After hearing horror stories all over the web of what American Express is doing across the board to cut their exposure to the credit market from cutting credit lines with no explanation to outright closing of accounts. I guess it’s my turn.
Earlier today I got a call from American Express. The person on the other end wanted to verify my employment status which was listed as full-time student and my income (which was listed as $15k). She then proceeded to ask me about charges on my account. I have about $4,500 so far charges this billing period and she proceeded to ask me questions related to various charges.
Basically the financial review person was flat out saying “you’re a full-time student and you can afford to run up x amount of dollars each month?”. She basically asked for me to fill out a 4506T which allows them to ask the IRS to provide them with my recent tax returns. I was also asked to provide three month’s worth of recent transactions on the checking account I use to pay off my American Express account.
I’ve always imagined myself growing into a lifelong American Express customer like my father. They have a reputation for superior customer service and great product offerings. I’m a bit offended that they’re financially reviewing me even though I pay off my account in full each and every month. I’ll be even more offended if they cut the credit line on my Starwood Preferred Guest card which is the account in question. The credit line isn’t that high at $7,000.
