Just received a letter from the company saying..".Like all companies large and small, our pricing has to be responsive to business...". Basically increasing the APr on purchases and cash advance as well as late fees. No more Preferred Annual Percentabe for purchases either.

I can understand their decsion but I am very unhappy that these changes that will occur beginning Oct 1,09 applies to existing balances to my account.

I had used the card in good faith with the APR and Agreement we had and am going to pay those charges. But plan to cancel this account after. Have been an american express credit card holder since 1980's...Am very disappointed.

American Express is the worst of the entire industry. I dealt with them 4-5 months ago. I was 2 days late on a payment after 20 years with them. They instantly bumped my rate to 28%. I called them, and they had the check on the day it was due, but hadn't cashed and cleared it ... so they considered it late. They threatened to cut off my wife's corporate American Express if this wasn't dealt with promptly. I paid off the entire balance. They sent me a bill the next month for $32 and said this was the interest due. I had the previous bill in my hand, and read them their wording that the BALANCE due was $xxx. I paid that full amount and they still tacked on extra charges that "accured" even though I paid the full amount on the due date listed. Total BS. They were rude, and just to be rid of them I paid the amount ... even though I believe it was a bogus charge. And now ... the real kicker. I get a call today and Optima says that I owe $8000 on my Optima card. Only problem ... I may have had this card, but I don't believe I ever used it ... and I know that I never received a statement for an Optima card (same address for 25 years). They said the interest rate was 35%, and would garnish my wages if not handled today. I don't know what kind of illegal activity this is ... but AmEx is downright dishonest.

The customer service is awesome, the benefits are great and I already use the points towards airline tickets recently. I love this card. It gave me a high credit limit from the beginning. However, I have been at various places where the card is not accepted and have been obligated to use cash or another card with a higher interest rate. I wish it was accepted at more places though.

I have had the Amex cards since I turned 18, I have two platinum cards one of which is the optima credit card. The customer service is great i get the best membership rewards they offer and it just works for me!. But Already been to one place that did not accept AMEX, so it would be better if it could hv been accepted at all places.

I have been a member of American Express and Optima for more than 20 years.Up till now no problems.I have never been late and was just notified that my interest rate will be goiing up and there is nothing I can do about it, This is so unfair to those of us that have always paid on time and kept our accounts current. I along with everyone else am having a hard time due to the economy. I admit I should not have charged so much on this card, but I am 65 and even went out and got another job to help get this paid off. With the interest rate raised it will take me longer to pay it off.

I’ve had my Optima Platinum American Express for over 20 years now. With the points I have received from using my card for purchases, I’ve been able to get a free espresso maker among other things. I remember when I was a young woman and applied for my first “gold card” - it took me 3 tries, but the day I received it - I threw a party for my friends! I had finally “Arrived” into adulthood.

I have had this card for some time now. I love AMEX. They treat me like a king. Most places accept AMEX now. I also have a visa for the places that do not accept AMEX, but I hate my visa.

The Optima card is a standard AmEx charge card. It has a credit limit, you can carry a balance, you can sign it up for a rewards program for a fee if you choose. It's nothing special in my opinion.