Update: As some readers have pointed out, not all accounts are unfrozen. I’ve updated the title to reflect this.
On Thursday we reported that American Express had frozen a number of people’s membership rewards accounts who had applied for the 100,000 Platinum offer (now dead). This wasn’t a typically financial review or whole accounts being frozen, cardholders were just prevented from using their American Express Membership rewards accounts at all, for example people were unable to transfer points to any of the American Express travel partners.
Fortunately this issue seems to now be resolved, with multiple people on reddit & DDF reporting that they are again able to transfer their points to travel partners.
My account was frozen yesterday and now just successfully transferred to AC, As a data point i just signed up for the amex 100k Plat in question. all appears to be ok again –Â Nova0226
I like many others had my MR points frozen the other day which seemed to be because we signed up for the AMEX Platinum 100K offer. I was successfully able to transfer my points to an airline today and wanted to give everyone a heads up they might be able to as well. –Â msap5
If anybody still has their account frozen, let us know in the comments along with any theory you have of why.
Hat tip to Danny Deal Guru
There is hope, I’m FINALLY unfrozen! My first statement was 5/20 – yesterday 7/20 was the latest statement (2 months) later. Was finally able to transfer out some points to Singapore Airlines today!
I’m still frozen. Completed the spending requirement 15 June, and I was told 6-8 weeks from that day
I’m still frozen, and CSR I spoke with “expedited my review and filed a claim with corporate”, as I’m trying to transfer points to book a flight for next week. This was on 6/11, and I’m still frozen. I will try to call again tonight, but anybody else still dealing with this? Any tips for getting it cleared?
One Reddit member mentioned that phone transfers work even if you are frozen. Try it out and let us know if it works.
The phone transfer was unsuccessful, as the call just transferred to a live agent…still frozen and starting to wonder if I should just transfer UR to Singapore instead of waiting for the MRs to become available.
Are your points still frozen now? I was locked the day before and was told to wait 6-8 weeks. Totally ruined my plan.
Yeah, still frozen. I’ve tried everyday for the past 2 weeks…
Anyone still having issues using these points to book a trip or transferring to another airline?
I am wanting to plan a cruise (when my points post) and hoping I don’t have any issues.
I know the best bet is probably to check this with AMEX myself, but since its been a couple of weeks I figured I would see if you guys still had issues before hand.
Thanks!
I haven’t seen many data points lately, and I’ve been checking FT regularly. If you have a good history with Amex and tell them you have an upcoming trip, it’s possible they’ll expedite your case.
Exactly same situation as Chester above word for word. Called in today and they said it was under investigation for ‘misuse of points’
Did they say anything about timing other than 6-8 weeks? I don’t even mind that they’re doing this, but keep it reasonable. A week is annoying but reasonable. Six weeks? That’s ridiculous.
I specifically asked for timing and all the CSR said was ‘it’ll take a few days’ but she didn’t sound very authoritative on that so might have been making it up.
Thanks.
I am still locked out of being able to transfer points to Singapore Krisflyer program. Been locked out for a week. Every since I signed up for the AMEX Platinum 100K bonus, I couldn’t even use the points earned on my PRG card. I have never done any MS or purchased gift card equivalents. This is really ruining our travel plans.
Points transfer for gift card purchase worked last night, and my 100k just posted
Transferred today to Etihad after being blocked last week. Made resv on partner VA, my first with Etihad Guest. Great agent was cordial and thorough. Took 10 minutes on phone, booking charge waived because can’t make VA on line. As a side note, agent told me international American rewards are difficult to get. Said their inventory is not the same as what is seen on AA, BA, AK etc. Originally called for a VA reward that was open on Delta and VA but Etihad didn’t have it. Just be sure to verify their availability before you transfer.
There is no chat option on my Amex online account anymore. Have they removed it for everyone?
It comes and goes based on availability.
I know someone whose account was closed because he used RSVPs not sent to him.