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American Express
Category: Financial Services Financial Services [Edit]
455 Market Street(between 1st St & Bush St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 536-2600
Abby S. said: "As a AAA member, it's worth the annual fee to be able to skip the DMV and renew your vehicle registration at the AAA office. Totally worth it! This particular location is within walking distance from my office and they're always happy…" read more »
26 reviews for American Express
26 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca H.
Dublin, CA
11/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had a great experience here today. I am not an am ex member but my bank, B of A directed me here to get travelers cheques. It's only $7 to trade any form of currency, no matter how much, so I cleaned them out of yen. The two ladies were lovely and friendly. I can see how people get peeved, the guy in front of me tried to pay his bill but couldn't because his account is in a different country. He was frustrated.
I wasn't able to get all then yen I wanted, they didn't have enough and I didn't call first. Still some is better than none! -
Review from Thomas D.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011
Update:
October 3, 2011
My gift card was finally refunded the $100.00 today!! It took 8 days and several phone calls before they put the balance back on my gift card. I am still leaving the rating as 1 star. The red tape and hassle was unnecessary.
The review:
I used an American Express gift card at Macy's in San Francisco last week and the cashier made an error after swiping my gift card --so, she voided the entire transaction. The card was worth $100.00. American Express saw that this transaction was voided and that it was the cashiers fault. They still took all of the money on the gift card! The manager at Macy's spent over an hour talking to them on MY iPhone last week. He couldn't get them to put the money back on my card even after explaining that no purchases were made. They told him that the money would be refunded in a week. It's been 8 days and my card still shows a zero balance.
I have called numerous times and painfully waited on the phone while navigating my way through their automated phone service to an actual person. Each "associate" has told me the same thing, "the money will be put back on your card tomorrow". I still do not have my money refunded back to the gift card yet. I don't think they can legally do this?
Stay away from American Express gift cards--it makes no sense that we live in this digital world and this kind of error can't be fixed instantly. Either that or they're hoping I'll give up and they can keep the $100.00. Not going to happen. This red tape is unnecessary. -
Review from a s.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
I only gave it a star because I had to. The ultimate worst service I've ever received. Wanted to exchange USD to canadian dollars, but simply because I said four little letters c. u. b. a. during my request, they refused me service (despite the fact I'm going there legally). I realize that legally Americans can't spend any money there, but who are they to say they won't even exchange any for me. I demanded that they show me a written policy that states they must reject service upon mention of this country, but they could not provide it. I had asked to see the manager, but found another service that offered a better deal, so I opted to leave. I will NEVER go back there or use their service ever again. They have lost a completely good customer.
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Review from Eric G.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2010
I've had an AmEx account for well over a year. Before going on vacation, I came here to get some cold hard Euros.
I asked the lady at the counter, and -- I swear I'm not making this up -- she actually asked me "Will you be paying cash or check?"
Yes that's right, AmEx DOES NOT ACCEPT THEIR OWN MEMBER'S CREDIT CARDS!
Epic fail, AmEx. Epic fail. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2008
I have a feeling this is how they recoup their lost money from fraud - by committing it themselves.
I have yet to receive the entire value issued on an AmEx gift card.
Do NOT buy these for friends and family please - it's frustrating and embarrassing when you have to fight with store clerks and spend days chasing AmEx around trying to get help. Go with gift cards from specific stores directly. I suppose I can take solace in the fact that I'm not the only one, but the three unused AmEx cards that are going into the garbage sort of pre-empt any feelings of solidarity with other duped customers.
http://www.consumeraff...
Don't gift cards not expire in California? -
Review from Wendy L. V.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2008
I use my Amex Blue Card everywhere (if accepted). They are wonderful!!! My first year as a cardholder - I received $600 cash back, which I put to good use in the purchase of my first non-fake LV bag. But here's the real reason why I love them so much:
In April 2007, I decided to buy my fiance a $600 bike for his bday. While shopping for this bike, I couldn't help but think I needed one as well and $1200 later - I walked out of the bike shop with 2 shiny silver Fuji bikes.
We were so excited we rode all through the city and got a bit hungry so we parked and locked up our bikes in front of the CPK on 3rd street. Since this restaurant was right across from the prestigious Westin hotel with tons of foot traffic and with broad daylight at 5pm - we had our pizza and salad in peaceful bliss anticipating all the adventures we would have with our new toys.
When I walked out of the restaurant, I almost threw up my Waldorf salad. My bike had been stolen!!! The thoughts running through my mind: "I rented a bike for $600 for a couple of hours!!!" The fiance (now hubby) jumped into action asking the hostess for any video they have for their premises, while I withered in my own pity.
The thought of walking 2 miles home holding my bike helmet started my gag reflex once again when the words "Buyer Protection Program" drifted into my head. I called the 800 # on the back of my Amex card and was routed to the correct dept within minutes. I filed all the necessary paperwork and received a credit for my bike purchase within 2 weeks!!!! I now have a new bike and purchased a heavy duty chain. So the bike stealing meth-heads can go screw themselves in hell. Hugs and kisses to Amex - all my love :) -
Review from Hilary K.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2007
Clearly I need to read the fine print better.
Apparently according to my Blue Cash card member agreement, I have to pay off the balance In Full for two consecutive months before they stop charging me finance fees.
I realize this after I finally paid off the damn account and canceled it. I just got yet another finance charge after I paid in full!!
We seriously need better consumer protection laws when it comes to credit cards.
Argh. Clearly I need to read these things more carefully. But that's just a serious rip-off.
Also. The customer service representative just told me that I missed my anniversary. When I asked what she meant, she said that their 'Cash back' rebates are calculated annually. So because I canceled 8 days too early, I don't get my cash rewards - which would have covered the finance charges.
Bottom Line: there are seriously better cash back credit card programs. -
Review from John W.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2011
Ugh, don't use an American Express outside of the country. I didn't realize they charge a Foreign Currency Charge of 2.7%. So anything you charge overseas has this tax charged to your card. I didn't read the fine print and it used to be built into the charge apparently.
I won't be using my Amex card overseas at all. Better use a card that doesn't have this extra fee. There are some Visa cards on the list. You can find a summary here:
http://www.bankrate.co... -
Review from B. A.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2009
Their commercials are HIGHLY deceiving. They DO NOT help "small business" I will never use, nor recommend their services. Can you say "banker mafia" ?
` -
Review from Susy C.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2007
Thank you for being so helpful in my time of need. Credit card fraud is the worst bitch there is...
Although I sometimes have to be put on hold, I don't mind. Your customer service reps are always friendly even though they are sometimes hard to understand. (I get confused when they have really really thick Indian accents)
But each time I have had a question concerning my account, you have been more than gracious and helpful in clarifying the problem for me.
Thank you for making my life T H I S much easier during my vulnerable state. -
Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2009
54 years old and have never needed or wanted one of these rip-off and less-than-useful cards (so many places don't take it)... but international travel made it look a bit attractive. I accepted their offer of a card with 1 year free membership. The card arrived... WITHOUT MY LAST NAME ON IT. I called. 10 minutes later they said they'd send a new card with the rest of my name on it. Got a UPS notice (don't you hate those things) stuck on my mailbox saying a package needed a signature. Cost $4 to get the package redirected to my office. Finally got the card, and there were NO TERMS anywhere in the envelope. Tried to learn the terms on the website but the registration of the card failed (but not before it "took" my name and password - can't log in with it, but can't re-register with it either). Called them, took 15 minutes, but canceled it 24 hours after receiving.
ALL the Gods were warning me to stay away from this outfit. EVIL. -
Review from Mike B.
Napa, CA
5/11/2010
This review is for one of their gift cards. I purchased a gift card for my teenage son in April 2007. He managed to misplace it until recently. When my son went to use the card, it was declined. I called AmEx and they said the card was good for a year and thereafter they charged $2/month service charge so the card no longer had any value.
I told AmEx that in California a law as passed that said they could not service fee the card to zero value. The AmEx representative knew exactly what day the law was enacted and that the card was purchased before the law came into effect. He was polite but basically said I was out of luck.
The envelope on the card says "Valid Thru 10/10". No where on the outside of the envelope does it mention the fee, or value of the card diminishing over time. It does mention that there are additional conditions inside the envelope. With the "Valid Thru 10/10" in bold print on the outside of the card we expected that the card would be good until the date printed on the envelope.
So word of caution to you if you have an American Express gift card, use something else! I will not be giving their gift cards anymore. -
Review from Patrick R.
San Leandro, CA
9/12/2009
OK, this is not about being an American Express card holder but my experience with them as a "Merchant". I hate these guys. Not only do they charge a % of sales, nearly twice as much as other bank cards, but they have zero concern for the businesses that accept their card. A couple of times, when I've had to make changes to my acct. information, they used the opportunity to take their % from my sales out, daily, on each days deposit, rather than once per month which is standard. Anyone who has run a bus. or done bookkeeping, knows what a hassle this is.
Most recently, when I had this problem, I asked their representative, "can't you guys call or email me when there's something going on with my account that would compel you to do something so drastic?" Response, "I'm sorry sir, but we have so many customers, we don't have time to do something like that." Well, when I stop accepting their card, we'll see if they have enough time to give me a call. I hope not, but I'll bet I'm wrong.
AMEX sucks. -
Review from Cara T.
Oakland, CA
7/20/2011
Worst credit card in America.
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Review from PierLuigi G.
Burlingame, CA
12/23/2010
Great service and great exchange rates. Went to Travelex first but they were buying my buying euros as $1.11. American Express was exchanging at $1.32. Huge difference! Staff was also very nice and professional.
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Review from Samson M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2010
let me start by saying this review is for American Express Extended Warranty dept and NOT the financial services.
by far the best credit card I've ever used. here's the story. I purchased a sharp 32" lcd tv for the bedroom from costco back on june 2007. just this past january the lcd dies, no power, no picture, no sound. I was like, you've got to be kidding me. the tv is only 2.5 years old.
I first called sharp but they said it's out of warranty. sharp carries 1 year warranty. STRIKE 1! next I called costco cuz they add an additional year to the manufacturer's warranty. they said it's past 2 years now. STRIKE 2! finally, I remembered american express extends the manufacturer's warranty also. I called them and filed a claim but the operator couldn't say whether it was covered or not but based on the info I supplied, it's highly possible. FOUL TIP!
I had to send in a copy of my costco receipt, manufacturer's warranty, and a repair estimate. I got an estimate from Art's TV (review will follow soon). 1.5 weeks later I received a check from american express! HOME RUN!!! now my tv is fixed and back in my bedroom. I no longer have to squint really tight to watch tv on my 22" lcd. -
Review from Kim T.
San Jose, CA
10/21/2011
Don't ever buy e-gift card from American Express. I had the worst experience ever. My boss gave me an AE e-gift card as a thank you for the work that I've done. I then use the card to buy an Excel online advance course through a reputable online school. The card declined because I put my home address. The second time, it declined again saying the card was invalid. I called AE and they told me that it went through the 1st time. I told them that was not the case as I didn't get confirmation of the purchase but a confirmation that the transaction did not go through. They then told me to call the vendor to make sure that it didn't go through, then call them back and they will put the credit back to my card. I did just that but when I called them back, they told me that it would take 8 days for the credit to appear. I told them that it's ridiculous because by then, the sale (for the online course) will be ended. Then, they told me to have the vendor called them to confirm, which I told them to "go to hell". All I see is that they made you & everyone else do the leg work for them. I told them exactly how I felt and that I will let my boss know of this incident and will never buy gift card from them ever again.
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Review from Karsten G.
Vallejo, CA
5/2/2010
I called them the night before my event and told how much and for what will I use my Card was assured that it should not be a problem even if I go over 1k of my estimated amount...I get to my event and they decline the charges and a specialist is telling me that I cannot use it for this type of purchase..I was so embarassed that I had to scramble for other forms of payment just to make it happen...TOTALLY NOT RECOMMENDED DOES NOT HELP SMALL BUSINESSES!!!
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Review from Sharon T.
Redwood City, CA
6/28/2009
I got an AMEX card due to costco. I thought it was great that it gives 1% back and used it a ton. Unfortunately, the last two times I tried to use it it was denied, which is totally annoying. I was also a little worried that there were some weird charges, since I knew I should be nowhere near my credit limit. I called their customer service and found out it was canceled! No notice. They said a letter was sent out after it was cancelled, so I won't be recieving that until sometime next week! What if I was somewhere with only that card and needed gas or something? I'd have been stranded! Their reasons? They reviewed my account and credit report and the high balance and fact I had had previous late payments made me a high risk, so they canceled it outright. EVERY month I've paid the full balance (not just minimum payment) although I was late a couple times. I was terrified someone stole my identity but when I got my credit reports they're absolutely fine, nothing bad.
I think thats just horrible they wouldn't atleast give me advance warning. And completely bizzar they'd cancel it like that. I WILL NEVER USE IT AGAIN and wouldn't recommend it for anyone else. -
Review from Sandra M.
Concord, CA
8/5/2010
Back in the day, if the mother of the bride DIED and a wedding was cancelled, you could expect to receive a refund for your airline ticket. American Express used to honor its word and protect its customers.
I used to fly a lot for my job and in my personal life, and I always thought of United as an upscale airline, better service, better trained crews, compared to US Airways or ATA or other airlines. My experience with my friend's wedding has changed my views.
Her mother passed away just before her wedding and she cancelled her April wedding after my husband and I had purchased non-refundable tickets worth $950. Who expects that a wedding will be cancelled when they buy their tickets? We knew our friend, she wasn't flighty or the type of person to cancel her wedding on a whim.
We called United as soon as we found out and the person we spoke with said to put in the request and send appropriate documentation to the claims department and that we would get a full refund. Well, we did all that, certified mail, copy of death certificate, copy of wedding invitation, copy of newspaper obituary, and we received in the mail a letter stating that we had one year from the time of when we were supposed to fly to utilize the tickets but that we could only receive credit.
If you have children and a steady job, you know it is not possible to plan a good trip involving flying on an airplane until summertime and you can plan that sort of thing over a year in advance.
This seems so wrong. I am really upset about how this was handled. I feel like I am speaking with robots who are just politely repeating the fine print on my ticket, not human beings who actually care that someone's mother has died, that a major life event was cancelled and that the bride was not able to celebrate with her friends.
I contacted American Express, with whom we have had our cards for over 15 years, and who always tout "purchase protection" as one of their benefits, and they sent me a letter saying they contacted United Airlines, and United Airlines only mentions that since our tickets were non-refundable we are only eligible for a credit. It does not say anything else, not the fine print about the credit needing to be used by April of next year, nor that there is a $150 charge for rebooking or an extra $50 phone reservation fee if we want to bring our kids.
American Express did NOT ask me for any documentation and does NOT seem prepared in any way to protect ME AND MY HUSBAND, the consumers and THEIR OWN CUSTOMERS.
I am so po'd by this whole thing. How often does it happen that the mother of the bride actually dies? Is it really such a big component of the losses United Airlines has experienced? As a customer I feel like I am worth about 2 cents to them.
Actually, if I'm not able to use my travel credit by April, they will have bilked me out of $950. If I am able to use it before then, they will have bilked me out of $200-350 in rebooking fees. And they treat ME as if I am a criminal trying to get away with something. Awesome. -
Review from Anita B.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2008
Their CS is awesome. I don't know anything about the gift cards but I have an AmEx credit card that is my best friend. They go above and beyond to help with pretty much anything and they are very fast in the event that you need a charge back or something of the like. Their CS reps are always friendly and patient (suck it Wellsfargo!) Again, no comment on their gift cards but if you want a good credit card company, AmEx is the only way to go.
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Review from Irina A.
Oakland, CA
10/17/2008
I love my AMEX. My car was broken into and new clothes were stolen. My AMEX covered my purchases! My Macy's Visa didn't. Goodbye Macy's Visa. Plus I get nice points on my AMEX. I wish more business would take it.
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Review from TA D.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
I used to be a huge fan of amex, and have used them in business for over 15 years. Recently, however, and out of the blue - and me with a clean payment history with them - they sent me a credit limit notice. In the 15 years I have been with them, no credit limits. This on a GOLD CARD for god's sake! we travel with it, and would have frequently gone over their BS low limit they assigned.
I asked them why - just because was their response.
uh huh, and that is exactly why I canceled my AMEX cards - just because
so - business users - beware your coming credit limits and take action, cancel your AMEX cards NOW and let them know you are not going to take their crap any longer. -
Review from aaarj s.
Gladwyne, PA
12/20/2010
We had the Amex platinum card for over a decade - until a few years ago. We disputed a charge that Amex had made in error. They refused to acknowledge their mistake, which prompted us to terminate our account with them. Rather than admit their error, they choose to harrass us with periodical collection calls. So much for the Amex service of years past!
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Review from Miriam M.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2008
Ok so my review is not for the credit cards themselves but for the gift cards. My birthday just passed and my mom gave me a $200 gift card from AMEX. Great present i mean which 21yr old kid doesnt get excited to recieve a $200 credit gift card? So i had all my stuff at the checkstand and i whip out my card to pay when it was denied. Funny thing is i had just opened it so how could it possibly be declined. Of course it had to be the register or the not-so-tech-saavy lady behind it not knowing how to operate it since she had to ask her younger co-worker to come help her out. There i was holding up the line cause the stupid thing didnt go through. I finally called AMEX only to find out that i had a balance of $0.02 because of a $199.98 purchase from SPRINT. I dont even like nor do i have sprint. Fraud had been committed and somebody had to pay. How might this happen you ask? Well i dont even know yet because "they are looking into it" and have yet to contact me. So for my aches and pains, and no type of insurance for purchasing gift cards, i give 1 star. I get it, there are people out there who do such deceitful things out there but if AMEX does come through (which they better or all hell breaks loose) and reimburses me, i might just add another star. Sucks. Next time give ca$h.
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Review from Matt Z.
Honolulu, HI
2/2/2010
American express is not the right choice for small business. I have some good reasons to tell you this.
1) they like to say that you have no preset spending limit, but it is not true, the spending limit is determined by a computer algorithm that takes into account your recently activity. However, that information is not available to you, the small business owner, the person that could really use the information. They do not send email notification or make phone calls if you are over their limit, the just start denying transactions. We learned about this from our vendors. When did we learn, right before the Christmas holiday when our spending was ramping up for the Christmas season. Shippments came in late, product were not on the shelves, our trust in AMEX as a method in paying our vendors was directly responsible for decreased holiday sales. Worst part is, this is an easy fix. Show spending limits online, or send automated email notification if you are approaching the limit (not exceeding it), no one is paying closer attention than the owner.
2) Inability to solve a problem. We accidentally paid an AMEX billing from an account with insufficient funds. Our business banker caught it and we corrected it within a day by paying from an account with sufficient funds. AMEX, even though they had been paid in full, continued to debit the original account 3 more times over the period of 2 weeks, attempting to collect money they had already been paid. I made at least 3 phone calls and went up as high as I could in the AMEX chain of command. "It's in your service agreement" was the best they could do. Seriously? They are spending millions on an advertising campaign saying they are good for small business, and they are going to pull crap like that?
3) I was an American Express member for 16 years. After cancelling the account and writing a review much like the one I just did, guess what response i got? None. Sixteen year customer and they don't care. I guess the corporate office was too busy patting themselves on the back for beating analysts expectation to actually care about the people that made them the money.
4) Now that I have cancelled the account I am attempting to collect the over quarter million bonus miles that were sitting in the account. Guess what? Your account has been cancelled, you'll have to fax the corporate office and they'll consider your request, there is nothing we can do from this office. I'd laugh if I wasn't so mad.
Seriously, sixteen years with AMEX doesn't mean anything. Spend your efforts developing a track record with a local small business banker that knows your name. AMEX for business is a bad decesion.
