topic Re: Is it embarrassed using AMEX at a fast food? in Credit Cards

Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

DI — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:46:14 GMT

Are there certain places you won't use a particular card at?

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:50:34 GMT

I don't think the place is as much of an issue for me as the amount.

There have been times I got somewhere and bought something that was 75 cents or $1.50 and only then discovered NO CASH. I admit I felt a little sheepish pulling out a credit card for such a small purchase amount.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:59:09 GMT

I really dont like having cash on hand for the simple fact that if I have money in my pocket I will spend it quick on anything. When I go to fast food places I use my cards including my amex. Just this week I saw a guy in front of me pay with his amex at taco bell. No biggie.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

FocusOnFICO — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:00:15 GMT

DI---great question. It's usually the amount. I would prefer to get $ back on my Blue Cash or PFed, but if it's only a few dollars, I usually use cash.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:44:56 GMT

I have no shame in where I choose to use a credit card, regarless of purchase amount.

One of my cards is a Corporate card...you better believe I have charged $1.50 on that card if I was away on business. It's the best way to track expenses, and guarantee that my employer will not have to reimburse me money...they just pay the bill at the end of the month.

If I'm away on business and happened to go to McDonalds for lunch (although, not my first choice), I would absolutely put it on my corporate card!

If I saw someone using a credit card in a less-than-desirable location or for a super-small purchase, I would just assume it was someone on a business trip!

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Lel — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:52:01 GMT

I use my credit cards for just about everything, except for maybe the <$3 purchases. I use my B of A Upromise MC for most purchases to earn bucks for my kids' future education, and use my AmEx at restaurants to get a 3% rebate. I don't have any qualms about using it anywhere. Of course, I don't patronize any places that would be called unseemly....

I go to an ATM only once every 2 months and pull out $200 for both me and my DW. That's how infrequently we use cash.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

haulingthescoreup — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:39:41 GMT

I don't flinch at using any of my cards anywhere. If they have a problem with it, they can cancel me. I have plenty of back-ups. I really don't feel like worrying about some individual or some computer program sitting in judgment on my shopping habits.

However, with AmEx, you do want to let them know if you're going to use it outside of your metropolitan area. Also, if you've been using it for Mickey D's and WalMart runs, I'd give them a call before you go empty out Best Buy or something.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

CHARGE_IT — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:13:04 GMT

There is a very real reason why the term "cashless society" was coined. We are not quite there yet, or most are not. I am however. I never spend money, and I mean never. (I don't get colds and flu all the time either)

I don't like to get change. It ends up in containers for years. It is a nuisance to me.

I know categorically what I spend each month and I do use that info to tweak my habits.

Certainly there is no harm in purchasing with a product made for purchasing.

Message Edited by CHARGE_IT on 08-22-2009 12:13 AM

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:23:09 GMT

Hmm. I wonder if fast food joints are on that magic list of places where they are allowed to take your card but you are pilloried for using it there. Good old AMEX with there data mining campaign...

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:03:28 GMT

When I mentioned I tend to cringe a bit at using a CC for small amounts, like $1.50, this is because I understand the merchant has certain fees. Sometimes this includes a transaction fee which might be 30-40 cents, plus the discount fee.

So, if I make a $1.50 purchase and they incur a 35 cent transaction fee plus 2-3% discount fee (very likely if using reward cards), then this merchant has taken a real hit on the sale.

I always like to create win-win scenarios. I enjoy the convenience of credit cards. I enjoy the convenience and services of the merchants I shop. I want all to profit. Thus I kick myself when I find that I need to charge such a small amount.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:14:40 GMT

@haulingthescoreup wrote:
I don't flinch at using any of my cards anywhere. If they have a problem with it, they can cancel me. I have plenty of back-ups. I really don't feel like worrying about some individual or some computer program sitting in judgment on my shopping habits.

However, with AmEx, you do want to let them know if you're going to use it outside of your metropolitan area. Also, if you've been using it for Mickey D's and WalMart runs, I'd give them a call before you go empty out Best Buy or something.

That's bothered me, "what will they think" if I make a purchase under, say, ten bucks. I've always felt like the ax was going to fall for using any card for a minor puchase. Did it anyways, but it still bothered me.

+1 for attitude, HTSU!

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

fishbjc — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:44:39 GMT

I've heard that there are some places you may want to avoid using amex. Porn shops come to mind. I don't know if that's a rumor though or fact.

As far as fast food, etc....don't let it bother you. I put everything I can on our rewards card, I now have a free r/t to europe. Those little expenses do add up quickly.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:52:24 GMT

Amex very definitely profiles you for AA based on where you use your card. This is not rumor - it is a well established fact. Study of this types of action has been mandated by the Credit CARD Act of 2009.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

DI — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:19:38 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Amex very definitely profiles you for AA based on where you use your card. This is not rumor - it is a well established fact. Study of this types of action has been mandated by the Credit CARD Act of 2009.

I'm also thinking they trying to get a sense of where you use your card to comeback fraud.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:37:04 GMT

@DI wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Amex very definitely profiles you for AA based on where you use your card. This is not rumor - it is a well established fact. Study of this types of action has been mandated by the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
I'm also thinking they trying to get a sense of where you use your card to comeback fraud.

Every credit card company is doing that.

It has been specifically admitted by Amex in public statements that where you use your card is being datamined and used by them in making credit decisions and determining AA. Use of this practice has be considered so marginal that the Credit CARD Act of 2009 mandates its study:

SEC. 505. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON REDUCTIONS OF CONSUMER CREDIT CARD LIMITS BASED ON CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO EXPERIENCE OR TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONSUMER.

(a) Report on Creditor Practices Required- Before the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Board, in consultation with the Comptroller of the Currency, the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration Board, and the Federal Trade Commission, shall submit a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate on the extent to which, during the 3-year period ending on such date of enactment, creditors have reduced credit limits or raised interest rates applicable to credit card accounts under open end consumer credit plans based on--

(1) the geographic location where a credit transaction with the consumer took place, or the identity of the merchant involved in the transaction;

(2) the credit transactions of the consumer, including the type of credit transaction, the type of items purchased in such transaction, the price of items purchased in such transaction, any change in the type or price of items purchased in such transactions, and other data pertaining to the use of such credit card account by the consumer; and

(3) the identity of the mortgage creditor which extended or holds the mortgage loan secured by the primary residence of the consumer.

(b) Other Information- The report required under subsection (a) shall also include--

(1) the number of creditors that have engaged in the practices described in subsection (a);

(2) the extent to which the practices described in subsection (a) have an adverse impact on minority or low-income consumers;

(3) any other relevant information regarding such practices; and

(4) recommendations to the Congress on any regulatory or statutory changes that may be needed to restrict or prevent such practices.

Message Edited by creditwherecreditisdue on 08-22-2009 11:37 AM

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:53:58 GMT

@DI wrote:
Are there certain places you won't use a particular card at?

Nope. I personally enjoy using my Kroger 1-2-3 card to earn rewards when I am grocery shopping at Albertson's and Walmart. I love the Kroger card - hate my local Kroger store, but I put all grocery and food purchases on this card - it makes my bookkeeping easier.

I"m with the poster who pulls cash out. DH & I pull out $50 cash every two weeks for small purchases - everything else (and even sometimes small purchases - but I'm with TX on that one - it kills the profit for the retailer, so I try really hard not to). My CC's are for convenience (and rewards). I'll use any of my cards anywhere. Fun thread!

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:00:58 GMT

I don't have an amex card (and never will. happy with penfed and discover), but it's embarassing for me to pay for any small transaction with a CC. The smaller the business, the more uncomfortable it makes me. I avoid using a CC for small transactions at a small business; I use it all the time at large national companies regardless of transaction size.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:08:11 GMT

One thing that makes it easier to use a CC for small transactions is the proliferation of debit cards. Debit cards are used pretty much the same as cash by almost everyone everywhere. Most places that take debit cards take CC's as well and they don't really know what type of card you are using when you make your purchase. You should be aware, however, that there are large differences in the fees the merchant pays on the backend of the transaction.

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

OnTheRebound — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:56:17 GMT

Personally, I don't give a hoot about the retailers expenses. (I have my own). I don't carry cash and put all my expenses on my rewards card from a $2 hamburger to all my monthly expenses to all major purchases. Not once has a retailer balked at accepting a credit card for a small purchase. And if they didn't want to accept a credit card all they have to do is say so. I would understand. I wonder why every fast food establishment has a credit card terminal?

Re: Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

Anonymous — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:59:18 GMT

@OnTheRebound wrote:
Personally, I don't give a hoot about the retailers expenses. (I have my own). I don't carry cash and put all my expenses on my rewards card from a $2 hamburger to all my monthly expenses to all major purchases. Not once has a retailer balked at accepting a credit card for a small purchase. And if they didn't want to accept a credit card all they have to do is say so. I would understand. I wonder why every fast food establishment has a credit card terminal?

But I'll bet you care a great deal about how much you pay for goods and services. Are you naive enough to think that one does not impact the other?