Cancel Amex Plat Charge, before Receiving/Activating Card?

moocherx

Bit perturbed by Amex.

Beginning of May, applied for Plat Amex online and was accepted.

Had phonecall mid-May to tell me I'd been approved. Great. Set up direct debit with woman on phone at the time.

PIN Number arrived 3 weeks ago, but no card, and email received 3 weeks ago telling me my online statement is now ready to view. Still no card.

Called Amex today, and guy couldn't believe I'd received PIN and emails because "you were only approved on the 13th June, and you will get the card some time next week". I asked if the system tells him when the card was mailed. No, it doesn't - he said.

Said I was worried that I may now be charged for the 300 pound fee by direct debit, and I expect that not to be the case. To make sure, I asked if I would be charged if I haven't activated the card. He didn't know. I asked if I could speak to the New Account department to ask them. He said they wouldn't know.

This has made me very uneasy about Amex operations, and I want to cancel my card (if I ever receive it), and I don't expect to incur the 300 pound fee.

I have advised my bank not to accept any Direct Debit from Amex.

I feel I have a justified uneasiness to warrant cancelling the agreement without penalty. This is too much of a mess around for a card with a 300 pound annual fee.

Can I cancel any agreement, penalty free, before the card is received and/or activated?

I appreciate any help you can be.

lolarentt

I don't know what you're getting for £300 - obviously more than I get on my Platinum Amex which doesn't charge anything. I've had Amex cards of all types over many years and if it's any help, those that charge always put the charge on the monthly account.

moocherx

lolarentt wrote: »

I don't know what you're getting for £300 - obviously more than I get on my Platinum Amex which doesn't charge anything. I've had Amex cards of all types over many years and if it's any help, those that charge always put the charge on the monthly account.

I travel a lot on business, and one good thing I was "sold" is that you get free companion tickets in the same class of travel (on some of the airlines I regularly use), as well as some other perks like that. Even 1 flight would more than pay the fee.

But the strange "you can't have been approved back then because you've only just been approved", plus the pin coming when they think I've not even been approved, has set off warning lights for how Amex might not have a clue what's going on...

Do you know if I'm expecting too much to be able to cancel the card as I've not received it yet (despite them telling me it's been posted... but they don't know from the system WHEN it was posted... weird).

lolarentt

I've always found them very good on communications. If it was me I'd ring again and see if I can get someone with a bit more savvy - the least they should do is look into it and get back to you!

jamalfatty

https://www.iplatinum.americanexpress.com/prospect/uk/DOServlet?name=applyNowTandC

First section, just dont sign or use the card and they cant charge you

moocherx

jamalfatty wrote: »

https://www.iplatinum.americanexpress.com/prospect/uk/DOServlet?name=applyNowTandC

First section, just dont sign or use the card and they cant charge you

Thanks jamalfatty, you're a hero.

But can I be a pain and ask a question?

I've not yet signed an agreement. Everything was done on the phone.
Does this agreement come with the card, or is it implied from these T&C's that my signature and/or use is the event that will cause me to have accepted the agreement and then only subsequently liable for the charges?

Much appreciated