Jan 3, 2014, 2:49 pm
Last edit by: mia
Earlier discussion is in this thread: Financial Review Discussion [2009-2013]
In the USA a Financial Review typically includes a request to submit an IRS form 4506-T which authorizes American Express to obtain a transcript of your Federal Income Tax Return for a specific year. It does not authorize a copy of the actual return. Download the form here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf
Order your own transcript here: https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof-tra/start.do
Other USA-based rewards card issuers also audit accounts and end unsatisfactory relationships.
Bank of America: 2013
Citibank: 2013
JP Morgan Chase: 2013.1 2013.4 2013.9 2013.12
In the USA a Financial Review typically includes a request to submit an IRS form 4506-T which authorizes American Express to obtain a transcript of your Federal Income Tax Return for a specific year. It does not authorize a copy of the actual return. Download the form here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf
Order your own transcript here: https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof-tra/start.do
Other USA-based rewards card issuers also audit accounts and end unsatisfactory relationships.
Bank of America: 2013
Citibank: 2013
JP Morgan Chase: 2013.1 2013.4 2013.9 2013.12
Financial Review discussion
Aug 29, 2019, 8:27 pm
#827
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 28
Hello,
First off, I am a non-resident alien and applied 08/01/2019 and got approved at the same date for the Bluecash Everyday and The Platinum Card cards from American Express, just using my credit score built with my Bank of America credit card and my foreign passport number (I don't have Social Security Number).
Because of the welcome bonus, I concentrated all my expenses on my The Platinum Card credit card.
In the first month I had no expense and the bill only closed at $ 550. The second bill, however, I started using the card daily for my expenses, but when I reached about $ 4000 in spending, my account was submitted to the Financial Review.
I got a call from American Express and couldn't answer it. Then I verified that my account was charging suspended. I called the number indicated at my account and spoke to the analyst in charge of my account. After reporting my professional and income data (about $ 80,000 annually), she requested me a Tax Form issued by US. I said that I would not have such a document, but only Brazilian tax documents, as I declare my income in Brazil and receive my salary in Brazil. As I told before, I am a non-resident alien and I applied and got approved as a non-resident alien, just by giving them my foreign passport number, where they checked my credit history (Fico Score).
Then she told me she could do nothing and that in 14 days she would close my account.
Does anyone of you have any ideas that might help me?
I have a bank of america account, bank of america credit card, brazilian Amex TPC (which expenses are a lot higher than what I spent on US American Express).
I want to call the analyst and explain the situation again to see if I can reverse the situation. Otherwise, I will lose my account and cards.
I am also prohibited by US Laws from filing a US Tax Form (obviously).
Any idea?
First off, I am a non-resident alien and applied 08/01/2019 and got approved at the same date for the Bluecash Everyday and The Platinum Card cards from American Express, just using my credit score built with my Bank of America credit card and my foreign passport number (I don't have Social Security Number).
Because of the welcome bonus, I concentrated all my expenses on my The Platinum Card credit card.
In the first month I had no expense and the bill only closed at $ 550. The second bill, however, I started using the card daily for my expenses, but when I reached about $ 4000 in spending, my account was submitted to the Financial Review.
I got a call from American Express and couldn't answer it. Then I verified that my account was charging suspended. I called the number indicated at my account and spoke to the analyst in charge of my account. After reporting my professional and income data (about $ 80,000 annually), she requested me a Tax Form issued by US. I said that I would not have such a document, but only Brazilian tax documents, as I declare my income in Brazil and receive my salary in Brazil. As I told before, I am a non-resident alien and I applied and got approved as a non-resident alien, just by giving them my foreign passport number, where they checked my credit history (Fico Score).
Then she told me she could do nothing and that in 14 days she would close my account.
Does anyone of you have any ideas that might help me?
I have a bank of america account, bank of america credit card, brazilian Amex TPC (which expenses are a lot higher than what I spent on US American Express).
I want to call the analyst and explain the situation again to see if I can reverse the situation. Otherwise, I will lose my account and cards.
I am also prohibited by US Laws from filing a US Tax Form (obviously).
Any idea?
Aug 30, 2019, 11:37 am
#828
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: California USA
Posts: 652
Hello,
First off, I am a non-resident alien and applied 08/01/2019 and got approved at the same date for the Bluecash Everyday and The Platinum Card cards from American Express, just using my credit score built with my Bank of America credit card and my foreign passport number (I don't have Social Security Number).
Because of the welcome bonus, I concentrated all my expenses on my The Platinum Card credit card.
In the first month I had no expense and the bill only closed at $ 550. The second bill, however, I started using the card daily for my expenses, but when I reached about $ 4000 in spending, my account was submitted to the Financial Review.
I got a call from American Express and couldn't answer it. Then I verified that my account was charging suspended. I called the number indicated at my account and spoke to the analyst in charge of my account. After reporting my professional and income data (about $ 80,000 annually), she requested me a Tax Form issued by US. I said that I would not have such a document, but only Brazilian tax documents, as I declare my income in Brazil and receive my salary in Brazil. As I told before, I am a non-resident alien and I applied and got approved as a non-resident alien, just by giving them my foreign passport number, where they checked my credit history (Fico Score).
Then she told me she could do nothing and that in 14 days she would close my account.
Does anyone of you have any ideas that might help me?
I have a bank of america account, bank of america credit card, brazilian Amex TPC (which expenses are a lot higher than what I spent on US American Express).
I want to call the analyst and explain the situation again to see if I can reverse the situation. Otherwise, I will lose my account and cards.
I am also prohibited by US Laws from filing a US Tax Form (obviously).
Any idea?
First off, I am a non-resident alien and applied 08/01/2019 and got approved at the same date for the Bluecash Everyday and The Platinum Card cards from American Express, just using my credit score built with my Bank of America credit card and my foreign passport number (I don't have Social Security Number).
Because of the welcome bonus, I concentrated all my expenses on my The Platinum Card credit card.
In the first month I had no expense and the bill only closed at $ 550. The second bill, however, I started using the card daily for my expenses, but when I reached about $ 4000 in spending, my account was submitted to the Financial Review.
I got a call from American Express and couldn't answer it. Then I verified that my account was charging suspended. I called the number indicated at my account and spoke to the analyst in charge of my account. After reporting my professional and income data (about $ 80,000 annually), she requested me a Tax Form issued by US. I said that I would not have such a document, but only Brazilian tax documents, as I declare my income in Brazil and receive my salary in Brazil. As I told before, I am a non-resident alien and I applied and got approved as a non-resident alien, just by giving them my foreign passport number, where they checked my credit history (Fico Score).
Then she told me she could do nothing and that in 14 days she would close my account.
Does anyone of you have any ideas that might help me?
I have a bank of america account, bank of america credit card, brazilian Amex TPC (which expenses are a lot higher than what I spent on US American Express).
I want to call the analyst and explain the situation again to see if I can reverse the situation. Otherwise, I will lose my account and cards.
I am also prohibited by US Laws from filing a US Tax Form (obviously).
Any idea?
Aug 30, 2019, 12:06 pm
#829
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 28
I do have a Bank of America account since July/2018 (saving and checking account). That may be a good idea sending them a letter explaining everything and sending my bank statements held with Bank of America. I will try contact the account manager today and see if it can helps. Thanks for your suggestion.
Aug 30, 2019, 12:18 pm
#830
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
If you do not live or work in the USA you might consider applying for an International Dollar Card which is designed specifically for people who spend in USD but live elsewhere:
https://www.americanexpress.com/laci...ds/index.shtml
https://www.americanexpress.com/laci...ds/index.shtml
Sep 8, 2019, 11:34 am
#831
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium
Posts: 21
Question here -
If I charge large business related expenses (ie. large server costs for startup) but pay the charges off the same day on the charge card it should prevent financial review right?
Since Amex Bank bears no risk of default?
If I charge large business related expenses (ie. large server costs for startup) but pay the charges off the same day on the charge card it should prevent financial review right?
Since Amex Bank bears no risk of default?
Sep 8, 2019, 11:57 am
#832
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
1. Which type of card do you plan to use, a charge card or a credit card?
2. If it is a charge card the transaction may not be approved if it doesn't fit your previous usage pattern or is out of proportion to the personal income that you disclosed on the card application.
2. If it is a charge card the transaction may not be approved if it doesn't fit your previous usage pattern or is out of proportion to the personal income that you disclosed on the card application.
Sep 8, 2019, 8:51 pm
#835
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: United 1P
Posts: 688
I could not provide enough financial evidence after a financial review six and half years ago, so Amex closed all my accounts. When can I apply for new cards? Unfortunately, my financial condition has not improved much in the past, but I am not looking at applying for high end card, but something like Hilton no-fee card. Thank you!
Last edited by kgkg; Sep 9, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Oct 1, 2019, 12:21 pm
#836
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Advice
Looking for some advice. AMEX are performing a financial review of my charge card account. They have asked for payslips and bank statements.
My payslips will show show that I declared my income accurately. However, my bank statements will show that I have often used the card to purchase an item and then had the refund put onto my debit card (in effect generating a cash advance). I have also often booked refundable hotel rooms and then cancelled them so that my bill is paid without me having to put in additional money.
I have now used cash to bring my balance to 0, however AMEX will not look favourably on me generating cash advances or booking refundable hotel rooms.
Is is there anyway that I pass the financial review? Or should I voluntarily cancel my account now?
Any thoughts/advice welcome
My payslips will show show that I declared my income accurately. However, my bank statements will show that I have often used the card to purchase an item and then had the refund put onto my debit card (in effect generating a cash advance). I have also often booked refundable hotel rooms and then cancelled them so that my bill is paid without me having to put in additional money.
I have now used cash to bring my balance to 0, however AMEX will not look favourably on me generating cash advances or booking refundable hotel rooms.
Is is there anyway that I pass the financial review? Or should I voluntarily cancel my account now?
Any thoughts/advice welcome
Oct 1, 2019, 12:30 pm
#837
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Somewhere between DCA, LHR, and TLV
Posts: 46
Looking for some advice. AMEX are performing a financial review of my charge card account. They have asked for payslips and bank statements.
My payslips will show show that I declared my income accurately. However, my bank statements will show that I have often used the card to purchase an item and then had the refund put onto my debit card (in effect generating a cash advance). I have also often booked refundable hotel rooms and then cancelled them so that my bill is paid without me having to put in additional money.
I have now used cash to bring my balance to 0, however AMEX will not look favourably on me generating cash advances or booking refundable hotel rooms.
Is is there anyway that I pass the financial review? Or should I voluntarily cancel my account now?
Any thoughts/advice welcome
My payslips will show show that I declared my income accurately. However, my bank statements will show that I have often used the card to purchase an item and then had the refund put onto my debit card (in effect generating a cash advance). I have also often booked refundable hotel rooms and then cancelled them so that my bill is paid without me having to put in additional money.
I have now used cash to bring my balance to 0, however AMEX will not look favourably on me generating cash advances or booking refundable hotel rooms.
Is is there anyway that I pass the financial review? Or should I voluntarily cancel my account now?
Any thoughts/advice welcome
Oct 1, 2019, 1:05 pm
#838
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Do you think there’s any chance I could convince them to do this or is it game over?
Oct 1, 2019, 1:36 pm
#839
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
Financial Reviews are primarily about ability to pay. Other teams look at rewards abuse. Based on the information requested, this sounds to be a Financial Review, but I expect the case could be referred to a Rewards analyst if they notice the patterns that you mentioned. I would wait it out.
What would be the benefit of closing now?
What would be the benefit of closing now?
Oct 1, 2019, 1:44 pm
#840
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Financial Reviews are primarily about ability to pay. Other teams look at rewards abuse. Based on the information requested, this sounds to be a Financial Review, but I expect the case could be referred to a Rewards analyst if they notice the patterns that you mentioned. I would wait it out.
What would be the benefit of closing now?
What would be the benefit of closing now?
They have definitely said that this is a financial review, and their concern is the refundable hotel rooms. I think they are concerned that I’m effectively using the card as an interest free loan and the balance has gone up recently. My hope is that if I pay the account down to 0 with cash then they can’t have any concerns about whether I can pay off the balance and will just remind me about the terms and conditions but otherwise let me get on with things.