Consumer complaint received 2025-03-06 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement — Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
Complainant : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX Financial Institution : American Express XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX Subject : Formal Billing Dispute Interest Calculation Transparency & Account Protection Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Disputed Amount : {$4100.00} Complaint Details : I am filing this complaint against American Express regarding a billing dispute for the total amount of {$4100.00} on my credit card account ( # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ). On XX/XX/year>, I submitted a formal dispute to American Express at XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX in accordance with my billing rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) and the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ). 

The dispute was submitted because the interest calculations on my account appear inconsistent with the disclosed Annual Percentage Rate ( APR ), Daily Periodic Rate ( DPR ), and Average Daily Balance ( ADB ). The figures provided on my statement do not align with my own calculations, and I have not been provided a clear breakdown of how the interest rate was applied to my account.

Nature of the Dispute : 1. Incorrect or Unclear Interest Rate Calculations The APR provided does not align with my calculated DPR and ADB, raising questions about how the final interest charge was determined.

2. Lack of Transparency While APR is disclosed, American Express has not provided the raw interest rate used to calculate my charges, making it impossible to verify whether I am being overcharged.

3. Failure to Provide Required Documentation Under TILA and FCBA, I am entitled to a detailed, written breakdown of how my balance was calculated, including how interest, fees, and payments are allocated.

4. Potential IRS Compliance Issue Under IRS regulations, any interest amount exceeding {$10.00} requires a 1099-INT form for tax reporting purposes. To date, I have not received one. If American Express has failed to issue the required documentation, this raises serious tax compliance concerns. 

The Core Issue with Interest Calculations The interest rate is the raw percentage charged on the amount I owe before any extra fees or calculations. The APR includes fees and represents the yearly cost of borrowing, while the Daily Periodic Rate ( DPR ) is just a small piece of the APR. But none of these numbers actually tell me the pure interest rate being used to calculate my charges, and thats a major issue. 

APR is a long-term cost representation, DPR is just a step in the math, and the actual interest rate is the hidden percentage that controls how much Im truly being charged. Without knowing the true interest rate, there is no way to verify whether the lenders interest calculations are correct.

Requested Information : To resolve this matter, I request that American Express provide a full written response detailing the following : 1. A clear separation of the actual interest rate applied versus any fees included in the APR. 
2. The precise Daily Periodic Rate ( DPR ) used and how it was derived.

3. A full breakdown of how my Average Daily Balance ( ADB ) was calculated.

4. A detailed explanation of how my APR and daily interest are calculated, including how my payments are allocated between principal and interest.

5. A full review of my account to verify that all calculations have been applied correctly.

6. A revised statement, if necessary, that accurately reflects the interest and payment structure. 
7. Clarification regarding any discrepancies that may have led to miscalculations or inconsistencies.

8. Written confirmation that no payments are required until this dispute is fully reviewed and resolved.

9. Issuance of a 1099-INT form for any interest assessed to my account, as required by law.

Legal Protections & Account Safeguards : The Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) and the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) both provide protections that ensure consumers can dispute any questionable charge, including interest assessments and balance discrepancies, without the risk of retaliation or unfair treatment by the lender. These laws safeguard my right to request full transparency in how my balance is calculated and ensure that no payments are required until the dispute is properly reviewed and resolved.

As required by law under 15 U.S. Code 1666 ( c ) : My account must not be subjected to adverse action ( such as late fees, penalties, or negative credit reporting ) while this dispute is under review. 
The disputed amount can not be collected until American Express provides written evidence supporting the accuracy of the charges. 

Additionally, nowhere in federal law does it state that a certain transaction can only be disputed under the Billing Rights Act. My right to dispute interest calculations, balance discrepancies, and account accuracy is protected under multiple consumer protection laws, including TILA and FCBA.

In accordance with federal consumer protection laws, my account should be placed on hold until this matter is fully reviewed and resolved. It is my right to receive a clear and accurate breakdown of how interest and balances are calculated before being required to make further payments. Continuing to impose payment obligations without providing this critical information could be considered unfair and improper under applicable laws. 

I also request written confirmation that American Express will not close my account or take adverse action due to this dispute. The law does not limit disputes to specific transactionsconsumers are allowed to dispute total balances, interest calculations, and account inaccuracies without facing retaliation. 

Supporting Documentation : Copy of my original dispute letter sent to American Express. 

Requested CFPB Action : I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that American Express : Provides a full and transparent explanation of how my interest was calculated. 
Does not take adverse action against my account while the dispute is under review. 
Issues a formal response within 30 days as required by law. 
Suspends collection efforts on the disputed amount until the matter is resolved. 
Corrects any errors found in the interest calculation and adjusts the balance accordingly. 
Issues a 1099-INT form for any interest assessed, as required by IRS regulations .

Since my dispute was filed in compliance with federal law, I am requesting CFPB oversight to ensure that American Express follows all legal requirements and provides the transparency I am entitled to under TILA and FCBA. 

Thank you for your time and assistance. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation