topic Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office in Credit Card Applications

Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:17:31 GMT

These last few weeks I've been having some trouble connecting with a real person at AmEx. The application status number (800-567-1083) isn't answered by anyone other than offshore reps who just read off scripts and won't share any real details. The problem is that I'm still getting auto-denied by a computer system without people actually looking at my application, either.

2 x weeks ago I put my reconsideration letter, IRS form 4506-C, pay statements, bank statements, and a bunch of other documents into a Priority Mail Express envelope to their PO Box in Salt Lake City UT. It was delivered there March 9, 2023 and I haven't received any response yet (email, phone, or U.S. Mail). I don't really want to hear more runaround by calling foreign reps who tend to just push people off the phone.

But none of the numbers in the "backdoor" thread appear to actually be anything backdoor, and the "executive office" phone number (800-297-6197) is also disconnected - no longer in service. After that, I found an executive office address of 200 Vesey St, New York NY 10285 and phone 212-640-2000. The front desk person informed me she can only transfer to specific names, not departments.

Feedback, please - should I send my reconsideration to the address above? Find the name of an account manager, senior specialist, etc. and call back?

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Epiki71 — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 22:35:38 GMT

Greetings OP,

have you considered asking to speak with a supervisor? You can politely explain that you need to discuss a matter with someone who has more authority to help you. Be sure to also acknowledge that the representative has been doing a great job, but that you need additional assistance.

When you request to speak with a supervisor in this way, the representative will likely transfer you to someone in the states.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

FireMedic1 — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:49:03 GMT

Lets try what were you denied for? New card or CLI? Some background on your file.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Lou-natic — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:54:15 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
These last few weeks I've been having some trouble connecting with a real person at AmEx. The application status number (800-567-1083) isn't answered by anyone other than offshore reps who just read off scripts and won't share any real details. The problem is that I'm still getting auto-denied by a computer system without people actually looking at my application, either.

2 x weeks ago I put my reconsideration letter, IRS form 4506-C, pay statements, bank statements, and a bunch of other documents into a Priority Mail Express envelope to their PO Box in Salt Lake City UT. It was delivered there March 9, 2023 and I haven't received any response yet (email, phone, or U.S. Mail). I don't really want to hear more runaround by calling foreign reps who tend to just push people off the phone.

But none of the numbers in the "backdoor" thread appear to actually be anything backdoor, and the "executive office" phone number (800-297-6197) is also disconnected - no longer in service. After that, I found an executive office address of 200 Vesey St, New York NY 10285 and phone 212-640-2000. The front desk person informed me she can only transfer to specific names, not departments.

Feedback, please - should I send my reconsideration to the address above? Find the name of an account manager, senior specialist, etc. and call back?

By your own admission they already told you they need a IRS form 4506-C per this thread here.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

ocheosa — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:58:26 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:
These last few weeks I've been having some trouble connecting with a real person at AmEx. The application status number (800-567-1083) isn't answered by anyone other than offshore reps who just read off scripts and won't share any real details. The problem is that I'm still getting auto-denied by a computer system without people actually looking at my application, either.

2 x weeks ago I put my reconsideration letter, IRS form 4506-C, pay statements, bank statements, and a bunch of other documents into a Priority Mail Express envelope to their PO Box in Salt Lake City UT. It was delivered there March 9, 2023 and I haven't received any response yet (email, phone, or U.S. Mail). I don't really want to hear more runaround by calling foreign reps who tend to just push people off the phone.

But none of the numbers in the "backdoor" thread appear to actually be anything backdoor, and the "executive office" phone number (800-297-6197) is also disconnected - no longer in service. After that, I found an executive office address of 200 Vesey St, New York NY 10285 and phone 212-640-2000. The front desk person informed me she can only transfer to specific names, not departments.

Feedback, please - should I send my reconsideration to the address above? Find the name of an account manager, senior specialist, etc. and call back?

@SKBirdmind , I think you should exercise a bit of patience. They have to go through your documents and request a tax transcript. Keep in mind this is the busy season for IRS so don't expect a fast turnaround. Continued calling and or duplicating efforts is not going to expedite matters. I'm sure they will contact you once the transcript has been returned and a final decision is reached. I would put it in the back of your mind until contacted. Good luck!

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:37:03 GMT

Thank you, everyone - all great suggestions! Honestly I hadn't even remotely thought of a backlog over at IRS in terms of paperwork, given tax season and all... Oh yeah, account in question is SkyMiles Reserve.

AmEx wrote back this week - sort of. "Responding" feels like way too strong a word... They sent a single-sided template letter, pretty much a straight copy and paste of the initial denial with no explanation. If anyone there took the time to read what I wrote, or even bothered to process my 4506-C - they wouldn't be sending a "reply" as silly as this.

I reached out to the executive office (New York address) in writing last week - next on the list would be presidential suite.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Mdowning30 — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:36:15 GMT

Its 2023 why would you choose snail mail to submit documents like that instead of just uploading them on your phone or computer?

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 03:57:14 GMT

I tried earlier, but the system wouldn't let me submit anything on an app they've put on auto-denial. I also heard in another thread that they need a penned signature for 4506-C, not electronic. Best be exercising due dilligence and ensure things go to exactly the right people...

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Jeffster1 — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 02:42:22 GMT

@SKBirdmind You are absolutely correct. My experience with the 4506-C is that you must affix a wet signature. Nobody tells you that. The offshore reps are polite but they will simply say that your form was illegible once it gets kicked back. Their supervisors will say the same. Once I uploaded it with a wet signature, all was good. Rather than completing it online and then affixing an electronic signature, I ended up completing it online; printing it out; signing it; taking a picture of it and then uploading it. I can't remember if I converted the pic to PDF.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:19:41 GMT

I bet you were the person I heard that from. It's kind of funny, no one at AmEx seems to really be telling me anything...but again, patience is a virtue.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 03:35:52 GMT

I'll ask this for the very last time, before pursuing other avenues for assistance - promise!

Does anyone out there have a known-good, verified method of connecting with a higher-up or other individual who can assist me? I mean someone who can manually approve an application and otherwise fix the auto-denial cycle I remain in.

I've tried writing various letters and providing relevant information that isn't being looked at - sometimes I've gotten correspondence back that is just cut-and-paste from previous denials. (i.e., nothing specific or updated to match what I've since sent them.) So - unless anyone can help I suppose I'll keep up with trying to find a contact myself, or maybe attempt calling again until I eventually get a senior-level person that way.

Because my check cleared, I have no way to stop payment or otherwise claw-back the money I gave them in exchange for getting off their blacklist - kind of frustrating in its own regard.

The various data points and "YMMV" stories don't appear to be beneficial anymore, which is too bad. For example - plenty of forum members have shared unpaid balances at least 8-10x the size of mine, scores lower than me, and are currently carrying every card in their suite through auto-approval and no special process. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

Before we jump on the "why is this important" bandwagon - my lawyer reviewed my credit profile, and personally informed me that there is no reason I should be having any trouble with approvals on credit applications. He was very, very surprised this sort of thing was even happening to me. So, that's exactly why it is important.

Who is 800-921-6490, and 800-222-8416?

I will step down now!

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

DONZI — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:47:22 GMT

Why not task the lawyer with this? ..they have done things for me that I could possibly never accomplish and yours seems to be versed in credit UW.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Anonymous514 — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:45:35 GMT

Your lawyer can say whatever he wants you burned a bank. Yeah you paid them back, but they are still under no obligation to trust you and welcome you back with open arms. Like everyone else said they may reach out to you with an Optima but they're under no obligation to do any such thing. We are not owed anything by creditors especially those who we have burned.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Bmom — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:40:04 GMT

You can try 844-404-7092

That's the number they told me to call if I wanted an Optima account.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

coldfusion — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:05:09 GMT

@Anonymous514 wrote:
Your lawyer can say whatever he wants you burned a bank. Yeah you paid them back, but they are still under no obligation to trust you and welcome you back with open arms. Like everyone else said they may reach out to you with an Optima but they're under no obligation to do any such thing. We are not owed anything by creditors especially those who we have burned.

This is all true, but sometimes respectful persistence can lead to positive results. I can't fault the OP for trying until AMEX tells them to knock it off.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Chazzay12 — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:22:12 GMT

@SKBirdmind wrote:

Because my check cleared, I have no way to stop payment or otherwise claw-back the money I gave them in exchange for getting off their blacklist - kind of frustrating in its own regard.

I understand your frustration, and I definitely commend you for continuing to try and get back in with Amex! Persistence can certainly pay off.

However, since you burned them in the past, your statement above almost comes across as "they owe you an account since you paid them off" kinda thing and they have no obligation to give you (or any of us) an account. I think you did the right thing in paying them back for sure.

Best of luck on your recon attempts, though! Hopefully the persistence will pay off, but also be aware it could take days, months, or years before they allow you back in.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Jnbmom — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:50:59 GMT

@Chazzay12 wrote:
@SKBirdmind wrote:

Because my check cleared, I have no way to stop payment or otherwise claw-back the money I gave them in exchange for getting off their blacklist - kind of frustrating in its own regard.

I understand your frustration, and I definitely commend you for continuing to try and get back in with Amex! Persistence can certainly pay off.

However, since you burned them in the past, your statement above almost comes across as "they owe you an account since you paid them off" kinda thing and they have no obligation to give you (or any of us) an account. I think you did the right thing in paying them back for sure.

Best of luck on your recon attempts, though! Hopefully the persistence will pay off, but also be aware it could take days, months, or years before they allow you back in.

I completely agree here while it'sgreat you paid them back this in no way is a guarantee that they will extend credit to you right now. I understand wanting to contact them which you have . Your best bet is to wait and if they deny again the only thing left is time . Plenty of fish in the sea at the moment until AMEX decides to let you back in.

And again paying them back to get off their blacklist is NOT a guarantee that will let you back in immediately.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

SKBirdmind — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 20:12:57 GMT

@DONZI wrote:
Why not task the lawyer with this? ..they have done things for me that I could possibly never accomplish and yours seems to be versed in credit UW.

Could be well-worth it, my main concern would be the expense. To put it another way, I'd be much more inclined to take his 15+ years of expertise in the bankruptcy and credit world over a template letter(s) to the effect of "based on your credit profile we are unable to assist you further" or what have you.

@Anonymous514 wrote:
Your lawyer can say whatever he wants you burned a bank. Yeah you paid them back, but they are still under no obligation to trust you and welcome you back with open arms. Like everyone else said they may reach out to you with an Optima but they're under no obligation to do any such thing. We are not owed anything by creditors especially those who we have burned.

But in a way though, I'm actually doing THEM a favor - by paying back my balance owed and presenting myself as a trustworthy creditor (just ask Capital One, Credit One, CitiBank, Barclays, Merrick, Winnie the Pooh, Spiderman, and so on as to the current standing of any of my accounts or credit limits) that's proven himself multiple times with a middling 4 x figure credit limit.

@Bmom wrote:
That's the number they told me to call if I wanted an Optima account.

I thought (and am open to correction) that Optima is only available soon after a chargeoff, with an expiration date...mine was years and years ago.

@coldfusion wrote:
This is all true, but sometimes respectful persistence can lead to positive results. I can't fault the OP for trying until AMEX tells them to knock it off.

You got it exactly, which is why I'm trying different avenues here. And by "knock it off" I mean until they send their favorite boogeyman over to hit me with cricket bats.

@Chazzay12 wrote:
I understand your frustration, and I definitely commend you for continuing to try and get back in with Amex! Persistence can certainly pay off.

Being without obligations is something, but at the same time I have to wonder... Do they think I threw rocks at them? Threatened to send boxes of glitter in the mail? Hit people over the head with golf clubs or croquet mallets?

@Jnbmom wrote:
And again paying them back to get off their blacklist is NOT a guarantee that will let you back in immediately.

But that's not what they told me earlier - I guess this goes back to their overseas reps who will say or do anything to get you off the phone...

@SKBirdmind wrote:
Does anyone out there have a known-good, verified method of connecting with a higher-up or other individual who can assist me? I mean someone who can manually approve an application and otherwise fix the auto-denial cycle I remain in.

Boosting my original inquiry here again. I find it somewhat hard to believe that within an internet community of just over 153,000 members - most of whom hold AmEx cards - that this answer remains just as elusive as finding an espresso machine somewhere inside of a maple tree.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Bmom — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 20:39:28 GMT

The Optima account was offered to me two years ago. My Amex is off my credit reports. 🤷‍♀️ now, I might be wrong, but I believe it's an offer you get once they have no other way of enticing you to pay what you owe. SOL is 3 years here and it was a toy amount owed.

Re: Getting Through To AmEx - Executive or Corporate Office

Chazzay12 — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:54:19 GMT

@Chazzay12 wrote:
I understand your frustration, and I definitely commend you for continuing to try and get back in with Amex! Persistence can certainly pay off.
Being without obligations is something, but at the same time I have to wonder... Do they think I threw rocks at them? Threatened to send boxes of glitter in the mail? Hit people over the head with golf clubs or croquet mallets?

No, they think, or know, that they have given you money in the past and you didn't pay it back in a timely manner...therefore they don't want to extend you more at this time.

no judgment, as I have had mistakes in my past and am blacklisted from BofA.

Please keep in mind that you may just not receive the approval you want from Amex. Might need to just wait it out longer, they have a long memory. Best of luck