I just rec'd my checks on 12/15. I deposited one into my account for $2,000 (my limit is $10,000).On 12/22 I made my deposit and on 12/28 my local bank account shows the check was returned and debited from my account. The local bank shows the reason as "refer to maker". I called AMEX and they don't ever show it being presented to them. I made the check out to myself, signed it, endorsed the back of the check and deposited it. Amex has my full name at the top of the AMEX LOC checks, I put my whole name on the "pay to the order line" signed it on the front just using my middle initial (J.) and endorsed it on the back with my full middle name included. AMEX feels the check was rejected because the signiture on the front does not match the signature on the back perfectly.Again I signed on the front with my middle initial only and signed the back with my entire middle name included. Does this sound correct? AMEX investigators are not in until Monday to find out for sure but my bank swears AMEX returned it. Pleas help!
Jeez, what a mess. I know a couple of posters have had this same problem occur. It was being blamed on Amex not yet being organized with the start up of their LOC accounts. I'm sorry I have no advice to offer, but I symphatize. Let us know what happens on Monday. Dani
I've called AMEX 6 times and verified the account is new , no balance, and $10,000 available, in good standing. The only thing they can suggest is that my signatures did not exactly match on the front and back of my check I deposited, I used middle initial once, and entire middle name on back. I also was charged $15 for the returned check from the local bank! This check thing is very difficult.
So far, Amex Membership Banking seems to offer very poor performance. Miscoded inquiries, returned checks, accounts frozen for no reason or without notification, unreasonable verification requirements (even for long-standing Amex customers), delayed processing of deposits, and reps who are only trained to read scripts - they have no authority or discretion whatsoever. Said but true - their banking division does not deserve to be in business. Saar
Precisely. This is why I chucked a $5K LOC, a savings account, a checking account, and overdraft protection. They are too incompetent for words.
They approved me for two locs back in August and then closed suddenly with no reason!. In the other hand my brother sent by mail a $200 check to open a checking account. A week later they sent him back TWO $200 checks ($400) because were unable to open the account. So... he got $200 free!. Go figure!.
Cheez, interesting. I have been using AMEX for years, granted my line of credit is a business one, but I have never had any problems. We have accessed the CreditWorks LOC twice for $30,000. An my consulting company has accessed its line for as high as $26,000 in one check, no problems. www.creditsense.com
I agree with SAAR. Amex Centurian should close and save face. They can't even do the simpleist things in banking such as processing their own checks without screwing up. My check was deposited over 7 days ago and no one ever bother to even call to let me know AMEX was sending their check back to my bank for " refer to maker" reasons.You would think AMEX would call if they rejected it. Again, this is a new account with 10,000 available verified 7 times that it is open and ready. AMEX said this is a broad category and probably has something to do with the check itself.Great, there alot of help! My bank will tell me Monday the true reason but AMEX is opening up an investigation and it will take 5-7 business days??Holy cow.. Close your shop now!!!
In my experience, if this turns out to be an AMEX screw up, as it appears it is, if you ask them to pay for the return fee, they probably will. They have been the best company I have dealt with. www.creditsense.com
