Quick Answer: AMEX accounts sent to collection agencies may still be owned by American Express or completely sold off to the collector. Collection agencies often provide better settlement terms than the original creditor, and the debtor’s claim about early collection placement before the stated deadline may have limited legal significance.
“Dear Steve,
AMEX sent me a letter to make a payment by 6/16/10 or possible placement with a collection agency. Account was sent to a collection agency on 6/05/10 prior to deadline. I called today and found that the account is cancelled and cannot talk to them anymore. I went online and still was able to make a partial payment via the online code that was noted in the letter. I want to settle direcly with AMEX and not thru the collection agency. Do I have a claim with regards to the deadline given and what should I do for AMEX to take back my account? thanks.
MD”
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Dear MD,
If American Express sold your account off and the collection agency now owns it you probably have a better chance of getting a more favorable settlement with the collection agency.
What is not clear from your question is if your account was sent to collection but still owned by American Express or sold off by AMEX.
I don’t know what claim you would have about them taking earlier than they stated.
Please update me on your progress by . I’m very interested in how this works out for you.
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