I have Four major credit cards and in the last four months I've gotten "We're charging x.xx monthly or annual fee (usually a buck and a quarter a month) for this or that....unless you write to OPT OUT these changes will take effect xx/xx/xxxx. I always pay my balance in full, but I thought the idea of credit was for big purchases so I always call them before charging to let them know I'm paying half now half next period and they'll waive the fee.
It usually looks like junk mail but always has "Account Information" and a TON of junk mail included. Visa, M/C, and Discover have been sending them to me and people I know in the Philadelphia/ New Jersey/ Delaware area.
My experience with AmEx has been stellar and yes, they DO freeze accounts but it's always for a good reason and my best interest. I wish they would forewarn me though to save embarrassment.