I will respond from a little bit personal and little bit business and a point from each post that has responded so far:
If you travel a lot, or actually not even a lot, I use to travel 3-5 days a month, First few times I called Amex to let them know where I would be "state" and how much I planned on spending - usually $8k-$15k... about the 3rd month the rep just said kindly "Sir, as much as we appreciate you calling in it is not neseccary to spend your time doing it!
so first point, I did happen to have a couple cards that had $15-$20k limits so I could have the option of no Amex but many especially a new business (even back when credit was easy I didn't think of having high credit lines or a business credit card with my credit needing to be over $10k... when I realized I did need over $10k it isn't always an option to get a personal card up that high on initial approval, charge card can move up to that very quickly.
I have 2 different travel months and different credit and...
1. Chase Southwest - I was in Coach outlet in FL, I had about $13,500 available out of the $14,400 line but also Signature - not sure if it would go above the line but either way... Mind you I have called Chase and told them I would be in FL and a good chance that I would use almost the entire line while in FL - Chase assured me it was noted and if I stayed within CL they would not have any issues. Purchase was right around $8200... Swipe - Decline... You know that look from sales associate, if they still have card in hand they usually will be like oops and swipe again (my bad, not ur card!) 2nd swipe - "Im getting reference to call, do you want me to call or do you have another card?" Yes please call (I of course planned for this so Amex Gold Business Charge was right in front of me in wallet!) So she talks for a bit, goes over total, ID, etc. etc. then Chase wants to talk to me... so she is asking some questions, asking another bank card that's on my reports, limit, last payment on this card I'm trying to use, then pulls the security questions from credit and asks them... it went on and on and on... Now I have to say I rarely get embarrassed about a credit card decline or having to call but even this pushed my limits... it literally took over 30 minutes of rep talking to Chase and me talking to chase before they would provide a code for card to be charged.
2. Macy's Visa (before it was Amex) $12k line $0 balance (called for where I would be traveling, NY not in NYC.
Very first store Dooney and Bourke they needed to ring my transaction into 2, first approved, 2nd declined... Walk outside call, fraud flag for 2 charges same location within a couple minutes, I kinda get it, because when cards are stolen you usually see test charge and if that works... boom boom boom 5 others come in instantly almost.
so security freeze listed, go back inside charge approved... head to next store 5 minutes later swipe and DECLINE. outside, fraud, unlock and move on... next day flying home, coffee in airport, DECLINE - Lets just say I was a little irritated.
Anyway sorry I went long but basically the point is Amex almost never has just cut me off at a register for a large purchase or multiple charges and if it has happened I usually get a call or i call them and it's fixed in a minute or two.
Also being able to get emergency help with new card, cash, Id etc. if traveling and robbed or something is pretty amazing.. luckily I have not had to try it out to see if it's as amazing and as easy as it sounds but just the offer at all seems very nice over any other banks.
Starting Score:TransUnion: 698 (12 FEB 2010), Equifax: 674 (12 FEB 2010)
