly note that I do not acknowledge any liability for this alleged debt in any form, and I retain my right to request full and complete debt validation from your company. However, I am willing to pay off a portion of this account as a show of goodwill under the following conditions : Your company will delete all references to this account from my credit report at the three credit reporting agencies ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX ). You will not list this debt as a settled account. Your company will accept this payment to satisfy the debt in full. Your company will not attempt to sell or transfer this debt to another creditor. You will make no mention of this agreement to outside third parties. If you agree to these terms, I will : Pay the amount of {$150.00} via money order or certified cashiers check Please understand that this is not a renewed promise to pay. This is a restricted settlement offer, and you must agree to the terms above for payment to be made. I require your written agreement to these terms on company letterhead and signed by a representative who is authorized to enter into such agreements. The terms of this offer will expire after 30 days. I look forward to your prompt and positive response.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-21
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-11-20
Issue: Closing your account
Subissue: Can't close your account
Consumer Complaint: I have tried numerous times to close my American Express credit card account. I have copies of numerous chat requests to do so, but have never had anything but stalling responses.
Company Response:
State: ME
Zip: 046XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-11-20
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A