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 1816837 times)

Offline rivkao

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 1025
  • Total likes: 18
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6420 on: January 19, 2016, 09:26:19 AM »
There are other factors besides spending. (Not passing a previous FR, family member under FR, someone at the same location)
None of it applied. And therefore was thinking it was because of opening 5 cards at once

Online Mordyk

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 4102
  • Total likes: 1015
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Some of this and some of that.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6421 on: January 19, 2016, 09:26:34 AM »
Can't you just ask the rep what triggered it?
In my case they claimed that there was no trigger. Just routine verification bs
#TYH

Online TimT

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 22077
  • Total likes: 7130
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6422 on: January 19, 2016, 09:30:00 AM »
None of it applied. And therefore was thinking it was because of opening 5 cards at once
First amex cards ?

Offline rivkao

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 1025
  • Total likes: 18
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6423 on: January 19, 2016, 09:30:48 AM »

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5844
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6424 on: January 19, 2016, 09:34:25 AM »
-1 I know of people that even before spending $1 their account was under fr

Prior history with Amex?
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline rivkao

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 1025
  • Total likes: 18
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6425 on: January 19, 2016, 09:34:58 AM »

Offline Hershelsdeals

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2014
  • Posts: 3583
  • Total likes: 13
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6426 on: January 19, 2016, 09:35:06 AM »
is that a given that applying for a card by itself doesn't trigger FR? I recently applied for the bus. amex platinum (still have it open) now I have an offer for 150k bonus without any language is there any risk in applying for it? TIA for any responses
No.

When doea the app expire?

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5844
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6427 on: January 19, 2016, 09:35:12 AM »
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5844
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6428 on: January 19, 2016, 09:37:04 AM »
In my case they claimed that there was no trigger. Just routine verification bs

I assume then that it wasn't hard passing? (If you actually have returns.)
Work hard, Play harder!

Online TimT

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 22077
  • Total likes: 7130
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6429 on: January 19, 2016, 09:38:21 AM »
Yes
OP was worried about applying after passing an FR. He shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Offline rivkao

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 1025
  • Total likes: 18
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6430 on: January 19, 2016, 09:39:33 AM »
OP was worried about applying after passing an FR. He shouldn't have anything to worry about.
That surely not since they would only conduct an fr once a year

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5844
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6431 on: January 19, 2016, 09:40:08 AM »
That surely not since they would only conduct an fr once a year

Is that so? I thought reading that people were FR'd within a 2-3 months gap within 2015.
Work hard, Play harder!

Online TimT

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 22077
  • Total likes: 7130
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6432 on: January 19, 2016, 09:43:46 AM »
That surely not since they would only conduct an fr once a year
Read upthread. Way sooner

Online Mordyk

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 4102
  • Total likes: 1015
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Some of this and some of that.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6433 on: January 19, 2016, 09:44:41 AM »
I assume then that it wasn't hard passing? (If you actually have returns.)
It just started yesterday. Will update when i hopefully pass
#TYH

Offline benjie1305

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 5844
  • Total likes: 17
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY Area
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6434 on: January 19, 2016, 09:45:02 AM »
It just started yesterday. Will update when i hopefully pass

Good luck!
Work hard, Play harder!

Offline rivkao

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 1025
  • Total likes: 18
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: brooklyn
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6435 on: January 19, 2016, 09:46:50 AM »
Read upthread. Way sooner
With documents and all? Once had a near call but when I said that I recently passed an fr they let me go...

Offline am77

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 157
  • Total likes: 4
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6436 on: January 19, 2016, 09:55:18 AM »
No.

When doea the app expire?
in a few days

Offline yochiek93

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 4456
  • Total likes: 92
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6437 on: January 19, 2016, 10:07:33 AM »
With documents and all? Once had a near call but when I said that I recently passed an fr they let me go...
Yes even with all the documents you can get F/Rd again

Offline mawmaw

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 1252
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6438 on: January 19, 2016, 02:01:25 PM »
It just started yesterday. Will update when i hopefully pass
looks like Amex FR dep has a threshold for Jan 2016 :'(

Offline shulemw

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 375
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #6439 on: January 19, 2016, 05:40:48 PM »
how long after my cards get shut down because of financial review can i open again without getting hit again with a financial review?