Good afternoon everyone. A few weeks ago, American Express sent out emails with the subject line “Cash Advance Enrollment Update.” Uh oh, “cash advance” are bad words to any travel hacker and credit card user. I decided to investigate further to see what American Express was up to regarding the cash advance feature on one of my credit cards. Based on the context of the email, it looks like American Express proactively enrolled me in the “Cash Advance program” without getting my permission. I decided to log in and see what was going on.
After clicking on the login link and logging into my American Express account, I was brought to this screen where I needed to enter my 4 digit card identification (CID) on the front and then the 3 digit card security code (CSC) on the back of my credit card.
I then had to verify my identity with a one time use password via text or email.
At that point, I could show or change my cash advance PIN, but there was no way to turn off the cash advance feature on my credit card.
If you did not receive the email, you can also log into your American Express online account, click on Account Services, and then go to View ATM PIN or Change ATM PIN. I’m sure you would have to go through the same steps above to view or change your PIN.
I am a little frustrated with American Express for proactively enrolling me in their Cash Advance Program and even more annoyed that I cannot remove myself from the program. Oh well, I don’t know what my cash advance PIN is, so I will never consider getting a cash advance with my American Express credit card. Did you receive the cash advance email from American Express? If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Have a great weekend everyone!
The same was done to me, this is bad strategy, any recourse?
I think the only thing you can do is call Amex and have them remove your card from the cash advance program.
They did that to me last month with the Amex plat pay over time. Been waiting to request that do I can get the 10k bonus points but was never targeted. Now they’ve automatically enrolled me
I never got targeted for the pay over time feature either.
I have used AMEX cash advance after an ATM ate my debit card in Huacachina leaving me with not enough cash for the rest of 2 weeks in Peru and Brazil and no debit card. AMEX cash advance was way way cheaper than CSP or Barclays Arrival. I’d set your PIN, and never say never!
Did you pay off the card ASAP? We’re the fees really high?
I think the fee was 3%, min $5. No other fees or interest, it pulled the funds directly from our linked bank account at the time the cash advances (multiples due to fairly low max withdrawal at South American ATMs) were done. It wasn’t free, but it was reasonable and better than any available alternative.
That’s great, I’m glad the feature worked out well for you when you really needed the cash. Just don’t do this at a casino :)