Did You Receive A $100 Check From American Express? Yes, It’s Legitimate

The Letter

Quite a few readers let me know that they had received a letter that had a $100 check enclosed and the following letter:

We are writing to let you know that a previous application(s) you submitted may have been declined in error.

We are sending you the enclosed check in the amount of $100.00 for any inconvenience this may have caused.

This check can be deposited directly into your bank account. You don’t need to take any further action before using this check. The check must be deposited within 180 days of the date printed on the check.

Legit Or Not

Quite a few of the readers that received this check weren’t sure if it was legitimate or not, especially as some of them didn’t remember any declined applications. I thought it best to double check with American Express and below is their response:

Yes, these are, in fact, legitimate checks and the customer can be confident that these checks are valid and can be cashed immediately.

That said, a customer can call the Research and Recovery team at 954-503-2820, Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM ET to confirm the validity of the check they received.

Or, if you would like to send me the actual letter these readers are receiving we can validate their particular claims or they can call the Research and Recovery team at the number listed above to validate.

Elizabeth Crosta

VP, Public Affairs

For whatever reason that research and recovery number is not listed on the American Express website, so if you’re still in doubt I’d instead recommend calling the number on the back of your card and then asking to be transferred to that department.

In fact I’d recommend doing that before cashing your check regardless, as scamsters might be aware of similar mail outs that American Express are doing and targeting it that way.

Our Verdict

I’m not a lawyer, but I suspect but cashing that check you’re agreeing not to peruse any legal action as a result of the incorrectly denied application. In saying that, the letter doesn’t mention anything to that effect so it’s also likely that this is just a gesture of good will. Maybe you’re also able to get the application that was denied over turned into an approved application as well?

At the end of the day, the checks are real and $100 is $100 so feel free to cash them. I’d personally still call the number on the back of my card and ask to confirm this with the research and recovery team first though.

Hat tip to Point Me To The Plane