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 1816387 times)

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3180 on: July 15, 2014, 05:04:54 PM »
What if I am paying from someone else account ? Is that not allowed ? Illegal?

Offline Boruch999

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 1929
  • Total likes: 186
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3181 on: July 15, 2014, 05:32:51 PM »
What if I am paying from someone else account ? Is that not allowed ? Illegal?

Against amex terms

Online bznt

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 2613
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: new york
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3182 on: July 15, 2014, 05:33:21 PM »
So. Should I close my accounts ?

Offline Boruch999

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 1929
  • Total likes: 186
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3183 on: July 15, 2014, 05:36:04 PM »
I'm not an expert.  I think I would.

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4849
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3184 on: July 15, 2014, 05:47:56 PM »
I'm not an expert.  I think I would.
I'm not so sure that's good advice but I guess he should wait for someone with experience to chime in.


Offline Boruch999

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 1929
  • Total likes: 186
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3185 on: July 15, 2014, 06:00:46 PM »
I'm not so sure that's good advice but I guess he should wait for someone with experience to chime in.

hence:
I'm not an expert.

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4849
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3186 on: July 15, 2014, 06:38:08 PM »

I think I would.
Sounds like you're implying he should, hence...
I'm not so sure that's good advice but I guess he should wait for someone with experience to chime in.
:P

Offline ChaimMoskowitz

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 6738
  • Total likes: 1097
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3187 on: July 15, 2014, 06:48:06 PM »
Yes, the form they request does not break down the income by person, rather it's like your 1040 that has a lump sum for wages etc.
you sure it does not include W2 info?
I just found a new supply of forks!

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4849
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3188 on: July 15, 2014, 06:56:53 PM »
you sure it does not include W2 info?
I believe in 2012 I had no income and passed my F/R this past Jan.


Offline ChaimMoskowitz

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 6738
  • Total likes: 1097
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3189 on: July 15, 2014, 07:06:15 PM »
I believe in 2012 I had no income and passed my F/R this past Jan.
that does not answer my question.  :)
I just found a new supply of forks!

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4849
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3190 on: July 15, 2014, 07:47:54 PM »
that does not answer my question.  :)
It does, because whatever the answer to your question is it obviously has no impact.


Offline ChaimMoskowitz

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 6738
  • Total likes: 1097
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3191 on: July 15, 2014, 07:55:06 PM »
It does, because whatever the answer to your question is it obviously has no impact.
but I would still like to know.
I just found a new supply of forks!

Offline yitzf

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 2623
  • Total likes: 52
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3192 on: July 15, 2014, 08:43:16 PM »
you sure it does not include W2 info?
The last time I saw a transcript was a little while back...I don't remember seeing any W2 breakdown.

Offline Hamavin

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 1628
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3193 on: July 24, 2014, 12:48:25 AM »
Just got an fr i am student but gonna send in my dads returns any hope? what should i claim i do?any tips?

Offline bubble347

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 927
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3194 on: July 24, 2014, 12:50:23 AM »
Just got an fr i am student but gonna send in my dads returns any hope? what should i claim i do?any tips?
did you write on the app that you're a student?
Watch this inspiring video.

Offline Hamavin

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 1628
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3195 on: July 24, 2014, 12:52:14 AM »
No put in other i have some side biz but nothing proveable. Should i say just started bla bla bla?

Offline bubble347

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 927
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3196 on: July 24, 2014, 12:53:39 AM »
No put in other i have some side biz but nothing proveable. Should i say just started bla bla bla?
Yes exactly :)
Watch this inspiring video.

Offline joey123

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 1774
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Modern Mashgiach at Chovevei (YCT) #ResidentMashgiach
  • Programs: Daven for the Chayalim #IStandWithIsrael
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3197 on: July 24, 2014, 12:55:23 AM »
Just got an fr i am student but gonna send in my dads returns any hope? what should i claim i do?any tips?

According to this thread, you shouldn't have a problem. http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=37121.0

Please report back. Good luck!
To the nOObs out there, feel free to PM with q's. #AlwaysTakesTheHighRoad #LovesHashTags

Offline Hamavin

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 1628
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3198 on: July 24, 2014, 01:04:58 AM »
Any other tips before i make the call tom. morning? the trigger was a 10k purchase in local grocery

Offline Super Speed

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 4849
  • Total likes: 50
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle, Avis First, National Executive Elite, Sixt Platinum.
Re: Amex F/R Master Thread
« Reply #3199 on: July 24, 2014, 05:37:24 AM »

According to this thread, you shouldn't have a problem. http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=37121.0

Please report back. Good luck!
It really depends on age, a 22 year old student can't include household income. CMIIW.