Amex Credit Card Complaint

Amex Credit card department,

Customer service / Customer relations Virginia

This morning I went on-line to my American Express account and noticed that my account was 19 days past due. I promptly paid the amount that they requested online that would bring the card immediately current. I paid by having the amount deducted from my bank account on the same day. Thinking that the matter was settled, I then called American Express to explore my " Membership Rewards '' options, because I have accumulated a lot of points. When I asked to speak to the Membership Rewards department, I was interrupted by a customer service representative who asked me to pay an additional amount - any additional amount. When I asked her what the benefit of doing so would be, she simply said that it will reduce my future invoice. When I asked again what the benefit to me would be of paying an additional amount, she said that she would put a positive note into my account. When I asked her if this would have any impact on my credit score, she said no, it would not. The representative could not articulate for me what benefit would accrue to me from any additional payment. Yet, the representative kept me on the phone for 15-20 minutes and would not connect me to Membership Rewards until I paid an additional amount. I paid $2.00 more and then when she connected me to Membership Rewards, the office was closed. This was an incredibly frustrating experience and waste of my time. My issue is not with the customer service representative. My issue is with American Express 's practices. I have been a card member for 22 years and have never had to complain before, but this was beyond the pale. American Express needs to change their abusive practices.