Disputing unknown charges on American Express card

[Miramonti]

While going thru my latest transactions in quicken, I found 2 charges on my Amex blue card that I didn't recognize, both from the same merchant. They were odd $10-15 internet charges, one from a couple days ago, and one from 2 months ago. Clearly not mine.

I called Amex, gave the courteous gentleman with an indian accent the disputed transaction charge details. His reply:

"Ok, I've removed the charges. They have been credited to your account and you won't be charged. Anything else I can help you with today?"

:Q

I guess tina fey isn't joking when she learned that she doesn't have to do everything. It was frighteningly easy (almost to the point that I'd be nervous taking the Amex card if I were a merchant.)

 

[E equals MC2]

(almost to the point that I'd be nervous taking the Amex card if I were a merchant.)

You know they don't actually revoke the charges from the merchant. Amex just eats it up for you in the name of customer service.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

People talk about CC companies being evil, but from my experience nobody has the consumer's back like a good CC company.

 

[ElFenix]

amex has the best customer service on the planet.

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: E equals MC2

(almost to the point that I'd be nervous taking the Amex card if I were a merchant.)

You know they don't actually revoke the charges from the merchant. Amex just eats it up for you in the name of customer service.

True...unless its something major (i.e >$100 purchase) at that point they make a big deal, start an inquiry, and it takes a couple weeks before you get an outcome. But all in all amex cust service = A+++

 

[Miramonti]

Originally posted by: E equals MC2

(almost to the point that I'd be nervous taking the Amex card if I were a merchant.)

You know they don't actually revoke the charges from the merchant. Amex just eats it up for you in the name of customer service.

Not according to the rep. on the phone.

It was so easy, I asked "What if I'm wrong and forgot I made these charges, what happens?" He said the merchant will charge the card again. He also said if they do, give us a call back and we'll change your card number.

 

[FoBoT]

stop calling those 900 numbers and you won't have this issue

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Plus they weren't listed in that class action suit where companies (MBNA, BOA, etc.) were hiding foreign transaction fees.

And I've had the same luck. Got a call at 7am on a Saturday morning asking if I had just purchased clothing from Hot Topic. I said no...I was asleep in bed. They said they have eliminated the charge and would have a new card in a couple of days.

 

[Slew Foot]

AMEX is a ridiculously awesome CC company.

 

[imported_Lothar]

http://www.jdpower.com/finance...gs/credit-card-ratings

 

[Pantoot]

Originally posted by: Drakkon
True...unless its something major (i.e >$100 purchase) at that point they make a big deal, start an inquiry, and it takes a couple weeks before you get an outcome. But all in all amex cust service = A+++

Agreed, but just for completeness, they eat the charge (well, you aren't responsible for it) while they investigate. So, while you wait for an outcome, it is like the charge didn't happen.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
People talk about CC companies being evil, but from my experience nobody has the consumer's back like a good CC company.

You know there is a law that makes them do that right? They do not do this on their own. You are only libable for $50 but most wave it to save face.


They are evil.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Well, this one is evil:
http://www.thetaoofmakingmoney.com/2007/08/31/486.html

 

[LS21]

Originally posted by: Lothar
http://www.jdpower.com/finance...gs/credit-card-ratings

surprised to see discover with those high ratings.

never had a problem with them when i carried their cards... it was just that their card had almost 0 features and benefits

 

[Dacalo]

Amex is awesome, their customer service is second to none.

 

[dougp]

If I could be guaranteed that AmEx was accepted at as many places as Visa, I would have kept my AmEx card ... Except I ran into quite a few times when it wasn't, and then it was a pain in the arse. I've never had any problems with some wrong charges on my Visa through BoA - even though they're so low on the ratings website.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
People talk about CC companies being evil, but from my experience nobody has the consumer's back like a good CC company.

Because the interest they charge most covers them being 'generous'.

 

[Slew Foot]

People who routinely use a discover card are probably just happy that someone is willing to give then a credit card in the first place.

Its like why Hyundai always outranks Mercedes and BMW in satisfaction, people have different expectations.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
People talk about CC companies being evil, but from my experience nobody has the consumer's back like a good CC company.

Because the interest they charge most covers them being 'generous'.

They don't charge any interest from me.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
If I could be guaranteed that AmEx was accepted at as many places as Visa, I would have kept my AmEx card ... Except I ran into quite a few times when it wasn't, and then it was a pain in the arse. I've never had any problems with some wrong charges on my Visa through BoA - even though they're so low on the ratings website.

why not keep both?

 

[purbeast0]

when someone stole my card and charged up like almost $1k worth of stuff I had to sign and fax an affidavit saying I didn't authorize those charges and circle the unauthorized ones on a statement.

took them about a week to get the charges off.

this was amex too.

 

[dougp]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: dreadpiratedoug
If I could be guaranteed that AmEx was accepted at as many places as Visa, I would have kept my AmEx card ... Except I ran into quite a few times when it wasn't, and then it was a pain in the arse. I've never had any problems with some wrong charges on my Visa through BoA - even though they're so low on the ratings website.

why not keep both?

I didn't want two seperate point cards ... silly, I know.

 

[nod218]

Actually AMEX doesn't eat it, it does a chargeback to the company that put the charges on your card. Unfortunately if the company was legit, and someone bought something with your card...american express doesn't notify the company that it was a fraudulent charge. So the company might send a debt collector after you. I had a similar situation with american express 4 year ago. Someone stole my credit card and made a purchase through billpay (western union). American express refunded me my money, but never told western union that it was a fraudulent charge, and 2 years later Western Union issued a debt collector to get the money from me. Luckly I kept all my correspondent with american express and was able to get collection canceled.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Originally posted by: Slew Foot
People who routinely use a discover card are probably just happy that someone is willing to give then a credit card in the first place.

Its like why Hyundai always outranks Mercedes and BMW in satisfaction, people have different expectations.

If that's the case, then Citi or BoA would be the winner there.

I've met more people who use Citi or BoA than Discover or any of the other CC issuer listed on that site quite frankly.

 

[videogames101]

I plan on getting an amex card if i do ever get a cc, from what i've heard, been tough they aren't accepted in as many places, the service is amazing. this is a correct judgment? (i'm in HS)