Is American Express Collections Hurting Your Credit?

If you’ve missed payments on an American Express credit card, there’s a good chance your account has been reported to the credit bureaus—or even sent to collections. That one account could be dragging down your score, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Here’s how to deal with Amex collections and work toward getting them removed from your credit report.

Why American Express Collections Appear on Your Credit Report

If you fall behind on payments, American Express can report the delinquency to the credit bureaus. If the account remains unpaid, it may be charged off and either sold to a collection agency or sent to Amex’s internal collections department.

Either way, the result is the same: a negative account appears on your credit report, and your credit score drops. This collection can stay on your report for up to seven years unless you take steps to resolve it.

How American Express Collections Affect Your Credit Score

Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. When a credit card account is marked as “in collections,” lenders see that as a major risk.

Even one collection can make it harder to:

• Get approved for new credit
• Secure good interest rates
• Rent an apartment or qualify for a mortgage

That’s why removing the account—or fixing inaccurate reporting—is crucial.

How to Remove American Express Collections From Your Credit Report

Whether you owe the full balance or think the account is listed in error, here are your best options for removing Amex collections:

1. Dispute Any Inaccuracies

First, check your credit reports from all three bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look for:

• Incorrect dates
• Wrong balance
• Duplicate listings
• Accounts you don’t recognize

If anything seems off, file a dispute with the credit bureaus. They have 30 days to verify the account or remove it.

2. Request Debt Validation

If your debt has been handed off to a collection agency, send them a debt validation letter. This forces them to prove that:

• The debt is yours
• The amount is accurate
• They have the legal right to collect it

If they can’t provide proof, the account must be deleted from your credit report.

3. Try a Pay-for-Delete Agreement

If the account is valid and still unpaid, you may be able to negotiate a pay-for-delete deal. This is where you agree to pay the full balance (or settle for less) in exchange for the removal of the account from your credit report.

Make sure to:

• Get the agreement in writing before paying
• Keep all documentation for your records
• Follow up with the credit bureaus to confirm the removal

4. Work With a Credit Repair Professional

If this feels overwhelming—or you’ve already tried with no success—a credit repair service can help. They’ll handle disputes, negotiate with collectors, and challenge negative items on your behalf.

Should You Pay American Express?

Before paying anything, confirm that the debt is:

• Legitimate
• Still within the statute of limitations in your state
• Not already resolved or reported incorrectly

Paying a debt can sometimes reset the clock on how long it can remain on your report or be collected—so move carefully. That’s why many people prefer to negotiate or consult a credit repair professional first.

Can American Express Sue or Garnish Your Wages?

Yes, they can. American Express has a reputation for aggressively pursuing unpaid debts. If you ignore the balance, they could sue you in court. If they win, they might be able to:

• Garnish your wages
• Levy your bank account
• Place a lien on your property

That said, lawsuits are expensive, so American Express will usually try to reach a resolution with you first—or sell the debt to a collection agency.

Complaints About American Express Collections

Like many major creditors, American Express has faced complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Most complaints involve:

• Inaccurate credit reporting
• Harassment from debt collectors
• Failure to validate debts

If you experience any of these issues, you can file a complaint and may have additional grounds to dispute the account.

Know Your Rights When Dealing With Amex Collections

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protect you from abusive or deceptive collection practices. Here’s what American Express (or their collectors) cannot do:

• Report false or outdated information
• Call you excessively or use threats
• Misrepresent who they are
• Harass or curse at you
• Threaten arrest or legal action they don’t plan to take

You also have the right to request written validation of any debt and to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report.

Get American Express Collections Removed From Your Credit Report Today

If a collection account from American Express is hurting your credit, Credit Saint can help. They’ve helped thousands of people dispute and remove negative accounts, including past-due credit card debts.

With over 15 years of experience—and a 90-day money-back guarantee if they don’t deliver—they’re one of the top names in credit repair.

Call (855) 281-1510 or visit their website to get started today.