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I understand it's the kiss of death to use AMEX to pay an attorney, charge at a casino, or for monthly rent. (based on past FICO postings.) I use AMEX at Wal-Mart several times a week because (1) AMEX features Wal-Mart on their site and (2) there are probably alot of wealthy ppl mixed in with all the Wal-martians looking for bargains (which is how they stay wealthy) and AMEX likely understands this.
I don't use AMEX for sales of less than $20.00, or at Mickey D's, etc.
Everywhere and everything I can for my Blue Cash card. That means a sub-$10 Mickey Ds each month, along with at least two other sub-$10 fast food, WalMart, etc.
I do save my local, non-chain coffee shop some swipe fees by reloading a gift card every two weeks instead of charging every day.
@creditwherecreditisdue wrote:
@MMart078 wrote:
Everyone says that AMEX cards have PMS, I think it is the company that has PMS.It's either that or schizophrenia...
LOL at both of these!!!
I just used my AMEX at Walmart this past weekend for groceries. But... it's a Dillard's AMEX, offered by GEMB, so I'm not worried about any AA!
I know that a lot of folks like the customer service and perks that come with AMEX, and I'm happy for those folks who are having good experiences with them. But, like some folks, I don't like the idea of having to look over my shoulder at where I make my purchases. I buy most of my groceries from Walmart because they are the closest supermarket to my house and they have really good prices. I go a little futher down the road to Publix if I want to buy items that Walmart doesn't happen to carry. I don't feel like I should have to justify this to my CCC.
So, even when I'm done with rebuilding, I'm not really interested in doing anything with AMEX through Centurion Bank. Right now, I'm using my Cap1 No Hassle Cash Rewards for most of my purchases and that's working out really, really well for me. I just got the Dillard's AMEX this month. The reason I used it for groceries this weekend instead of Cap1 is that my statement is getting ready to close and I don't want to show a balance. So, I chose to get the 2% points towards Dillard's rewards instead.
On top of that, I checked the list of benefits that come with my Dillard's AMEX. I get: extended warranty, emergency assistance, and retail protection from theft and/or breakage of purchased items. Not too bad for a non-AMEX AMEX.
I just started playing the rewards game this past fall and I'm really liking it! To that end, I'm putting almost everything on cards to get the rewards point. But, like some of other posters here, I am sensitive about the effect of using cards for small purchases on small, "mom and pop" type of businesses. If I buy a can of soda from the deli next to my office, I pay cash for that as a courtesy to them. But, that is my choice and everyone is free to do what they feel is right.
Interesting thread!
@tinuviel wrote:
@creditwherecreditisdue wrote:
@MMart078 wrote:
Everyone says that AMEX cards have PMS, I think it is the company that has PMS.It's either that or schizophrenia...
LOL at both of these!!!
I'm just amused at the timing of this once-dead thread being resurrected...
It's not embarrassing to use AMEX anywhere. Many people would just love to have one.
I NEVER NEVER NEVER carry cash. When I get cash, I take it straight to the bank. I don't like dealing with change. Everywhere (at least where I live) takes cards, so I might as well use them.
So I often use my CC's to make small purchases and I don't care. At my school, our vending machines take credit cards, and I often will buy a $.75 can of soda.
I'm not really a fast food person, but on the rare occasion I do eat it, I don't mind pulling my Discover or Amex out.
I used to use my Zync at a dollar store pretty often to buy packs of bubble mailers. Never felt embarrased. I stopped using it at McD though, because the cashiers would get all "o, it looks so cute in glittery white".
Just used my Zync at PapaJohns the other day, didn't think twice about it......
I use any card anywhere for any amount based on what I think will best to use for rewards. I am very sure that the card risk evaluation algorithms are mature enough to not raise my card as problematic or risky just coz the only place I can buy coffee at 2 AM is MacD.