American Express®

What does 'No Pre-set Spending Limit' mean? Can customers spend as much as they want?

No Pre-Set Spending Limit refers to the principles governing how much a Cardmember can charge to their Card in any one billing period. 'No Pre-Set Spending Limit' does not mean 'unlimited spend' but is determined by the spending & repayment pattern specific to the Cardmember concerned.
- Spend accrued by a Cardmember as the month goes on is considered equivalent to an unsecured loan.
- No Pre-Set Spending Limit calculates the amount that a customer can lend by basing it on the amount that they have previously paid back on time.

What determines the amount a Cardmember can spend?

When a Charge Card account is first set up, information from the application is used to estimate an initial level of spend. For the first few months, this would be the level up to which charges would automatically be approved. After the first few months, the approved level of spend is determined by the previous spending pattern and the account payment history. However, if a Cardmember wishes to spend more than usual, American Express may be able to arrange this, provided we are contacted beforehand.

For what reasons would American Express decline a transaction on a Card?

Where there is a guarantee or 'blocked funds', on the Card account, purchases will be approved up to the level of the guarantee or 'blocked funds' without being subject to the risk rules which determine whether a further transaction should be approved.

Above this level, approval of further transactions will be based on a variety of factors including the Cardmember's credit record, account repayment history and personal resources. For Card accounts issued without a guarantee or 'blocked funds', purchases are approved in line with the typical monthly spending pattern of each individual Cardmember.

As such, if there has been a fairly long period of inactivity on the Card, the system will detect zero spend as the typical monthly spend pattern, and the first sizeable transaction made after this period may cause the system to 'refer' the transaction at the point of sale until American Express can speak to the Cardmember to confirm their identity (for fraud prevention).

We would urge the bank or the Cardmember to inform us if there is going to be an unusual amount of increased activity on the Card after non or low usage for a few months beforehand (e.g. the Cardmember is going on a holiday or a shopping trip) to avoid referrals at the point of sale.

What happens if a charge is disputed on an account?

The Cardmember must call Customer Services immediately upon receiving their statement and discuss this with a Representative. They will be able to provide more details of this charge.

When do I need to issue a guarantee or block funds in a customer's bank account?

If the customer is submitting a 'priority' application form, this will always need to be accompanied by a bank guarantee or blocked funds. If the customer is submitting a 'full' application form, the requirement for a guarantee or blocked funds will depend largely on the customer’s country of origin. Refer to the Card Marketing Agreement and Operating Procedures Manual for further details.

Can Cardmembers use the Card to obtain Cash?

Yes, Cardmembers can enroll for Express Cash and use the Card at over 550,000 ATMs world-wide. A guide to the Express Cash Service is sent on enrolment. Cardmembers can choose their PIN and send the application form. The PIN number can be changed by the Cardmember at any time over the phone. Express Cash transactions are billed direct to the Card account.

How much cash can Cardmembers withdraw once enrolled in Express Cash?

Cardmembers can withdraw cash as follows:
- The Green Card up to US$/€1,000 Express Cash in any 7 day period
(or the equivalent in local currency)
- The Gold Card up to US$/€1,000 Express Cash in any 7 day period
(or the equivalent in local currency)
- The Platinum Card up to US$/€2,000 Express Cash in any 7 day period
(or the equivalent in local currency)
- The Centurion Card up to US$/€5,000 Express Cash in any 7 day period
(or the equivalent in local currency)

Is there any flexibility on the level of cash withdrawals?

No, these are fixed based on the Card type (as above).

What are the charges for Express Cash?

Cash withdrawals are charged at a fee of US$/€4 or 4% of the amount withdrawn (whichever is the greater) but, unlike a credit card, there is no interest charged from the date of the withdrawal.

Does the ATM my client uses to withdraw their cash have to display an American Express blue box logo on it?

No. Full details of the ATM partner networks can be found by following this link.

Can Cardmembers cash personal cheques at an American Express Travel Location?

Yes, in an emergency Cardmembers can cash personal cheques for the following amounts:
- The Green Card up to US$/€1000 every 21 days
- The Gold Card up to US$/€2000 every 21 days
- The Platinum Card up to US$/€5,000 every 21 days
- The Centurion Card up to US$/€10,000 every 21 days

What happens if a charge is disputed on an account?

The Cardmember must call Customer Services immediately upon receiving their statement and discuss this with a Representative. They will be able to provide more details of this charge.

Can Cardmembers buy Travellers Cheques on the Card?

Yes. Travellers Cheques can be obtained from selected ATM locations using the Express Cash facility on the Card. Cardmembers can also buy Travellers Cheques on the Card from American Express Foreign Exchange offices. This will be treated as an Emergency Cheque Cashing transaction, and appropriate limits apply.

How long does a Cardmember have to pay his monthly bill?

Customers receive notification on their statements that their nominated bank account will be debited on or around 12 days after the statement cut date. If for any reason your Bank cannot debit the account (for instance, because funds are not available), the customer has up to 30 days after the statement cut date to rectify the issue. Any balances due which are received after this date will incur Late Payment Charges. **Payment options – Payment By Bank Arrangement**

Can my client settle their bill by Direct Debit?

No. However, American Express offers a consolidated payment option for our Bank partners via a Direct Settlement Advice (DSA) or Electronic Direct Settlement Advice (EDSA).

What is an E/DSA?

A E/DSA is consolidated payment option in paper or electronic format which allows the bank to settle all Card accounts with one payment, by currency to American Express.

When does the monthly E/DSA have to be paid?

The monthly E/DSA has to be paid within 14 days of the statement date.

When does American Express start charging late payment fees in case a payment is not made for a Cardmember at the time of E/DSA settlement?

Although there is no regular interest for Charge Cards, there are late payment charges. These are as follows (cumulative):
30 days - 3.0% or US$/€25
45 days - 1.5% or US$/€15
60 days - 1.5% or US$/€15
90 days - 1.5% or US$/€15
Cardmembers may also be charged with full costs incurred in respect of dishonoured cheques.

Where can I find information on which ATMs my client can use this service at?

Please follow this link to find out where your nearest ATM is