topic Re: I don't get the Amex thing... in Credit Cards

I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:47:31 GMT

I really don't understand the Amex obsession... Maybe it's because I'm not well versed in rewards, or maybe I'm just missing it completely. What is it about Amex that drives everyone gaga and makes them want to pay the higher fees on their non revolving cards?

I'm considering app'ing for the Zync, just for kicks, because of the low AF and to get "in" with Amex since everyone makes it seem like being in with Amex is the best thing in the world... But I don't actually want to use the card (since I rather use my SW card from Chase). I just feel like clearly there must be something special about getting in with Amex that would make it worth while to give it a try now on the off chance that I'm approved. The main benefit to it being that any future Amex revolver I may get down the road would be backdated (unless that policy changes). That's the only real draw I see to the AF cards they have, but I wouldn't want to pay more than $25 a year for future (possible) backdating lol

I can certainly see the appeal of the blue cash everyday as a revolver with no AF and cash back, but beyond that the glory of the Zync/Gold/Plat/Green is lost on me.

Enlighten me, please? lol

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:51:38 GMT

Because those cards fit very well to specific financial profiles... that, and the backdating. Zync will work optimally for some, not so much with the Platinum... and vice versa. I believe the charge cards give them a wide array of flexibility. Those who have the Platinum card and travel a lot, seem to absolutely love it, but a Platinum is lost on me... in fact, any of their charge cards are, which is why I went straight for the revolver.

AMEX seems to be somewhat rigid, but also quite versatile at the same time... if that makes sense.

Just for the backdating alone, I love it.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:56:17 GMT

This thread, again?....really?.... Amex charge cards can come with great benefits and MR points can be very valuable. Just because they don't fit your lifestyle doesn't mean others won't find them extremely useful.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:57:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I really don't understand the Amex obsession... Maybe it's because I'm not well versed in rewards, or maybe I'm just missing it completely. What is it about Amex that drives everyone gaga and makes them want to pay the higher fees on their non revolving cards?

I'm considering app'ing for the Zync, just for kicks, because of the low AF and to get "in" with Amex since everyone makes it seem like being in with Amex is the best thing in the world... But I don't actually want to use the card (since I rather use my SW card from Chase). I just feel like clearly there must be something special about getting in with Amex that would make it worth while to give it a try now on the off chance that I'm approved. The main benefit to it being that any future Amex revolver I may get down the road would be backdated (unless that policy changes). That's the only real draw I see to the AF cards they have, but I wouldn't want to pay more than $25 a year for future (possible) backdating lol

I can certainly see the appeal of the blue cash everyday as a revolver with no AF and cash back, but beyond that the glory of the Zync/Gold/Plat/Green is lost on me.

Enlighten me, please? lol

I just don't get the allure of Amex Charge Cards<------ Recently Explained!

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:57:55 GMT

I don't have an AMEX, or any card, but what I hear is that AMEX is best when it comes to disputes. Basically, you are almost always in the right and the vendor is wrong.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:21 GMT

Thanks Teen! I'll read through that one, I've read through loads of Amex threads in the past couple weeks, but maybe that one will enlighten me lol

(ETA I did actually read through a chunk of that one before, guess I'll reread it and see if anything jumps out at me the second time around lol)

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

dude11 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:02:52 GMT

I think it is overrated. It's true certain cards may not benefit you as it may to others but it seems over hyped. Just like iPhones and iPads. Everyone wants one because everyone else has one. Or maybe it is to feel like high and mighty, don't know just IMO.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:05:16 GMT

@dude11 wrote:
Everyone wants one because everyone else has one.

That's why I want one... lol, because I feel like I'm supposed to want one! Luckily I've evaded the i(Product) peer pressure, but I'm considering caving here haha

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:14:02 GMT

Everyone has their own reason.

I don't have a charge card, but I do have their SPG. And I find the rewards more than offset the annual fee.

Plus, as others have said, they side with the consumer during a dispute and make the merchant prove themselves.

(I've only disputed once in the 3 years I've had the card and they resolved it less than 48 hours)

For me CLIs have also been easy and only soft pulls. $2k -> $4k -> $10k -> $15k (most recent bump)

Finally, one of the benefits I've used and like is their auto rental coverage. Primary insurance for only $25/rental (not per day, but per rental up to 42 days).

Other cards offer insurance too, BUT too often it's secondary only, or if primary, has a huge deductible (two of my other cards have a $5k deductible).

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Open123 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:11:53 GMT

You're not alone for wondering.

Matter of fact, not only on this board but many of my friends/associates in RL feel the same way, since most of the benefits derived from Amex (save for a few) can all be had from other issuers at a lower price.

In my view, I find their credit products to be a very good fit for most people, especially the Blue line of cards. They represent an excellent balance between rewards and cost. Good examples would be the BCP and SPG. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't derive benefit from the BCE--no fee, revolving, Amex proetection, 3% cashback in supermarkets, etc...

It's the charge cards that either are great, or not. There is very little middle ground. The appeal of the charge card are for those who are relatively indifferent to credit scoring (or, may not have the highest or most pristine Fico scores), but prefer a product that focuses primarily on spending ability and income stream rather than the objective scoring models.

In general (there are always exceptions, of course), those who prefer the no-fee Amex revolving cards believe in a "fair and objective" scoring system which doesn't emphasize income stream--the deomocratization of credit. It keeps things such as bias and unfair demographic profiling out of the equation. While Charge cards are more of an "old world" product where income stream is more important than the "objective" credit score. For most of Amex's history, the charge cards were targetted to those with the ability to spend or have high incomes while excluding those with lower spending thresholds irrespective of any fair & objective credit scoring model.

I suspect how you feel about the value of Amex will be predicated somewhat along these lines.

Case in point. If you happen to spend and fit the criteria Amex prefers, there's almost nothing the company won't do to accomodate you. Unlike other issuers who reserve some of their best perks for new customers, Amex reserves some of the best offerings for existing cardmembers. It's a formula they use, but it appears they take account the value of one's membership date (even CSR reps) more so than other issuers.

Finally, the backdating for a member since 80s or 90s is priceless. With a membership backdating 20 years, applying for a new Amex every January completely neutralizes a new TLs adverse affects on aaoa.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:12:40 GMT

@dude11 wrote:
I think it is overrated. It's true certain cards may not benefit you as it may to others but it seems over hyped. Just like iPhones and iPads. Everyone wants one because everyone else has one. Or maybe it is to feel like high and mighty, don't know just IMO.

Sorry, iPhones and iPads won't backdate my credit history, so I won't be buying one anytime soon

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Open123 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:16:57 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I don't have an AMEX, or any card, but what I hear is that AMEX is best when it comes to disputes. Basically, you are almost always in the right and the vendor is wrong.

Right, for big spending or online spending, I always prefer Amex, if only because their merchant agreement gives them complete discretion and the right to unilaterally reverse any charge without any process for a merchant to appeal, nor does it require any input from the merchant.

As a consumer, I find this incredibly beneficial.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

HikingFICOMountain — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:45:02 GMT

I am not obsessed, but I wanted an AMEX for several reasons

1. I want the Delta Sky Miles - Have the ZYNC, will use it very wisely

2. I want to establish the relationship with this brand and reap the benefits of backdating in the future.

3. I have heard great things about the customer service and card benefits.

3. I want an AMEX because I just want an AMEX - I have my practical reasons, but I admit I also have my vain ones.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Open123 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:53:23 GMT

@HikingFICOMountain wrote:

3. I want an AMEX because I just want an AMEX - I have my practical reasons, but I admit I also have my vain ones.

In my view, this is as good a reason as any.

I'd say it's probably the best one out of all the ones I've read including mine's!

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:26 GMT

@Open123 wrote:
@HikingFICOMountain wrote:

3. I want an AMEX because I just want an AMEX - I have my practical reasons, but I admit I also have my vain ones.
In my view, this is as good a reason as any.

I'd say it's probably the best one out of all the ones I've read including mine's!

It's as good a reason as any lol... I guess checking into the Zync for backdating purposes alone in the event that I try for a revolver in the future is worth it. I'll be dropping two AF cards next year as it is, so I can afford to pick up a small new one if I'm approved haha

I have to admit that the backdating is what really attracts me since it's so unique to them. I'm not even sure how much use it would actually do me in the future, but who knows

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:03:57 GMT

Along with having perks over other providers, AMEX is also a type of status symbol. When I see someone with an AMEX I think they are probably well off or atleast a very responsible consumer. Obviously that is blanket statement and there are always exceptions, but it seems to be the way most of the time.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

navigatethis12 — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:22:04 GMT

I just like gettin 3% on groceries. The Blue Cash Everyday is the only one I know that has no cap on groceries. I do wish you could redeem for cash instead of just a statement credit though.

@Open123 wrote:
Right, for big spending or online spending, I always prefer Amex, if only because their merchant agreement gives them complete discretion and the right to unilaterally reverse any charge without any process for a merchant to appeal, nor does it require any input from the merchant.

As a consumer, I find this incredibly beneficial.

This is a huge reason American Express is not always accepted at places. So many times do people initiate false chargebacks and the merchant can do nothing. A few people my parents do business with no longer accept American Express because they have lost a lot of money with this. Remember the merchant loses the merchandise, the money, and gets charged a fee.

I myself have initiated chargebacks but they were legitmate. I am not saying you would buy something and use an American Express card so you can later get the money back but people do. This is great for cardholders but not the merchant. Cardholders are important but if there are no more establishments that accept the card, then cardholder will be worthless.

Sorry to go off topic but I saw that and just felt the need to chime in. I hope you do not take it that I am attacking you or anything, I am not.

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:32:18 GMT

Well, I did it (apped for the Zync and was approved), just for the sake of doing it lol Now I think I need to block the MyFico forums so I'll stop allowing myself to be tempted into new apps! (I'm weak after years of not apping!)

In the past month I went from $1950 total credit over my 3 old rebuilding cards (most recent had been opened 10/2009) to $6950 plus whatever my Discover More limit ends up being, plus a NPSL Amex Zync... Now that I have one of every type of card (lol), my available credit has at least almost quadrupled (once I find out the DM limit) and my AAoA has gone into the toilet it's time for me to stop apping for another 2+ years!

By then every last baddie should be completely gone and I can live happily ever after

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:29:43 GMT

Wait, what did you do?

Re: I don't get the Amex thing...

Smug — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:30:55 GMT

Just like iPad and iPhones its the quality