I kept getting calls on my cell phone from an Ontario area code, and when I went to answer it, they hang up. I thought this was some solicitation thing so I called the number to get them to stop.

Turns out it was American Express Canada and they had a problem with my account. Problem…?, I always pay my bill. Their so called “problem” was they were uncomfortable with my spending limits and froze my account (I had no idea) and wanted to let me know that my ‘unlimited’ Amex card was in fact now limited. What? ...when did this happen? Well according to their phone rep, now. I had purchased our Trip to Mexico on the card , which they approved, and now they are uncomfortable with me carrying the balance on my card.

Let me tell you what challenges I have been having with Amex for the past 6 months. First, I have had 2 American Express cards for over 6 years. Never had a problem. About 6 months ago or so, I started to see the card get declined for simple purchases like gas at Costco. I called them and they tell me I have a payment due. Wrong, payment was not due… their mistake. Payment was made they had not entered it. OOPS! Sorry. We book our trip..Travel Agency says the card needs verification and cannot go through? WHAT? I call Amex…they tell me I am carrying a $1200.00 balance and they would PREFER I pay that out so I can add the Vacation package. OK, I did that. They raised the limit and all is well. NOPE. Today they are uncomfortable with me carrying the balance which they gave me and yes, my card is frozen again.

Solution, I paid out my balance and canceled both the cards. Sorry to be a ‘uncomfortable’ client American Express. I hope you find better clients than me to deal with.

Good thing MasterCard and Visa are comfortable with me…

Larry J Clark