Consumer complaint received 2025-07-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Trouble using your card — Can't use card to make purchases
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding retaliatory, deceptive, and financially damaging actions taken by American Express ( AMEX ) against me, despite my excellent payment history and responsible use of both business and personal accounts. 
In XXXX and XXXX XXXX, I contacted AMEX to request specific guidance on leveraging my AMEX Business Platinum Card and AMEX Business Line of Credit to invest in software development for sports teams and hockey. I was pre-approved for these products based on my strong credit standing and longstanding positive relationship with AMEX. I was reassured to use AMEX Business Lines and AMEX platinum business card. 
During these conversations, AMEX representatives assured me that I could use these products for this investment. Acting on this guidance : I charged {$40000.00} to my AMEX Business Line of Credit and paid it off entirely within two weeks, well before the six-month repayment term.

I charged {$200000.00} to my AMEX Business Platinum Card and paid {$120000.00} toward the balance. 
Due to AMEXs sudden restrictions, I was forced to rely on my personal credit cards to complete the project, resulting in damage to my FICO score, despite never missing a payment on any account. 
In retaliation and contradiction to their assurances, AMEX took the following damaging actions : Reduced my {$49000.00} AMEX Business Line of Credit to {$2000.00}, then restricted it entirely.

Restricted my AMEX Business Platinum Card.

Restricted my AMEX Hilton Honors Card.

Restricted my AMEX Gold Card.

Lowered my pay over time options. 
On XX/XX/XXXX, AMEX restricted my personal AMEX Platinum Card while I was attempting to book XXXX XXXX. 
AMEX has now also limited my personal AMEX Platinum Card, restricting its use even though my account is in good standing with no late payments. 
These actions prevented me from accessing the funding I was assured would be available, directly causing me to lose over XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX dollars in potential income. Additionally, being forced to rely on personal credit damaged my FICO score, despite maintaining on-time payments across all accounts. 
I believe AMEXs conduct constitutes : Retaliatory and unfair account restrictions. 
Deceptive and misleading business practices. 
Actions that caused significant financial loss and damaged my credit standing. 
I respectfully request the CFPBs assistance to : Investigate AMEXs misleading guidance and retaliatory account restrictions. 
Require AMEX to restore my business and personal credit lines to their original limits. 
Mandate corrections to my credit reports for any inaccurate or damaging entries caused by AMEXs actions. 
Hold AMEX accountable for deceptive and retaliatory practices that harm consumers and small business owners. 
I am available to provide additional information or documentation upon request and appreciate the CFPB 's role in protecting consumers from financial harm. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation