Topic Wiki

1)   What is a Financial Review?
In short - American Express occasionally freezes the credit card accounts of individuals with high-risk patterns, or for new account holders.
They request a lot of personal information, such as IRS tax returns, bank statements, letters from Banks ect…

Let’s break it down into 2 different types of Financial Reviews
A)   Mini Financial Review
B)   Financial Review

A)   Mini Financial Review

(please fill in info) This form of financial review, is usually a short process, it could be as short as one phone call. American Express might feel a need to verify your finances for whatever reason, and they could call you to verify information. Your accounts could be suspended from using until you get in touch with them, typically they will restore your accounts after a simple phone call.

B)   Financial Review
This type of Financial Review is very common. It often happens when opening a new account for the first time, usually if you are opening a Charge Card, or a Business Card or if on a new account you start off will a lot of high spending.
American Express will suspend your account/s, they will not remove the suspension until the review is over, which takes around 2 weeks.

If you cannot provide the required information, shut down your account right away.

2)   Triggers

Look below for a list of triggers and links.
 
3)   What will happen?
Your accounts will get suspended. You will be able to log in online, and see account activity, but you will get a message that charging is suspended.

They will contact you via phone and email. Once you get in touch with them, (typically) you will be assigned a specific representative to work on your case.

The will require mainly IRS Tax returns. The point of a Financial Review is to verify your income. They may also require Back statements, a letter from a Bank to verify your address, and other documents. People have reported that they did survive a Financial Review with just bank statements.

As long as you could provide the documents they request you will be fine, they might lower your credit lines, but you should be able keep your account open. Even as low as a $6000 tax return people have been able to survive a Financial Review.

In cases of a Financial Review after opening a Business Card, you will need proof of Business income.

If you cannot provide the required information, shut down your account right away.

As long as you could provide the documents they request you will be fine, they might lower your credit lines, but you should be able keep your account open. Even as low as a $6000 tax return people have been able to survive a Financial Review.

4)   What Steps Should I take?

Get in touch with Amex as soon as you could. Send in the request inform promptly. You will have a rep that will be working with you, and telling you what documents are needed. 4506-t is a transcript request from the IRS for you last tax return. You will need to fill out this form, fax it to Amex, it will take them 24-48 hours until they receive this form, they will request the tax return from the IRS that could take about a week.

Important: you only have 2 attempts to send them the fax, if they reject it after 2 attempts you will get shut down. You don't get more than 2 attempts. (source)
You may be able to get 3 attempts if you ask for a manager.

You need to be on top of it, if you don’t follow thru, they could shut your accounts down.


5)   What to do if American Express closed your accounts?

Once American Express closes your accounts, the only way to get back on is if you have the required information needed to pass a Financial Review. They will require you to request a 4506 form from the IRS (which will cost you $57) before they even approve any of your future applications.


To start you may want to read up here:

F/R triggers:
[/color]


Credit line of $25k or more
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=1438.msg10906#msg10906

Family member receiving FR can cause other family members to get Fr'ed as well
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=6223.msg74003#msg74003 http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg24759#msg24759

Living at same address as someone who was FR'ed
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg77046#msg77046

Using majority of CL
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=7526.msg87716#msg87716

Large cash advance
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=5908.msg82906#msg82906

Nothing...
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=2723.msg30062#msg30062

Changing name on business card
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=3589.msg38101#msg38101

Mint purchases
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=146.msg22932#msg22932

Amex Gift Card Purchases
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=2422.msg26670#msg26670
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg40106#msg40106

Unusual spending
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg7627#msg7627
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=3710.msg39597#msg39597

Amazon payments (possibly)
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=3657.msg88656#msg88656
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=3524.msg42436#msg42436

Using close to reported income
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/2537

Logging in online too much (!)
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg13741#msg13741

Prepaying
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=1712.msg13732#msg13732
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=3710.msg39725#msg39725

Adding Cardholders (many?)
http://www.dansdeals.com/forums/index.php?topic=8.msg49318#msg49318

Refunds exceeding total payments made on the card since it was opened
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=8.msg845606#msg845606
[/font]
Though not exactly F/R, it's worth mentioning that Amex takes returned payments very seriously.
They often shut all accounts without going through the F/R process.

Author Topic: Amex F/R Master Thread  (Read 1874299 times)

Offline cholent

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 2705
  • Total likes: 524
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5880 on: December 01, 2015, 12:25:23 AM »
With heavy black Friday spending they can say you are spending more then you are earning.....
Despite the heavy spending that's not even close. And my fr was triggered by much heavier spending than this, iirc
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5881 on: December 01, 2015, 12:26:58 AM »
Despite the heavy spending that's not even close. And my fr was triggered by much heavier spending than this, iirc
Then good luck keep us posted

Offline coralsnake

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 4608
  • Total likes: 162
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5882 on: December 01, 2015, 12:29:28 AM »
With heavy black Friday spending they can say you are spending more then you are earning.....
Like most Americans. 
"Here at DansDeals we don’t do buses." -Dan

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5883 on: December 01, 2015, 12:43:37 AM »

Offline David Smith

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 8134
  • Total likes: 212
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5884 on: December 01, 2015, 12:45:07 AM »

Ftfy
-1. DDFers aren't the ones spending 5k on impulsive doorbusters on black Friday, IMO.
Who do you think you are fooling? You think you are going to pull a quick one on your Creator? Good luck with that.
JTZ

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5885 on: December 01, 2015, 12:46:13 AM »
-1. DDFers aren't the ones spending 5k on impulsive doorbusters on black Friday, IMO.
I meant the fact of spending on cc more then earning sorry for not being clear

Offline David Smith

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 8134
  • Total likes: 212
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5886 on: December 01, 2015, 12:47:29 AM »
I meant the fact of spending on cc more then earning sorry for not being clear
Heck yeah. We spend more in a day than we make in a month.
Who do you think you are fooling? You think you are going to pull a quick one on your Creator? Good luck with that.
JTZ

Offline unavailable

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 546
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: bp
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5887 on: December 01, 2015, 07:51:43 PM »
So I'm trying to reach my fr rep from last Monday it always goes to voicemail. I left more than 5 messages, including 2 today, is it time to go above?

Offline pixi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1945
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5888 on: December 01, 2015, 08:15:21 PM »
So I'm trying to reach my fr rep from last Monday it always goes to voicemail. I left more than 5 messages, including 2 today, is it time to go above?
Call up the FR department and ask for your reps hour's of operation
money doesn't talk......      it SCREAMS !

Offline Yehuda25

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 6091
  • Total likes: 78
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5889 on: December 01, 2015, 08:17:17 PM »
Call up the FR department and ask for your reps hour's of operation
+1   and if its crazy that she/he is not answering tell that to a supervisor (though i would be hesitant to do that if you have no sizeable tax return)
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”


― Aristotle

Offline pixi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1945
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5890 on: December 01, 2015, 08:28:41 PM »


(though i would be hesitant to do that if you have no sizeable tax return)
watch out.

money doesn't talk......      it SCREAMS !

Offline unavailable

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 546
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: bp
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5891 on: December 01, 2015, 08:34:04 PM »
Ye, no great income. Hours are tue-Sat, 6:30 to 2:30 mountain time

Offline pixi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1945
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5892 on: December 01, 2015, 08:36:10 PM »
Ye, no great income. Hours are tue-Sat, 6:30 to 2:30 mountain time
Then be nice.
money doesn't talk......      it SCREAMS !

Offline unavailable

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 546
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: bp
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5893 on: December 01, 2015, 08:38:55 PM »
Then be nice.
Except voicemail, there is none to be nice to. :-\

Offline Yehuda25

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 6091
  • Total likes: 78
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 9
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5894 on: December 01, 2015, 10:01:12 PM »
Except voicemail, there is none to be nice to. :-\
So try for the supervisor.
“To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”


― Aristotle

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5895 on: December 01, 2015, 10:06:55 PM »
So try for the supervisor.
Just remember be nice

Offline unavailable

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 546
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: bp
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5896 on: December 01, 2015, 10:11:57 PM »
 
Just remember be nice
Like what, try to offer them a pre Chanukah donut?
 ;D

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4482
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5897 on: December 01, 2015, 10:13:17 PM »


Like what, try to offer them a pre Chanukah donut?
 ;D

Lol No I mean don't be pushy or they will get upset

Offline unavailable

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 546
  • Total likes: 20
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: bp
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5898 on: December 01, 2015, 10:14:14 PM »

Lol No I mean don't be pushy or they will get upset
Gotcha, will try tomorrow again, and I'll keep you'll posted. Thanks

Offline pixi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1945
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #5899 on: December 01, 2015, 11:47:59 PM »
Gotcha, will try tomorrow again, and I'll keep you'll posted. Thanks
Well,  if you are unavailable why should the rep be?
money doesn't talk......      it SCREAMS !