Complain about a product or service

American Express

Gift Cards

Kerry of West Covina CA (07/02/08)
KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! I got a $100 American Express gift card in August 2007 for my daughter's birthday. It was given by a priest who came from Taiwan to visit us. He purchased it from Vons with cash plus the fee for purchasing it. After a week of receiving the card, I tried using it at a local retailer and the card was declined. I called in and a rep told me that the card hasn't been activated yet and it will be by the next day. She thought it was odd because I've had the card for 1 week already as it was supposed to get activated the day it was purchase. I tried using it 2 weeks later and the card was still declined. So, I called customer service and talked to a supervisor and was told that the card was invalid and has a balance of $0.

She put in a request to get a new card issued. She even asked for my address and phone, but I've never received it. So, I called back 2 months later and got the same response and was told to call back, which I did several times. Now it's July 2, 2008, my ninth time calling, and after talking to several reps and supervisors, they finally told me that I need a copy of the gift card purchase receipt as it's the only way they can issue a replacement card. It's been almost a year and the priest no longer has the receipt. Most people don't keep the receipt, and for American Express to keep telling me to call back 2-3 business days to check the status, they are delaying the months that I could have asked the priest for it. I told them that this is a way for them to make money from people, and found it ridiculous for them to tell me to ask a priest all the way from Taiwan for the original receipt after almost a year!

I also told them that I will report them to BBB, the news, and their main website. I might have a chance to get a receipt if only they had told me since the beginning to get one. My advice, try to keep or get a hold of the receipt early on and don't listen to the reps and supervisors if they tell you that they will take matter personally and call you back, they don't. This is very upsetting because Ive wasted so much time arguing with customer service and to find out that the priest is out of $100, my daughter didnt get her gift, and American Express gained it. I would NEVER buy nor want American Express gift cards and am telling everyone I know not to buy them either.

Michael of Rancho Palos Verdes CA (06/30/08)
We had in our possession three American Express Gift Cards, $100, $25 and $25 for a total of $150. We had noticed an expiration date of 08/08 on all of the cards and planned to use them prior to the stated expiration date. In attempting to use them today 6/29 at a local retailer, we were told that the $25 cards had no value and the $100 card had a value of $72. The retailer was witness to us opening the cards in their presence and did not understand why this was the case.

We called the 877 number which was hard to make out as it was pressed in on the exact line of the card imprints making it almost impossible to read. We eventually got a hold of someone who verified one of the cards and responded with this card has no value as we had to take back $2 per month since you had not used the card that was activated in May of 2006. Oh by the way you got a year free of this charge. This was obviously news to us since the card had clearly indicated an expiration date of 08/08. I feel that any person(s) looking at the packaging of this gift card would have no idea that there is a penalty of any amount for not using the card, the deception occurs due to the misleading expiration date written in large clearly visible lettering on the package and not the small print cleverly minimized to deceive. As an example if a $25 card loses total value due to this fee prior to the expiration date as occurred in our case, why have this false expiration date imprinted at all, did they not know of their own math. I think American Express is deserving of the exposure and proper inquiry and full application of the law in order to stop this sort of practice, I hope someone in congress or place of proper authority has them under a magnifying glass and will hold their feet to the fire.

Loss of $78 of the $150 value in gift cards that were used to purchase household goods.

Donna of Bloomingdale NJ (06/29/08)
Upon purchasing an American Express gift card I was charged and additional $4.95 fee to activate it. I am appalled that I would have to pay to purchse a gift card. No other businesses charge to purchase their gift cards. American Express is making an unfair profit.

Gary of Westlake Village CA (06/24/08)
I was given a couple of American Express gift cards a few months ago and had never gotten around to using them until last week-end. The merchant to whom I submitted the cards said both were declined. I looked at the card to see if there was a customer service number. There was no phone number so I went onto the American Express gift card website. I found a page that would supposedly tell me the balance and history of use on the card. After I typed in the card number the site told me my time on the site had expired and I was kicked off the page. I went through the same routine several times with the same result.

Then I found this card rating site with dozens of complaints from people having major problems with their American Express gift cards. After reading through some of the experiences people have had one question immediately came to mind: Why hasn't some enterprising attorney filed a class action lawsuit agains American Express? It looks like it would be a slam dunk.

It looks like I have probably suffered the loss of the value of the gift cards. What was the amount on the gift cards? I have no way of knowing, but the least expensive American Express gift card is $25.

Giovanna of San Diego CA (06/20/08)
I married on June 14th and received two gift cards in the amount of $100 each from separate family members. While using one card for on online transaction, card was returned as declined. Reattempted orignal card as well as second $100 card and both continued to be declined. Went online to amercicanexpress.com/giftcard and was horrified to discover that both cards were showing a balance of $0. You could see that the cards were used in fact on June 9th at an Enterprise Rent-a-car. Both cards, which came from 2 different families, each unopened until by meself until just earlier that day.

No one at American Express could provide a reasonable explation. I in fact stated to them that this can't possibly be the first type of this situation and why had their Customer Service Department Managers not provided them with better response. I then was asked to fax in basically my life; ID card, mailing address, phone number, copies of cards, copies of packaging, copies of receipits which I didn't have - they were gifts! to a dead zone. Waiting to see if anything pans out - my family, rightfully embarressed and horified that their generous gift has turned out to be a hideous honeymoon.

The worst part though, has to be American Express's gain in all of this. Upon discovering sites such as this one that recount similar events that are happening way too frequently, after being repeatedly questioned and convinced that this situation was unique to me, disgusts me to a level of human discontent that is purely unimaginable. How could a company knowingly take someone's money for a product and turn around and provide them with absolutley nothing in return amazes me.

Robert of Alta Loma CA (06/19/08)
I purchased a gift card about 3 months ago as a gift for one of my customers. She reported to me that the crd was not valid. After calling AMEX I was told to issue a fax, copy of the card, etc. About 2 weeks later I got a call from AMEX wanting to re-issue the card. The phone number given to me was bogus. I still have not got my money back. I stopped buying AMEX gift cards and do not recommend that anybody buy them

Marlea of Lakewood CA (06/15/08)
I received an AMerican Express Gift Card for my birthday on April 19, 2008. When I attempted to use it on the 27th of April, the card was declined. I called AE and was told that I would have to fax a copy of the card, receipt, and information about myself for them to review. The said this review would take 10 business days.

I received a letter saying that I would be receiving the gift card in 5-10 business days. I am still waiting. 9 phone calls later it seems that AE doesn't really are about customer service because nothing is being done. I have spoken to at least 7 different people all telling me conflicting stories. Finally I was connected to a manager by the name of Sean who's assured me that she'd express mail my check on Monday. I'm not holding my breath.

Marlea of Lakewood CA (06/15/08)
I received an AMerican Express Gift Card for my birthday on April 19, 2008. When I attempted to use it on the 27th of April, the card was declined. I called AE and was told that I would have to fax a copy of the card, receipt, and information about myself for them to review. The said this review would take 10 business days. I received a letter saying that I would be receiving the gift card in 5-10 business days. I am still waiting.

9 phone calls later it seems that AE doesn't really are about customer service because nothing is being done. I have spoken to at least 7 different people all telling me conflicting stories. Finally I was connected to a manager by the name of Sean who's assured me that she'd express mail my check on Monday. I'm not holding my breath.

Allison of Silver Spring MD (05/28/08)
Like on May 3rd I ordered AMEX gift cards for my grown daughters for their birthdays totaling $750. On May 8th I got an email confirming they'd been personalized and shipped. I still haven't seen them, but have been given the runaround from South Asia, the Philippines, British Columbia and Salt Lake City call centers all extending the date I should wait for it. Today was to be the last day I should expect them. And there's no contact information I trust to get my VISA credited back with the money I spent.

I missed both daughters' birthdays and I'm very worried about my money. I can't afford to have $750 out there somewhere, for nothing!

Janette of Sun City CA (05/09/08)
Last Fall I received an $200 American Express gift card from a lady whose mother was dying. I used it once. I could not see the number to call to get the balance because it was imprinted over with other information. I have tried unsuccessfully to use the card many times. I don't really have the time to play around with this. I just want to know what balance I have on it and where they will accept it. The card is valid until 09/08 supposedly.

Ken of Marietta GA (04/05/08)
About 2 months ago, we started receiveing Travel and Leisure Magazine, which we have never ordered. On this month's statement there is a fraudulent charge for $41.34 for this subscription. I tried to report the fraud at the Amex website, where I pay my bill. After I provided some details, and clicked submit I received a message box saying that I would have to call about this problem.

The accumulated damages to people who fail to report the fraudulent charge could run into the millions. We had assumed that this magazine, which arrived out of the blue, was being sent gratis. Had we not scrutinized our bill (which takes an extra step online) we would never have know we were being charged for the subscription. This is very sleezy, and, I suspect, just plain illegal -- it is clearly fraud, plain and simple.

Carisa of Fresno CA (03/09/08)
I received a $25 gift card for baby shower. When I went to use it, it was declined. I checked my balance online, and it said $0. I was unable to get an email address for customer service because I do not have an Amex credit card. When I called customer service, they said that I needed the receipt from when it was purchased. It was a gift! Why would I have the receipt?

They said they were unable to help me, so I have a gift card worth nothing instead of the $25 stated on the card.

Matthew of Soso MS (03/03/08)
I received a $50 Amex gift card two weeks ago. I tried to use this card at a local sporting goods store that was going out of business. I tried to make a purchase of $49.35 . The card was declined at the register. When I got home I checked the balance on the card: it showed .35 left. When I FINALLY reached a real person at Amex , they explained that the funds were on hold until the store approved the transaction, and that in 3 to 7 days the money would be credited back to the card. Great. Problem solved, right? WRONG! After 6 days, the money wasn't returned , so I called Amex again. The guy was nice and told me that the money would be back on the card by Saturday midnight. I explained to the guy that if it wasn't credited by then, I would have a big problem because the business was closing their doors Saturday for good. He told me to call the store, and that I'd get a refund back later, that they would not charge the gift card.  I did so.

Sunday morning I checked the balance: 65 cents still. I called Amex and I get the same run around. Finally I get a supervisor by the name of Christian on the phone, and he tells me that the transaction WAS approved by the store 4 days ago! Why this wasn't mentioned by the other two Amex reps I have NO CLUE! Christian says that I need to go to the store and get a refund. I explained for the 20th time that the store is closed, never to open again! He then gets snippy and says that it was no longer a problem between me and Amex, but a problem between me and the (closed) store, and that if I was really worried about it, I should have done something BEFORE the store went out of business! He also suggested that I find the owner of the business by calling the B.B.B. and contact him with my info and see if the owner of the closed store would give me the money out of his own pocket!

I feel that AMex is responsible because Amex ASSURED me that within 7 days the money would be credited to my card on 3 occasions-- and it wasn't credited. THEN they explain to me that the transaction was magically approved, and that I was barking up the wrong tree! I did EVERYTHING AMEX TOLD ME TO DO, but when it didn't work, they told me that I should quit blaming AMEX and start trying to contact the owner of the closed business!

Nicole of Fort Lauderdale FL (02/29/08)
I purchased a $100 gift card in Florida at a CVS in November to send my brother who lives in Nevada, as a birthday gift. He called me to tell me the card had no funds when he tried to use it. After calling the American Express Company and getting no help, he mailed it back to me in Florida so I could resolve the matter. I went to CVS, and they said they could not refund me the money. Then I called American Express, and they told me that I could fax in the copy of my driver's license, receipt of purchase and copies on the front and back of card and packaging. I did that and still have not been refunded. When I called the company again in January, I was told that a new replacement card had been mailed to me on January 8th. I never got the card in the mail. I have yet to receive the card or be reimbursed.

When I called American Express today, I was told to dispute the issue with Walmart where they said the replacement card had been used. I have never used an American Express card in Walmart, nor have I even stepped in a Wal-Mart in more than five months. I don't know why American Express did not send this replacement card certified mail, but again I have been a victim of fraud and have not seen my original $100 replaced. This is not what I believed American Express advertised in their commercials and what they say the company stands for. Needless to say I am upset because this is a very big problem that is happening in this company, and Amex should be more understanding with their customers.

I am still without my $100 card. I am still waiting to get reimbursed.

Sandra of Long Beach CA (02/29/08)
I bought my son a $100 Amex Gift Card gift card; he used it to by gas and food at a gas station. He spent $23.00, and when he went back into gas station to use it to by a soft drink, the card was declined saying it had a $0. balance. When he called American Express their response was, "That has been happening to people who bought their cards around Christmas"--and their was nothing that could be done. I bought the card February 8, 2008, at a Rite Aid. I know this isn't Rite Aid's fault, and American Express isn't accepting the fault.

Helen of Edison NJ (02/25/08)
Unless your recipient will use the card immediately and in one shot, give cash instead! There is a $2/mo. service fee, a $5.95 replacement fee for lost/stolen card, and you must know exactly the value you have left in the card to use it. I got a $50 gift card after my baby was born. I used it for a $19.99 + tax purchase right away. Then, I tried to use it again a few months later. I was drilled about the EXACT amount left in the card (and many stores could not even process the card). After about a year of trying to use the gift card at various stores, I finally got a store clerk to call Amex, and guess what? I have $1.22 left after all of the monthly fees.

Jamie of Johnson City NY (02/24/08)
I went online to buy an Amex gift card and send it out as a belated birthday gift. I was given several choices of cards (all cost different amounts) and there was no indication that there was a difference between them besides their physical appearance. When I tried to complete my order I was unable to enter the shipping address. I then found that my order had been irrevocably placed and that I was unable to review it or its details. So I called customer service. After being transfered I was told that the type of card I chose had to be sent to me. They would allow me to order a second card and send it where ever I wanted, but the first card couldn't be refunded until I received it in the mail.

So in the end I paid 10 extra dollars for an item that doesn't do what I want and is intentionally hard to return when I could have just gotten one at a store and sent it out myself. I was angry so I decided to write a complaint about the clarity of information on the website. I then find that I am only allowed to email Amex if I have an Amex credit card number I can enter. Well I don't have an Amex card...but I AM an Amex customer. I am frustrated and appalled at their quality control and virtual customer service...but they obviously don't want to hear it.

I now have to wait up to 9 days to send out a gift that is already late. Financially, I can only get my intended services if I spend twice the money now with promises of receiving a refund of my original purchase later, if it comes and if I call again to try to get the refund.

Cynthia of Collingswood NJ (02/21/08)
I used a $50 gift card then threw it away thinking I was done with it. Turns out I had to return product and the $50 was put back on the card. When I called AMX to have a new card issued with my $50 on it, I was told they couldn't retrieve the card# even though I had the last four digits of the card. I know this isn't correct because every gift card/credit card can be traced through those last four #s.

Amx customer service dept stinks. I am in customer service and would never leave a customer unsatisfied. But according to all the complaints I've read on the website, it's common practice at Amx. Never again!

A. of Frederick, MD (01/28/08)
I bought a $25 American Express card from Staples in Frederick, Maryland before Christmas. I didn't give it to anyone and tried to use it. The card was rejected. The instructions say if activation is needed, it will say so on the front of the card. It said nothing about activation. I called American Express and they said since I don't have the receipt they won't investigate. They blame Staples for never notifying them, but of course they had not investigated it. I called back to Staples and they said the got a corporate communication from headquarters nationwide that many stores were reporting unactivated cards. If you don't have the receipt, Staples or AmEx gets to keep the money.

Michelle of Woodbridge NJ (01/23/08)
On November 28, 2007 I requested AMEX to exchange balance of $100 gift card for cash value since I held on to the card longer than 12 mos. which is when you start getting hit with monthly fees. Balance was $50 and was getting lower due to non-activity. By mid December, I had still not received my check. I called 4 times between December,2007 and January, 2008. 1/10/08 Customer rep states stop payment was processed on 1/8/08 and AMEX had 14 days to deliver. 1/23/08 Customer rep states AMEX has 27-30 days not 14 days to deliver. Asked to speak with a manager, got no where.

Vanessa of New York NY (01/18/08)
I've tried to use my $100 American Express gift card at 2 different websites and have been turned down because the billing address is not mine. It seems the American Express Gift card is too difficult to use.

Linda of Garfield, NJ (01/13/08)
I was given a $25 gift card for Christmas.  On 01/06/08 I purchased something which cost $12.84. I went a few days later to use the same gift card at the food store and was told there was no money on the card.  I went back to the first store and was told by their supervisor that after checking their receipts the problem did not lie with them but with AmEx.

I called AmEx and was told that the double charge of $12.84 would be refunded to my card within 48 to 72 hours. When I did mention that the 48-72 hours was already past she then said it could take up to 7 days. Well, it is either 48 to 72 hours or 7 days (big difference to me). 

Today is day 7 and still the $12.84 has not been refunded so I called again. I was told this time it could take 8 days.

$12.84 might not seem like a lot to others but to me, at this time in my life, it is a lot.

Jacy of Bronx, NY (01/12/08)
I got a $100 gift card for Christmas.  I have tried two times to use it and it keeps being declined.  I had to use my money, which I was supposed to use for something else.  I would not have gone the store if I did not have the gift card.

It is really frustrating.

Dale of Annandale ,VA (01/12/08)
Received a $100 gift card, activated per the instructions.  I tried to use it a Circuit City, but their checkout computer showed the gift card number to be invalid, so I had to pay with my credit card. The clerk at Circuit City peeled the label off while trying to get the card to work so I no longer have the customer service number. A check on the web site indicates the card still has a balance of $100.

I think this must be how they make their money, sell you a card to give to someone, and then not honor the card. Do you tell your friend the gift they gave you was a worthless aggravation or do you just throw it in the trash and move on knowing it was the thought that counted?

Sandra of Lake Jackson, TX (01/12/08)
I received a $25 card as a gift from my daughter. Every time I tried to use it it wasn't accepted. I then found out I had to activate the card so I called, punched in the 15 digit number and the recording said thank you. I called to check the balance and was told I had $0 balance. I called the number again to activate the card.  This time the recording told me my card was now activated. I waited until the next day to call for my balance and to check if the card was finally activated. The recording again told me that I had $0 balance.

I see no place on the pamphlet where I can talk to a HUMAN BEING. I feel as if my daughter has been swindled out of $25.00 by American Express.

Jean of Douds IA (01/07/08)
I purchased an American Express Gift Card on 12-16-07. The cashier had difficulty activating the card. A supervisor came alone and over-rode the transaction and said that the card was activated. I live a distance from the store. When I arrived home I tried several times to check the balance on the card. I was unable to do so, receiving the message that the card was not activated. This was on the Internet and by telephone. I could never reach a real person to talk with. I returned the card to the store on 1-5-08, and they stated that they could not refund the card.

I told them that they were going to do something about it as I was out $54.95 and was unable to give it as a gift because it was not activated. The clerk who was dealing with this was very nice. Her name was Marcy. Her supervisor was nasty. Marcy stuck with the problem until she was able to activate the card. I was denied a refund. Now I have spent $4.95 for a card that I will probably be using myself. Other people should know that these cards are a problem. Thank you.

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Terri of Nottingham MD (01/07/08)
I received a $100 AMEX gift card as a gift in December, 2006. I went to use it on Saturday only to find out that 25% of the card had already been taken as service fees from AMEX. I find this to be ridiculous. At this point in time, I plan to cancel my AMEX credit card immediately.

Brittney of Deridder LA (01/04/08)
I recieved an American Express $25 gift card for Christmas (it is now Jan. 04)and looked online to find out how to check the balance. I found this website first and read some of the complaints. I proceeded to call the 800 number immediately to see if my balance had suffered. And yes apparently due to unuse, my card now held a balance of $23. How ridiculous! I never even touched it and it lost money!

Robert of Inverness FL (01/04/08)
I received an American Express gift card. I used the card once and had a balance left on it.  I attempted to use it several times but it was declined. I could not call them because the phone number on the back is not readable because Gift Card Recipient is stamped over it, how convenient. I finally went on line, called them and found out that I have to keep track of my balance on the card after each use. Then I can only use the card for the exact amount left on the card. This is a scam!


I believe they do this because people will get frustrated and throw the card out.  There should be a law against this.

Cathy of Torrance, CA (01/03/08)
I received a $50 AmEx gift card from a business vendor. I tried make a large purchase by using the card up to the $50 amount and paying the balance with cash or another credit card, but the stores (Macy's, Target) refused to combine types of payment. I had to fritter away the $50 on purchases less than the ever decreasing amount on the card. I tried to use the balance yesterday and was told that it expired. I was under the impression that California law prohibited the $2 monthly processing fee, but apparently my balance was used up on processing fees.

I'm certain my business associate spent hundreds, if not thousands, on client holiday gifts. Although the gift card did not cost me anything, it is frustrating to know that my associate and others are wasting money on gifts of cash that are worthless.

Larry of Livermore CA (01/02/08)
I too bought several AMEX gift Cards to give to my wife for Christmas. She went to use them a few days after Christmas, and they were declined. The Longs drugstore in Livermore California where I bought them would not refund our money and were not interested in helping us. We called AMEX, and we were told to photocopy everything including driver's license and send in for investigation. I asked the service rep, "What about all these trace numbers and reference ID's on the activation receipt? Can't you use these numbers to track the activation?"

"I can't help you, sir, I'm sorry," was the answer. What use is the activation receipt anyway if they won't accept that as proof? This is what I think: I think that the magnetic stripe on the outer packaging does not match up with the magnetic stripe on the card inside. American Express should accept responsibility and issue a public statement admitting to errors in their packaging process. But they would rather deflect all blame and make you feel like you're trying to scam them instead.

Sharon of Babylon NY (12/31/07)
I made a $46.35 purchase on a $50.00 gift card. When I went to use the $3.65, card came up with no funds. Looked up my available funds, came up as negative $5.62. Called AMEX; they said the restaurant automatically takes a gratuity. Called the restaurant, they said they did NOT. Called Amex; they said, "OH, Amex does that automatically, and it should re-appear on your balance in 48 hours." I mentioned this is not written or posted ANYPLACE. It was embarrassing going to the second location and telling them the balance, asking them to split a payment and then having nothing on the card. AMEX is just hoping people will not notice, and they keep making a few dollars off each card. This is horrendous business for such a large company.

Kim of Phoenix, AZ (12/28/07)
I purchased 5 American Express gift cards at Circle K. Each gift card was for the amount of $50.00 + $4.95 activation fee. Two of them are not working. American Express customer service person contacted by telephone stated that the merchant did not scan the cards properly.  I have receipts from Circle K stating that they were activated. I used my credit card to make this purchase.

I bought the cards out of convenience for my adult children & grandchildren for Christmas. So far we have visited/called the Circle K 5+ times without any success. The employees on duty are clueless, the store manager is not responding at this time to my complaint. Circle K said that it could take up to 48 hours to activate the cards, and American Express Customer Service says it takes an hour. The first 3 cards were used the next day.

Todd of Forest Hills, NY (12/27/07)
I bought a $100 American Express Gift Card one year ago for a friend.  When she tried to use the card almost a year later, the card had never been activated. I called the number on the back of the card and talked to 3 different representatives at different times. They told me that I had to have the receipt, which I do not. They told me that I could fax a complaint to American Express; however, the number they gave me was to a voicemail not a fax.

I called American Express again, and they gave me another number which was similar to the last number.  I asked her to repeat the number twice. I tried to fax again, and it was still not a fax number. I am growing tired of the run-around. 

Bryan of Crystal Lake, IL (12/27/07)
The ability for consumers to utilize American Express Gift Cards is quite limited. Many businesses are unable to accept the gift cards even if they generally accept AmEx credit cards, like gas stations, Pay pal, online retail outlets, ATM's and ebay.

In addition to these difficulties, AmEx charges a monthly fee and deducts this fee from the card's balance for unused funds. Consequently, while an individual is searching for an acceptable merchant or business whom accepts the gift cards, American Express continues siphoning off the balance with its monthly fee.

Consumers must be aware of the terms and conditions which these cards necessitate. American Express gift cards can be wonderful gifts for some individuals, however the cards are not for everyone and have substantial setbacks for individuals actively seeking to make online purchases.

Jennifer of Newport News, VA (12/26/07)
My father-in-law purchased us three $50 gift cards for Christmas. We were able to use the first one and half of the second one at another store. When I went to use the last half of the second card but it was declined. I checked the balance, and there is still money on it, I just can't use it anywhere.

My husband tried to use his, and it was declined. He still has the whole $50 on his, but it's declined everywhere.

I called the 1-800 number. If your purchase is over the balance on your card, then you have to pay the balance off first, then use the card for the rest.  This is the most inconvienent gift card EVER!  I have also yet to find anywhere online to try using these cards.

Marie of Boston MA (12/24/07)
I just read opinions on the American Express Gift Card.... Sadly, I am not alone. I agree these are extremely tricky to use. I hadn't realized that I needed to calculate to the penny what I spend on the card in order to use the remaining balance. If you are a cent over, the card will be declined. The number on back for customer service is distorted by the raised card numbers. I have found that most merchants don't even except these cards. Apparently too much trouble. I have been given these cards from a friend who was helping me out in a time of need. I wouldn't dare complain to her. I have one I intend to use for food shopping tomorrow. I cross my fingers all goes well at the supermarket or Christmas dinner will be a mess.

I believe when the card reaches single dollar values, Amex is hoping you would throw the card out before you come on line to find that you have $1.23 left. Because you would have to know that exact amount, pay the merchant the difference first then have them charge the card for the exact amount remaining. American Express, multi-million dollar company, can't come up with a better system?

Heinz-Josef of Altadena CA (12/23/07)
I got an American Express gift card for $100, and in many shops it was not accepted. Finally a shop accepted it, and it was 0 balance. It took awhile to find out who to call, telephone number hidden in the instructions. I called, and they told me that someone will get back to me in 48 hours; but we need to do our Christmas shopping. They finally let me speak to another person; she told me that I need to get the receipt since their records show that this card was never sold. We did not get the receipt with the gift (was from a business partner). It is very embarrassing to ask for the receipt. At AME they were not very helpful and blamed it all on us, no responsibility on their side. They sell these cards for significant fees and ongoing service charges, and then they give no service--in fact, steal our money. I basically lost $100.

Cindy of Parker CO (12/19/07)
I have 3 gift cards that I was awarded from my employer. I have yet to be able to use one of them. The only phone # listed is an automated phone with canned info. I checked online; the card for $25.00 has zero funds in it, no history of usage and it does not expire until 03/08. No way to find out why there is zero balance. Another one for $50.00 has a balance of $40.00; it expires in 03/08 and I have never used it.

I needed to use these for Christmas presents and cannot get them to work anywhere. I have informed my company that I will not accept a gift card from American Express again. I have informed anyone that will listen, relatives, people at check out counters (although most of them say they have experienced the same thing and will no longer use them) and am going to post on internet to beware and not purchase from American Express. All I want is a phone # to call to find out how to use these cards and what happened to the one that shows -0- balance; I want to talk to a live person. I think this is a scam by American Express to make money. I bought gift cards for 10 people this year, all from other companies; never will I use American Express.

Kelly of Washington DC (12/18/07)
I was given a $500 personalized American Express Gift Card as a holiday bonus. After trying to make a purchase online from levis.com one late evening, the card was declined. I checked my AMEX gift card balance the next morning to find the balance was reduced. I called levis.com and they stated the AMEX policy only allows you to place funds back onto the card the SAME DAY. Since it's the next morning, I'll have to wait 7-8 business days!

Before trying to use the card again at macys.com, I called Macys to inquire if they accept the gift card, and they DO NOT. I called AMEX to see if they had a list of online merchants that accepts this card. They don't.  I'm extremely frustrated!

I have to wait 7-8 business days (after Christmas) to receive the funds back on the card. I still do not know where I can use the card. Neither Bloomingdales nor Macys accept it online. I will NEVER buy an AMEX gift card for anyone and strongly suggest NOT purchasing this product.

Tom of Boise ID (12/15/07)
Wow, after reading a small fraction of these complaints I will NOT being purchasing AMex gift cards for our employees this Christmas. Thanks to all who took the time to enter your experiences.

Rich of Wyckoff NJ (12/06/07)
American Express should put an issue date not just an expiration date on Gift Cards so you know when the card fees will begin - ie. 12 months after issued. I saw a valid thru date of 12/2007 on gift card when I went to use it before Dec 2007 the card was used up by the $2/month fee. I thought the Valid thru date was when the fee started since the cards supposedly never expire but fees actually started 12 months after issue date (again not disclosed to consumer on card). AMEX leaves that info off the card and makes it hard to tell when thet start taking money back.

Bill of Rolling Hills Estates CA (11/28/07)
I received (and lost) $500 worth of  American Express Persona gift cards, (5) x $100. When I went to use them they had expired. There is absolutely no way to get them reinstated. I was under the impression that California law prevented any gift certificate from having an expiration date? I guess not if you are a big enough company like AMEX. Guess they just keep the $500 and pay a big bonus to someone for dreaming up the expiration scam. Warning to anyone looking for a way to issue rewards to employees or customers: Stay far away from this product!

Beverly of Boca Raton FL (11/13/07)
My daughter sent me a $50 Amerocan Express gift card for my birthday, and I phoned Amex to make a payment with this card. They told me that is not an option available to me. If it is their card, still sealed, and the monies go right back to them, I cannot understand why it is not accepted. It is still $50 and supposed to be fluid.

Debra of Fairfax VA (11/08/07)
I purchased an American Express giftcard at a grocery store, and I was amazed at how cheesy AMEx has become. A $3.95 charge to the card purchaser, and then after 12 months, a $2 per month interest charge to the card holder. Some gift!! If I had not been stuck for time, I would not have purchased the card and I will never buy another one because AmEx is just being money grubbing. Of course they want to make money - they are a business - but that is no excuse for taking gross advantage of consumers.

My temperature was elevated to dangerous levels because this kind of cheapness makes me so angry. Just wanted to vent. Thanks.

Morgan of Oakland CA (10/15/07)
I received a $100 AmEx gift card from my co-workers as a birthday present. The card had a $0 balance. When I tried to activate it, I was tranferred to a fraud invesigation department. I was told to fax a copy of the card, my identification, the packaging, and the receipt. I did not save the packaging, and the purchaser did not save the receipt. I provided the other documentation as well as the approximate time and exact date and place of purchase. After multiple calls, my claim was denied in writing, saying AmEx requires a receipt and/or packaging to activate the gift card in question.

Send cash. It's safer than an AmEx gift card.

Lost $100. I also wasted my time. Even though I told customer service up front that I had neither the packaging or receipt, they still required me to give them my personal information both via phone and by fax.

Gary of Vancouver (09/27/07)
I signed up for Telus High Speed Internet on June 18/07 and was offered $300 American express gift card as easy as 1,2,3. I was to expect them in two weeks. I waited as days went by as it sliped my mind by the second week of july. I called telus and informed them of their offer to me. Telus gave me the number to American express.I then called.

The consequences of calling was a nightmare of the representives i had to deal with as i called them for answers. None of course could barely speak english or understand. Till this day September 27/07 i have not received my cards. I quote this is what they keep telling me. Their mailed out you will recieve in 5 to 7 days.Ha Ha!

Girish of Lake Forest CA (09/25/07)
I had to pay for purchase of a used leather couch. Since my checking account had issues, based on the request of the seller I decided to purchase 3 AMEX gift cards of 100$ each and give it to him. I gave him the 3 cards, only to know after a week from him that the cards did not have any funds on them. When I call up the AMEX customer care, they told me that the cards that were purchased was already used by someone else. Now the seller came back to me asking for money instead of the non-working cards.

The customer care has asked me to fax photocopies of all the cards and my id, not sure what stops them from responding even giving all information over the phone. Im faxing all information tomorrow and hoping for the best.

Jere of Titusville FL (09/08/07)
I am with almost every one on this site that expresses despair over the acts of the american express gift cards, except for the one person that had the audacity to claim it is our fault as the consumer that this well known company is ripping us off. Hello!!!?! Of course none of these ridiculous restrictions are stated on the outer envelope, and you cannot open the envelope before purchase...so, you tell me, pal, how is this the consumers fault? I am livid!

I stood in walgreens for 30 minutes reading restrictions on various prepaid cards. I finally decided that AMEX was a well known company and the intended use for me wasn't listed on the package, so I purchased (2) $100. cards. I tried to use them to pay for my ebay purchases. Of course, you know the routine, DECLINED! So, when I call the number included with the packaging, I get told verbatum....You CANNOT use the American Express gift card to pay your bills HELLO! Since when is buying a product on EBAY considered paying a bill?

Carla of Eureka CA (09/02/07)
I purchased a $100 gift card at Safeway and it had been denied 2 times so I called the number on the card and the guy said it would have to go to investigation and I would get a phone call back in 3 business days. I called after 3 business days and the lady asked me to fax all the receipts and the card holder envelope to this number and then I called back the next day and talked to a superviser and she said I would have to call back the next day as she could not get a hold of anyone in that investigations dept. So I called back and they still could not tell me what I wanted to hear just to call back in a couple of days and or they would call back. I AM SO SO MAD AS THEY HAVE MY MONEY AND I AM OUT $100 UNTIL THIS GETS CLEARED UP. DO NOT PURCHASE THESE CARDS BUYERS BEWARE!!!

This first of all is very embarrassing! I am out $100 which I work very hard for.

Jon of Springfield, MA (08/28/07)
I got a $100 gift card that I used many times.  When it got down to $10 nobody would accept it.  Apparently American Express charges the stores some kind of extra fee when these cards are used. 

Marie of Larchmont NY (08/27/07)
I have lost two gift cards of 100 $ from American express which were purchased at CVS Pharmacy in Larchmont. Wth the receipt numbers, I called many times American Express which absolutly did not care of the situation, Cvs was kind enought to try to help me but it seems that once the card issold, there is no way to retrace the card information. What a way to make business!!

Karen of Homestead FL (08/22/07)
My traveler's checks, $3,000, and a gift card $2,000 were lost/stolen and American Express refunded only $1,200 and refused to refund the rest. They say they will issue a refund usually within 24 hours with no questions asked and they will refund your money. That is totally a lie, they are rude, obnoxious, you can't contact them, they lie and make you jump through hoops, you can't sue them because of arbitration clause and even if you win you still have to pay 1/2 of fees.

They tell you that you didn't safeguard the checks, that they are exactly like cash, that you have to find the checks, if you have no money left on your gift card, you aren't entitled to a refund regardless of whether it was stolen. They have no security in place, if a merchant takes a gift card without an ID or even similar signature,American Express can't get the money back from the merchant, they have no policies established. American Express also cannot stop payment on their traveler's checks, if someone steals them there is no way to stop them from being cashed.

That is why American Express has a contract that is nothing like other traveler's checks or gift cards contracts, its designed to get American Express out of refunding your money, you can't even sue, you have to arbitrate and even if you win, you pay your own fees. Their office is closed until 1:00 pm, it takes about 30 minutes to talk to someone, you are told to call back over and over, they ask for info that is not relevant, refuse to let you speak to a supervisor, put you on the defensive, argue with you, lie about their policies, make you jump through hoops until you finally get so demoralized you just give up.

Because American Express would not refund my money, I lost my car.

Ben of Shelby Twp MI (08/03/07)
I bought a $50 American Express gift card to be used as a card to subscribe to a online game called EVE-ONLINE only to find out that i cant register it under my name and it wont work for online recurring subscribtions.

Kevin of Berkeley CA (07/28/07)
Received two gift cards, with value $100 each. Tried using them at a restaurant-- both were denied. After using an alternative credit card, called AMEX at 1877AXPGIFT. After ~10 minutes on hold, learned the following:

For the first card, a charge was registered for $120 even though the (diligent) restaurant was asked to charge $100. I have no reason to believe they went over. This charge was not accepted by the restaurant, and AMEX says the money will return back to the card in 7 days, and this was probably the result of a timeout.

For the other card, they had no record of it, saying it must not have been properly funded. Given that both cards were purchased together at the same place by the same person, you would think this wouldn't happen.

Ah, but I learned MORE: she explained that if the point of sale terminal produces a satisfactory receipt when purchasing one of these cards, it STILL DOES NOT MEAN ITS BEEN FUNDED PROPERLY. The consequence? Well, the card is worthless until it is funded properly. Meanwhile, of course, AMEX holds on to your money.

Jane of Southampton PA (07/26/07)
I received a $25.00 gift card about a year and a half ago. Since a lot of merchants didn't accept it, I forgot about it until last week when I was informed (at a WaWa) that there was not balance. $25.00 may be peanuts to American Express, but not if you add up all the twenty five dollars-plus-they're able to rip off daily from purchasers. I will never buy another one of these cards, and will ask any gift giver I know to not buy them!

good money that my sister spent on buying this card for me is not lost to American Express Co! This must be illegal!

Maxwell of Grand Terrace CA (07/10/07)
I had recently lost my amex giftcard.I had called amex several of times they could'nt and did'nt help me,they gave me a hard time.I even called the place of purchase they did not help either.I am really upset,knowing I still had some balance left.

Larry of Lacey WA (06/28/07)
We received a $25 American Express gift card from our daughter. When we tried to use it at a major home-improvement/hardware chain store, they could not read the amount on the card. If there is a phone number in the fine print on the back of the card, it has been obliterated by the embossed lettering punched through to show on the front.

After reading all the complaints, it appears that American Express has a real rip-off scheme going here. We will notify our daughter not to purchase any more of these cards.

Michael of Barrie Canada (05/28/07)
I got a 50 dollar american express gift card for my birthday, only to find out that it cannot be used in canada, which is stupid because i should be able to use it wherever amex cards are accepted, but i also found out that i cant use it online.

Cheryl Edmiston of Utica NY (05/21/07)
The gift card I was given still has money on it to be spent but when I enter it into your system it will not accept the numbers on the card. They are as follows: 379017293272933 with secutiry code 816. I also tried to use it in the store and it would not go through their system. I would never buy these cards as gifts because they are too limited as to where they can be used.

I don't want the person who purchased this card for me to have to pay a $2 fee each month that there is still money on the card. The time will be up this month, May which will be 12 months.

Alfreda of Los Angeles CA (05/15/07)

I received American Express Gift Cards, which were paid for by the giver and included a fee. I used the card initially within the first 12 months, but did not get a chance to use it thereafter. When I went to check my balance I discovered my balance eaten up by fees, although the card does not expire for another year.

Lost remaining balance on cards. Purchaser paid the face value $200 X 2 = $400, plus a $4.95 fee each to have cards activated. Amex retained funds, plus interest, and basically claimed the remaining funds for themselves.

Stephen of Garland TX (03/31/07)

My wife purchased 2 gift cards for our daughter to take with her on a school trip. 2 days later while shopping with friends, her purse, with the cards in it, was stolen. None of the personnel at american express have shown any willingness to help. We have basically been told, too bad, we are sorry, but we cannot help you. We were told to go to where my wife purchased the cards, in order to get the card numbers. The Kroger's, where the cards were bought does not have that info.

Candie of Spring Grove IL (03/30/07)
The most inept, incompetent customer service I have ever encountered. They don't seem to care much what the public thinks of them. We rcvd a $500 gift card the last week of Feb. We used it on the 28th abd then went to use it again on 3/1. It had expired on 2-28 (that is the only part that is not the customer service centers fault). I immediately called to see if we could get a replacement card for the remaining 451.90. I was assured that I would have the card in 10 business days.

I called on the 16th just to check, the operator apologized profusely and said another would be sent. I would have it in 4-6 biz days. I called again on the 24th and spoke to Lori who said she thought it would be there on the 25th and I agreed to give it one more day. Got my mail on the 27th and no card. Called again this time I got Kim who told me I would have to wait til the end of the day! I explained that I had gotten my mail and it wasn't there so I saw no point in waiting any longer, I then had to explain to her that USPS stands for United States Postal Service and since I had gotten my mail there was no longer a need to wait. She gave me a supervisor as my patience was thin.

David the supervisor told me that he was ordering a new card and that it would go out by UPS Express on the 28th. He said normally this would take 4-6 biz days but since there was no embossing on the card it could go right away and I would have it in my hands on the 30th. I called them today to get a tracking #. Jess the voice on the phone told me that it wasn't available and wouldn't be available til Monday. I told her that I had been told by a supv that I would have the card in my hands today the 30th. She told me that the supervisor had been mistaken and probably meant to tell me that it would be 4-6 biz days. I immediately asked for another supv and Jess told me that the supv would tell me the same thing. I then got pretty angry and Jess decided to get me that supervisor after all.

Jessica supervisor wasn't all that pleasant. She told me that the card was on a UPS truck but that they cannot give me the tracking # (I do not believe that for one instant! I worked for a mortgage company for years and if you have sent something you can get a tracking #) So I am not holding out much hope that I will get my card today.

Mike of Gaithersburg Md MD (03/28/07)
I wanted to purchase some airtime for two of my sons, and had limited funs. With a Virgin Mobile Phone, you buy prepaid cards to top up your minutes. They start at twenty dollars, however, and I didn't have enough. To purchase time online, however, one can purchase ten dollar increments. I thought, (unwisely) that I'd buy a 25 dollar AMX gift card, which I was told worked fine for online purchases. The sale was declined, as the Virgin company only takes regular debit or credit cards. No problem, I thought, I'll use the card otherwise. Ha. The 21 dollar amount is unavailable, and will be for eight more days. I feel this is totally unacceptable. Looking at the long list of complaints on this site, I wonder how they keep getting away with it.

Nothing was purchased, My sons' phones are still out of time, I'm out 21 bucks for a week, and AMX was no help at all- pretty much of a Sorry, Pal attitude from them.

David of Durham NC (03/26/07)
Bought two Amex gift cards valued at $25 and $50 respectively, thinking they'd be much better than actually owning a CC. Big mistake! No one, and I really mean NO ONE will accept these cards anywhere, whether it'd be online or at any store. They're useless. But here's the best part of it all: when I called AMEX to get a refund and/or ask for advice on what to do, STACY told me I had a balance left of get this: $4.60 on the one card and a $1 on the other one!!!! How so was my question, when I hadn't used neither nor! She said that I could get a refund AFTER both card's expiration date, that being October of '08 and here I am calling on March of '07!!! THESE CARDS ARE A RIP OFF!!!

LOSS of MONEY!!!

Stephanie of San Jose CA (03/14/07)

I bought an $100 AMEX gift card recently just so I could make some purchases online. Only to find out that Paypal wouldn't accept AMEX and many other sites that don't accept it as well. The day before I made a purchase online from a website and right after I submitted my payment my order status showed failed. I had no idea why but $70 was already deducted from my card. I don't know what's going on with these but I'm having a hard time using them. Another annoying this is that I couldn't add in my personal cardholder info so the only way is to call AMEX. All I know is that AMEX can be very frustrating sometimes because many websites don't accept or if they do the first is that your $ gets deducted before your order is complete, which is very inconvenient because then you would have to contact the merchant to resolve problems which take even longer.

 

H. of Indianapolis IN (03/03/07)
Last year, I purchased an AmEx gift card for my parents to use in Florida. My mom used the card for a purchase of $29.93 on Jan. 24, 2007. The sales clerk retained her card with NO explanation The clerk refused to tell her how much was left on the card. I haven't received any money from AmEx as a remaining balance. Mom thinks the clerk kept her card to use the remaining balance herself. Is there any way to check?

Rita of Los Altos Hills CA (03/03/07)

 It's March 2007, but I, too, failed to read the fine print, written in tiny italics at the bottom of the envelope in which the card came. An American Express gift card could be reduced by $2.00 each month if the giftee hasn't used the card within 12 months of purchase.

Judy of Lake Havasu City AZ (03/02/07)
I was given a $50 American Express Gift Card for Christmas and tried to use it at JCPenney's yesterday.The saleslady was very nice, but couldn't figure out how to use the card in the transaction because it kept rejecting it. Another sales person came along to help her, and I was there 2 hours. They had to void the transaction twice and try again. They tried to call AmerExp several times, but each time a recording said they had an unusually high volume of calls (isn't that what they all say?) and to call back in an hour.

They called in the store manager, and the 3 of them kept trying. They finally figured out that AmerExp won't let you use the card the normal way if the purchase is more than the amount on the card. The customer has to pay for the purchase with a different card first, then you apply the gift card. So they voided it again and next time the gift card showed only $4.50 left! The manager said it would take overnight for the original amount to show up back on the card. So I left my purchase at the store and this morning called AmerExp - it still showed $4.50. I was told it would take 7 days for the $50 to be put back on the card.

It did no good to speak to a supervisor, who said it will take 7 days for the $50 to be put back on the card, because the store didn't call during the transaction!! I told her they tried to call for 2 hours, but only got a recording - she said she can't do anything about it.

In the meantime, my checking account (I used my debit card for the balance of the transaction) probably has been debited 3 or 4 times for the same transaction because of all the voids, and I've lost out on a huge Today Only discount at the store.

I am telling everyone I know never to give AmerExp gift cards.

Jordan of Fort Lauderdale FL (02/24/07)

I purchased a $100.00 AMEX gift card from a CVS in Florida for my sister in NY which I then mailed to her for her birthday. My sister tried to use the card for the first time and it apparently was not activated by AMEX. Called AMEX they told me to take the sleeve and receipt showing the card had been activated back to CVS, went to CVS they told me there was nothing they could do the receipt said activated and to call AMEX.

Called AMEX again the first person told me to go to CVS again, at that point I asked for a supervisor. The supervisor told me to FAX everything to them and it would take at least 10 days to investigate and took all of my info but couldn't provide a claim number.

My sister made the trip from Brooklyn to Manhattan via subway to use this card at Target tonight, only to find out that it had a zero funds, she was totally embarrassed & upset by the experience. I have spent 3 hours tonight on the phone, with AMEX and my sister, driving to the CVS store, only to find out that nothing can be done.

Sandra Davis of Mansfield OH (02/20/07)
American Express gift cards are a waste of money. Do not give them as gifts. Many times I have tried to use the balance on my card only to have it declined. Now when I look at the balance, if has been used up for monthly service fees. The only reason there was a balance on the card was because every time I tried to use it, it was declined.

David of Hoover AL (02/18/07)
We received the American Express Gift Card with a $100 balance. Activating it via the toll-free number was painless, and I was not charged an activation fee.

There are two ways to find your balance:

1) Call 877-297-4438 (877-AXP-GIFT), then enter your card number and then enter the 4 digit security code on the front, top-right corner of the card.

2) Go to their web site:

Enter the card number and the 4 digit security code. On the web site, you can even see the history of transactions of the card.

The worse thing about the gift card are the limitations on where you can use it. On the sticker that comes with the card, it says: Do not use your Card at ATMs, airline, hotel, car rental, telecom or gasoline merchants. Other usage restrictions apply.

There were more restrictions listed on the cardboard holder the card came in, but we through it away. The terms and conditions, which include pertinent advice on usage, are available online.

In case the URLs above for inquiring about your transaction & the terms and conditions do not work, you can navigate to them from: http://www.americanexpress.com/giftcard

Though I haven't had any problem with this card, I can see why it wouldn't be the most optimal gift.

Lee of Sherman Oaks CA (02/17/07)

We received 2 American Express gift cards as gifts. We do not know and cannot determine the value of the cards. Virtually every vendor that this card has been presented to for payment has refused to accept the card. The card and American Express present no direct mailing information, no phone contact information, and no way to pursue anything regarding the card online. These gift cards are a painful, tortuous experience for consumers.

All we want at this point is to determine how much is on these cards, and to somehow get the cash from American Express so I can purchase something.

Jenny of Plano TX (02/12/07)
The law firm I work at recently started giving AMEX gift cards as birthday presents for the employees, in lieu of a cake. I was thrilled to receive a $25 gift card for my birthday. When I called the 800 number to activate the card, it stated that the card was already activated and nothing more needed to be done. However when I tried to use the card at Chili's restaurant, it was declined. I again tried to use the card at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it was declined there as well.

I informed my office manager of the trouble I was having with the card and she said she would exchange it for me. I was hesitant to use the new card because of the problems I had in the past. At long last, I was able to use the card at JC Penney. AMEX gift cards definitely do not take the cake!

Susan of Duluth GA (02/09/07)
I purchased an $100 AMEX gift card only to find out after opening the envelope that it is not good for car rentals, hotels or airlines. I went back into CVS upon purchasing the card and wanted a refund due to the limitations. They told me that they could not give me a refund that I would have to contact AMEX. I called AMEX yesterday and was told that a supervisor would contact me within 24-48 hours. I just got off the phone with the Supervisor Krystal #9358 and she told me that AMEX will not refund my money. SHe said TOO BAD!! This is unbelievable terrible customer service and I am shocked that AMEX does not care that there customers are very unhappy. I guess they don't care based on the number of unhappy customers that I read about on the internet.

Jane of Vancouver Canada (01/29/07)
I received $50.00 gift card. When I use it, it got rejected. I called the 1-877 number at the back of the card, they openned a claim number for me. Each time I call, I was told that the claim was in process, and I should call back next week. When I called back the following week, I was told to call back next day. When I called back the following day, I need to call back after 15 days...When I called back, I was told that it took longer than 15 business days...I should call back at daytime, in the morning, in the afternoon, after 1:30pm, at night when they are less busy.

After 15+ calls, 50 days passed, I was told that they would have to give me a new claim number, the old one ws not good anymore. The new one would start with a new date. now, I was back on square one again. the whole process started again. next day, nest week, 10-15 days, longer than that...When I want to speak to a supervisor, I was told that no supervisors would be available. When I want to talk to customer complain dept, the reps who answered the call cannot transfer me. They can file a complain for me, but nothing i can use to track the complain. next time i called, the new rep never saw the complaint...Now they deduct $2.00 every month, but I cannot use it.

Angela of Great Mills, MD (01/28/07)
I feel better knowing now that I am not the only one that was disgusted and frustrated by using the American Express gift card. 

As I started making purchases I got very confused very fast. Cashiers wanted to know my balance and if I didn't know, they would not ring me through. One place, where I got my nails done, did not even accept American Express. The machine that checks the balance for you in the mall was broken. I just wasn't aware that I needed to bring a pad of paper, my pencil, and a calculator with me!

I also experienced the joy of returning something that was paid with the gift card. I made a purchase at Target and used the remaining balance on my gift card and then put the rest on my Visa. When I went to return a few things, they wanted to put half back on the gift card and half on my visa. I don't think many people keep the gift cards after they are spent? Not to mention, I didn't want the money put back on that card because I didn't want to deal with it anymore.

Patrick of Redondo Beach, CA (01/25/07)
I received a $25 American Express Gift Card as a gift. The card was purchased the previous year and given to me a few months ago.

I checked the card two weeks ago, went to use it and it was rejected. It seems that Amex has been deducting $2 a month from the card for the last several months. I called and complained and they put $8 back on the card, but the following week they deducted $2 more.

It is almost impossible to use the card, because you have to know how much you have on the card and then pay the balance first and then swipe the card. Amex is hoping that you will just get so frustrated that you will throw away the card and they keep all the money.

¨

Alan of Laguna Niguel, CA (01/21/07)
I received a $100 AMEX gift card for christmas 06, and am having difficulty using it. It's obvious that AMEX is banking on folks just giving up and letting the unused balance go, because its just inconvenient.

The vendor has no way of telling you what the balance is on your card. You have to guess what the balance is, then the vendor tries it for you. If it doesn't go through, you try another one. You can see the cashier's faces drop when you hand them the card...they're so tired of the extra work involved.

Ellen of San Jose CA (01/18/07)
American Express Gift card had the worst customer service. I had a gift card of $50 dollar. Somehow, when I tried to use it, it was on hold. In the past 30-days, I called them 15 times to unblock the card. But they told me that it was with their processing center. I need to call back later to check on the status. but the processing center does not take calls. The same thing, I heard again and again. When i asked whether I may file a customer complaint with Amex, they never give me any numbers. the service rep told me that they don't take complains, and cann't give out any other numbers. the call center is in Manila, Philipine.

no customer complain channel

Terri of Conroe TX (01/15/07)
Have an American Express Gift Card that is a total pain in the behind! If your total is over the amount you have left - it rejects it. You have to know exactly how much you have left on the card - subtract it from your total bill pay the difference and then scan the card. All I want to do is use it up and then TRASH IT! Was going to buy my daughter and her friend one each for Christmas - I gave good old cash instead. Will NEVER use this type of gift for giving.

Don of Los Angeles CA (01/14/07)
I purchased an AMEX gift card, and after I found I was unable to use it online and I confirmed this with a call to American Express, so I went back to safeway, the same exact store I bought the card from. I go back to this Safeway and I try to purchase to Visa giftcards with it, but the Safeway would not even accept this card!

Lavonzell of Chicago IL (01/11/07)
I purchased a pair of pants w/american express gift card. I used the card totally and got rid of the card. Well the pants were too big so I returned them. The money for the gift card was returned to the gift card that I know longer had. I still have the receipt for the pants but the gift card acct no. is not on the receipt so both the clothing store and american express gift card have explained that I just lose my 17.oo dollars I think that this is totally crazy. P.S. I was returning the pants for a smaller size but the sales girl exchanged my receipt to re-ring the right size and I didn't have the card. So the money is currently on the card and I quess I lose.

It was only 17.00 dollars but a gift to me.

Jo Ann of Sacramento CA (01/03/07)
I originally purchased an American Express gift card on line in September of 2006 for $200 to be sent to my cousin in Florida. Well, he never got it. I had to get the number from American Express which is different from the cardholder number). When I called the correct number, I had to sit on the phone for over 50 minutes with someone in the Philippines and placed on hold at least 5-6 times -- I'm not exaggerating. I kept asking for someone to call me back after they figured it out, but the rep didn't advise it. So, this time I had the card sent to me so I can send it out to my cousin.

Guess what??? It's been almost 3 weeks and no card. I just called the customer service number back and another bewildered rep. was on the phone. I asked to speak to the supervisor and was placed on hold twice for a total of 10 minutes. That was it. I'm trying to find a customer service e-mail at American Express' site and there's no such thing. You just get caught in a loop of misleading information. This is my first and last experience with American Express.

I will write a letter to American Express if I can even figure out where to write to. I just hope to recover the $200.

Linda of Canton OH (01/03/07)
I got an American Express Gift Card for the first time on my birthday in August, 2006. I used it in September. We went to Olive Garden in Canton, Ohio. I had a National City Bank gift card and the American Express Gift Card. We had a bill of $32.00. Olive Garden took the NCB gift card, and American Express declined the rest of the bill. I told the server that there was $20.00 left on the card to put that thru and then I would pay the difference. He tried to put it thru again and it would not take it. I paid the rest of the bill with my personal credit card.

I called American Express and they confirmed I had $20.00 on the card. I asked why they did not take the card and the representative said, they should have put 1st gift card thru, then MY CREDIT CARD, then American Express. This made no sense.

I called the Olive Garden back and they said they took the Amer Express Gift Card but the employee may have put it thru wrong, and if I would like to drive back to Olive Garden, the manager would put the bill thru again. Gee only 8 miles back to the restaurant to correct the error. As I have read other complaints, everyone is having the same problem. My son who gave me the first card, said he had never had any problem with the card.

I again received 2 more of these cards for Christmas and am afraid to use them. I can't send it back to him for fear of causing problems between him and me.

Jennifer of Jacksonville Beach FL (01/01/07)
My husband and I both recieved American Express Gift Cards as Christmas gifts from my parents on 12/24/06. Each card has a value of $100. We have activated these according to the terms of American Express Gift card envelope that they were in. Surprise! I tried to use mine at a local store, it was declined. When I have called the help number that is listed in the terms and agreements, I have gotten absolutely no answers to why the card is on hold.

My husband has gotten the same song and dance from Amex as well as my mother who purchased these gift cards. We have gone to the Winn Dixie store that she purchased the cards from, they in turn have called Amex and have benn told that they could not give them any information. I have been told by Amex customer service (what a joke)that they will activate my card in 24 hours and they do not. I have been told on numerous occasions that a customer service rep would return my call, that has not happened. Every time I call them, I have to repeatedly give my name, address, telephone number, as well as my date of birth. I have been pursuing this for several days and have gotten absolutely no help or information from Amex.

I am very angry with the fact that they have basically, taken my mother's money ($200)and in return, have provided no product or service. This seems to be a frequent consumer complaint with these gift cards. I am not going to let this robbery by amex go. I plan on writing my story for the local news as well as national news, somebody may eventually listen and stop this company from fraudulent business practices. My goal is to alert others about this and hopefully prevent other people from being taken advantage of by American Express!

Richard of Riverdale NY (12/30/06)
Received two $50 American Express gift cards, in 2005. We misplaced the cards, and subsequently, unfortunately forget about them. Recently we found them and were delighted! Today, however, when we activated the card, we were informed that each card was only valued at $26 each!! No wonder American Express is so wealthy. Not only did they collect $100.00 from somone, along with whatever initial fees that person paid (I am sure these gift cards were not free!), but now, they do not even have to honor that investment! They get to pocket $48.00, with no cost to them whatsoever! And this is legal???!!!!! How can that be??!!

Roberta of Lake In The Hills IL (12/28/06)
I received a gift card from a relative. I don't understand why I have to sign for a purchase when checking out with my GIFT CARD. It makes me think they are opening an American Express card. What if the purchase went over the allowed amount? Then what? It scares me to get a gift card with a long terms and conditions sheet enclosed. I can't find those long terms and conditions, and there is no address. Thye 800 # that is on the back of the card is illegible because the GIFT CARD RECIPIENT embossed part is covering the 800 tollfree #. After I activated the card before going out I did not save the sticker that contained the 800 #. Now I want to phone them and there is no phone # available. I very much dislike this American Express card.

Gary of San Diego CA (12/21/06)
American express charged me $3.95 for a $25 gift card. Had I known of the charge, I damn sure would not have bought it. There was no mention of such an outrageous fee on the internet. This is an outright rip-off, I feel I was fucked royally. I will not do business ever with such a greedy company.

You will never see or hear from me again.

Mary of El Cerrito CA (11/26/06)
Well add me to the list of unhappy consumers who have been angered and frustrated trying to use the American Express GIFT Card. I received a $100 card as a Christmas gift last year. Note, that I did not purchase the card. It was a gift from my sister-in-law, who no doubt believed that it could be used practically anywhere to buy anything and would make the perfect gift. At least that's what American Express wants us all to believe!

Realizing that AMEX would start charging a $2.00 monthly service fee soon, I wanted to use the card several times lately. However, I discovered that the cardholder must call an 800 number to ACTIVATE the card prior to use. Since I was already in line waiting to check out merchandise when I realized this and my cell phone was in the car, activation was not an option. So I used another form of payment.

I finally ACTIVATED the card last week so that I'd be free to use it anytime anywhere (HA!) I just placed an online order with a well-known nationwide retailer. Most retailers typically have a field where you enter the form of payment, i.e. credit, debit, etc. There was no option for a gift card. In order to complete my order, I entered the AMEX card info in the credit card field, since that was the closest choice. The total balance of my order exceeded the value of the card by @ $15, so I submitted my order and immediately called the merchant to confirm everything and arrange for another form of payment for the difference. I was informed that AMEX had rejected payment. It appears that AMEX will only pay either the exact amount or a lesser portion thereof.

Since many merchants do not accept multiple forms of payment, this card is useless for purchase amounts exceeding the balance on the card. The only way I can use this card is to purchase something for exactly $100 with a merchant that is willing to accept the card. Or, I could purchase something for say $90, and leave a $10 balance on the card, than hope that I can make another purchase for exactly $10 and be done. But that's not what American Express expects will happen. In addition to the initial $5.95 card fee, they have fees for everything imaginable.

According to applicable law, the following fees are automatically deducted from your GIFT card: A $2.00 monthly service fee (starting on the 13th month after purchase), a $5.95 replacement card fee (if your card is lost or stolen and you have documented the original card number), and a check issuance fee of $10.00 if you request a refund of any remaining funds on the card, but only after the "valid thru" date on the front of the card (not sooner). Since the "valid thru" date is usually three and one-half years from the date of purchase, you can easily see that by that date, the $2.00 monthly service fees will absorb $30 of your card balance.

It's very easy to see that American Express is a profitable business because they can legally rip-off consumers by expertly using applicable law to their financial advantage. As for clueless Melissa of Phoenix, AZ who posted here on 3/25/06, she must either work for Amex or has been duped into believing that these cards provide some protection from fraud.

THIS CARD DOES NOT PROTECT CONSUMERS. Instead, it legally sabotages and extorts funds from unwitting consumers by American Express. I for one prefer to give any excess cash to a good charitable cause than line the golden pockets of already filthy rich and greedy corporations. THE MORAL OF THIS STORY: Do Not Purchase any "gift card" that comes with an arms-length (literally and figuratively) list of instructions and restrictions.

Holly of Morrison TN (11/19/06)
They have prepaid gift cards you purchase from the store to use online for making purchases and in store if you want,but you pay the activation fee and it come in only 3 amounts of $25, $50, $100.They each have a different price for the activation fee and I purchased one for $100 recently, went to use it and the whole amount isn't there.They have stolen my money and aren't giving it back and saying if I keep calling they'll call the police.

Lois  of Chicago IL (11/09/06)
We activated the card and tried to use the $50 at a dinner out, only to find we could use only $35 and service charges had used up the rest. What a rip-off.

Susan of Berkeley CA (10/23/06)
For my birthday, I received three American Express gift cards. The gift givers advised that I would be able to use them anywhere to purchase anything that I wanted. At this point I have tried Banana Republic, JCrew, Gap, Bloomingdales and even the American Express store AND no one will accept these gift cards. Does anyone know where you can use these?

Diane of Succasunna NJ (09/10/06)
I was given an American Express Gift card and was told you can use it anywhere. No matter where I go, they do not accept it. I have had this since December, 2005 and have tried to use it over and over. No luck. I would never recommend anyone purchase these gift certificates. They are too limited.

Terri of Huntley IL (08/09/06)
I am complaining as a sales clerk and a recipient of an AX gift card. As a sales clerk when we have a customer use one with a balance, if they do not know the balance, we must stop, call a special 800 number to get balance, then continue This is a nightmare when we are busy. I recieved one last Christmas. I used part of it for a small purchase. Since then, every merchant I go to does not know how to find the balance so this card with approximately $80 is worthless to me. I now encourage customer and friends not to purchase them

Wilma of Ft. Wayne IN (04/13/06)
My daughter sent me an AMEX gift card for Christmas. I was able to use it a couple of times and should have money left on it but I am unable to use the ramining balance. It has been rejected several times. When I check availability of funds on the card, it just tells me I have entered invalid information. I have told my daughter the thought was nice but I never want another one of these cards.

This has caused a lot of embarrassment and aggravation.

Melissa of Phoenix AZ (03/25/06)
This is a response to the information posted on this site concerning American Express. While I understand peoples level of frustration for mis-understanding the use of certain products offered not only by american express, but also those products offerred by other banks or companies, it doesn't excuse misleading facts that accuse a company, specifically, American Express of doing anything wrong. If any of the complainers about American Express gift cards actually did a little bit of research on what they were buying before the did so, they probably would not be complaining, or would not be justified in complaining.

Note: It is YOUR job to understand what you are buying and what you will be paying for BEFORE you agree with payment. Some of the complaints specifically state they are upset by being charged a service charge or shipping fees for something ordered on the internet? My response: have you ever ordered anything from the internet? helllooo.....companies don't ship things for free usually and if they do it's because you are ordering during a specific promotional opportunity or a good customer.

One more thing....perhaps they should all read the additional articles relative to credit cards on this site. If they do, they might start thinking that the fees and some otherwise nuisance issues due to their own ignorance are better than the alternative of other large banks who deliver services for visa/mastercard that compromise consumer data by security breaches, loss of company equipment with cardmember data on it and have less than adequate security in place on the whole.

Ya, I would really rather do business with American Express and pay a few extra bucks knowing that I will never be the victim of identity theft because American Express is acutally looking out for my safety. Get a grip people! Read the facts before you buy......and don't complain when you are unaware and just plain ignorant.

David of Plano TX (12/20/05)
Thinking it was a simple and safe way to give money to my kids, I purchased a number of American Express Gift Cards at a local Safeway Store in $50. and $100. amounts as Christmas presents. When I got home an opened one I discovered they would not work for the purpose I had intended for my kids who would be traveling to Eourpe and the Camans in the near future or as I was lead to believe via the American Express representive I had recently talked to. Now when I tried to take back to the store the next morning I was told by a store manager that they could not take them back because once they were activated they belonged to American Express and there was nothing they could do.

Later when I talked to American Express Customer Service repersentive they told me there was nothing the could do because I had purchased at a store and should take back to that store. There was nothing they could do. The lady with AMX was very convencing that I could still use them my self or sell them to another person on my own but they were not able to redeem my money, turn into Gift Checks or help in any way. What a racket.

 So now I'm out $600.00 and have these gift cards that are useless for the purpose I purchased them for. Nowhere on the outside packageing does it say they can not be used at Airlines, Hotels, Rental Cars, Gas Stations nor can they be used outside the U.S. Another hitch is you have to use for the exact amount of the card, and can not make up the difference, example: if you purchase something for $101. then it will be rejected and you will be billed $2.00 by AMX for going over the card limit.

Equally if you had $1.25 left on the card it would be almost impossible to ever use that remaining balance. Just think if they hook 25 million people like me and every card is left with a balance how much they pocket. I'm frustrated, feel cheated and can't believe what a scam, what I thought was a top notch company is running. They have lost me as a customer forever.

James of New Rochelle NY (09/13/05)
I recently purchased 2 American Express gift cards to take my kids shopping out of town. When i went to activate the cards while in PA school shopping I was informed that the cards could not be activated and to call back the next day. When i called back sunday morning they told me that the cards still could not be activated. Days have gone by and no one has called me back from american express as i was informed that someone would contact me. i still have these 2 unactivated gift cards that I am stuck with and they don't care.

Rosalind of College Park GA (02/26/05)
I was given a $50.00 American Express Gift Card. I took it to Red Lobster in Douglasville, Ga. I asked the server prior to placing my order if they accpted the American Express Gift Card. I had the card in my hand showing it to her. She took the card at the end of the meal. She came back and told me I could not use the card. I asked for management. I was told those card are too much of a problem, with fraud and could not be used.

I called American Express and asked for my money to be refunded that I was embarrassed by the incident and the gentleman at the restaurant told me that he knew of no place that would accept such a card. American Express told me that if they refunded a $50.00 gift card, I would have to PAY a $10.00 fee. They sold a card that is not valid where American Express is accepted and now they want to keep 20% of the value because I can't use the card.

I think they took the money for the card under false pretense that the card is as respected as their traveler's checks and their credit card and this is not true.

Matthew of Denville NJ (12/21/04)
Ordered 2 gift cards from American Express. Decided 10 minutes later I could get Visa cards in person without waiting for mail, and cancelled order. Order was placed on 11/15/04 and cancelled no more than 10 minutes later. I was assured credit card would be credited for full amount. After NUMEROUS phone calls to the "escalations" dept, I still don't have my $200+ back on my credit card and have incurred finance charges as a result.

Each time I speak with a "manager" I am told it will be resolved, it however NEVER is. Here we are on 12/21/04 and still no credit. Boy they can take money very quickly..try to get them to give it back...Good luck.

Henry of Villanova, PA (12/17/05)
My wife purchased a $200 Am Express Gift Card for our daughter. I was shocked to find $13.90 in fees added to my AMEX bill - $5.95 card issue fee and a $7.95 UPS fee. What a rip-off.

The card has not been activated and I want to cancel it. I have called AMEX and so far have gotten nowhere. I am annoyed and will be livid if there are any cancellation fees or I do not get a full refund. I have been a big user of AMEX for many years but am seriously considering canceling my gold card.

Kevin of Ft Worth, TX (11/13/05)
I purchased an American Express gift card a couple of months ago. When the card was stolen I reported it and it was cancelled. I had a lengthy conversation with customer service and they took my information and said I would receive a new one in 10 to 12 days. When I didn't receive my new card I called customer service and they said they did not have any information about my card replacement.

I have the paper that was attached to the original card showing a bar code and a tracking number. I gave them this information when I called for the replacement card, but now when I talk to them, and refer to these numbers, they act like they don't know what I am talking about. They say my name was not in their computer.

I'm not sure what to do - you don't seem to be able to contact American Express through email and of course contacting their customer service is a joke.

The cards are sealed and there is absolutely no information about restrictions on the outside packaging. Only after you purchase the card, open the sealed package and read the enclosed pamphlet do you find out the card is not accepted at gas stations, airlines, hotel, car rentals, telecom or ATM's!

Restrictions should be clearly printed on the outside of the packaging.

Tracy of Simi Valley CA (1/19/04):
I ordered 11 American Express Gift Cards for $500 apiece. I am sitting on the phone on hold now for over 75 minutes. No one can seem to help me and it is funny but all supervisors are in a meeting. American Express has the worst Customer Service I have ever experienced and you can be sure I will NEVER EVER make the same mistake twice and order again from them.

I will not have the gift cards in time for an awards ceremony for our Convention.

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