American Express Gift Card Ripping off "on Hold" money Internet

on 6/29/09, I received a $100.00 American Express giftcard from family. I went to put some gasoline in my vehicle with it (in the amount of $10.00). I then went to purchase some items shortly after that, and my purchases were declined. I called the customer service number and come to find out I have a -0- balance. So I called AMEX, I was on hold for 20 minutes.. Then a rep came on (for which their english speaking was very very broken). They told me that the place where I purchased the gasoline (BJ's Wholesale Club) has placed a $100.00 hold on my gift card and that the estimated time for this transaction to clear would be 7-10 business days. Then I called BJ's Corporate and they said to me that is should be only 24 hours and that it is American Express who releases and puts the hold on the card. I then called the local BJ's in Newnan, GA and that they also confirmed that it should be only 24 hours to clear. Its been 36 hours and AMEX/BJ'S still have my money "hostage". No where on the paperwork (or the BJ'S Gas Station in Newnan, GA) state that this is a policy of theirs.

Word of Advice, Don't get AMEX Gift Cards and Don't Shop at BJ's Wholesale Club in Newnan, GA

Kissearnhardtfan
Sylvania, Georgia
U.S.A.