I have had an AMEX green for 2 years this month. Last Thursday, I called to see if they could upgrade my account to Gold, since they kept sending me these pre-approved Platinum offers. The rep said it wouldn't be a problem, my acct # wouldn't change, and the status was 'pending' right now, but I should receive my card in a few weeks. Well, I called today to find out if the card was being sent, and was told there was nothing there. He transferred me to new accounts, who said my app was declined because of inquiries and a negative (a paid collection from 1997). I told her that that negative shouldn't have been a factor, because it was there when I got the green. When I explained that I only wanted an upgrade, not a new card, she said that I had applied for a Delta gold, via the web. I almost fell over. I told her again that I had only asked for an upgrade, not a new card, and it was over the phone. She then transferred me to phone applications, who offered to take my application for a new card. Explained AGAIN that I didn't want a new card, just an upgrade. This rep said that they have to take an application, even for an upgrade. I cannot believe I was not told this when I first called. I asked if it would cost me another inquiry, and she said yes. I asked if they could use the inquiry that they generated last week, and she said no. I asked if New Accounts could do anything, and she said no, that an application is required. I am really P*SSED. Everybody keeps apologizing, but re-stating that I cannot have the gold card without applying for it. Two perfect years of Green, and one of Blue, and I can't even get an upgrade??? Do you have any suggestions on how to get them to listen? Thanks so much!
Well, as someone once said about Amex, when they're great they are the greatest, but when they're bad they are baaaaad Charge cards aren't my "specialty", but 2 things you could do: 1. Call CS and ask for a supervisor - s/he has better chances of understanding what exacly went wrong and how to fix it. 2. Call Amex MCS (Retention): 877 286 5891, tell them what you went through and they may be able to take it from here. Saar
JacquiG, Your experience made me sick to the stomach that you went through the exact BS that they told me a year ago. I talked to everybody @ AMEX & nobody could help the matter,new accounts said it was CS that did upgrades....CS said it was up to new accounts. Speaking with MORE was as useful as getting my dog to wiggle his nose(like Bewitched) & changing it to gold. Even with other pre approved offers like you,they thumbed their nose to me;however I did end up receiving $125.00 courtesy credit for my inconvenience. Now when I speak with them,I advise this call is being recorded to protect MYSELF(they are stunned ...but we continue on). Best of luck, Sister Girl
Thanks, Saar and SisterGirl. I called back and asked for a supervisor; ended up speaking with the rep that answered the phone anyway. He said he saw the note where I asked for the upgrade, and that it's still pending account update. Asked what that meant, he said something vague about changing my information, and he didn't see any reason that my request would not be granted (as if that matters). He said it usually takes 5-10 days to complete. Since this is day 6, I'll wait until my statement closes on Jan 3 and see what, if anything, has been done. SisterGirl, I had made up my mind that I was going to get that Gold card if I had to call every day, but I guess that won't work I guess I'll see what happens first, then go from there. Thanks for your responses!
Hey MP - yes, the $300 is a bit much. There's no way I would earn enough MR points or use the benefits enough to justify that kind of money. As it is, I probably wouldn't break even on the Gold unless I pushed it.
Well......there's plan B? Get the Platinum and keep it for a month, then downgrade? Tell them that the fee is too much.....they gotta give you at least Gold at that point, right? I don't know...AMEX is weird sometimes. I totally feel for ya. I've gone through my share of AMEX b.s. but I can't complain. I'm finally a happy customer.
Well well well...in today's mail was a letter from AMEX dated Dec 22 saying that they are pleased to transfer my current account to the Gold card, and that the effective date will be January 2, so long as my account is still in good standing then. Says the new card will be sent soon after the effective date. Included a new cardholder agreement and everything. This is good...
You said the platinum is not worth it, what good is the gold for $20 more? I don't see the gold any better than the green either.
it's the next level. there's a world of difference between $75 and $300. as much shopping as i do on the web, the free shipping will bring the overall cost down, as will the membership rewards. i also like the gold card events, i could have used that benefit this year, but i wasn't eligible.
I"m glad you got that letter. I was just about to mention that anytime AMEX changes something on your account, then send you a letter. All those times AMEX bamboozled me when I tried to go from secured Optima to Gold charge...and the NEVER once sent me a letter to confirm the change. When I transfered from Delta SkyMiles to Optima Platinum...they sent a letter. So as long as you have that letter...you are in good shape. It has been my experience that they will send you a letter confirming everything and they will tell you that the switch will take place the day or day after your billing cycle ends. That is the day they cut you a new card and mail it.
Congrats JacquiG!! I 've had the Gold Card for 46 days already. There 're soooo many flexibility expectations with it, well worth the $75.00...do much more than the Personal Card... (Green ) $1500 more a week for express cash. The Sign & Travel / Extended Payment Option needs at list 13 months of perfect payment history before it can be activated, you got that options open for you. (Green History ) The Gold Card has 3 accts in one Charge Card...Woohoo.. and there's no preset spending limits in all of them I got that too...( Secured Optima history ) been a pleasure, and very please with American Express! Herman
What do you mean "soooo many flexibility expectations with it", also, sign & travel/extended payment is expensive--you don't get a competitive rate. Express cash is also expensive, you get charged cash advance fees even though the money is coming directly from a linked account. Also, what do you mean by "The Gold Card has 3 accts in one Charge Card"? I had a gold charge card, but didn't see any benefits over the green. With a $40 membership rewards fee, that brought the total gold card annual fee to $115. I have since gotten the platinum, and am paying $300 for REAL benefits exclusive to the gold and green, but if I don't use the benefits, I still don't think it's worth the $300. Once I get my free companion ticket I will probably cancel the platinum too. I'd gladly trade my platinum charge card for a Blue with a decent credit line, and the 9.99 fixed rate, but the only pre-approvals I've been sent are for a 12.99 rate. What I don't understand is why they'll approve me for a Platinum charge card, but will only give me a platinum cash rebate card with a $3000 credit line, and blue pre-approvals for a 12.99 rate when 9.99 is advertised everywhere! Especially when I've charged well over $3000 before on my platinum and paid it in full. Never had a late/missed payment with Amex.
Hello, LOL! I have to admit of producing a percussive sound to applaudere you....hehehee! You got this Amex Platinum Charge Card... $300/ annual... which means, does have, the capacitance ability to top off all other cards beside the reputations of the Centurion. We, may not agrees to everything; but thats a wholly different point of view according to demographic perspective interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed. Herman
