@mross1080 wrote:
@OnWayUpinTexas wrote:My experience has been that if you call the Amex CSRs first and let them know what you're doing ... (1) I'd like to make an unusually big purchase; (2) I'm going out of town with the card; (3) [insert your scenario here] ... Amex seems to appreciate it, and you get the benefit of knowing your "special" purchase (whatever that might be) will be approved.
In my past Amex life, I remember calling a company and ordering a $5500 computer projector for work on my personal Gold Card, but I called Amex first to make sure they knew what was up. This weekend, I charged a $375 Christmas present at Neiman Marcus for my DW's grandmother. As that was the largest purchase so far on my brand new Amex Zync card (which had some other charges on it as well), I called Amex first and had them give me the A-Ok beforehand. What can I say, I'm a worrier ...
I have a difference of opinion on that. I moved out of my mothers house ages ago. I feel im grown up enough where I shouldnt have to make sure its ok to spend my money how I see fit.
To each his own. I'd just rather not be standing in the middle of Neiman Marcus (or Tiffany's, for that matter) with DECLINED showing on the register. 
Maybe after I've been back in the Amex family for a little longer than 30 days I'll feel more confident.
In all seriousness, though, someone posted this recently and it happened to me: Take a twitchy credit card (or even debit card) with you on a trip across the country, use it at the airport when you arrive, then try to use it the next day. DECLINED. It's just not a bad idea to give your creditors a heads up about certain things that are going on, is all I'm saying ... Not talking about calling for approval for groceries or dinner for the family at the restaurant down the street ... 
@OnWayUpinTexas wrote:
@mross1080 wrote:
@OnWayUpinTexas wrote:My experience has been that if you call the Amex CSRs first and let them know what you're doing ... (1) I'd like to make an unusually big purchase; (2) I'm going out of town with the card; (3) [insert your scenario here] ... Amex seems to appreciate it, and you get the benefit of knowing your "special" purchase (whatever that might be) will be approved.
In my past Amex life, I remember calling a company and ordering a $5500 computer projector for work on my personal Gold Card, but I called Amex first to make sure they knew what was up. This weekend, I charged a $375 Christmas present at Neiman Marcus for my DW's grandmother. As that was the largest purchase so far on my brand new Amex Zync card (which had some other charges on it as well), I called Amex first and had them give me the A-Ok beforehand. What can I say, I'm a worrier ...
I have a difference of opinion on that. I moved out of my mothers house ages ago. I feel im grown up enough where I shouldnt have to make sure its ok to spend my money how I see fit.
To each his own. I'd just rather not be standing in the middle of Neiman Marcus (or Tiffany's, for that matter) with DECLINED showing on the register.
Maybe after I've been back in the Amex family for a little longer than 30 days I'll feel more confident.
In all seriousness, though, someone posted this recently and it happened to me: Take a twitchy credit card (or even debit card) with you on a trip across the country, use it at the airport when you arrive, then try to use it the next day. DECLINED. It's just not a bad idea to give your creditors a heads up about certain things that are going on, is all I'm saying ... Not talking about calling for approval for groceries or dinner for the family at the restaurant down the street ...
I can see if your taking a long distance trip. But if I was declined I would simply use my debit card with the exception of Neiman Marcus or one of my many other credit cards that are begging for my business and then call amex and let them know how not only do there business practices make them lose money but it also tarnishs there image which is not as high end as it use to be. Just that one call might not seem like much but after many and many of them things might change.
