It seems Amex is having connectivity issues this morning. My card is in good standing, but was declined not once, but twice. Amex has no record of the card even being tried, but even though the issue happened at two completely unrelated locations, the agents insist (without verifying with anyone else) that there's no problem on their end.
Then I log into my Aeroplan account and find out that my bonus miles were credited, which was a nice surprise... except they'd shorted me by 10k. I had to call and ask them about that, which they are "kindly" rectifying.
When I first got the card they asked me about how much I'd spend a month. I said probably around 10k. This month I'd already booked and paid for my travel so my amex bill only amounted to about $5k, which they're now telling me is my new limit, unless I want to give them access to my bank accounts for them to "re-verify" my credit information. They ever-so-nicely offered to extend it to $7k for the rest of the month, but based on my current usage (all of three weeks), this was what they were settling on for my limit. Didn't I pass a credit check when they approved me for the damn thing?
Of course when I first signed up no one bothered to tell me that my first month's usage would dictate all future use, nor that I'd have to be "revalidated" after just three weeks of use! I haven't even received a bill yet!
I haven't even had the card a month and this is what I'm running into? Someone tell me why I'm paying the outrageous $500 yearly fee for this BS?! At this point I'm within minutes of cancelling the card and telling AMEX to shove it.
Are you sure that the CIBC Visa gets you the same number of points as the Platinum Aeroplan AMEX ?
He said bonus points, not points on spending.
Ouch, $500... Are you sure you need this card? You could get a Aeroplan VISA for only $120 with the same bonus and much wider acceptance.
Are you sure that the CIBC Visa gets you the same number of points as the Platinum Aeroplan AMEX ?
I also told them AMEX was my primary spending card and if they wanted it to stay that way and not collect dust in my drawer they'd better STOP requiring me to manually authorize my card once a week. This was done with a supervisor... after that call, I've not be declined since.
I had similar experiences with spending overseas. I called them and I told them I travel so much and I don't want to call them every time I travel. They said it's for your security. I said that's BS. It's for THEIR security because if someone stole my card, I don't have to be responsible. So it's for THEIR security but at my inconvenience. Since then, I never had to call them again and my charges have been approved every time I'm away.
I recently had a strange experience with my Aeroplan Platinum Amex as well.
It started when I realized (in Boston) that I had left my regular Amex Platinum at a restaurant in Portland, ME. Not a big deal, as the signature was completely worn off, and the mag stripe was becoming hit and miss. So I just switched to the Aeroplan card for the remainder of the trip.
I put 5 nights of hotels, a bunch of airline tickets, gas, meals, and the usual stuff on it with no problem. But when I tried to pay for gas just before returning my rental, the cashier got a "call Amex" message.
'Course, she had no idea what that meant or who to call. I had lots of time, so I called them on the customer service number. They asked a bunch of questions to confirm my ID, then told me they'd release the card again.
The problem, so I was told, was that there were a number of small dollar amount charges on the card -- things like $2-$3 parking charges, airport cart rentals, etc. All were valid.
But I was particularly surprised that large charges would sail right on through, but small charges would raise "security" concerns. Very strange.
Same problem here. A bunch of small parking charges, and two gas charges in a short period of time. But, none of them were mine. I was in Vancouver while these charges were incurred on a duplicated card in Markham.
He said bonus points, not points on spending.
I went back to AMEX Plat and also have the VISA Infinite card.
I should be totally covered for whatever now...
AMEX fees are steep -- hopefully they will bring some of the perks back.
Lounge access with Plat AMEX means nada when you are already E or SE.
They did stop the buy one ticket get one companion free last year and replaced it this July 1st for a USA-CDN companion ticket...
AMEX hopefully will up the perks and presents!
I recently had a strange experience with my Aeroplan Platinum Amex as well.
It started when I realized (in Boston) that I had left my regular Amex Platinum at a restaurant in Portland, ME. Not a big deal, as the signature was completely worn off, and the mag stripe was becoming hit and miss. So I just switched to the Aeroplan card for the remainder of the trip.
I put 5 nights of hotels, a bunch of airline tickets, gas, meals, and the usual stuff on it with no problem. But when I tried to pay for gas just before returning my rental, the cashier got a "call Amex" message.
'Course, she had no idea what that meant or who to call. I had lots of time, so I called them on the customer service number. They asked a bunch of questions to confirm my ID, then told me they'd release the card again.
The problem, so I was told, was that there were a number of small dollar amount charges on the card -- things like $2-$3 parking charges, airport cart rentals, etc. All were valid.
But I was particularly surprised that large charges would sail right on through, but small charges would raise "security" concerns. Very strange.
I've had no issues with AMEX, other than ones I've created, and collect 1.6 miles per dollar spent. Rolling 12 month average is $247,000, giving me roughy 410,000 miles - I complained about the fee this year, and they waived it, and now they've just added the shorthaul companion ticket promo. For the right client, it's an unbeatable deal.
Ouch, $500... Are you sure you need this card? You could get a Aeroplan VISA for only $120 with the same bonus and much wider acceptance.
I use my AMEX for Air Miles accumulation (only $50 fee) and I had AMEX decline me a few times due to "security" concerns. I phoned and politely explained that when in a lineup for checkout, I'm not going to hold the line to call into AMEX to tell them to authorize the charge, I'm going to use a different credit card. I also told them AMEX was my primary spending card and if they wanted it to stay that way and not collect dust in my drawer they'd better STOP requiring me to manually authorize my card once a week. This was done with a supervisor... after that call, I've not be declined since. Ironically I now spend more on my VISA than my AMEX.
In general, AMEX customer service to me has been pretty good.
I went back to AMEX Plat and also have the VISA Infinite card.
I should be totally covered for whatever now...
AMEX fees are steep -- hopefully they will bring some of the perks back.
Lounge access with Plat AMEX means nada when you are already E or SE.
They did stop the buy one ticket get one companion free last year and replaced it this July 1st for a USA-CDN companion ticket...
AMEX hopefully will up the perks and presents!
Agreed...the fees are steep. I like the companion ticket, which (correct me if I'm wrong) pays for the $499 annual fee. I fly from YYC to YVR quite frequently, so it makes sense to spend the 15,000 points and "buy one get one free".
From an accumulation perspective, I earn 1.25 points for every dollar spent (1.5 to $1 after $25k), which really adds up nicely.
I've had my AmEx gold for several years. It has never declined. Some months I've charged a ton. They base their decisions on your history WITH THEM.
They've offered me the Platinum Card based only on my charge and payment history. I certainly wouldn't 'qualify' based on traditional requirements.
Are your expectations and justified on only the first month? Ask yourself that. How can they possibly judge your payment history in the next month.
Give them a chance...
That being said, there are lots of other cards... AmEx suits me fine. My only complaint is the amount of retailers that either refuse the card or add on 3% to use it.
I'm giving them a chance, but what irritates me most is that they slapped this on me after having the card for only three weeks. I hadn't even received my bill yet (and when I did get it, it was paid well in advance of the August 9th due date). I just called to see what was up with their network declining charges, asked what was up with my bonus miles, and they decided to spring this on me at that time.
It certainly wasn't my card itself being declined, it's in good standing (as it should be), and I intend to keep it that way. I just don't like being embarrassed by having a card in good standing declined! It's made me half afraid to use the damned thing.
I've had my AmEx gold for several years. It has never declined. Some months I've charged a ton. They base their decisions on your history WITH THEM.
They've offered me the Platinum Card based only on my charge and payment history. I certainly wouldn't 'qualify' based on traditional requirements.
Are your expectations and justified on only the first month? Ask yourself that. How can they possibly judge your payment history in the next month.
Give them a chance...
That being said, there are lots of other cards... AmEx suits me fine. My only complaint is the amount of retailers that either refuse the card or add on 3% to use it.
The CIBC Aerogold VISA gives:
1 aeroplan mile for every $ spent;
except at Gas Stations, Grocery Stores and Pharmacies where you get 1.5 Aeroplan miles for every $ spent.
The anual fee is $120. I just got one a few month ago and am racking up miles very quickly indeed :)
Ouch, $500... Are you sure you need this card? You could get a Aeroplan VISA for only $120 with the same bonus and much wider acceptance.
I use my AMEX for Air Miles accumulation (only $50 fee) and I had AMEX decline me a few times due to "security" concerns. I phoned and politely explained that when in a lineup for checkout, I'm not going to hold the line to call into AMEX to tell them to authorize the charge, I'm going to use a different credit card. I also told them AMEX was my primary spending card and if they wanted it to stay that way and not collect dust in my drawer they'd better STOP requiring me to manually authorize my card once a week. This was done with a supervisor... after that call, I've not be declined since. Ironically I now spend more on my VISA than my AMEX.
In general, AMEX customer service to me has been pretty good.
My Visa card was declined a total of five times for no reason last year (2007) - three times at SEARS ($90, $120 and $780) and twice at Esso (both under $50). When I called Visa from the store all the transaction were authorized and went through. I have an $18,000 limit on my card and I usually put on $2,000 to $6,000 a month on my card and ALWAYS pay in full the day I see it online and even before my statement arrives at the house.
I always call in again as soon as I get home and ask for 5,000 points to cover my embarresment. The agent always passes my call onto a supervisor and after I tell them to check my payment history I get the points - they have yet to refuse.
I figure the 25,000 points last year covered my embarresment :D:D:D.
So far no declines in 2008 :confused:...
I've had no issues with AMEX, other than ones I've created, and collect 1.6 miles per dollar spent. Rolling 12 month average is $247,000, giving me roughy 410,000 miles - I complained about the fee this year, and they waived it, and now they've just added the shorthaul companion ticket promo. For the right client, it's an unbeatable deal.
What's annoying me the most is I haven't even received my first bill yet! I'll pay it on time, and will probably pay it as soon as it's available online, but honestly! Let me use it for a month before you give me this kind of trouble!
I'll probably give it another month and if I don't see some improvement, there'll be a cancellation happening. :mad:
 How much does getting a small tattoo on your hip/stomach hurt?
 Do anyone else have an itchy anus? ?
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Platinum Aeroplan AMEX: Someone tell me why I'm paying for this thing?!