Professor

I received an email (and a phone call by 10am yesterday) from AMEX that they thought some of my charges within the last 2 days were fraudulent. It ranged from a Netflix monthly charge to some crap with Microsoft to Norton Virus to $500 to 1-800-Flowers to $9K+ at a Japanese hotel.

They stopped all transactions AND HAD A NEW CARD in my hand by 11am this morning. The kicker is that I told them one of the charges was legit to Pizza Hut. The rep said don't worry about it, when something like this happens, we cover everything.

doopstr

They are going to screw Pizza Hut by pushing through a chargeback. You should have insisted that the charge stay since it was legit.

Same goes for the poor chaps that accepted the stolen card, sucks to be them.

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

How did they get you a new card with in an hour? Courier?

I've wanted an AmEx card but couldn't justify the annual fee vs. rewards ratio. Granted I'm getting 3% on gas, 2% at grocery stores and 1% everything else and there's no fee with my Visa.
I pay off all my credit cards in full and I'm sure everyone would love their great customer service. I always hear rave reviews about it.

TampaJim

They are the WORST card if you are a merchant accepting plastic. The fees are borderline abusive, the reporting is a PITA, the rules are even worse. When I owned my first business in the 80's, I decided to NEVER have anything to do with them again ... I haven't missed a beat.

In respect to a great card for BOTH the cardholder and the merchant ... Diner's Club. The benefits are stellar as well, especially the rental car "kryptonite" coverage and the concierge service.

Costco

I was confused at first when I read it too, but I think he meant he got a call the day before - 10am, Wednesday for example - then got the card by 11am Thursday.

I've heard good things about them when it comes to customer service. Aside from god awful wait times, BofA has satisfied me when it came to credit card disputes and fraudulent transactions as well.... but I think my time with them has passed.

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

Oh yea, after reading it more carefully I see.

Yea, if AmEx comes out with a card with no annual fee and similar cash back rewards, I may apply for them.

huy33

<--- Amex Blue Cash card... Love it!!! Coming up to 10 years with the card. Everything goes on the card unless the merchant doesn't take it then it goes on the Visa.

No annual fees and every year, I get the cashback taken out directly from my next month's statement.

speedemon90

When my card was coming up to expiring they sent one to my home. Being in college I didnt see it and I guess my parents threw it away for some reason. I come to realize it expired after I couldnt use it then. Called them up and they sent me a new one the next day. I like amex

Devil Dog 21

I use Chase Sapphire Preferred and love it. That being said, I've heard great things about AMEX with the exception of the number of merchants that accept them.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

<<< AmEx member since 1998.

Closing in on 750,000 points lifetime.

Hapa DC5

<=== Member since '05

Love my AMEX. I always use my PRG for purchases SPG card for travel.

fsttyms1

Not far behind you on membership, Amex Gold member since 00, Points i have more . For a few years i used it to pay every thing including mortgage and energy bill just to build up points. Their customer service is top notch. My card cracked in half, called them at 9pm at night i had a new card the next morning via Fedex courier.

subinf

I've been pretty happy with AMEX as a consumer. Not so much with my profession.

Devil Dog 21

So they keep track of lifetime points for you?
Do they give bonuses for reaching certain milestones?

Just curious since I use my Sapphire Preferred for work so much it may be beneficial for me to consider a switch if the rewards are good.

speedemon90

Yea I've heard merchants hate them

phile

From what I hear, if you don't pay your AmEx bill, either on time or at all, the merchant doesn't get paid by AmEx either. That's why they hate AmEx.

subinf

I don't think that is the case

Hapa DC5

The thing with AMEX is that they will side 100% with the consumer without ever hearing the merchant's side. Basically the merchant better have one hell of a case or else the consumer can dispute charges and AMEX will back them.

Case in point my ex worked at an Acura dealer (A/R-A/P clerk at the time), I guess the guy leased an MDX, purchased accessories with his AMEX card such as side steps, all weather mats, etc.

He felt he got screwed on some part of the deal so he disputed the charges, despite having the side rails installed and taking possession of the mats.

AMEX pulled the funds and my ex was going back and forth with them for over a month until they finally relented after her having to plead the dealership's case to 5 different people several times over.

Just a PITA for merchants. Great for consumers, unless of course you get the dreaded financial review.... *knock on wood*

Devil Dog 21

I think most of your credit card companies can do that and will gladly do so for your major card holders. I considered disputing a charge on my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase told me to file a form and they will "just take the money out of the merchants account without delay and handle the situation with the merchant". I don't have proof since the merchant finally refunded the charge, however the words from Chase were pretty strong.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure it's somewhere on the site. I've only redeemed points once and I remember what that number was.

Rockets007

I have the amex card through Costco with no annual fees. What ever item you buy on your Amex card they will double the original manufacturer's warranty up to a year. No need to buy extended warranties!! I have used this service a few items and it is great!

TeknoKing

I don't have an AMEX. What's the best AMEX to have? How does AMEX works differently when compared to VISA/Discover, etc credit cards?

Professor

1) You won't have a balance at the end of the month.
c) Gold card... if you have enough activity, they will waive the annual fee.
3) They are Johnny on the Spot. You don't like it, then screw the vendor.
m) The only frackin card that I could call and get cash in a casino. "Yes, please give Dr. X whatever he needs."

TeknoKing

What do you mean I won't have a balance at the end of the month?

Scrib

The AMEX cards being discussed are charge cards, which means you can not carry a balance and have to pay your balance monthly.


I personally have their Premier Rewards Gold charge card and it's wonderful.

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...orth-carrying/

Professor

Bingo. I was trying to write this and kept getting into a fight.

I have the same card and have gotten a lot of stuff from their program.

TeknoKing

I never carry a balance on my credit cards, so to me getting an AMEX will result in better customer protection and better rewards? Interesting!
How does AMEX make money then? Only from vendors?

PS Just noticed they add annual fee staring second year. No good.

Scrib

Annual fee gets waived if you spend a minimum.

Yes, they make their money off the every transaction, which goes back to the merchant.

Hapa DC5

I hear you, but AMEX takes it to a whole different level.

Hapa DC5

Points Rewards Gold for purchases Cap One Visa for "back up" if they don't accept AMEX or Discover.

SPG AMEX (regular CC not a charge card) for travel. Closing in on 30k points I can use at any SPG property.

USAA AMEX for the fucking hell of it since that was the first AMEX I opened. fixed apar of 9.95%

Discover IT for cash back bonuses on certain categories.

CC portfolio complete.

Make it happen.

fsttyms1

Sure you can carry a balance. At least you can on the Gold card. Mine any purchases over 300 can be waived from being paid in full from the balance due at the end of the month and paid off in any amount at any time with no minimum payment.

Professor

^ Yeah they do have that option. But I like starting the billing cycle with a zero balance, so I can buy 1 tank of gas and look how my bill (courtesy of my best to be ex) runs it up to $1072.

TeknoKing

I've tried googling for best AMEX for international travel, and holy smokes, so many. Which one would be recommended the most?

Ira, that SPG seems ok, how have you cashed on it so far?

Professor

You get a black card and we are going to become friends.

As far as rewards I got stuff among stuff... usually even month I get a $50 prepaid card. Got a Bose DVD/Sound System, dinner cards, but I try to save some points and load up around Christmas (cheap ass bastard).

Just go to americanexpresss.com and look at their rewards catalogue.

And for international travel, if you call them ahead, you can get a decent deal on the exchange rates whether it's a simple green card or black.

Hapa DC5

I really like my SPG card and am very happy with AMEX in general. One cool thing is you can convert your SPG points towards miles if you want. I gotta nice welcome packet from SPG as well. I missed out on the 20k point opportunity and initially received 10k points since I applied about a week later But I charged it so much in Vegas and Tahoe that before I knew it I nearly tripled my points.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/ Check out what properties you can use your points at.

http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/top-c...-credit-cards/

Delta Skymiles is another card to look at from AMEX.

You receive a fixed APR and they are really generous with the credit line on any AMEX card provided you have the income and credit score to back it up.

I had a 10k initial credit limit (IIRC) and after 60 days I requested an increase and they approved me for 25k. After 60 days you can ask for a CLI for up to 3x your initial CL with any AMEX credit card.

Happy hunting.

Devil Dog 21

What if I use a sharpie to make my card black? Then can we be friends?

Just curious everyone....what are the types of rewards that you redeem with your cards? Miles, cash, statement credits, hotel credits, items?
I typically redeem all my points twice a year for cash deposited directly into my Chase savings account. Once before Christmas and once in the summer.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

The biggest thing... you get a free 1 year warranty on any product you buy.

I only purchase my important items on Amex.

speedemon90

I'm not 100% sure on this, but my mom told me about how if your a member of one of their specific cards I believe it is, you dont have to pay for baggage on airlines.

neuronbob

<---------- card member since 1991. They rock.

I take them in my business, too.

nj2pa2nc

very happy with discover card-member since 1986. Have 0 balance credit card debt.