Consumer complaint received 2026-02-22 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: NY

Complaint narrative:
Re : Unlawful Credit Reporting and Charging Practices by American Express- Account No. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment at the credit reporting and charging practices employed by American Express in relation to my account. On XX/XX/XXXX, I attempted to make a payment of {$1200.00} for business insurance with my American Express Card, which was denied due to an alleged " hold '' on my card. 

Upon reviewing the circumstances surrounding this incident, I believe that American Express has engaged in unfair and deceptive practices that violate federal law. Specifically, I claim that American Express 's actions were motivated by institutionalized coercion for additional payments, rather than following generally accepted lawful business practices. 

The facts of this case are as follows : despite consistently making timely payments on my account, including monthly payments above the minimum for several months prior to this incident, American Express has placed a hold on my card without legitimate reason. Furthermore, the company 's alleged " hold '' is being used as a pretext to demand an additional payment of {$690.00} by XX/XX/XXXX ( Sunday ), which is an excessive and unfair amount. I refuse to pay this amount because my card balance is below the credit limit. 

The above stated transaction was denied without explanation or justification. When I called American Express to inquire about the denial, they informed me that there was a hold on my card due to charges " too high relative to the limit. '' However, I pointed out that my current balance of {$2700.00} was well below my credit limit of {$4000.00}, and that this comment made no sense. 
They also threatened me with a lower credit limit if I did not pay the additional {$690.00} by XX/XX/XXXX. I disputed this claim, stating that I had been making monthly payments above the minimum for several months without missing a payment, and that I was not in default or at risk of becoming default. I only recently had made some minimum payments because I was restructuring my loans. I argued that the hold on my card was a pretext for extortionate behavior. I strongly dispute this claim, as I have been making regular payments. 

I believe that American Express 's actions are in violation of several federal laws and regulations, including : * The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq.

* The Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ), 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

* The Consumer Credit Protection Act ( CCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1631 et seq. 

I request that you investigate this matter and take immediate action to address the following concerns : 1. Remove the hold on my account immediately, and refund any fees or interest charged in excess of applicable law.

2. Cancel the demand for an additional payment of {$690.00}, which is an excessive and unfair amount, or any amount they claim above the minimum amount they post on my account at their website. 

I have attached a copy of my credit report from XXXX, which shows my credit score of XXXX. I am confident that a thorough investigation will reveal that American Express 's actions are in violation of federal law, and I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation