Lost AmEx Woes, part 1

On a less bright note, I lost my AmEx in LAX. That's a bad feeling, since it's the only card I travel with (are you listening AmEx marketing drones? It's the only card I travel with).

After waiting through a few IVRs (who in this world wants to say anything else to a computer after "my card is stolen."), I have the right numbers to call: To start, call 1-800-268-9824. Say stolen card. If it mishears you and thinks you want to sign up for a new card, take my advice, just hang up. You could try saying "go back" but then you'd have a conversation like this:

"Hi, it's Lisa, the AmEx robot.. What can I do for you?"

"I lost my card."

"okay, what's your card number? You can say it or enter it"

"3725xxx," (what do I care who knows it now??)

"Okay, what can I do for you?"

"My card was stolen."

"If you'd like to sign up for a new account, say "new account."

"agent".

"I'm sorry, I didn't get that. If you'd like to sign up for a new account,"

[Peter presses * twelve times]

"I'm really sorry, I didn't catch that.."

[Peter presses * six more times]

"I'm really sorry…" And, she did sound sorry, almost codependent, like it's your new girlfriend and she can't understand you on the phone. I hung up.

Once you've gotten through to a live person, (and in my case said "People are boarding my plane to Tokyo. I need the card ASAP so that I can sleep somewhere."), you will be redirected to someone in global services if you need the card sent to you somewhere other than the US. They will then give you two more numbers for the hotel (say) to call if you still want to bill your travel to American Express. So, in total three numbers:

• AmEx Lost Card Service: 1-800-268-9824
  
• AmEx Global Assist: 1-800-554-2639
  
• The number to call for your hotel to talk to: 1-800-992-3404