Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Amex Question

Posted on 5/17/17 at 4:24 pm
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 4:24 pm
Got a different type of question. My mom had a stroke a little over a month ago. She's fine and recovering, but still can't fully communicate. I'm a signer on her checking account, and have taken over her finances in the interim. Well, she has an Amex card that has a balance. The account had a payment due a few days after her stroke. I didn't find the bill until it was already late. I called them to explain the situation and to see if they would waive the late feel. They wouldn't and wouldn't give me any info on the account, understandably since I'm not on it.

Well, I get this month's bill and because last month's was late, she's incurred the penalty interest rate of 29.99%, up from 13.99%. The new rate only applies to new purchases, which there shouldn't be any except for a few recurring bills she has set up on it.

I don't have power of attorney, as we didn't feel it was needed. Should I get one just to take care of this one thing? Is there another way I could get this corrected? Doctors are confident she'll regain her communication and she can maybe handle, but I'd rather do something now if I could. I found all of her old statements and she's never been late on this card, and I hate the feeling that I'm somewhat responsible though it was a bit out of my control.
Posted by dj30
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2006
29855 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 6:51 pm to
Any reason you cant send a check for the amount?
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 7:35 pm to
Sorry, I realize my question wasn't clear. I can pay over the phone with no problem. I was trying to get the penalty interest rate reversed and back to the 13.99%. not sure why she doesn't just pay it all off as she has enough, but I don't want to stick my nose too far into her financial affairs. The balance isn't that high.
Posted by NCNurse
LKN
Member since Jan 2017
44 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 9:19 pm to

I would call Amex again. While a supervisor may not be able to speak to you regarding her particular account, you can ask what options are available to cardholders in this situation. If that person can't help you, ask to speak to someone else.

Ask her doctors to write a letter attesting to the date of her stroke, that she been temporarily incapacitated etc.

Write your own letter indicating you are helping your mother and noting her longstanding history with the company with no late payments. Request a review of the recent increase in interest rate. I would mail to Amex certified.

Wishing your mother a speedy recovery!

Posted by RetLanaton
Member since May 2017
23 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 9:58 pm to
call and try again. if that person doesn't tell you what you want, ask to talk to someone else. if they still don't want to do anything, tell them you're cancelling the card
This post was edited on 5/17/17 at 9:59 pm
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
38283 posts
Posted on 5/18/17 at 5:45 am to
Document the medical condition and speak with a superviser after you email the documentation to them. They've heard every excuse under the sun but if you send documentation you stand a much better chance of getting what you want.
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
38283 posts
Posted on 5/18/17 at 5:46 am to
quote:

if they still don't want to do anything, tell them you're cancelling the card


Did you read the thread? It isn't his card to cancel.
Posted by The Spleen
Member since Dec 2010
38865 posts
Posted on 5/18/17 at 8:18 am to
Thanks!

She has an appt with her doctor today, so I'll ask my aunt to ask her doctor for a letter documenting her condition and date of the stroke and try that route.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram