American Express error code
Trying to download from American Express in two different computers and two accounts gave this error: java.io.IOException: HTTP Error:503 Service
I refreshed the connection, checked for an update and disabled the connection. Now I cannot re-establish it.
I am stuck,
Debbie
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1 Posted by dtd on 07 Aug, 2024 10:42 PM
503 error means the service (at amex) is down.
The simplest solution would be to wait for it to come up, but you disabled it. you can't re-establish because it is probably still down.
is this an ofx connection or moneydance+ ?
2 Posted by singerdf on 08 Aug, 2024 12:52 PM
OFX. I figured. Not up yet
Thank you
3 Posted by Ambassador Dave on 08 Aug, 2024 01:26 PM
FYI, you're not alone, I'm having the same issue yesterday & today as well.
Support Staff 4 Posted by Maddy on 08 Aug, 2024 01:50 PM
Hi,
We are sorry to hear about the problem you have encountered.
You could try completely resetting your connection to your bank and see if that fixes the problem you're seeing.
To do this, you'll need to force clear the current connection information for your bank in Moneydance. I'm sending a file called 'remove_one_service.py_' that will help do that.
Before proceeding, take a manual backup via File --> Export Backup.
To use the .py file, first save it to your computer and then follow these steps:
In Moneydance, select Window -->Developer Console (MD2024)
(Python Scripting or 'Show Moneybot Console' in older versions)
In the window that opens, select 'Open Script' then navigate to the .py file wherever you saved it on your system.
Select 'Run' to execute the file
You will be asked to select which connection you want to clear.
Choose your bank, and click 'OK.' You'll get a confirmation message when the connection has been removed.
Close the window when done.
Since all of your settings have been cleared, you should get the most recent connection information for your bank.
Hopefully, that will work. If it doesn't, please let us know and we'll continue troubleshooting.
--
Maddy, Infinite Kind Support
5 Posted by singerdf on 08 Aug, 2024 02:20 PM
Thank you,
That did not seem to work as it repopulated my American Express information. And when I finished and hit download it just asked me to set it up again.
This may in fact be an Amex
Debbie
6 Posted by don.gregory on 08 Aug, 2024 07:37 PM
Just to add to the data, I also am getting errors (only) on two Amex accounts. The most recent transactions that did download are dated 3 days ago (2024/08/05).
fwiw, I do use Plaid for some accounts, but not for Amex; it goes direct for those. And, the Amex accounts are the only ones with a problem.
I'm just going to wait and see for a few days; I suspect it will come back w/o my doing anything special.
Edit: Here's the text of the error message:
A communication or parsing error occurred. This could be the result of a network problem, a proxy error, or misconfigured server.
Error Description:java.io.IOException: HTTP Error:503 Service Unavailable
7 Posted by singerdf on 08 Aug, 2024 07:46 PM
Thank you,
That did not seem to work as it repopulated my American Express information. And when I finished and hit download it just
8 Posted by Ambassador Dave on 09 Aug, 2024 01:08 AM
[message cleared as the tangential issue was resolved]
9 Posted by singerdf on 09 Aug, 2024 01:18 AM
So it seems. Not letting me edit.
10 Posted by Ambassador Dave on 09 Aug, 2024 01:23 AM
[message cleared as the tangential issue was resolved]
11 Posted by singerdf on 09 Aug, 2024 01:59 AM
I was on the mobile site. Found it now. Very weird as I have always replied in my emails. I’ll update from the site. More importantly let’s hope this gets fixed.
12 Posted by dtd on 09 Aug, 2024 05:01 AM
Yep. Amex definitely down (OFX, not MD+) for about two days now.
503 errors (service not available)
Sorry to disagree with official support (I've done it before), but resetting is not the issue.
There are two potential situations (one is more dire than the other)
1. It's down. It will be up at some point.... (that is the fingers crossed scenario)... you can't change this by resetting, restarting, whatever. I'm watching with a bit of anticipation.
2. Amex is "finally" shutting down OFX. So many others have. Call, yes call. But it will be frustrating as first line doesn't have a clue what OFX even is. And when others have shut down OFX (Chase, Schwab, USAA, others) - NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THEM notified their clients.
So, settle back, choke on the popcorn, and let's see what happens.
13 Posted by Jamie on 09 Aug, 2024 11:07 AM
There's a banner notification on the American Express website in my transactions downloads that says "You need to disable and re-enable..." In attempting to do this (by deleting one service, removing the account number, various other tricks over the years) it does not work. Mine has been set up as OFX for years.
14 Posted by singerdf on 09 Aug, 2024 11:12 AM
That is how I ended up dead in the water by following those instructions. I also looked into whether Quicken users are having the issue and it appears they are. It is disheartening that AMEX gives no notification if they are taking down the OFX service.
Let’s hope there is a fix soon.
15 Posted by james on 09 Aug, 2024 03:07 PM
Could this be related?
https://www.banktivity.com/support/articles/ibank-for-ipad/list-of-banks-experiencing-direct-access-connection-issues/1000/
16 Posted by S-2C on 09 Aug, 2024 03:09 PM
I have been having the same issues since Aug 8. A ticket is open with Amex.
17 Posted by singerdf on 09 Aug, 2024 04:04 PM
Wow. Not good. I’ll try my Citi when I get home and let you know. Let’s hope it’s fixed soon.
18 Posted by rsworden on 09 Aug, 2024 05:24 PM
I am seeing the same problem for the last 2-3 days. The Banktivity posting says they are aware and working on it.
19 Posted by Ambassador Dave on 09 Aug, 2024 06:29 PM
Great share, James. As a single reference, I have accounts with some of the banks on that Banktivity / Yodlee list. One is through Moneydance+ / Plaid, the others are direct as with AmEx. All except AmEx worked.
May or may not be related, although I'm still curious to see if Yodlee clears their issue before/after we have resolution on this AmEx issue.
20 Posted by cookie87 on 09 Aug, 2024 09:42 PM
For me: Citi works fine, in fact all my downloads work fine, except Amex.
21 Posted by dtd on 09 Aug, 2024 10:34 PM
@James - I was about to give an update (as I research this), and your link was one I was going to post.
It's not looking good, but it could just be a revamp and it will be up soon. OTOH, a revamp can also be OFX going away for good. Did Amex also support billpay? (I don't use it so can't comment, but if someone does have that, a report would be good.)
If this ends OFX for Amex, it is awful they didn't warn anyone, but no other bank has, either. So we will continue to observe. This appears to have begun about Aug 5.
My savings Amex has never worked on OFX, and appears to be working with MD+
Given the Yodlee issues (today), I hesitate to do anything until at least Monday.
@Jamie - I usually do rush to Quicken to check if it is a concurrent problem, but haven't yet, will do so soon.
22 Posted by dtd on 10 Aug, 2024 12:58 AM
Ok, some thoughts.
Amex is definitely OFX down. (503 Service Unavailable) - Unavailable sounds worse than down. Quicken users do seem to be able to "disconnect/reconnect", but that sounds like the new portal concept that has been seen done by other banks. I've tried two programs (one MD and one other) and disconnect/reconnect does not work. Refresh does not work. I'm trying to find out if other parameters might "restart" the process (I did that for Moneydance/Amex about a year ago), but no luck so far.
And, maybe tomorrow it will be up, but I'm not optimistic.
I've investigated what is still working... MD+ seems to connect and download.
Also, QFX files can be downloaded from the website. (Better than Schwab or USAA)
If needed, CSV can also be downloaded.
I recommend waiting at least a few days to see if any more info surfaces. If you want to "move" now, there is an issue called the FTID number - which determines if a duplicate is being downloaded. Though it is meant to be unique (to determine duplicates), it is different between download methodologies, so there will be a transition issue, especially if you move, then OFX works again, then you move back.
Just saying - if you do want to move, be aware of the issue.
Hope that helps, hope to learn more soon.
23 Posted by singerdf on 10 Aug, 2024 01:02 AM
What amazing information. I do have MoneyDance+ that I use for a Citi branded card that had no download available. If I move to MD+ for AMEX can I move back if OFX is corrected?
I will wait until Wednesday and then I need to find a solution.
Further reading shows that the disconnect/reconnect for Quicken is temporary.
24 Posted by dwg on 10 Aug, 2024 01:11 AM
Yes you can move between OFX and Moneydance+, you do have to be aware of the duplicate transaction issue. Moneydance cannot address that because different systems are assigning different Transaction IDs so it is something you need to fix.
You cannot have both OFX (Direct Connect) and Moneydance+ active for the one connection. Moneydance will always use Direct Connect if you do and will not fall over to Moneydance+ If OFX does not work, given the difference transaction IDs that are assigned fall over would not be good.
25 Posted by dtd on 10 Aug, 2024 01:14 AM
I'm not surprised Quicken is having problems still - they get special treatment, but this always messes them up as well as everyone else - they just are able to get it fixed - not that they fix it - the banks fix it for them - Quicken WANTS it to be different than what has been done for years - they want everyone else "cut out of the picture".
As for MD+/OFX/manual downloads - you can freely move back and forth - BUT, the "is it a duplicate issue" will be a problem. I pull out my hair when I've done this before. But it is doable, if you carefully watch what is happening.
Me? I've gotten to the point where I wait, and find I "must move" [Schwab, USAA, Chase, etc] - then I pick where I want to go, do it, deal with the duplicates - once, and then live with it.
If time is of the essence, I suggest manual downloads for the interim, (don't download 90 days, just download what you don't have yet - then they should import, and give you new cleared items... but again the FITID can interfere when you either stick with OFX, or move to MD+ or something.
26 Posted by MG on 10 Aug, 2024 01:54 AM
I had posted in the wrong spot for this thread and was informed by dtd and dwg to stop in over here. dtd asked if I was using MD= or OFX to try downloads and the answer is OFX. The error message was "0" as in zero as opposed to error 503. I tried this several times as well as the disable/refresh/etc and had no luck. This happened a few years ago with Chase, also w.no warning and I stopped using my card bc of it. I hope that is not the case w Amex. I fear its pressure exerted by quicken to rule the world. sigh.
27 Posted by MG on 10 Aug, 2024 01:56 AM
Sorry, should MD+ not MD=
28 Posted by dtd on 10 Aug, 2024 02:02 AM
@mg - yes given you are using ofx, your 0 (which simply means did not connect) is an anomaly vs most everyone's 503 (which means you did connect, walked into the bar, and were summarily thrown out ;) :) )
These are all just data points in a detective search, given Amex (nor anyone else) will tell you anything. (Yes, I did make two calls to Amex, and both responses were first line support nonsense - they "know nothing")
29 Posted by james on 10 Aug, 2024 02:07 AM
30 Posted by MG on 10 Aug, 2024 02:09 AM
Well, as we all know, noting worse than getting in to the bar only to be removed! Thanks and hopefully better news awaits, but I am skeptical suddenly. Thanks for the update.