What do you know? I got FR'd by AMEX...

[ariesdreamer]

So I happen to log onto my AMEX account just to check my balance and what do I see? Yep, the red bar stating "Charging privileges have been suspended." What the heck did I do? And I only received the card TWO WEEKS ago. I happened to use the card at Staples to buy a computer chair and a few other items yesterday and used it to buy a FICO report several days ago. That's it. My balance is $233.29 and my CL is $1000.

The rep tells me that they couldn't verify my income so they need my permission to access my tax returns. They can look at it all they want since my stated income is less than what's on my tax return. And what I don't understand as well is that they said they tried to contact me earlier today which is a lie since I didn't receive any type of call on my cell or my landline.

If I didn't need this TL, I would have cancelled this card. If I wasn't polite, that rep would have heard some choice words from me.

And...before I ended the call, I told the rep that I called just yesterday to let AMEX know that I was going on vacation in THREE days to Hawaii and that I MIGHT use the card there and not to have them freeze the account. He stated they would try their best to work on it tomorrow so I could use the card. Hah! We'll see. Once I fax over the document 450 something (giving them permission to get my tax return from the IRS), then I'll wait it out during the day. I really wouldn't have minded the FR if it had been any other time than right now just when I'm about to go to Hawaii. Guess I won't be using this card there but I sure as heck will pay that balance when I get back.

Gosh, I have a headache....

[Anonymous]

These guys just decide to up and examine your taxes for no particular reason? That sounds extremely lame.

[ariesdreamer]

From what others on the forum have experienced, it appears AMEX FR's anyone at anytime. Sucks. After I pay my balance, the card is going to the sockdrawer.

[Anonymous]

Do you mind if I ask,

What is your credit score?
What was your UTL past 2 months?

I am deciding if I should even apply for a second Amex.

[ariesdreamer]

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ilovepizza wrote:
Do you mind if I ask,

What is your credit score?
What was your UTL past 2 months?

I am deciding if I should even apply for a second Amex.

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My current EX FICO is 616. My overall UTL the last 2 months was hovering around 60% and that's a guess. My FICO score and UTL should get better in the next month since I'm getting a lump sum of money so I'm going to pay down all of my CCs after I come back from Hawaii.

[Anonymous]

There is a lot of controversy over Amex's F/R policy and IMHO, due to the recent credit crunch, it will probably get worse.  Especially if you were approved at borderline.  Good luck glady you stated your income as less ot you may have been looking at a 'closed by issuer' note on your CB.  LEt us know how it turns out.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I'd give them permission to get my tax return info, even if that meant me losing a cc and TL.
There's enough of my info floating around, I don't want to volunteer more.

[ah32]

Does anyone have their number? I was going to call on my f/r today and I forgot my wallet at home.  Thanks!

[ariesdreamer]

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ah32 wrote:

Does anyone have their number? I was going to call on my f/r today and I forgot my wallet at home.  Thanks!

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The customer service number is 1-800-528-4800.

[ariesdreamer]

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Brammy wrote:

There is a lot of controversy over Amex's F/R policy and IMHO, due to the recent credit crunch, it will probably get worse.  Especially if you were approved at borderline.  Good luck glady you stated your income as less ot you may have been looking at a 'closed by issuer' note on your CB.  LEt us know how it turns out.

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Thank you! I will definitely let you guys know the outcome. I just wish the FR didn't come at this time when I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow and had planned on using it. I guess this is good in a way since it'll definitely make me NOT use the card! LOL