I’ve just closed my Marriott American Express. It was opened as a Starwood Amex 25 years ago. Account longevity is one of the key attributes of American Express. Cards print your ‘member since’ date on the front. American Express Centurion lounges even used member since as their internet password for a long time (and the original Centurion lounge wifi password was ‘member of’).
Here’s my Platinum card:
I’ve always thought that American Express could make more of the long-term relationship aspect of cardmembership. They have customers who date to their first class of (paper) charge cards in 1958. To any executives reading, consider a big campaign around original members in 2028, who will have been with the company for 70 years. Offer them incredible surprise and delights, have them tell their stories, along with how they’ve used their American Express cards along the way and how American Express has supported them in these journeys.
Five years ago I received an email from American Express that celebrated my 20 years of cardmembership.
Thank you!
Gary, through life’s twists and turns, and every swipe, dip, and tap, we’ve loved being by your side for the last 20 years. We look forward to providing you with outstanding service for years to come.
That email promoted the card’s benefits and seemed perfunctory. Doesn’t 20 years deserve more than an email promoting the value of the card?
Apparently 25 years doesn’t even deserve that email. I heard nothing from American Express this year about our quarter century together.
For a 25th anniversary some points might have been nice – even “we’ve deposited 1000 points into your account” would have been a gesture if my business isn’t worth more than that to them.
But then it struck me: why do I expect something from American Express for a 25 year anniversary as a customer? After all, relationships are reciprocal. Why doesn’t American Express deserve something from me for our 25th anniversary?
American Express was an express mail business founded in 1850 in Buffalo, New York by the merger of three regional freight-forwarding companies run by Henry Wells, William Fargo, and John Butterfield (names you’ll also recognize from Wells Fargo). At the time, “express” meant secure and fast transport of parcels, gold, currency, and other valuables across the growing United States, particularly to the West.
By the late 19th century, Amex had expanded into money orders and traveler’s cheques (first issued in 1891), which became the foundation of its financial services identity. In the 1950s, American Express pivoted from being a shipping/financial instrument company to becoming a payments company – emphasizing prestige, service, and exclusivity.
The “Member Since” date embossed on cards is meant to brand Amex’s emphasis on loyalty, prestige, and continuity of relationship beyond mere card issuance. This became a staple of their cards in the 1960s, positioning the company as more than just a way to pay but as entry into a club of discerning travelers and professionals. (Today, Platinum literally gets you into most of their clubs.)
American Express has a huge opportunity with long-term relationships. I hear from cardmembers all the time who tell me how long they’ve been customers but more than that American Express promotes – and people internalize – cardmembership. Anniversaries are meaningful.
Member since 86 here. Don’t expect anything from them, unlike you, but do occasionally get a “thanks for almost 40 years of membership” when I speak with someone at Amex which is nice to be recognized.
In those 25 years, how often have you contacted them and thanked them for their covering your charges and protecting your account from fraud?
@Ray “why do I expect something from American Express for a 25 year anniversary as a customer? After all, relationships are reciprocal. Why doesn’t American Express deserve something from me for our 25th anniversary?”
Loyal? Should that word even be in the English language? I’m not sure exactly when loyalty meant nothing. I know that in my early young adult years, I was very loyal to the things I liked. At the same time, I felt that they were loyal to me. Even employers made me feel like I was a loyal asset, making me someone who wanted to stick around. But somewhere along the line, it all vanished. As for American Express. I stuck along a lot longer. Worked out in my mind that even with the annual fee increases, I could still make it work. And then they took one perk too many away. When I could no longer bring my significant other into the lounge without an additional fee, that was it. I travel. Not alone. I want a card that gives me excellent travel perks. I don’t need help with making reservations at high-end upscale establishments. If I like a place and visit it often, I usually have a way in without someone else’s help. Upgrades. I can take them or leave them. Upgrade me to a suite? I’m in that suite to sleep, shower, and dress. So the room I booked is probably okay. Free breakfast? Really. They’ve been going downhill for years. Free doesn’t mean good. I use my cards to earn points to use to purchase trips and hotels. Give me those. You can keep your discounts. It’s not actually that easy to spend $50 somewhere like SAKS for something you really think has value. And I already have a gym membership where I like to work out. So, American Express, and all you other cards, go back to being real travel cards instead of lifestyle and discount cards. I don’t need you to pay for my streaming service.
Been a member since 1988, was my first credit card. Over time, become gold then platinum. Used the points towards hotels and car rentals. Over time, the points lost a lot of value. The Centurion lounges became untenable. Then the fees skyrocketed. Most places don’t even accept it. So this year I went back down to plain old green, and I use it as an emergency backup card while traveling outside the US only. And for the first time, when I called to downgrade, I got zero pushback from the agent – he kind of sighed and said “I understand…” [shrug emoji]
Oh gosh Gary…the anniversary comment struck a nerve with me…maybe an aorta…because while it MIGHT be nice for Amex to do some of your suggestions, I just celebrated an anniversary yesterday….that was recognized by the Cleveland Clinic…and we used to have a beloved Captain Penny, here, aka Ron Penfound if I am remembering correctly. He hosted a kids show on our local ABC channel…Capt Penny would say you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool mom….anyhow, I was not fooled by the recognition being the clinic, who I don’t believe is as wonderful as they’d have their PR claim. It was a not so subtle reminder if you hadn’t been seen in the past 5 years (since this email arrived, I’d almost swear if I was not so out of it and remembered to the hour of when I might have arrived in recovery) to the day of when I had the usually fatal dissection of the aorta. Believe me, you don’t need to be reminded of that or, since your expertise is in being airborne, of the $37K lifeflight to get to there. $37K….no movie, no snacks, no beverages…about 13 miles…but yes, here I am able to write about it.. And you know what…I just checked my own Amex card, the one I got when a devoted member of SPG, a topic for another day on how Marriott mishandled all of that loyalty, took away our numbers we had memorized and issued hideous cards when some of us loved our easy to spot purple ones….I have been a member THIRTY years if my math is accurate. So I’m with you…even a card of a different color might be nice….Points too, though I have not travelled in many years as I was caregiving for my elder parents that I have sadly lost. And my pup always came with me, since 9/11, and I lost her as well, and rescued a big boy who, well, some would prefer to wait for the next elevator if they saw him:-)
Even my local grocery store sends me a “Happy birthday” coupon each year which allows me to have a free cake or a half gallon of ice cream.
Gary, whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis? You got your mirror Amex Platinum ahead of most of us. That was their way of giving you a backhanded sense of gratitude! Or is that because of your coverage of their developments? Hmm… Keep up the great work nonetheless.
This is why luggage tags were invented. Amex has a surplus of metal and plastic rectangular cards. Put member since X date on them with your name. Punch a hole. Have different designs for 5/10/15/20/25 etc. Costs virtually nothing and promotes loyalty.
Member Since 1973. At 50 years, I was sent a nice throw blanket with a thank you letter. Frankly, I didn’t expect anything but another monthly bill. Given my age and loyalty, perhaps a annual fee discount would be a nice gesture?
Member since 2003. I don’t recall receiving anything in 2023. I care little for performative nonsense from credit card companies. American Express products and services speak for themselves, and I remain a happy customer, especially following these recent Platinum updates.
(Gary, aren’t there more pressing matters, like, yet another looming government shutdown that’ll disrupt air travel and our national parks, let alone, tens of thousands of peoples’ jobs, pay, all thanks to #47 wanting to take away folks healthcare, just to pay for tax cuts to the super-rich…hmm.)
Dont feel bad Gary, I have been a member 1959, never heard a word of thanks
@Gary funny enough, I am also a member since 2000, and that first card was also the SPG card. (When opened in 2000, it was actually branded as the Sheraton Starpoints card.) Though I closed that origins card 10+ years ago.
Member since 1999 thanks for 26 years that’s all Amex says.
I got my green Amex in 1975. Earlier this year I received a very nice greeting card with an Italian “throw” (lap blanket) (which Google told me had retail value of about $125, as I recall). Something I needed? No. But a very nice gesture and suggested I was valued, just as others here have appreciated having a phone representative always acknowledge the length of your business relationship.
I have since added a Gold but will keep the green for its historical contribution to my credit rating.
Member since ’81. Let’s see if 45 years means anything next year. I kind of doubt it.
I’ve been a member since 1974. For my 50th anniversary, AMEX sent me a quite lovely “throw” blanket. Nice touch.
@Retired
Still have my greenie that I got in 67. Just got back from Nam. It was my first cc. Accepted everywhere. Didn’t leave home without it. Only other card I saw was Diners Club.
On my 50th anny they sent me a pair of very good champagne glasses to toast our 50 years.
In 68 I got a Visa from NFCU and
A Mastercard from USA.
When finished my last job, and retired, there still wasn’t the craze about cc and rewards.Got plenty of free flights and bennies by flying CO and then UA. Always got upgraded. FC savers tix.
Now no need for $800 credit cards as Europe fixes interest rates, and establishments don’t have to keep paying higher rates to keep enabling CC companies to give away freebies.
Never had to kvetch that CC companies keep charging more. And I wouldn’t trade my greenie which says member since 67, for a mirrored finished card.
Now that we have lived in Malta for six years
I’ve been a member since 1986. After a rough divorce and a bankruptcy I got the green card to force me to pay off my balance every month. I have not paid one cent in CC interest charges since that time. I now have the Platinum and Gold. I use the latter card for groceries and restaurants, though with the new Plat perks, I will probably let the Gold expire.
Bottom line?
No one cares. It’s just a card.
@Retired
Still have my greenie that I got in 67. Just got back from Nam. It was my first cc. Accepted everywhere. Didn’t leave home without it. Only other card I saw was Diners Club.
On my 50th anny they sent me a pair of very good champagne glasses to toast our 50 years.
In 68 I got a Visa from NFCU and
A Mastercard from USA.
When finished my last job, and retired, there still wasn’t the craze about cc and rewards.Got plenty of free flights and bennies by flying CO and then UA. Always got upgraded. FC savers tix.
Now no need for $800 credit cards as Europe fixes interest rates, and establishments don’t have to keep paying higher rates to keep enabling CC companies to give away freebies.
Never had to kvetch that CC companies keep charging more. And I wouldn’t trade my greenie which says member since 67, for a mirrored finished card.
…I’ll have you know, @Tim Dunn, I’ve been a SkyMiles member since 1999!
@Robert Risberg — 1959! So far, you appear to be the winner on here.
Gary Leff writes, “After all, relationships are reciprocal. Why doesn’t American Express deserve something from me for our 25th anniversary?” Gary, AMEX listened. They expect their long time 25th anniversary cardmembers to pay a higher AMEX annual fee in exchange for your unquestioned loyalty.
I have a had 25-yr (DL, AS, Marriott, Hilton), 35-yr (USAA, one of my Visas) and even 40-yr (AAA) anniversaries. The only ones acknowledged at all were AAA 20th (got a Road Atlas) and USAA ‘Quarter Century Member’ foil sticker, for which you would be a target if you put it on your car.
Wait, Gary, is this all one big ‘honey pot’ for us credit-card geeks, collect our details… uh oh… It’s good our ‘Member Since’ info isn’t like our SSN, or anything important…
I wholeheartedly agree- I have been a member since 1970! Throw blanket? I never got one! And to think I have gone out of my way to use the card, which many retailers don’t like, because it costs them more than if I were to use my VISA! Some form of thank you- even though I have told every survey that I have gotten from AMEX (I don’t think they even read those surveys), that I believe some form of loyalty appreciation, would be nice! Delta used to be best at this as I received a piece of luggage when I became a million miler, or as one of your readers stated “how about a break on the annual dues?
Wait another 25 years and you will get a very, very nice blanket for your longevity.
@ All — No one cares anymore. We’ve turned into a mean, evil country with the leaders to prove it. And they want us to pledge allegiance to their tattered star-spangled swastika? I’ll pass, thanks.
1990
I have a 20** SM number (that is OLD)
and have been an Amex cardholder since 96 (says so on my Amex landing page)
I celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with people, not companies.
Amex is a for-profit company and there is no profit to be made by giving out free stuff to commemorate a cardmember anniversary.
I am 1988, from a corporate card from my first (long ago) employer. I have bounced around, had a personal Platinum card for a while, now an HH Surpass, but the 1988 date follows me. It does not appear on my current corporate Plat card, I suspect that is because the company pays the bill.
During the 1990s I did some work for a firm with a guy named Charlie Frost on the board. He was an old school ad guy, charming and filled the room. And he was the name behind the CF Frost you see on the card advertising :).
@Gene — Woah. I thought we were swearing allegiance to the almighty dollar, but, if you say so…
Some people feel the need to be massaged; oh look at me!
My Platinum card say member since 2000. My Gold card says member since 1982. Received the gold card a couple of years after the platinum. Had an Amex card years ago for our business and had a business merchant account. So, n9ne of this makes sense or matters much to Amex. Thanks Gary for your insightful articles.
Big banks like Amex do not give one shingle shit about you or how long you’ve been a customer.
I’ve had an Amex Card for 47 years, and now have the Centurion Card. With their top of the line card, I frequently receive promotional gifts from Amex or their affiliated businesses. However, I’m not offended if they don’t send me an anniversary card. Now if I don’t get an anniversary card from my wife, I’ll be worried, especially if I didn’t get her one. John M
I get happy birthday emails from all the airlines and hotel loyalty programs I belong to!
Amex don’t owe you jack. And he didn’t get his card any earlier than anyone who requested it early. You canceled it and hopefully you got your satisfaction. Now keep it moving.
Was a member since 1968 had three cards. Platinum gold and a business card that I think started out as a green. Got a platinum card for business associate of mine. Charged up a fairly large amount but was within my payover time amount. I was summarily told that I had to turn over on my bank statements to make sure I was a good credit risk. Apparently 50 plus years of never missing a payment and never being late doesn’t count. They ended up revoking my card. That’s some loyalty
…and here I thought that loud high-pitched whine was the transmission going out…
Joseph sorry to hear that
Well put by the OG of DYKWIA
Member since 1990. Does not mean much because the corporate types who run things were likely not even born when I got my first card. or were still in high school. We are just numbers to these people. They have yet to learn the most basic rule of business–it goes something like it is 7 times harder to get a new customer than keep a current customer.
Every year, I wonder if I still need their card because other cards offer much the same. The lounges are not really a game-changer at this point. Getting harder to see the AmEx value proposition and why they even still exist. At some point, I will just cancel all my AmEx cards.
How do you celebrate the anniversaries of the loyal readers on this blog?
I had an American Express card many years ago. I stopped using it because I couldn’t use it at most places I shopped. I’m currently in Umbria , Italy. The other day we ate in a restaurant. Everyone uses tap-to-pay. One customer was having trouble with the tap and the first thing the clerk asked ‘is that American Express, because we don’t accept it’.
I just don’t get why so many peeps continue to use it.
My Visa does a fine job rewarding me for purchases and protecting me against fraud and merchant misbehavior.
Member since 88. It would be nice to get a perk for longevity, but just as it was said on previous post every time I call I get a thanks for 38 yrs and that’s enough.
I’m a member with Aadvantage , have 990000 miles and after 28 years as a member didn’t even got an email
This looks like a mid life crisis post.
I will have been with AX 26 years when I cancel by Platinum card in a few months.
Pretty naive to think any of these big corporations give a … about most of us, especially card payment companies where really there’s a monopoly of 3 (Amex, Visa, MasterCard basically). The latest fee increases in exchange for a few more coupons of things half the people aren’t interested (how many members regularly shop a Lullemon or Saks?) in is just another example of wanting more money. The platinum fee has almost doubled in 8 years. Meanwhile local small business do actually appreciate your loyalty and it’s ironic that they can often afford to give you a free coffee, dessert, money off coupon etc on your birthday or x number of visits, while the billionaire companies give you sweet fa
Two years ago I hit 50 years with AMEX. In that time I have gone from Green-Gold-Platinum-Centurion-Platinum. I was truly shocked that they did absolutely nothing to commemorate 50 years as a client/member. Made it very clear that I’m just another customer.
I’ve been a member since 1992. In 1992 it was all about customer service, and Amex was far better than almost any other org. They used to have retail front offices worldwide, and customer service that cares. You could get a replacement card in a day.
Fast forward to today. Customer service has largely controlled by AI. Customer service reps if you get one are offshore, and empowered to do almost nothing. Lots of free coupons for renewals, in the hopes that customers will realize that customer service has been gutted.
Wow some seriously long time members here. 1982 for me. I have a great story I share with them every time they thank me for my membership.
I have had a Platinum card since 1988..
There is no loyalty with American Express..its not what it was!
35+ years members wait in line with 1 year members for Club access..
Ridiculous treatment for those who supported you Early On!
Short pant, flip flop and T-Shirt crowds now are the majority clientele..
Been a member since 1995. Started out as a corporate card which was handed off to me so I got to keep the original date.
My story is I lost my job in 2009, But I had work as a field service engineer, doing work for various other folks on a part time basis, I was paying my bills but I applied for help with my mortgage which Wells Fargo offered and gave me. The two Evil Sisters VISA and Mastercard locked up my cards. In order to do my work I needed to be able to buy plane tickets, rent cards and pay hotels. I called AMEX they told me that they knew my predicument and would work with me, just to call them and give them an estimate of my trip cost, this went on for about 30 days at which they called me and told me not to worry anymore that I was good pay.
Had AMEX not worked with me like the other two, I probably would have lost my home due to not being able to do my work.
So in my view AMEX was there for me in a time of need, today I will walk out of a place that does not take their card.
I just went 41 yrs with a card! If I call in I get a thank you sometimes! Never received anything beyond that
I got a letter on my 50th anniversary with Amex this year and there’s absolutely nothing memorable about it. No appreciation for my loyalty.
Really Gary, don’t be a cry-baby… I have carried the card over 50 years and it has worked well for me over that time. I now have both Platinum and Gold, depending on how I plan to use them, they are both beneficial. If the card no longer works for you the way you intended, I suggest you cancel it. If you use a credit card, airline or hotel program looking for accolades my friend – good luck. As we all know, some are better than others and you do receive the points, so isn’t that what you signed up for in the first place? I’m sorry your feeling got hurt, but this is much ado about nothing – buy yourself a cookie, be happy and enjoy your life…
I’m not sure why anyone carries an AMEX card. Certainly your local merchant is not happy to accept it. I’ll stick with Visa and MC, far more friendly to merchants.
Member since 1985. Never received any acknowledgement, other than junk mail that started with “Thanks for being an AmEx member” or something like that.
I never believed those 80s/90s commercials that showed an AmEx rep traversing hell and high water to get funds to a desperate member.
So if AMEX puts together an AI system that sends you personalized messages to elevate engagement with you, you will be happier. Really?
We were transferred to North Carolina and went to High Point and bought $7000 worth of furniture. I went to Iraq. The delivery kept getting delayed. We paid with AMEX. My wife called them and the furniture was delivered 3 days later. This fall I went to a football game in Atlanta and ordered burgers for the fam a friends from a food truck via an app. The guy was overwhelmed. He wasn’t going to get the food done before kickoff. He had a sign up list for refunds. I waited 2 weeks. Called AMEX. and was refunded. In my experience, these kinds of things don’t happen with Visa.
I’ve been with them since ’69. My first cc, since credit cards were still new and it was still mostly cash. I started Green, which was all they had it back then, I think, maybe Black too, and over years expanded to several more cards. On my 50th in ’19 they sent along the same two Tiffany champagne glasses and also a special call from one of their customer relations execs that resulted in a $500 gift as their thanks!!! I think it was a gift certificate or just maybe a platinum card credit. But those days of care, even just 6 years ago, are probably today gone.
member since 2024 – that you to remind me to cancel my AmEx Bonvoy card….
“Ray says:
September 28, 2025 at 10:11 am
In those 25 years, how often have you contacted them and thanked them for their covering your charges and protecting your account from fraud?”
Gary is thanking them by processing tens of thousands (and/or possibly over a million dollars) charges. The business should be grateful we pick them. They should neither require or expect our thanks for their doing what they promised in exchange for our money.
i’ve been a cardholder for 46 years and used to think that amex was a model of customer service.( It’s the only credit card we have.) Not any longer, the other day i had to fight through there awful inbound ivr system to get to a human being and then waited over 15 minutes to get to a human.
@michael — Aww, poor baby…
Just passed 50 years as a member. Was sent a beautiful comforter valued at 450. Donknow why anyone expects gifts. Dropping back to gold, can’t justify the new fee, going but to miss some of the benefits.
You measure the relationship in increments of time, AMEX measures the relationship in increments of the thousands of dollars they make off of you.
Time hasn’t changed, but the value of a customers dollar has.
Just passed 50 years as a member. Was sent a beautiful comforter valued at 450. Donknow why anyone expects gifts. Dropping back to gold, can’t justify the new fee, going but to miss some of the benefits.
@Spuwho — And, I measure it on how many sign-up-bonuses, and used coupon-book credits I redeem… still ahead, thanks to those of you who failed to use that new Platinum Q3 $100 Resy and $75 Lululemon credit. Some of y’all literally subsidized my lunch. Bah!
I’ve been a platinum card carrier since 1984. Nothing from amex since that first invoice. Is it worth the yearly charge? No way. Uber money is nice, the rest pretty useless as is the hassle trying to use the card around the world about half the time I pull it out. The days are numbered for me but my place will be filled by others wanting the status they think it has. Next goal is to get into a lounge without a que, wait, that isn’t worth it either.
this is pathetic lol
member since 92
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant goes away at the end of this membership period (Jan. 2026) as it is not worth the $650 fee.
Similar experience. Got my first Amex gold in 1974. Upgraded to Platinum in 2000. Last year after experiencing multiple trips where I couldn’t get in to a lounge and they increased fees and went from 3 additional cards for 1 fee to $175 each i decided that it was a one way street. Called to cancel after 50 years as a cardholder and didn’t even get an email or call asking why. For a company that has always claimed they valued their customers they showed their true colors.
This struck a chord with me, as I’m pausing my Amex use for a while. My card shows I’ve been a member since 2011, but technically my start date was 2008. Amex can’t locate my original Blue Sky account, and despite asking multiple times for this to be fixed, nothing has been resolved. A ticket was filed recently with several promised callbacks, but yesterday I was told I needed to “prove it,” and another rep even tried to push me off the call.
Nearly 20 years ago, their service felt exceptional. Now, I honestly don’t notice much difference between Amex and any other bank.
Oh geez. Just when I thought your posts couldn’t get more cringe-worthy, you post this.
I remember the good ol’ days on FT when you provided quality input. 20+ years ago. What happened? This is “influencer” garbage.
Member since 1990. Amex told me how much they valued my membership when they offered me only 80,000 points as a welcome bonus on the up to 175,000 offer on the Platinum before the fee increase.
Member since 1980. Hold platinum and gold cards. They have never been less useful – and service is very average. Will let both go when renewal time comes around.
What did you send them to commemorate 25 years of the service they have provided you?
My “Member Since” date starts with a 9. I expect nothing but a monthly statement and the service I’ve paid for.
Since 1984, and just closed my account after being unable to get unrepairable cell phone replaced and upon hearing Chairman and CEO Stephen J. Squeri, admit during a call with analysts, that American Express made it difficult to attain card benefits. No recognition or thanks along the journey, not that I was expecting any. I kept my Gold Card and will not miss only benefit I regularly used, the Centurion Club due to overcrowding and having to get on a waiting list to enter, especially at CLT. Thanks for the memories.
Given the way American Express cards have largely become coupon books for the pricier cards and their deepening relationship with Marriott I’m sadly not surprised by the lack of any acknowledgment. Amex customer service is a shadow of what it used to be when you could be proud to flourish your membership.
Member since 1969. I too got the champagne glasses (Tiffany, I think) on my 50th. . Never got any other cards/etc. on anniversaries—and I didn’t expect any. On couple occasions when I had to call them, the person I got noted my longtime membership and were extremely helpful.
Member since ’89 here. Amex has always been good to me, especially on my travels in places like India when I needed to cash a personal check or conduct other business. What an office they had in Calcutta back in the day … don’t know what it’s like now three decades later but that stellar service was worth lifetime membership, even if they don’t acknowledge any of my 5-year anniversaries.
Member since 1980 when I started my career.
Not as premier as it used to be as other cards have caught up. Also, have encountered several quirks like card would not work for Deutsche Bahn (2016) and all of Czech Republic (2019). Have had several Euro restaurants request that I use Visa or MC while the AMEX label was on the front door. Learned my lesson to always carry a second card in Europa.
Customer Service is still good, so I’ll hold on to the card.
However, my expectations are not as they were in 1980.
I’ve been a member for. 40 years now. I have 9 different Amex cards including Centurion which costs me 10k annually for my wife and I. I used to have 10 cards, but I closed the Hilton business card. I’ve seen customer service decline on an annual basis , especially in travel and concierge. My prior Centurion team captain always sent a little something for my wife and my birthday. I don’t even get an email from our present one. We still get enough benefits to keep the cards, but I sm no longer a huge advocate. The one thing I can say is the few times I’ve emailed their CEO, he has responded, and it was not an employee on his behalf.
Cry me a river.
Customer service at Amex has gone downhill dramatically. It hard to get past the AI trying to keep you from talking to an Associate. Once you get to an Associate, they no longer have the authority to help you anyway.
Wall Street analysts rave about how great management is at Amex. But I am putting my money somewhere else.
BTW: To people that are snarking Gary for bringing up this topic? Amex needs to hear it. Don’t you have something better to do with your time. LOL: Maybe your time would be better spend trying to cash in on one of the Amex coupons (if you can without spending a lot more money).
I have been a happy satisfied member of American Express since 1967 they have great perks and customer service. In this day in age csn we expect any more?
@Other Just Saying — You’re asking for a moratorium on ‘snarking’ here? Psh. Never! And as for those new statement credits, they’re all working for me, without having to overspend at all.
I’ve been an AmX card holder since 1978, having held several of their cards and have provided my employees with AmX business cards as well!
To make long story short, about a year ago, this once cardholder service oriented company threw me under the bus! After 47 loyal years, with proof right on their bill to me, they refused to
defend the fact that I got taken by a car rental company, all for $198!!
I just recently, to get them to stop harassing me, I paid off my very small balance I have had since December. of 2024. My guess is I have averaged about $3,000 per month over those 47 years!
If my math is correct, that’s about $1.7 million in processed charges. At a 3% fee they charge the retailers, that about $51.000 in fees they have mad on my membership!
Thank you American Express for disrespecting a loyal customer!
James Callahan
Calabash, NC
My Mom has had her Green card since 77 or 79 and faithfully pays the annual fee even though it’s some grandfathered version without Membership Rewards. I think she just can’t be bothered to change. I for one cancelled my Gold card a couple of years ago. I got tired of the coupon book philosophy.
Bob Crandall is laughing right now. Loyalty programs were not invented to make you feel good; they were invented to drive business. When your business stops, so do your perks. Long before your loyalty stops. I was fortunate to be taught this lesson before the end of my career and gladly gave up Global Services, Concierge Key, and my Platinum Card…and the rat race of loyalty that went with them. Service and price drive my decisions, not unreciprocated loyalty nor the chase for status or a small rebate on my business. They should teach this to kids in business school and help them all be happier.
I’ve had the basic green card over 50yrs. Got a beautiful expensive throw from them. I wasn’t expecting anything for so many years, after all it’s a client business transaction not a personal relationship .
Member since 1983. It’s just a business. I never expected anything but spam filling my email.
After 15 years of loyalty, Amex terminated my card for no reason, saying the KYC team made its decision. I never had any incident with my card.
They just gave me no reason and it’s now impossible for me and my wife to apply again
Never thought of it like this… I’ve been with AMEX since 1988.
Why I still love it?
✔️ You actually get a real person in the U.S. on the phone.
✔️ They shut down fraud attempts FAST.
✔️ Their insurance has saved me thousands.
✔️ Perks that really add up.
✔️ CENTURION lounge, hot food, free drinks
But imagine this …
What if AMEX created a 65-Year Member Card?
Flashy or conservative limited editions.. Maybe even unlock a special perk.
If you’ve made it 65 years, that’s a life milestone worth celebrating—why not with your card too?
(Still wish they were accepted more abroad though) Lastly, Thank you AMEX
Entitled brat
Member since 1982. 43 years. I’m not expecting anything special, I just appreciate their service.
Hi Gary…….25 years is nothing…….I have been a gold card member since 1968 with substantial balances ($100,000 per year) until about 5 years ago because they got rid of their rewards program with United Airlines.
They raised the annual fee to $325 this year so I called to see if they give me a break on the fee……not a budge…….so I cancelled the card. AMEX’s main market now is high spending individuals, especially for their Platinum Card.
Norman
Member since 85. Never received anything from them even remotely indicating they care one way or another. You used to be able to have them watch your back. Doesn’t feel like it anymore. Just another card among many. Treated better by my credit union and USAA cards.
Such entitled BS crying. Boo Hoo! Tell me you never gained a benefit from Amex? Close your account if it’s that distressing to you.
I have been a member for 43 years. American express on has no loyalty to long term customers. They keep increasing the fees and decreasing the benefits.
Been a member since 1986 and it meant nothing to AE. I tried to get an adjustment to the annual fee on my card and was told they could cancel it if I did not pay the fee and no offer to stay. They were actually unkind in language, so I just canceled that card. I later opened a platinum card because I missed the benefits and status but now they raised the annual fee for next year so I’m unsure if I’ll keep it. Your longevity with AE is absolutely meaningless to them.
25 years? Haha, try 40 years all you get is an e-mail then too…lol!
I just closed the same card this week; it was painful as I was nostalgic for the SPG program. Unfortunately, there has been no retention offer on this card for many years and the FNC just isn’t a worth as much anymore. This card needs a refresh of benefits and bonus categories.
Been With A E. Fir more than 24 yrs. Not A single Appreciation Note,It’s not that A E Is Free We Pay Annual Fees. So After All this I Cancelled My A E Gold..
I don’t take these transactional types of relationship personally. At the end of the day we are basically fair-weather friends. You’re only as attractive as your cash. You don’t have any, they don’t know you. It’s like I give you something , you give me something. One of us will get less than the other. This is an enterprise. I expect American Express to profit from its customers. To make that less obvious, of course it will dangle red meat on top of a hound’s head. Whether you are hungry or not, we know that red meat is stale.
I’ve been a member since 1990 and crickets.