And even if the bank makes an error and admits to it and provides documentation, it can take Amex a long time to correct it. This is about 20 years ago in New Jersey the rules are when someone dies, 50% of the assets in a bank account are temporarily frozen, including joint accounts. In error, the bank froze the entire account and denied payment on all checks, including payments to Amex although there was more than enough funds in the checking account. Had the Amex card for almost 40 years and this was the first problem with a payment, yet Amex immediately shut down the account, Even though we obtained notarized letters from the bank admitting to their mistake, it took Amex about two months to reinstate the account while they "investigated" the situation. Every other creditor was quite sympathetic and removed all late fees, etc immediately. My Mom has refused to use Amex since this incident., whereas for the previous 40 years it was the primary card in the family.