topic Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards? in Credit Cards

Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

GoldenloveNY — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:36:55 GMT

So I was browsing the forum's archives, and I came across a few people saying that AMEX monitors their cardholders and where they use their charge and credit cards. A poster (Can't remember the name) even said that AMEX doesn't like their cardmembers to used their charge cards in places like Walmart and supposedly canceled a member's card for that reason. Supposedly, they like to see their members use their cards for upper class reasons.

This all seem silly, and I am not even sure why I am bringing this up. But this is a forum where people can ask questions (as stupid as they may be) and get feedback. I am using my ZYNC for almost all my expenses, and even for silly things, like coffee. I don't care. They know I am a college student. I am not going to be using my card for travel or expensive hotels/dinning places as their super weathly cardmembers do.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

JM-AM — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:42:57 GMT

While others have mentioned that Amex cares, in my personal experiences I have never had any issues using my Amex card any place including Walmart. As a matter a fact right now Amex and Walmart are advertising together to use your Amex.

While this could have been a concern from the past in my opinion it no longer exist if it ever did to begin with.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

GomerPyle — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:09:19 GMT

GoldenloveNY wrote:
So I was browsing the forum's archives, and I came across a few people saying that AMEX monitors their cardholders and where they use their charge and credit cards. A poster (Can't remember the name) even said that AMEX doesn't like their cardmembers to used their charge cards in places like Walmart and supposedly canceled a member's card for that reason. Supposedly, they like to see their members use their cards for upper class reasons.

This all seem silly, and I am not even sure why I am bringing this up. But this is a forum where people can ask questions (as stupid as they may be) and get feedback. I am using my ZYNC for almost all my expenses, and even for silly things, like coffee. I don't care. They know I am a college student. I am not going to be using my card for travel or expensive hotels/dinning places as their super weathly cardmembers do.

AMEX cares about one thing. You paying your bill. Pay in full keeps them very happy and paying over time is OK. Just do not take a long time to pay. Do not pay and you will see how interested they become.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

Jazzzy — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:11:35 GMT

I don't believe it makes a difference. We live in a small town and WalMart is the most extensive shopping available. We use our AmEx at WalMart all the time. (Discover won't give you your 1% cash back there, even if you have reached their minimum $3k spend to start earning it...so there is no reason to use Discover there.)

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

Watchmann — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:13:26 GMT

Generally they don't care, BUT if you make a habit of using it heavily at liquor stores, strip clubs, lawyer fees, pawn shops and bail bondsmen types of establishments do not be surprised if you get flagged. Be sensible, AMEX is the leader in AI in being able to sift and sort data to get an idea if you will end up paying your bill or not.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

GoldenloveNY — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:23:33 GMT

Watchmann wrote:
Generally they don't care, BUT if you make a habit of using it heavily at liquor stores, strip clubs, lawyer fees, pawn shops and bail bondsmen types of establishments do not be surprised if you get flagged. Be sensible, AMEX is the leader in AI in being able to sift and sort data to get an idea if you will end up paying your bill or not.

That one made me laugh. LOL. Thanks for all the responses. I know...I am using my charge card wisely (for everyday expenses). I don't charge large purchases, but I will typically run about 1-1.5K a month through my ZYNC. I paid AMEX last month a few days after my statement closed. My currect statment will close on Friday, and I will make a payment on Saturday. I am sure AMEX will be very please.....

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

Creditaddict — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:01:59 GMT

THEY DO NOT CARE as long as it's normal spending for you if charge card, or you work your way up... but on credit card, unless you stop paying large payments or miss payments or other things happen bad on your credit report Amex just wants you to swipe away... it's kind of scary and depressing a little but back in the 2004ish area I drank (as an understatment) I know little different credit time then but I used Amex at this one bar because they took and no it was not labeled any other way like most do now (it showed flat out bar/liquor what not) and I put roughly $25-$30k through it over about a 6 month period, I never even got a call let alone any other issues.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

jsickz32 — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:44:30 GMT

Ive used my green, gold and BCE at strip clubs, bars even small random spanish restaurants and they dont care. Hel ive used them to buy stripper dollars and nothing.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

youngandcreditwrthy — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:47:08 GMT

Lmao@jsickz.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

Walt_K — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:53:09 GMT

Strip clubs, bars, and (gasp) small Spanish restaurants. You really are pushing the limits.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

koalablue — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:55:00 GMT

I don't know this for a fact, but I'm guessing it would raise a red flag if you suddenly started using it heavily for medical expenses, like there was a 5000 charge for an operation or something. Given that medical costs are one of the biggest reasons for people declaring bankruptcy, Amex would look closely at an account that had a lot of high medical charges. I don't think you have anything to worry about though, based on your types of charges - they are run of the mill charges that most people use their cards for. As others have said, Amex is chiefly concerned that you'll pay your bill. Do that faithfully (sounds like you are) and they're happy.

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

jsickz32 — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:55:17 GMT

Lmao im serious. I even did 2 days in a row and nothing

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

armbenderc — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:05:48 GMT

jsickz32 wrote:
Lmao im serious. I even did 2 days in a row and nothing

Did you get lapdance? :smileysurprised:

Anyway, ROFL!

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

jsickz32 — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:06:44 GMT

@armbenderc
Thats what the stripper dollars were for lol

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

youngandcreditwrthy — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:09:31 GMT

Well, it says on their webpage somewhere that unusual spending patterns trigger concern... So like maybe if you charge more one month than any other by a substantial percentage. I use mine in several diff locations, and they never call me for security or anything. Weird.
I don't really like strip clubs haha but I like dance clubs ;-)

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

youngandcreditwrthy — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:10:12 GMT

Locations= diff states, cities

Re: Does AMEX really care where you used their cards?

llecs — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 02:56:42 GMT

Thread is locked and under Moderator review.

Politics is one of the 5 things that can't be discussed on these forums. Seems like there was another....