How Credit Card Companies Are Helping Customers After Irma

While Hurricane Irma is history, the lives of many people will never be the same. In Florida alone, 4.4 million homes and businesses lost their power at some point during the storm, and damage estimates have reached into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

When your life has been threatened by a natural disaster, the last thing that you may be able to worry about are your credit card bills. Thankfully, many of the major credit card issuers are taking steps to help hurricane survivors.

American Express

Amex has posted the following on its homepage:

“Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent hurricanes. We’re working with customers in FEMA impacted areas. If you need help, please call 800-528-4800 or chat online. We’re also supporting relief efforts through a donation to the American Red Cross. If you’d like to help, you can use your American Express Card or Membership Rewards Points by donating now.”

Bank of America

For customers in FEMA-designated areas, Bank of America is automatically offering fee refunds for credit card cash advance fees and Overdraft Protection transfer fees on its credit cards. It’s also waiving late payment fees on credit cards, and some consumer and small business loans, including mortgage, home equity, auto and personal loans. Bank of America’s Client Assistance team can also review clients’ existing accounts to see if they qualify for credit line increases, or extended payments on loans, credit cards or lines of credit. Finally, it’s created a dedicated assistance line for affected customers: 855-729-1764.