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Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

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danielodonoll
New Contributor

Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

The card is very identical to the real amex cards

I don't really see any difference

Citi Bank X2/ 29k-USAA Amex/Mastercard 24k-PP Mastercard 20k_
WMDiscover 20k-PenFed X2/15k
Current Fico/EQ-765
Garden Time Day- 10
Remaining Days-170
Message 1 of 14
13 REPLIES 13
bs6054
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex


@danielodonoll wrote:

The card is very identical to the real amex cards

I don't really see any difference


It works on the Amex network, and so has an Amex form number.  First 6 digits of credit cards identify the issuer, and network, (4 for Visa, 5 for MC, and various ranges of 3X and 6X for Amex, Discover and Diners Card).

 

But it isn't issued by Amex and doesn't have their services.  Penfeds may be better/worse/equivalent, but it isn't an Amex.

Message 2 of 14
bs6054
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

For those with too much time on their hands, you can check your card numbers here.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Issuer_Identification_Numbers

 

 

Message 3 of 14
danielodonoll
New Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

How come is not

The numbers are Amex

The logo is Amex

It uses same network Amex uses

The only difference is the underwriters which at Amex they need Tax returns and at PendFed they don't

 

Citi Bank X2/ 29k-USAA Amex/Mastercard 24k-PP Mastercard 20k_
WMDiscover 20k-PenFed X2/15k
Current Fico/EQ-765
Garden Time Day- 10
Remaining Days-170
Message 4 of 14
09Lexie
Moderator Emerita

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

Turn the card over...it should say issued by PenFed or something close.
Message 5 of 14
bs6054
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

And the same is true of say a Capital One Visa and a Chase Visa and a Citi Visa.

 

The issuing bank has control of the policies, rewards etc.

 

You could not get your Penfed Amex backdated if you have an earlier Amex, and if you get a "real" Amex later on, it can't be backdated to the date you got this.

The rewards are not MR etc.

 

The "transport" network is the least important part of the card.

Message 6 of 14
thelethargicage
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

It's not a real Amex because it was issued by Pended and just happens to have the Amex logo on it and uses the Amex network. Penfed is the one paying the merchants, not Amex. Therefore, it's not a real Amex, just a faux Amex.


Message 7 of 14
LS2982
Mega Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

The OP feels slighted that this card is not a real AMEX........

 




EQ FICO 548 3/3/16
Message 8 of 14
navigatethis12
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex


@thelethargicage wrote:
It's not a real Amex because it was issued by Pended and just happens to have the Amex logo on it and uses the Amex network. Penfed is the one paying the merchants, not Amex. Therefore, it's not a real Amex, just a faux Amex.

I wouldn't say it's not a real American Express card, because it is. It just is not issued by Centurion bank. A lot of people seemed to be confused by this, and with Discover as well.

Message 9 of 14
boomhower
Valued Contributor

Re: Amex PenFed arrived today and the numbers are Amex

IMHO you should be happy.  Pendfed is harder to get approved for than Amex.  That said, you don't have a real Amex.  You have a Penfed card that runs on the Amex network.  No different than a Penfed card that runs on the Visa network. 

Message 10 of 14
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