DQ AMEX Questions

[User1109519]

So I've been with AMEX for a few decades and had the Gold Delta. It was a small card--$3,000-ish balance. I had to let it fall behind while transitioning to a new job and am stable again--called them to catch it up (it was 5 months late--is about 6-7 months late now) and she said it JUST left their collections department a couple weeks ago and is now with a Third Party...

They won't even speak about it and always tell me to call the collection agency.

I want to regain access to AMEX... I have no problem paying it in full--BUT--if I pay some third party agency the $3,500 or whatever, then I've paid AMEX $0... So how will that help me or anything?

Can someone please help me understand my options AND what best helps repair my AMEX relationship. And whatever else you can point out. Lol

Thank you!

[GreatLife]

Your options appear to be asking Amex to recall the debt so you can directly pay them in full, or pay via collection agency the debt was assigned to. Do you know if the debt was actually sold or just assigned to a 3rd party for collection activities?  I always thought Amex handled collections in-house. 

[User1109519]

I'm not sure. I thought if a third party had it, it was sold. Didn't know they do two different ways. So they can "call it back"?

[Dcowboy08]

AMEX will use a third party to collect. Run your credit report, it's free weekly from annualcreditreport.com

Yes, free weekly.

Pay off the balance plus fees.

AMEX may send you an option to get the Optima card. You can't ask for it. If they offer it, take it. The card sucks but gets you back in. After a year, you should be able to upgrade.