American Express
Late Fee Charged Even Though Payment Was Made Early

My statements are due on the first of every month. I made a payment on June 27th towards my July 1st statement. Then on July 6th, I made a payment towards my Aug 1st statement (Trying to get ahead). This week I get a letter from American Express saying my payment is late and I now have a late fee. I call them and I am told that the cut off for my billing cycle was July 6th (the same day I made my payment) at midnight.

So since my payment was made at 5pm, the payment was applied to the July bill and not August. Then, I was told that there was no way it can be changed. I went up three levels of managers only to be told that I was not allowed to speak to anyone higher and that no matter who I speak to, nothing can be done. So, I was penalized for paying my bill early (by 7 hours!). She was nice enough to offer to waive my late fee, if I would "bring my account current by giving them another $95"!!!

She said if I wasn't happy I could write a letter and she didn't want to "continue to talk in circles with me". Great customer service, right? I never thought it would be possible to be penalized for trying to pay a bill early!!! You can bet I will not be using American Express anymore... Just like most places these days!

Company: American Express
Country: USA

  <     >