I disagree on the new accounts bit. I can't pay the bill online until it cuts off and I've been a cardmember (in perfect standing) for many many years. I called once to gripe and they said I could wire a payment or send a check. How wiring a payment is different in their book from and online payment I don't know, but then Amex isn't one of the more logical companies around policywise.

I'll admit I haven't tried recently (and I just paid yesterday so I can't check now), so if they have enabled it recently that's a step forward.

They also will not let you overpay or prepay to cover something bigger than your limit. Wire is acceptable.