Consumer complaint received 2025-07-22 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Against American Express for Unnotified Account Changes and Unfair Business Practices I am writing to file a formal complaint against American Express concerning their abrupt and un notified changes to my Platinum Card account, which I believe constitute unfair business practices and may violate consumer protection regulations. As a loyal cardholder for 36 years, I am deeply concerned about the companys recent actions, which have significantly impacted my financial standing and trust in their services. 
I have held an American Express Platinum Card, with an annual fee of {$600.00}, going in two years. Initially, my account carried an unlimited credit limit, reflecting my long-standing relationship with the company and consistent payment history. However, in XX/XX/year>, American Express unexpectedly added the {$600.00} annual fee to my account balance without prior notice. Two weeks later, the company drastically reduced my credit limit to {$2500.00}, again without any advance notification or explanation. These actions have caused significant distress and potential harm to my credit profile. 
On XX/XX/year>, I contacted American Express to address these concerns. The representative informed me that the reduction in my credit limit was due to low payments and too many credit inquiries on my credit report. I find this justification inadequate and unacceptable for several reasons : XXXX. Lack of Notification : American Express failed to provide any prior notice regarding the addition of the annual fee to my account balance or the drastic reduction of my credit limit. This lack of transparency is not only poor business practice but may also violate federal regulations, such as those under the Truth in Lending Act, which requires clear disclosure of changes to credit terms. 
XXXX. Inconsistent Reasoning : My payment history with American Express has been exemplary, with no late payments. The representatives claim of low payments is vague and does not align with my consistent and timely payment record. Furthermore, the reference to credit inquiries seems arbitrary, as American Express did not provide specific details or evidence to support this decision. 
XXXX. Impact on Creditworthiness : The sudden reduction of my credit limit to {$2500.00} has likely increased my credit utilization ratio, potentially harming my credit score. This unilateral decision, made without warning or consultation, places me at a financial disadvantage and undermines the trust I have placed in American Express for over three decades. 
I believe American Expresss actions constitute unfair and deceptive practices, as they failed to provide adequate notice or a reasonable explanation for these significant changes to my account. Such practices may violate consumer protection laws enforced by your agency, including regulations requiring transparency and fairness in credit card agreements.

I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate American Expresss practices in this matter. Specifically, I ask for : A review of American Expresss failure to provide prior notification of the account changes. 
An evaluation of whether these actions comply with applicable consumer protection laws, including the Truth in Lending Act and regulations governing fair credit practices. 
Restoration of my credit limit to its original terms or a reasonable level commensurate with my long-standing relationship and payment history. 
Appropriate remedies for any financial or credit-related harm caused by these actions. 
Enclosed, please find copies of relevant documentation, including my American Express statements and correspondence, to support this complaint. I am available to provide additional information or clarification as needed. You may contact me at XXXX or email XXXX Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will take appropriate action to address these concerns and protect consumers from such practices. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation