American Express Serve ***Alert***

[Losluv]

And their website seem to be having issues too. I can't access CreditSecure and the ContactUS tabs.

Just tried to access CreditSecure and it's still down.

[TampaDude]

Just checked CreditSecure again. It's still down.

[mec]

[TampaDude]

 

[cloknem]

Just read this article, nothing new, just interesting reading an explanation.....http://laptoptravel.blogspot.com/2016/01/american-express-decides-to-dismantle.html

[TampaDude]

Just read this article, nothing new, just interesting reading an explanation.....http://laptoptravel.blogspot.com/2016/01/american-express-decides-to-dismantle.html

 

[REM]It's the end of M$ as we know it...[/REM]

[tmcgill]

cloknem that article sums it up. They did the same thing years ago with the prepaid Optima card, when they abruptly closed and discontinued the product. They should stay out of that market, as it is clear their management doesn't know how to manage that type of card. I have referred those who cannot access loaded funds to file CFPB and AG complaints.

[dansamy]

I really hope they don't blanket shut down Bluebird cards. I just got them for the kids allowances. I'd be super mad.

[nateinva]

I really hope they don't blanket shut down Bluebird cards. I just got them for the kids allowances. I'd be super mad.

If they happen to do that, take a look at Nationwide Visa Buxx.

[cloknem]

Nationwide Buxx very recently reduced the maximum loads to $200 down from $500. Just slightly inconvenient.

[nateinva]

Nationwide Buxx very recently reduced the maximum loads to $200 down from $500. Just slightly inconvenient.

Appropriate for "kids allowances" though.....only reason for suggesting it.

[tmcgill]

Even if they do keep Bluebird, how confident are you that there won't be another "blackout period". They're saying "we don't know when the system will be back up" and "we took the system down for upgrades". What kind of company does that to its cardholders?

Edited January 22, 2016 by tmcgill

[Rorer_714]

All these PP cards are a crap shoot if you need to use them. They are meant for MS.

[Cactus Flower]

I really hope they don't blanket shut down Bluebird cards. I just got them for the kids allowances. I'd be super mad.

 

I just have a Walmart BB to load funds on from the Walmart Savings Catcher (price matching app/program)....

I don't keep any 'real' money on mine.

[IamWorth30billion]

ive been banned from serve for like a year and a half. :/ fking serve...

[tmcgill]

Rorer_714 I'm beginning to agree.

[Burgerwars]

There has been strings about this on a couple other boards. Mostly along the lines of M$ that they suspect.

 

I don't have Serve, but Bluebird. I just tested it with a small ACH transfer pull request. They still accept it for me. Keep something available as a back-up, just in case.

[mrjuggalo9er]

ive been banned from serve for like a year and a half. :/ fking serve...

For msing on a secured card. ...

[dansamy]

 

I really hope they don't blanket shut down Bluebird cards. I just got them for the kids allowances. I'd be super mad.

I just have a Walmart BB to load funds on from the Walmart Savings Catcher (price matching app/program)....

I don't keep any 'real' money on mine.

That's the reason I initially got mine. But looking for methods to give my teens their allowances without risking overdraft or over limit fees or having them just carry cash, Amex is a pretty good choice. It would really be a shame if they shut it down.

[Mitch19]

 

Cash loads. One was payroll direct deposit and two were SSN payments.

 

Wow...that sounds like a huge lawsuit in the making. I'd be contacting the CFPB and the AG right away.

 

 

I think part of the terms & conditions include Forced Arbitration, effectively waving someones rights to a lawsuit.

 

For what it's worth.. I have a Bluebird card from 2012. Very, very little activity and it hasn't been closed yet. No M$ at all though.

[Mitch19]

Even if they do keep Bluebird, how confident are you that there won't be another "blackout period". They're saying "we don't know when the system will be back up" and "we took the system down for upgrades". What kind of company does that to its cardholders?

Rushcard holders went two weeks without there funds, IRRC. This is why people should be banking with a REAL Bank (like BOFA or Chase) or even a local Credit Union. Not some non-freestanding Bank, that is completely digital and faceless.

[tmcgill]

Mitch19 - Yes, this has been a huge jolt for a lot of Serve cardholders. It just nails the lid on keeping the card for many of them. They're saying they will grab the funds once they post and close the cards. I'm suggesting local credit unions here in TX - and looking for one in the Tulsa area for two other people.

[TampaDude]

 

 

Cash loads. One was payroll direct deposit and two were SSN payments.

 

Wow...that sounds like a huge lawsuit in the making. I'd be contacting the CFPB and the AG right away.

I think part of the terms & conditions include Forced Arbitration, effectively waving someones rights to a lawsuit.

 

Well, that all depends on what a judge says.

[tmcgill]

I think this is a problem requiring regulatory oversight. However, Dodd-Frank is structured to penalize intentional abuse versus incompetence. Which one is Amer Exp guilty of? At first, they weren't giving a reason - now they say the system is down for upgrades. Plus, they are probably in their own "comfort zone" because the card includes an arbitration clause.

Edited January 26, 2016 by tmcgill

[Burgerwars]

They're blocking people from loading if they suspect M$. Same with Bluebird. I'm still able to load. I haven't done much with Bluebird aside from small purchases, so I'm still under the radar.