Frustrated with AMEX

[JM22]

---

@FinStar wrote:

---

@JM22 wrote:

---

@Shooting-For-800 wrote:

Do you not use Uber or Uber Eats?  

That is $120 per year alone.

Have you tried talking to them for advice and/or solution?

---

I do use the uber cash and I try to use the food cashback with grubhub. I probably would have earned a lot more on the card the last few years, but when I get the "next transaction may be declined" message I get annoyed and just start using my other cards instead. Maybe just foolish pride on my part.

I appreciate the thoughts on why this is happening. I wouldn't be surprised if I was late on a payment back in 2020... it would make sense considering I went through a bit of a rough patch after covid with my wife losing her job. I got a bit neglectful during that period of time. I can't really be as frustrated if my current issues with Amex are happening for a good reason.

I will call in on Monday to speak with a rep (or analyst?) to see if they can give me some insight into my situation. I can't imagine they would hold a late payment from 2 years ago against me for too much longer right?

---

I would definitely not close the card since AmEx is also known for things that can carryover if you decided to terminate your relationship and start over down the road -- this is based on DPs that members have reported whether prior late marks or NSF instances occured -- and not a "myth" either.

Reinstatements of NPSL and/or POT can vary for different profiles and regardless of someone thinking they're the expert on myths and all things AmEx, no one really knows for sure on the timeframe. Some DPs highlight anywhere from 6 months to a year or even longer. Admittedly, you don't recall the exact situation that may have led to the Adverse Action of your account, but personally I would let it ride + use the card to 'build' internal behavioral factors until you receive a notification that the NPSL restriction has been lifted. 

What is your current overall utilization? Experian FICO score on the AmEx app/site? When, if any, were the most recent late payments reported on any other tradelines?

---

I really appreciate you weighing in. I'm leaning toward keeping the card and continue to use it responsibly. I'll definitely try for a retention bonus this upcoming March.. that would make it an easy choice to keep it.

My util is 15% and its a bit higher than normal because I financed a fence through Lowes with an 18 mos no interest deal. I just got my Lowes limit increased to 17k, so it will look better soon. Otherwise I pay all of my statement in full. I just looked on the Amex site and it gives me a Vantage score of 655, but I know my Experian is 690 as of today and it should only continue to improve.

I only have only one late payment and it's a dumb one on my part. 30 day late mortgage in September of 2021. Amex blacklisted me way before that, but it could be a factor.

[OmarGB9]

Yes, a late that's only a little over a year old also definitely isn't helping. I suppose you could call and ask if they'll tell you, but they may or may not, and it wouldn't change anything anyway. 

[FinStar]

---

@JM22 wrote:

---

@FinStar wrote:

---

@JM22 wrote:

---

@Shooting-For-800 wrote:

Do you not use Uber or Uber Eats?  

That is $120 per year alone.

Have you tried talking to them for advice and/or solution?

---

I do use the uber cash and I try to use the food cashback with grubhub. I probably would have earned a lot more on the card the last few years, but when I get the "next transaction may be declined" message I get annoyed and just start using my other cards instead. Maybe just foolish pride on my part.

I appreciate the thoughts on why this is happening. I wouldn't be surprised if I was late on a payment back in 2020... it would make sense considering I went through a bit of a rough patch after covid with my wife losing her job. I got a bit neglectful during that period of time. I can't really be as frustrated if my current issues with Amex are happening for a good reason.

I will call in on Monday to speak with a rep (or analyst?) to see if they can give me some insight into my situation. I can't imagine they would hold a late payment from 2 years ago against me for too much longer right?

---

I would definitely not close the card since AmEx is also known for things that can carryover if you decided to terminate your relationship and start over down the road -- this is based on DPs that members have reported whether prior late marks or NSF instances occured -- and not a "myth" either.

Reinstatements of NPSL and/or POT can vary for different profiles and regardless of someone thinking they're the expert on myths and all things AmEx, no one really knows for sure on the timeframe. Some DPs highlight anywhere from 6 months to a year or even longer. Admittedly, you don't recall the exact situation that may have led to the Adverse Action of your account, but personally I would let it ride + use the card to 'build' internal behavioral factors until you receive a notification that the NPSL restriction has been lifted. 

What is your current overall utilization? Experian FICO score on the AmEx app/site? When, if any, were the most recent late payments reported on any other tradelines?

---

I really appreciate you weighing in. I'm leaning toward keeping the card and continue to use it responsibly. I'll definitely try for a retention bonus this upcoming March.. that would make it an easy choice to keep it.

My util is 15% and its a bit higher than normal because I financed a fence through Lowes with an 18 mos no interest deal. I just got my Lowes limit increased to 17k, so it will look better soon. Otherwise I pay all of my statement in full. I just looked on the Amex site and it gives me a Vantage score of 655, but I know my Experian is 690 as of today and it should only continue to improve.

I only have only one late payment and it's a dumb one on my part. 30 day late mortgage in September of 2021. Amex blacklisted me way before that, but it could be a factor.

---

Well, at least you're taking it in stride and in a positive way. Life happens and Covid had a very big impact on a lot of individuals' lives so know that you're not alone. Often times, the ramifications can linger for a bit, but they're not permanent and this is not a reflection of you as a person. On the plus side, time will help with making a recovery and letting things age. 

[JM22]

Off topic, but the site does seem to give what looks like "preapproval" verbiage to upgrade to the platinum card with 25k welcome bonus.... maybe that would get rid of my spending limit woes lol.

Maybe in a few years I'll add the Platinum and set up a trifecta. Just have to be patient.

[AlanGJP]

As a data point...

Amex put a hard limit on ALL my Amex cards about a year and a half ago. I'd used my gold for the down payment (I called Amex to confirm), then the night after getting the car I app'ed for 4 new cards. I'd figured why not since I'd already been hit with multiple HPs for the car. Yeah... bad idea. They put hard limits on ALL cards the next morning. They were all removed almost exactly a year later. Only thing you can do really is wait. You can ask, but most likely they won't be able to tell you.

[xenon3030]

You should be able to get ~3-7% easily with several cards in the market without AF. So, if Amex Gold would not work for you or the AF cannot get justified, at the time that its AF hits, you may close or downgrade the card. You may also downgrade now to Green and the pro-rated AF should get reimbursed.

Anyway, it is not easy to live with a bucketed card, especially if you expect large transactions and I suggest considering also diversification. Here are some cards that you might consider: Affinity Cash Rewards, BCE/P, Discover, CFF, Instacart, US Bank Altitude Go, US Bank co-branded cards for 5% on digital wallet. You may find Elan cards that can be equivalent to the US Bank cards, and with better odds of approval. 

[BronzeTrader]

---

@JM22 wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on my situation with Amex. I have an Amex Gold card and it has been my go to card for restaurants and groceries since 2019. At some point after covid they removed the NPSL on my card and set a 2k hard limit for reasons I can't remember (maybe a late payment?). It's been annoying the crap out of me because everytime I use the card with the balance over 1k, I get an alert that I may have a transaction declined soon. I know I could just pay it off during the statement period, but I have autopay on to pay the statement balance and it just seems like I shouldn't be dealing with this with a $250 annual fee card. Also, I reviewed my past few years and I only seem to be coming out ahead $100-$150 a year so I am reconsidering anyway.

I have tried recently to add another Amex card like the BCE or BCP with a good grocery bonus so I can phase out from the Gold. I have the CSP which I don't mind fulling going to for dining and travel. I've tried an app for the BCE every two months for the last 6 months. I get a banner that says I'm not qualified for the welcome bonus, then I get declined. When I got the past two letters it was looking at my report from the first time I attempted for the BCE, so no fresh report (SPs obviously). I don't want to close my Gold card without another card with Amex... I feel like that would put me even more on their bad side than I already seem to be.

So what should I do? I'm leaning toward waiting it out until I can qualify for an Amex credit card, then close the Gold. I've also considered downgrading to Green in the meantime as I am rebuilding and it may be a year or so until I get back to where I was a few years ago. My last thought is that I just close the card, end the relationship with Amex and hope that when I do look to come back a few years down the road that they won't hold it against me.

Just to add some stats, I am showing a 690 Experian fico as of today, LOTS of inquiries (hence the rebuild), 115k income, own my house, credit usage is around 15% currently.

Thanks!

---

For any card that you can break even, time to close it out.  You do not win by keeping it.

With your 15% usage and moderate FICO, I'd just end the relationship with AmEx for now.  Then continue to work to improve your financial situation.  AmEx is different from BofA and Citi where they like to give out some low CL card to people who carry balance.  AmEx likes high quality card portfolio.

There are many cards to choose outside AmEx.

[JM22]

---

@BronzeTrader wrote:

---

@JM22 wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on my situation with Amex. I have an Amex Gold card and it has been my go to card for restaurants and groceries since 2019. At some point after covid they removed the NPSL on my card and set a 2k hard limit for reasons I can't remember (maybe a late payment?). It's been annoying the crap out of me because everytime I use the card with the balance over 1k, I get an alert that I may have a transaction declined soon. I know I could just pay it off during the statement period, but I have autopay on to pay the statement balance and it just seems like I shouldn't be dealing with this with a $250 annual fee card. Also, I reviewed my past few years and I only seem to be coming out ahead $100-$150 a year so I am reconsidering anyway.

I have tried recently to add another Amex card like the BCE or BCP with a good grocery bonus so I can phase out from the Gold. I have the CSP which I don't mind fulling going to for dining and travel. I've tried an app for the BCE every two months for the last 6 months. I get a banner that says I'm not qualified for the welcome bonus, then I get declined. When I got the past two letters it was looking at my report from the first time I attempted for the BCE, so no fresh report (SPs obviously). I don't want to close my Gold card without another card with Amex... I feel like that would put me even more on their bad side than I already seem to be.

So what should I do? I'm leaning toward waiting it out until I can qualify for an Amex credit card, then close the Gold. I've also considered downgrading to Green in the meantime as I am rebuilding and it may be a year or so until I get back to where I was a few years ago. My last thought is that I just close the card, end the relationship with Amex and hope that when I do look to come back a few years down the road that they won't hold it against me.

Just to add some stats, I am showing a 690 Experian fico as of today, LOTS of inquiries (hence the rebuild), 115k income, own my house, credit usage is around 15% currently.

Thanks!

---

For any card that you can break even, time to close it out.  You do not win by keeping it.

With your 15% usage and moderate FICO, I'd just end the relationship with AmEx for now.  Then continue to work to improve your financial situation.  AmEx is different from BofA and Citi where they like to give out some low CL card to people who carry balance.  AmEx likes high quality card portfolio.

There are many cards to choose outside AmEx.

---

I appreciate your input, but would have to disagree in that I came out ahead $100-$150 in each of the past few years. I'm sure more before that.

I have good relationships with Citi and Chase. I have awesome cards that fit my needs aside from grocery points and I'm not trying to spend $250 AF to be sent countless emails/texts that threaten I'm about to be declined when I use the card. My wife is an authorized user and I have to tell her whether to use the card at the grocery store or not. It's really annoying considering our spend, which her income is not accounted in what I claim.

I don't think that I'm not good enough for Amex lol... I'm sure they appreciate my business. I had scores in the upper 700s and I'm sure I will again. I'm 33... I think I'm looking for more balanced advice on working through this issue because I do want to have Amex cards in the future. 

[BronzeTrader]

---

@JM22 wrote:

---

@BronzeTrader wrote:

---

@JM22 wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some advice on my situation with Amex. I have an Amex Gold card and it has been my go to card for restaurants and groceries since 2019. At some point after covid they removed the NPSL on my card and set a 2k hard limit for reasons I can't remember (maybe a late payment?). It's been annoying the crap out of me because everytime I use the card with the balance over 1k, I get an alert that I may have a transaction declined soon. I know I could just pay it off during the statement period, but I have autopay on to pay the statement balance and it just seems like I shouldn't be dealing with this with a $250 annual fee card. Also, I reviewed my past few years and I only seem to be coming out ahead $100-$150 a year so I am reconsidering anyway.

I have tried recently to add another Amex card like the BCE or BCP with a good grocery bonus so I can phase out from the Gold. I have the CSP which I don't mind fulling going to for dining and travel. I've tried an app for the BCE every two months for the last 6 months. I get a banner that says I'm not qualified for the welcome bonus, then I get declined. When I got the past two letters it was looking at my report from the first time I attempted for the BCE, so no fresh report (SPs obviously). I don't want to close my Gold card without another card with Amex... I feel like that would put me even more on their bad side than I already seem to be.

So what should I do? I'm leaning toward waiting it out until I can qualify for an Amex credit card, then close the Gold. I've also considered downgrading to Green in the meantime as I am rebuilding and it may be a year or so until I get back to where I was a few years ago. My last thought is that I just close the card, end the relationship with Amex and hope that when I do look to come back a few years down the road that they won't hold it against me.

Just to add some stats, I am showing a 690 Experian fico as of today, LOTS of inquiries (hence the rebuild), 115k income, own my house, credit usage is around 15% currently.

Thanks!

---

For any card that you can break even, time to close it out.  You do not win by keeping it.

With your 15% usage and moderate FICO, I'd just end the relationship with AmEx for now.  Then continue to work to improve your financial situation.  AmEx is different from BofA and Citi where they like to give out some low CL card to people who carry balance.  AmEx likes high quality card portfolio.

There are many cards to choose outside AmEx.

---

I appreciate your input, but would have to disagree in that I came out ahead $100-$150 in each of the past few years. I'm sure more before that.

I have good relationships with Citi and Chase. I have awesome cards that fit my needs aside from grocery points and I'm not trying to spend $250 AF to be sent countless emails/texts that threaten I'm about to be declined when I use the card. My wife is an authorized user and I have to tell her whether to use the card at the grocery store or not. It's really annoying considering our spend, which her income is not accounted in what I claim.

I don't think that I'm not good enough for Amex lol... I'm sure they appreciate my business. I had scores in the upper 700s and I'm sure I will again. I'm 33... I think I'm looking for more balanced advice on working through this issue because I do want to have Amex cards in the future. 

---

I think you 1/2 answered your own question.  If some CC bank gives you trouble, it is never good to push or battle the bank.  It is not that you have to prove that you are good and you can keep the AmEx Gold card.  It is just a card.  AmEx Gold is no different than Elan Max Cash card or ther cards we can still optimize the earnings.

I have generally good credit.  Cap1 kept sending me good credit offers.  But whenver I applied, I was denied.  Did not know the reason.  Then finally I was able to open the Venture card.  Then again instant approval of the Venture X card with $30,000 CL.  So sometimes it is hard to figure out those CC banks.

[Kforce]

---

@JM22 wrote:

 I shouldn't be dealing with this with a $250 annual fee card. Also, I reviewed my past few years and I only seem to be coming out ahead $100-$150 a year so I am reconsidering anyway.

---

A lot depends on how you calculated the $100-$150, a head number.

If it was rewards is $150 more than the $250 AF,  your gain was $150 for the year or $12.50 a month.

With a no AF 3% restaurant/fast food and no AF 5% grocery with 50/50 spend,

that $1,000/mo would be $40/month, $480/yr.

** I would do some math with your real spend **

With good spend and ability to maximize points when redeeming,

a lot of people see excellent value with that card.

However it is also not a good card for everyone.