American Express has finally mastered the "bait and switch" con. I was lured from a Green card to a Gold card to a Gold Business card to a Platinum business card - for the benefits. My balance (supposedly "unlimited" spending ability) has grown to an average of $12k - $16k monthly.
I run a small Wedding and Event Planning Company. I pay the card on time and have cancelled a number of other cards as I thought it would be easiest to simply use the majority of transactions on the Platinum Amex. My staff have had these cards and because we travel, we use them frequently.
Yesterday, I went to use the card for a $10 purchase and it was declined. I have no balance due at this time. When I was stunned and called to discuss (thinking there must be a mistake), I was directed to a young man who told me that "because our country is in a recesssion" they have looked at the credit histories of "millions" of small businesses and reduced their credit spending ability. Mine is now $1600. Not enough to buy an international plane ticket to support the large events I manage.
I was more than stunned. He said there were negative things on my credit that based their decision. When I asked about why I wasn't notified in advance, he said that I had refused to return a call they made to me. This was totally a lie. I called AMEX, they asked if I had noticed any 'fraudulent or unusual' activity on the card. I said no. They said sorry for the call and I thought that was that. They Had NO RECORD of my call in their system.
Admittedly I have a few late pays (nothing horrid) - I mean I was granted credit for a Lexus, a Platinum card, etc., etc. I also have two accounts on my credit that are in bad standing due to identity theft. Police reports are being filed to correct them.
However, this still leaves me in quite a dilemma. I am contacting Bank of America to see if they are able to offer some true customer service.
For people who pay their Amex bill on time each month (esp when it is over $10k), it seems sad that the treatment you get is rude and unacceptable.
Way to put those "millions" of customers (small business owners just like me) in a horrible position, Amex.
Disgusting. Shameful. Sad.
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