Credit Cards

[AndyK]

The purchase protection/warranty is nice. And Amex DOES have their actual credit cards - which is the whole reason I have my Zync, so that I can try to get a BCP/BCE later this year.

Other than that? I guess it's the percieved status from it. The only time I've noticed that is when I went out drinking with friends last weekend and used my Amex card at the bar, the bartenders seemed more polite and quicker to get my drinks than they were with my friends who used cash or whatever cards they had. Of course, I could rack it up to my charming personality and good looks, but I doubt having a "better" card hurt either

[AF_23]

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AndyK wrote:

. The only time I've noticed that is when I went out drinking with friends last weekend and used my Amex card at the bar, the bartenders seemed more polite and quicker to get my drinks than they were with my friends who used cash or whatever cards they had. Of course, I could rack it up to my charming personality and good looks, but I doubt having a "better" card hurt either

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[BigDaddy18]

O' that's hilarious!!!

I'm so getting an AMEX!!

[Idiotsavant]

Like many other members, I have and prefer an Amex because of the excellent customer service (24hours a day, 7days a week), rewards, extra benefits, like not needing to purchase car insurance on the first 30 days of a rental car because it is covered, warranty coverage and they will make a merchant refund you for faulty merchandise even if the merchant has refused you the first time. There is not prestige to me, because I find that more people are annoyed when you try to use the Amex and it turns out they do not accept the card. That is when you get the haughty: well don't you have a visa or MC? The card replacement recovery system is quick also, which is a huge plus for ditzy people like myself. And to a lesser degree, most of their cards are pretty, which is in when you need to entertain crying or fussy toddlers. What can I say, they like shiny things.

[LS2982]

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TannerK wrote:

Protectons, benefits, backdating, rewards. 

I believe that pretty much sums it up.

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+1

[Open123]

Most cards have a spending cap on the level of awards one can accrue.  Amex never has this.  Some cards are better if one spends 10k, or 20k, or even 100k; but, Amex is the only issuer I know who will still allow you to accrue rewards at an unlimited spending level.  For anyone spending hundreds of thousands, Amex really is the only option.

The prestige while mostly a perception is real in certain circles, mainly air travel, fine hotels, and fine restaurants.  It certainly isn't what it used to be, but I've found that I've gotten better treatment at certain places with an Amex card than a non Amex card.

With older generation, you'd be surprised how much prestige is associated and attached to Amex!

[TapDancer324]

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thriceknight wrote:

So what are your opinions about having/wanting an American Express Card? Whats the point of getting a charge card when the whole point of credit is to "borrow"?

Comments wanted!!!! 

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I wanted an American Express card for a couple of reasons - business travel (NPSL) and perks.  First, I travel on business 50% of the time and I work for a company that reimburses us for our travel expenses, rather than providing a company credit card. Not only do I have to cover my own expenses upfront, but I sometimes have to "entertain" clients and staff (i.e. pick up lunch/dinner tabs).  As a credit rebuilder, my main major CC has a CL of only $3,000, so I really have to watch my balance.  My AMEX will simplify this process for me.  Secondly, AMEX will give me more perks for the thousands of dollars in travel expenses that I incur each year.  Of course, I'm reimbursed, but we are allowed to retain all frequent flyer/frequent stay points and perks that we earn.  ...so why not maximize my opportunities, right?

P.S. My employer will issue a cash advance for travel, upon request, but I prefer not to do this.

[GBPac12]

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TapDancer324 wrote:

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thriceknight wrote:

So what are your opinions about having/wanting an American Express Card? Whats the point of getting a charge card when the whole point of credit is to "borrow"?

Comments wanted!!!! 

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I wanted an American Express card for a couple of reasons - business travel and perks.  First, I travel on business 50% of the time and I work for a company that reimburses us for our travel expenses, rather than providing a company credit card. Not only do I have to cover my own expenses upfront, but I sometimes have to "entertain" clients and staff (i.e. pick up lunch/dinner tabs).  As a credit rebuilder, my main major CC has a CL of only $3,000, so I really have to watch my balance.  My AMEX will simplify this process for me.  Secondly, AMEX will give me more perks for the thousands of dollars in travel expenses that I incur each year.  Of course, I'm reimbursed, but we are allowed to retain all frequent flyer/frequent stay points and perks that we earn.  ...so why not maximize my opportunities, right?

P.S. My employer will issue a cash advance for travel, upon request, but I prefer not to do this.

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Hey, where can I get in on this

So do you think that Amex card are suited for individuals that travel often? I mean the best rewards and benefits are geared towards one who fly a lot.

[Repo-ed]

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TannerK wrote:

Protectons, benefits, backdating, rewards. 

I believe that pretty much sums it up.

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This

[Repo-ed]

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dyv8914 wrote:

They also have credit products (Blue revolvers, SPG, Hilton, Delta, JetBlue, etc.)

There are some recent threads that have discussed this topic in detail. If you do a search you can pull those up.

But in general people have said:

1. Prestige

2. Good customer service

3. Backdating

4. Good rewards (frequent bonuses/deals, transfer 1:1 to FF programs, etc.)

5. Good benefits (concierge, ease of claiming purchase protection+extended warranty, etc.)

6. SP for future apps (if denied), SP for CLIs, generous CLIs (with supporting income), APR reductions every so often

7. NPSL on charge cards (if carry high balance doesn't affect util)

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and this.