In the past two months I bought about 6 airline tickets for different friends that didn't have credit cards, and they gave me the cash. I purchased them with my platinum card, and I paid the balance in full (you have to) way before the due date. Two weeks ago, Amex declined a charge when I was purchasing a mattress. I called in and they told me I would need to pay my balance before I could continue to make purchases (about 2000 dollars). I made the payment that night even though I felt a bit uneasy.
I bought an engagement ring for my fiance and a diamond this past week (2k), and then another airline ticket from Bogota back to here (750 dollars). American Express called me today and said that my accounts have been suspended. They asked that I fill out a form with the IRS that gives them access to all my tax records for the past three years, and that I provide them bank account statements, investment account statements, W-2s, and a utility bill to confirm my address.
I asked them why, and they said it was not related to my balances. I assumed it was because of what happened two weeks ago, but they said that was not the reason. Going on a hunch, I asked her if this was to comply with the Patriot Act and Money laundering regulations. The Supervisor told me that American Express "follows all government regulations." I asked my question again, and was very specific about the Patriot Act. She told me "I can neither confirm nor deny it is related to the Patriot Act."
I told her I would not be sending in the information, and that I wanted to close all of my American Express accounts. I told her that it should reflect that the accounts were closed by the consumer. She asked for me to make an immediate full payment on my outstanding balance, and I refused. I told her I would make the payment a few days before my due date which is what I always do.
Basically, I think my purchases of airline tickets for foreign students has somehow triggered a provision of the Patriot Act that American Express must comply with. Since they were not willing to admit it, I will no longer do business with them. I have never been late on a payment with them, nor have I ever had a returned check or other problem. I have no late payments on any credit accounts, mortgage accounts, or my car loan.
Anyone think I am out of line?
Cliffs:
Amex suspended my accounts
Amex wants my tax returns and bank statements
Refused to confirm or deny it was Patriot Act related
Update:
Just wanted to update that I re-opened my Platinum Card. I miss the benefits too much. I'm keeping my other cards closed, and I'll close the Platinum once I get my Citi Chairman's card.
I re-opened the account because they offered me some MR points and sent me a letter asking for my business back. I never completed the Financial Review or gave them the tax documents, and I never will.
I bought an engagement ring for my fiance and a diamond this past week (2k), and then another airline ticket from Bogota back to here (750 dollars). American Express called me today and said that my accounts have been suspended. They asked that I fill out a form with the IRS that gives them access to all my tax records for the past three years, and that I provide them bank account statements, investment account statements, W-2s, and a utility bill to confirm my address.
I asked them why, and they said it was not related to my balances. I assumed it was because of what happened two weeks ago, but they said that was not the reason. Going on a hunch, I asked her if this was to comply with the Patriot Act and Money laundering regulations. The Supervisor told me that American Express "follows all government regulations." I asked my question again, and was very specific about the Patriot Act. She told me "I can neither confirm nor deny it is related to the Patriot Act."
I told her I would not be sending in the information, and that I wanted to close all of my American Express accounts. I told her that it should reflect that the accounts were closed by the consumer. She asked for me to make an immediate full payment on my outstanding balance, and I refused. I told her I would make the payment a few days before my due date which is what I always do.
Basically, I think my purchases of airline tickets for foreign students has somehow triggered a provision of the Patriot Act that American Express must comply with. Since they were not willing to admit it, I will no longer do business with them. I have never been late on a payment with them, nor have I ever had a returned check or other problem. I have no late payments on any credit accounts, mortgage accounts, or my car loan.
Anyone think I am out of line?
Cliffs:
Amex suspended my accounts
Amex wants my tax returns and bank statements
Refused to confirm or deny it was Patriot Act related
Update:
Just wanted to update that I re-opened my Platinum Card. I miss the benefits too much. I'm keeping my other cards closed, and I'll close the Platinum once I get my Citi Chairman's card.
I re-opened the account because they offered me some MR points and sent me a letter asking for my business back. I never completed the Financial Review or gave them the tax documents, and I never will.
