Consumer complaint received 2020-04-16
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: FL
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card
Sub-issue: Application denied

Complaint:
10 years ago I had to file for Bankruptcy ( BK ), because of of a contractor had defrauded us during the construction of a new home we were attempting to build. Our new construction foundation collapsed, and we lost thousands ; because of the stress from this situation, my health was effected, and my life, my marriage, and my career was in shambles. 

After 10 years of working hard, I now have an impeccable credit history. I have a large amount of savings, and so forth. Being a veteran of the military, and a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, I spent my life unselfishly protecting lives, and property. 

With that said under the BK, I had an American Express Card as one of my creditors that was discharged. I wrote a letter to them abound 4 years ago, asking how I could re gain their trust. I was told to be a card holder under another main account holder, and make all the payments on time. So my husband, opened up a Platinum Amex Card Account, for us both. Since than we have spent about 60,000 or more yearly. We have an impeccable payment history with them, and I worked hard to re build my credit history. 

From their recommendation, I started trying to get a Platinum Amex Card on my own over the past year to no avail. I wrote a letter to the CEO, and was quickly responded to. I was told that I should try to re submit my application once my BK falls off my credit.

So, this month after 10 years of having the stigma of a BK following me, I am free an clear of that dark time in my life. I have a stellar credit rating, I have years of perfect payments, and have successfully re-established amazing banking relationships with many financial institutions. All but American Express. 

I applied again about a week ago. Keep in mind that I did what they recommended and proved my self with a new Platinum American express Card Account, as a secondary account holder. I earned a strong credit history, and served my time under the bankruptcy mark I had on my head. 

I was pre-approved for the green AMEX card, yet disapproved for the platinum ( in which I held for the past 3-4 years. ) I sent another follow up letter to the CEO of AMEX and was promptly contacted by a very caring, and understanding representative. It took a few days, as she had to once again research the what and whys. 

I was contacted this afternoon once again. I was told that she was very sorry but the " New Accounts Department '' has denied me for this card not because of my credit, not even recognizing that I have spent thousands of dollars with American Express over the past four years, but because of the account I had discharged would for ever be on my AMEX record. I was told that even the CEO could do nothing about this, that she understood it was frustrating, and not a very fair situation, but this department has its rules. I was also told that they have to do this because of government regulations. What regulations? Double XXXX, the practice of XXXX listing? 

I am at a loss of words. First, I spent 13 years in the United States Airforce as a firefighter, I spent almost 23 years as a XXXX XXXX XXXX. I dedicated my life to not making millions, sometimes working three jobs, and suffering a catastrophic series of life events because of a shady contractor, just to be told I'm most likely for the rest of my life going to be " black listed '' from American Express. And that the CEO of this enormous fortune 500 company is to busy to call me direct, and has no power to overturn this departments shady operations. 

Bankruptcy laws are there to help persons to regroup, restart, and to be relived of financial obligations in times of need beyond ones control. Not to mention that I did not file for BK, because I abused my bills, because I wanted to buy luxury items I could not afford, I had a brand new homes foundation implode and cave in from a contractor whom defrauded us, from the stress I received had XXXX XXXX  XXXX  placed in my XXXX at the age of XXXX, I was distraught and ill, sad, and embarrassed. 

How can this be legally permitted? Howe can I be treated like a criminal with a life sentence by American Express? How can they tell me they are legally obligated because of governmental regulations and have to report to them that I'm treated this way? 

I hope this may bring some very sad, and un democratic practices that are permitted to be carried out by these mammoth company 's. All I'm asking was for me to receive an approval as an independent AMEX card holder, and not be treated as criminal. I did nothing wrong, I followed the BK law, and I worked hard to rebuild.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation