khartle2 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Sorry I don't know if this is the right place to bring up this situation but it seemed to be the closest fit. Anyways, I have a charge card account with AMEX. It is now 78 days past due with a fairly high balance (long story as to why that happened). They threatened to close our account if they didn't see the hefty payment they requested so my husband called them and essentially begged them to find a way that we can get the balance paid off that would be to their satisfaction. They said they would be willing to break up our total balance into monthly payments over a 12-month period. He asked if they would do anything to my CR (since I'm the primary account holder) and they said no and that they would not close my account. I'm so relieved! The monthly payments are better as far as what we can afford. However, I think it's a good idea to ask for this agreement to be in writing and signed so that they don't try to go back on it later...Is this a sound idea? Also, if I do get the agreement in writing, who's signature from the company should I ask for? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Methuss Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 As long as you get the agreement in writing and it is signed by a representative of the company you will have all you need to establish a prima-facie case should they renig on their end of the deal.However, I will tell you from my experience with them, they rarely give a written agreement prior to receiving payment. In the situation I had with them about 5 years ago, they wouldn't give me doodly until I had paid them fully what was agreed upon; and then all I got was a letter syaing they had settled the account with me. They dinged my credit rating every month I was not in compliance with the original account terms. What they agreed to afterwards was never done as they said.Since then I have found a way to deal with this. Pay a lawyer to handle the negotiations for you. It will probably cost you about $200. AMEX won't mess with you if a lawyer handled all the details...because a lawyer is an "officer of the court." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recovering Attorney Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Methuss is on to something. In my experience, it depends on who you deal with at Amex. Get a name and extension number and bug that person. Sometimes a lawyer's letter will help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjtx Posted July 12, 2008 Report Share Posted July 12, 2008 I have read about one of their programs, I think it is called "Oasis" and if I remember correctly is a one time chance to work out your debt situation. So if you ever fall behind with them, they will simply refuse to work with you. I seem to recall there is an Optima card involved...You should be able to google it. Once you have more info, maybe you can push them to give you something in writing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khartle2 Posted July 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2008 I tried reading up on Oasis with AMEX...there wasn't a lot of info about how it works but I think I got the jist by reading various forums...Apparently Oasis gives you an Optima card once you have the full balance on your old account paid in full...It has a CL of about half what the original credit limit was. This would be a great idea since if you make good on the Optima card, it erases any negative info reported from your old account. However, it sounds like this is a program for those who have an account that was charged-off and want to get back in AMEX's good graces. My account isn't charged-off YET (maybe that's what they're planning on since I can't pay a large amount like they want). I guess I need to call them and get more details on this offer and have them send me the details in writing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts