MSE News: Amex promises application delay probe 27 January 2011 at 3:36PM in Credit cards 9 replies 2.2K views

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"The credit card giant has pledged to review processes after complaints of lengthy delays when consumers apply ..."

Read the full story:
Amex promises application delay probe

euterpe13

Surprised at this - I have been with Amex since 2003 and have never had any problems, either when applying initially for a card or when moving from one country to another ( which could potentially have raised problems). In fact, I find that Amex has one of the best customer services in the financial sector - to the extent where they even flagged a possible fraudulent use of my card, blocked it, and called me to sort things out - they saved me several hundred pounds!
However, if people are not supplying full information as to identity and earnings when they apply, then they must expect Amex to want to verify things - only logical.

michaels

I had similar - got bank to stamp it and they wrote back twice not saying that the bank stamp was inadequate but just asking for it again - phoned to complain / ask what was the problem and CS then decided what they had was acceptable.

My tip is to choose a bank you bank at and tell them it has been requested to open one of their own postal products and then they will copy, sign and stamp free of charge...

Back to Amex, they emailed me within 48 hours of application with a decline and then sent a letter a few days later to say the decline was a mistake and actually they would be offering me a card?!

slackinside

My application took over 40 days. They said it was due to xmas and new year eve... Bit understandable though

corbyboy

Never had anything to do with Amex and I can certainly sympathise with people who have had to jump through hoops for Amex.

But the first story in the news article certainly sounds like a case of not following Amex's instructions properly.

gavrc

Slightly off topic, but last year I applied for the Sainsburys Nectar Credit card (which is Amex). I earn enough, have no loans and a home with no mortgage. I work hard to keep my finances in order and was looking forward to some bonus Nectar points!
To my surprise I was instantly declined. It would seem I was in no position to earn them any money. So I wrote and asked why I was declined and surprise, surprise no response.
Credit is a risky business and these companies have no interest customers that don't generate revenue and will go to the end of the earth to make sure anyone they do take on will pay them back (just not too quickly).

gav

slackinside

it's what we call capitalism hehe

Aargh

Well applied for an AMEX card a month ago & today finally got a letter through today asking for a Certified copy of my passport & an original utility bill. Will have to call and see if they will accept Post Office certification as my local notary wants £25 to sign her name.

Noticed it lists policemen as being able to certify a document as a true copy, but in a conversation a few yrs ago with a Hertfordshire officer she told me they were no longer allowed to do this!

[Deleted User]

Aargh wrote: »

Noticed it lists policemen as being able to certify a document as a true copy, but in a conversation a few yrs ago with a Hertfordshire officer she told me they were no longer allowed to do this!

Although Amex will accept a policeman/woman's signature, it's understandable that certain forces might not want their employees dpoing it as a matter of course. "Policeman certifies conman for Amex Card" does not make happy reading for the Chief Inspector.

Aargh

Deleted_User wrote: »

Although Amex will accept a policeman/woman's signature, it's understandable that certain forces might not want their employees dpoing it as a matter of course. "Policeman certifies conman for Amex Card" does not make happy reading for the Chief Inspector.

Exactly what she said. Spoke to AMEX they will accept a Post Office ID check, given that the Post Office is regulated by the FSA it meets the required terms so odd that people have had issues. Now I only need to wait until a bank statement turns up.....