pjoalfa

And that is the only reason they want the info. Nothing whatsoever to do with Homeland Security.

Screw 'em. Since when are additional cardholders responsible? It's the other way around. You are responsible for them. Nice try Amex.

That said, I have 3 additional cardmembers, none of whom even have a SSN, much less provided it to Amex. Never a problem. Put 999-99-9999 in the boxes online.

Centurion

If you have an additional on a small business who has stiffed amex they will normally seek repayment prior to new card issue even if that persons spend was a for a prior business and not personal. As always exceptions ..ie amex has no way of knowing additional stiffed amex prior, and other exceptions etc.

ganagati

I tried to add my wife when I got the SPG card a couple months ago, and was told that it was required. I deferred as I didn't have it, but after getting it from her later, I called back and had her added without them asking for it.

As I said, it was a few months ago, but it may be worth calling and trying with a different CSR.

BeantownFlyer

You have 3 additional cardmembers who are not residents of the US? Illegal aliens? Who doesn't have a SSN other than those two categories of people and why in the world are you getting them cards and taking responsibility for their bills?

I am really puzzled why this is even an issue for you.

mia

Welcome to Miami. It's more likely that pjoalfa has family members or friends who are frequent visitors to the USA or to other places where USD is the currency.

scubadu

Gotta love FT; the truth is always out there somewhere...

Regards

mia

The discussionworthy characteristic of American Express is the extent to which practice deviates from policy.

scubadu

Sure, and that's fair. Though isn't it interesting that policy and practice could deviate so wildly on something of this nature? For example, in an age of almost immersing information technology, doesn't it at least seem plausible that if a ~$54 billion a year financial corporation had a policy requiring SSN for adding of additional card holders, that said IT system would simply forcibly implement that policy? (i.e. the card holder couldn't be added w/o SSN period, full stop.)

And whatever the policy is (SSN or SSN) it doesn't seem like this would be a difficult policy to train representatives on. Many policies are difficult to train reps on (promotions, terms & conditions, the new Plat/Cent travel benefit, etc) but this seems incredibly cut and dry and not at all ambiguous; a) SSN or b) no SSN.

Regards

mia

Agreed. I just replicated the process of requesting an additional card on a business account and the online form asks only for a name, but I see this notation: Your employee's social security number and date of birth will be requested to activate an American Express OPEN® business account. I cannot think of a reason this is done by telephone rather than through the online form.

Okto

Up until this point, I was on the fence on this issue and could agree with arguments on both sides. After reading this, I would expect AMEX to take note and demand SSNs, 100% of the time, for anyone whose name is embossed on a card.

NC_Girl

My experience: I added 3 additional users to my Plat charge card using the online form less than a month ago and just left the SS#'s blank. It went thru fine and the cards are in the hands of the users. I originally left the Birthdates blank too but THAT wouldn't go fly, said that Birthdates were required. Perhaps things have indeed changed since then or perhaps like so many things it all depends on who you are talking to at the moment.

mlad1101

Out of curiosity are your AUs your children?

jgsx

What's funny about it was I put middle name THE last name CAT

pjoalfa

You'll note my locations over <--- there, lots of foreign family. Got some in BOS, too!

fti

I have two additional cardmembers without SSN's as well. Never been an issue.

Talk about jumping to conclusions . How about someone who is neither a resident of nor a citizen of the US? Does everyone in the world have a US SSN? Of course not. Duh!

And why in the world are you questioning his/my decisions? The question doesn't even deserve a response but I couldn't resist