Consumer complaint received 2025-04-10 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Trouble using your card — Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding severely detrimental actions taken by American Express concerning my personal credit account. I am a XXXX veteran and a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX currently navigating extreme housing instability while fleeing an abusive situation. The recent actions by American Express have been punitive, based on misleading information, and are directly jeopardizing my safety and well-being. 
1. Sudden and Drastic Credit Limit Reduction : On XX/XX/year>, American Express abruptly reduced my credit limit from {$9800.00} to $ XXXX staggering 77.5 % decreasewithout prior notice. At that time, my balance was approximately {$1700.00}, leaving me with only {$400.00} in available credit. 
2. Immediate Risk of Homelessness : This drastic reduction has created an immediate crisis. I am currently residing in a hotel with weekly rent payments of {$950.00}. Due to this unexpected limit change, I am now unable to cover my upcoming rent payment, placing me at imminent risk of homelessnessa direct consequence of American Express 's action. 
XXXX. Disregard for Loyalty and Payment History : This action was taken despite my nearly two-decades ( 19 years ) of impeccable history as a loyal cardmember with a previously strong credit record. Furthermore, it occurred shortly after I voluntarily initiated a substantial payment of {$2900.00} when no payment was due. This payment faced processing issues on Amex 's endbeing rejected twice despite sufficient funds being available in my linked account ( I possess screenshots verifying fund availability ) before finally posting on the third attempt. Instead of acknowledging this proactive payment or investigating the processing error, my card was punitively blocked during this period through no fault of my own. 
4. Discrepant and Misleading Account Information : On the same day as the limit reduction ( XX/XX/year> ), American Express sent an email notification stating my " Statement Balance '' was {$3800.00}. This was demonstrably false ; my actual balance at that time was {$1700.00}. Providing inaccurate financial information is destabilizing and potentially dangerous, especially for individuals relying on precise data for survival during a crisis. ( See attached screenshots documenting this discrepancy ). 
5. Ignoring Provided Evidence and Justification : I have formally communicated my situation, including providing my official VA XXXX award letter confirming a non-taxable annual income of {$45000.00} ( {$3800.00} monthly ). This income clearly supports my previous credit limit. My account management has been responsible ; I have never exceeded my limit. While I experienced one or two minor missed payments recently due to the extreme duress of my situation ( which I had communicated to Amex representatives ), these are exceptions to my long history, and I have consistently made substantial payments to manage my balance. American Express has disregarded this context and evidence.

6. Conflicting Information and Invasive Document Demands : When attempting to appeal this decision, I received contradictory information. An online chat representative stated no appeal process exists, yet an " Appeal Your Credit Limit Change '' portal was available online. After submitting my detailed letter, proof of income, and supporting screenshots via this portal, I was informed my only recourse was to wait XXXX months for potential review or submit three months of full bank statements. Given the sensitive nature of my situation and the extensive documentation already provided ( including official income verification ), this demand for full, detailed banking history feels unnecessarily invasive, potentially traumatic, and disregards the sufficiency of the proof already supplied.

7. Unfairly Penalizing Survival Efforts ( Credit Inquiries ) : American Express cited " too many credit inquiries '' as a contributing factor. As previously explained to Amex representatives multiple times, these inquiries resulted directly from my urgent need to secure stable housing while fleeing XXXX XXXX and managing displacement across state lines. They were essential actions for survival, not indicators of reckless borrowing. Punishing me for these inquiries is, in effect, punishing me for trying to secure basic safety and shelter. 
Summary of Grievances : American Express has taken punitive action without adequate justification, provided misleading account information, disregarded nearly two decades of loyalty, ignored substantial proof of income and extenuating circumstances, created confusion regarding appeals, made unnecessarily invasive demands, and penalized me for actions taken as part of a desperate search for safety and housing. This has placed me, a XXXX veteran and XXXX XXXX at immediate risk of homelessness. 
Desired Resolution : I demand an immediate review of this decision and the reinstatement of my previous credit limit of {$9800.00}. I also request a formal correction of the misleading account information provided and an explanation for the contradictory statements regarding the appeals process. 
I expect a prompt and serious response to this complaint.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation