topic Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE in Credit Cards

No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:40:55 GMT

Hi guys,

I just tried to have my new Zync card backdated to the date I opened my first AMEX card (08/1999), and was told that they don't backdate for new cards, only if it's a continuation of the old card...? The person I spoke with was definitely not in the US, not that it should make a difference. I've read many stories on this board about AMEX customers who have had past accounts, closed them, and then opened up new accounts and AMEX reported their original open date to the CRAs.

I opened an AMEX Gold in 1999, then closed it in 2001. I just got my Zync last week, and emailed them to ask if I could get a backdate. I was told they couldn't find my old account in their database, and the email team doesn't handle those matters anyway. I was advised to call 800-874-2717 and speak with a Credit Analyst, so I did, and she is the one who told me that they don't backdate. After she finally found my old account, she said it would be taken off my credit report, and I replied that it had already fallen off my reports, and I was only concerned about getting the new account backdated. At that point, she shut me down. Very, very disappointed.

*UPDATE* I called the number on the back of my card and spoke with a nice gentleman in the U.S. He was unable to locate my previous Gold card in the system, so I offered to fax over a copy of my credit report with it still reporting. He said he wouldn't make me go through all that trouble, and he believes that the account did exist and is "out there somewhere." He submitted a request to change my "Member since" date. I asked him if it would say 1999 instead of 2012 when I log in to my account online, and he said yes, and that they'd send me a new card. However, it can take 9-12 days. Of course, what I'm really concerned about it how it's reported to the CRAs. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

steve23111 — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:16:49 GMT

This isn't something you usually have to request unless you want that date to show on your card. The backdating-- at least as far as your credit report is concerned-- happens automatically in most cases.

When you log in to your account online, what "member since" date is shown toward the top of the screen?

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:19:45 GMT

Unfortunately, it says "Thank you for being a Cardmember since 2012." I've read on the forums that this is the date that gets reported to the CRAs, so that's why I initiated the process. I was very surprised, as I've read some people have had new accounts backdated to the 80s...and mine just fell off my reports this past January. I'm not sure what to do, but I feel like the backdating and subsequent boost to my AAoA would be worth fighting for.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:28:26 GMT

From what I have read, you need to call up and request that your member since date be corrected. If they do not have any record of your old account in their files then you will need to provide that number or some other evidence that you had the account to get them to change your member since date.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:33:01 GMT

Aha, maybe I confused the young woman by using the term "backdate." I also faxed a copy of my credit report that I pulled in December before the account had fallen off, but have seen no change in the year when I log in to my account online. I was thinking of taking an old school approach and writing a letter and sending it with a copy of the credit report since I did not have a good experience with calling them. I expected more from AMEX customer service.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

sjt — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:49:49 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Aha, maybe I confused the young woman by using the term "backdate." I also faxed a copy of my credit report that I pulled in December before the account had fallen off, but have seen no change in the year when I log in to my account online. I was thinking of taking an old school approach and writing a letter and sending it with a copy of the credit report since I did not have a good experience with calling them. I expected more from AMEX customer service.

I would call one more time and say that there was an error with your "member since" date, as it should be XXXX.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:51:42 GMT

You are taking wrong approach. Do not talk to credit bureau unit first which is what you did when you talked to credit analyst. Do not talk to email unit. Just call number at back of card and talk to cs. Ask them to change your member date back to old card and send you new copy with original member date. Have them look it up. Offer to fax them your credit report with old card reporting. If they can't find or say they cant do it, don't argue it too much and just thank them and hang up. Then call back and try again. My guess it will take 4 calls at worst and most likely done in 1-2 calls.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:57:31 GMT

Okay, I'll try that. Hopefully I get better service calling the number on the back of the card. After I got off the phone with the last person I spoke to, I started to wonder if I was crazy in thinking that backdating was even a possibility.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

nada9188 — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:17:42 GMT

1 (800) 492-3344

Use this number for CS if you want us based. Just put your account number in when you call. Again tell them you want the date corrected on your card

Re: No more AMEX backdating?

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:36:53 GMT

THANK YOU, Nada. I will. I appreciate the help!

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

MustangSaluki — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 00:59:07 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

*UPDATE* I called the number on the back of my card and spoke with a nice gentleman in the U.S. He was unable to locate my previous Gold card in the system, so I offered to fax over a copy of my credit report with it still reporting. He said he wouldn't make me go through all that trouble, and he believes that the account did exist and is "out there somewhere." He submitted a request to change my "Member since" date. I asked him if it would say 1999 instead of 2012 when I log in to my account online, and he said yes, and that they'd send me a new card. However, it can take 9-12 days. Of course, what I'm really concerned about it how it's reported to the CRAs. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

If your card is being mailed out with the new member since date, then do not worry yet. I know some in the forums have reported that the online member since date shows the changes within a few minutes but it can take upto 2 days sometimes (my case).

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 01:13:21 GMT

Holly, How many times did you call? I am guessing one. In any case, wait for new card with member date on it and make sure online says right member date. Wait 2-3 days and call Amex credit report bureau again and ask how that account is being reported as opened. Likely will automatically be correct date. Remember you need to have a credit report and read that account number on credit report to them. If it isn't correct, post back for right way to handle it. Well post back if successful too.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

android01 — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 01:18:15 GMT

The title of this thread reminded me of something I'd thought of before. What IF Amex decided to do away with backdating and change everyone's AMEX card to the date it was opened? There would be RIOTS in the streets of the Garden, MAYHEM at CB and FW. The reverberations would be felt through almost every credit report in America! AMEX would have to post armed guards at it's main office building. EX, EQ and TU's computers would simply catch on fire and shut down!

On a more serious note, I'm surprised AMEX hasn't done away with backdating already, or at least been pressured to do so from various fronts. Backdating allows for a distinct manipulation of the credit reporting system (by those who know and care about such things) thus putting the entire credit reporting "system" in question.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 01:30:28 GMT

@android01 wrote:
The title of this thread reminded me of something I'd thought of before. What IF Amex decided to do away with backdating and change everyone's AMEX card to the date it was opened? There would be RIOTS in the streets of the Garden, MAYHEM at CB and FW. The reverberations would be felt through almost every credit report in America! AMEX would have to post armed guards at it's main office building. EX, EQ and TU's computers would simply catch on fire and shut down!

On a more serious note, I'm surprised AMEX hasn't done away with backdating already, or at least been pressured to do so from various fronts. Backdating allows for a distinct manipulation of the credit reporting system (by those who know and care about such things) thus putting the entire credit reporting "system" in question.

My guess is recent changes were attempt to get into compliance with their interpretation of card act. Wouldn't surprise me if Amex makes or is forced to make changes down the road.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

android01 — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 04:54:44 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@android01 wrote:
The title of this thread reminded me of something I'd thought of before. What IF Amex decided to do away with backdating and change everyone's AMEX card to the date it was opened? There would be RIOTS in the streets of the Garden, MAYHEM at CB and FW. The reverberations would be felt through almost every credit report in America! AMEX would have to post armed guards at it's main office building. EX, EQ and TU's computers would simply catch on fire and shut down!

On a more serious note, I'm surprised AMEX hasn't done away with backdating already, or at least been pressured to do so from various fronts. Backdating allows for a distinct manipulation of the credit reporting system (by those who know and care about such things) thus putting the entire credit reporting "system" in question.
My guess is recent changes were attempt to get into compliance with their interpretation of card act. Wouldn't surprise me if Amex makes or is forced to make changes down the road.

A distinct possibily, and it would suck.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 05:02:05 GMT

@android01 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@android01 wrote:
The title of this thread reminded me of something I'd thought of before. What IF Amex decided to do away with backdating and change everyone's AMEX card to the date it was opened? There would be RIOTS in the streets of the Garden, MAYHEM at CB and FW. The reverberations would be felt through almost every credit report in America! AMEX would have to post armed guards at it's main office building. EX, EQ and TU's computers would simply catch on fire and shut down!

On a more serious note, I'm surprised AMEX hasn't done away with backdating already, or at least been pressured to do so from various fronts. Backdating allows for a distinct manipulation of the credit reporting system (by those who know and care about such things) thus putting the entire credit reporting "system" in question.
My guess is recent changes were attempt to get into compliance with their interpretation of card act. Wouldn't surprise me if Amex makes or is forced to make changes down the road.
A distinct possibily, and it would suck.

PERISH THE THOUGHT!!!

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:35:14 GMT

Thanks for sharing your experience! I just checked online and it still says 2012, but I'm not going to worry about it just yet. I just hope it's fixed before it starts reporting...I just got the card last week so I'm hoping I still have plenty of time to get it taken care of.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:37:04 GMT

That's a good point. When I was on the phone with Customer Service, I couldn't help but wonder how many calls he gets from customers requesting backdating.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

MustangSaluki — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:59:08 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
That's a good point. When I was on the phone with Customer Service, I couldn't help but wonder how many calls he gets from customers requesting backdating.

Some of them probably get denied due to a confusing approach on the call. Mentioning forum terms like "backdating" / "CRA reporting" adds to confusion. Most who call have been out of the Amex systems for a valid reason from their point of view, otherwise the member since date is automatically correctly assigned even after a prolonged gap. If coming back to Amex after a long gap and cards have not been backdated, a good approach is to just ask "My member since date is not showing up correctly on the card, can you please assist with that?". From there, it is really their show. If they cannot locate your account, have the documentation/proof ready. Once he confirms that a new card with the correct "member since" date is being shipped out, you are done. The online changes may take some time to reflect in some cases and the backdated reporting to CRA down the road is just another formality.

Re: No more AMEX backdating?-UPDATE

Anonymous — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:59:22 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@android01 wrote:
The title of this thread reminded me of something I'd thought of before. What IF Amex decided to do away with backdating and change everyone's AMEX card to the date it was opened? There would be RIOTS in the streets of the Garden, MAYHEM at CB and FW. The reverberations would be felt through almost every credit report in America! AMEX would have to post armed guards at it's main office building. EX, EQ and TU's computers would simply catch on fire and shut down!

On a more serious note, I'm surprised AMEX hasn't done away with backdating already, or at least been pressured to do so from various fronts. Backdating allows for a distinct manipulation of the credit reporting system (by those who know and care about such things) thus putting the entire credit reporting "system" in question.
My guess is recent changes were attempt to get into compliance with their interpretation of card act. Wouldn't surprise me if Amex makes or is forced to make changes down the road.

What provision of the card act do you think applies to this?