I am actually going to be paying off my balance , using my points first and closing the card. In order:

• Called Nov 21 to advice of a trip to Europe, made sure my card could be used. Used the 702 # after being on hold for 25+ minutes on the toll free line. Got a wonderful rep who advices the problems would be sorted out by time I came back on Nov 27, they were going through the last few changes that week. Was also advised my payment would post buy the closing date of my statement on Nov 25 which it did.
• Called this AM about a minor car scrape my DH had when a delivery van scraped his rental car. Was on hold for 20min, called the 702 #, who transferred me and was on hold again, called back, got a number to call, on hold again, called the number again, got transferred again, : after almost 2 hours of holds and transfers, got the correct department, rental car claims, who told me "we no longer handle thew actual claims, they are handled by Chubb and Company." " Great, do you have the number?" "No I don't but i can look it up on google."

Hung up , called my DH back, told him to charge the rental to Amex instead, called Amex and for $17.95 per rental they will handle the whole thing.

Given we rent cars about once a month, the Amex fees will be about what our DC yearly membership will be.

This is a nightmare. What a bunch of buffoons.