topic Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording in SmorgasBoard

AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:13:27 GMT

I'm brand new to AMEX, and that line BOTHERED me the first time I saw it. The word "Not" really jumped out as I glanced at it for the first time in the subject title of the email. For a very brief moment, that word("Not") in my mind triggered memories of a transaction or 2 that did "not" go through, and the feeling controlled by the unconscious that went along with it(EDIT: it was for an Amazon order, so in the past when seeing the words "card" and "not" in an email subject regarding Amazon orders, it was not a god thing). Yeah, I was relatively quickly over it, but it still was not necessary, and far from optimal, in my opinion.

"Not" is the 2nd word, whereas "Approved" is the 5th and last. I think it still bothered me the 2nd time, though not as much. I also imagine I can change my alert settings, but that is not the point. I think the choice of words is very poor, regardless if anyone here agrees with me or not. I may even contact American Express and express(not sure if I intended that pun) my feelings on the matter. Words are very important, and I just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar reaction the first time they saw this. Subconscious reactions often are more powerful tham conscious ones, and for me this is an example of such.

Myself, I have not had a single other card use wording like that. I know what it means, but I feel whomever chose that wording did a far less than optimal job. If you disagree, I am interested in your thoughts as well. It's possible some folks like or are neutral to seeing that everytime they make an online purchase, or even the first time or 2 before they mess around with the alert options. I havent done so, but think I will due to the wording, even though the alert itself is useful...especially since I had my AMEX envelope with the card opened, as detailed in my semi-epic approval thread, but the wording just gnaws at me for whatever reason(s).

If you have similar stories with anything, the thread is open to that as well.

EDIT: this is an industry that mints money, someone with a large salary is responsible for the wording, and folks familiar with psychology and marketing can do a better job than this. Regardless of the replies here, there are large amounts of people out in the real world, so that a minoruty can still be a sizeable group. I'm not angry or bitter, just making a point with what I've learned on my own that apparently does not resonate with whatever individual came up with that email subject/title.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 08:56:23 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I'm brand new to AMEX, and that line BOTHERED me the first time I saw it. The word "Not" really jumped out as I glanced at it for the first time in the subject title of the email. For a very brief moment, that word("Not") in my mind triggered memories of a transaction or 2 that did "not" go through, and the feeling controlled by the unconscious that went along with it. Yeah, I was relatively quickly over it, but it still was not necessary, and far from optimal, in my opinion.

"Not" is the 2nd word, whereas "Approved" is the 5th and last. I think it still bothered me the 2nd time, though not as much. I also imagine I can change my alert settings, but that is not the point. I think the choice of words is very poor, regardless if anyone here agrees with me or not. I may even contact American Express and express(not sure if I intended that pun) my feelings on the matter. Words are very important, and I just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar reaction the first time they saw this. Subconscious reactions often are more powerful tham conscious ones, and for me this is an example of such.

Myself, I have not had a single other card use wording like that. I know what it means, but I feel whomever chose that wording did a far less than optimal job. If you disagree, I am interested in your thoughts as well. It's possible some folks like or are neutral to seeing that everytime they make an online purchase, or even the first time or 2 before they mess around with the alert options. I havent done so, but think I will due to the wording, even though the alert itself is useful...especially since I had my AMEX envelope with the card opened, as detailed in my semi-epic approval thread, but the wording just gnaws at me for whatever reason(s).

If you have similar stories with anything, the thread is open to that as well.

EDIT: this is an industry that mints money, someone with a large salary is responsible for the wording, and folks familiar with psychology and marketing can do a better job than this. Regardless of the replies here, there are large amounts of people out in the real world, so that a minoruty can still be a sizeable group. I'm not angry or bitter, just making a point with what I've learned on my own that apparently does not resonate with whatever individual came up with that email subject/title.

I have that alert set up on my Charge Cards. I use it on those and they pop whenever I have online purchases. I have it on those two because those cards are ones I have to pay the full balance on upon statement cut date. I will say is didn't do me much good when my PRG was cloned and someone went on a little shopping spree without my knowledge... Since they had a physical card, they could swipe the card at the terminal and no alert was sent. AMEX did catch the charges and notified me. They canceled the charges and the card and sent me a new one in 2 days. AMEX took real good care of me during that experience.

I will agree that they could have come up with a better alert title, because, even when I'm expecting the alert, it still bothers me a little.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 09:03:15 GMT

Honestly I think you're making a big deal out of nothing. That wording has been used for a long time and first time that I have ever heard of anyone complaining.

Also as you readily admit this is due to your personal reaction to an everyday occurrence with American Express and not an actual feature of their cards, moving to Smorgasbord

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 10:46:27 GMT

Bleep, I didnt know this was out of line. I thought it was a credit card issue and didnt know it was breaking any rules. It was important to me, and was hoping to get some replies. Oh well, I suppose it did get one. Anyhow, I just wanted to clarify I thought it was a worthy crediit card topic that even at this hour managed to find someone who could relate. I didn't mean any harm. obviously.

(earlier today I asked someone what the meant when they said they didnt want to get sent to SB, and although they didnt answer, I guess I learned. Weird).

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

AverageJoesCredit — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 12:01:47 GMT

Hey Cap, lol, you seem to be in cc forum now. Just woke up so not sure the reference to SB was me as i mentioned it in one of my post. SB is not the death sentence haha its just where things go a little off topic can be had

I understand they could do better on the wording. I admit if i see this it just lets me know it was used online but i can see the problem as presented by Gardner76. I prefer an instant alert from any transaction on all credit cards though sadly we do not get them on all.Good post buddy

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

MASTERNC — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 14:27:56 GMT

I get why they said "Card Not Present", since that is what the payment industry calls mail/phone/online transactions, but it can definitely be confusing to customers. I like Chase's use of "Mail/Phone/Online Transaction" in its alert subject line.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:03:24 GMT

This is one of the most ridiculous and outrageous complaints I've come across yet. I'd suggest simply disabling the alert entirely since the order of the wording is causing you so much stress.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

AverageJoesCredit — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:19:01 GMT

I dont understand why something that may confuse someone and posts about to either vent or get feedback is outrageous and ridiculous.. If it bothers a person so much that one has to criticize said person, just ignore the post and move on.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:48:53 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
I dont understand why something that may confuse someone and posts about to either vent or get feedback is outrageous and ridiculous.. If it bothers a person so much that one has to criticize said person, just ignore the post and move on.

Maybe but that doesn't mean that just because something bothers someone means it's a valid complaint. CaptainJ stated in his OP that he knows what the alert means and he is the one that enabled the alert in the first place. His entire issue is about the wording. It may bother him and that's fine as he is entitled to feel what he states but that doesn't mean we want the CC forum to become a sounding board for people's complaints about how a CC company composes the wording of a voluntary alert.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

wasCB14 — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:49:20 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
"Not" is the 2nd word, whereas "Approved" is the 5th and last. I think it still bothered me the 2nd time, though not as much. I also imagine I can change my alert settings, but that is not the point. I think the choice of words is very poor, regardless if anyone here agrees with me or not. I may even contact American Express and express(not sure if I intended that pun) my feelings on the matter. Words are very important, and I just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar reaction the first time they saw this. Subconscious reactions often are more powerful tham conscious ones, and for me this is an example of such.

Myself, I have not had a single other card use wording like that. I know what it means, but I feel whomever chose that wording did a far less than optimal job. If you disagree, I am interested in your thoughts as well. It's possible some folks like or are neutral to seeing that everytime they make an online purchase, or even the first time or 2 before they mess around with the alert options. I havent done so, but think I will due to the wording, even though the alert itself is useful...especially since I had my AMEX envelope with the card opened, as detailed in my semi-epic approval thread, but the wording just gnaws at me for whatever reason(s).

Maybe if you're dyslexic, it could be an issue. For people who don't jumble word order, it's pretty clear.

Can you think of a better way to convey the content in five words?

Citi uses the subject line "A card was not present for a transaction" but that's eight words and doesn't state whether the charge was even approved.

Chase uses "online/phone/mail" but those three categories aren't even comprehensive. Last month I had a few meals at hotel restaurants and charged them to the room. At least one of the hotels charged the card in increments and I got online/phone/mail alerts from Chase, even though I wasn't really using the card online, by mail, or by phone.

So other issuers aren't quite like Amex here...but they should be!

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 15:59:57 GMT

Frankly, my first time was a shock too. Once I enabled the alert and did NOT know what it meant I was taken back. As has been covered in this post, each lender has a phrase (if you will) and we need to tune in. Truth, once in awhile I still go "say what" ?! Have to focus and breathe deep that all is cool.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

gdale6 — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 00:49:31 GMT

Locked for moderator review. A post has been removed for non productive posting and responses to it as well. Thread is re-opened for further comments. Please remember to be kind to one another.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:39:01 GMT

It wasnt my intent to make anyone bitter, it was probably a good thing I didn't see the post that was erased. I imagine it was a classic.

(the rest of this post is directed to everyone else)

To address something said earlier, I dont recall having necessarily opting in for the alert(which isnt to say I might not have edited the list of checked/unchecked boxes before this, I just dont recall), but do realize we can generally get out of them.

I think this was in regards to an Amazon order, and during the initial glance(not really reading) when seeing "card", and "not" regarding an Amazon order, it in the past had meant there was a problem with my order. That was the quick, unconscious feeling that hit me, so I came here to express it and see how others felt about it.

For what it's worth, in this day and age I probably use my cards more for online orders than otherwise, and the wording initially confused me because I seem to recall reading that vendors ask for the CVV # to ensure the card is present for online orders...so even at 2nd glance the wording still bothered me. I hope this makes sense to folks, regardless what they(or even myself in retrospect) felt about my reaction.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:42:06 GMT

I also noticed there were no kudos in here(my first time in the SmorgasBoard) and was curious why. Again, no offense intended toward anyone, just trying to learn the ways. Thanks

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:10:07 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Hey Cap, lol, you seem to be in cc forum now. Just woke up so not sure the reference to SB was me as i mentioned it in one of my post. SB is not the death sentence haha its just where things go a little off topic can be had

Ha, I think it may have been yours. It's funny I had no idea what it(SB) meant, and then suddenly here I am. I'm actually kind of glad I learned about this place. I dont think I would have naturally looked on my own/

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:05:00 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I also noticed there were no kudos in here(my first time in the SmorgasBoard) and was curious why. Again, no offense intended toward anyone, just trying to learn the ways. Thanks

Kudos are not available on the "SmorgasBoard". There was a long evaluation on whether they should or should not be available and the decision was to remove "Kudos". Some posters were using the SmorgasBoard to accumulate points for their board status so to speak. That was a topic from the distant past.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 11:52:53 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I also noticed there were no kudos in here(my first time in the SmorgasBoard) and was curious why. Again, no offense intended toward anyone, just trying to learn the ways. Thanks
Kudos are not available on the "SmorgasBoard". There was a long evaluation on whether they should or should not be available and the decision was to remove "Kudos". Some posters were using the SmorgasBoard to accumulate points for their board status so to speak. That was a topic from the distant past.

You mean to tell me that people were using this board to find a shortcut? Say it ain't so, Joe!

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 16:33:35 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I also noticed there were no kudos in here(my first time in the SmorgasBoard) and was curious why. Again, no offense intended toward anyone, just trying to learn the ways. Thanks
Kudos are not available on the "SmorgasBoard". There was a long evaluation on whether they should or should not be available and the decision was to remove "Kudos". Some posters were using the SmorgasBoard to accumulate points for their board status so to speak. That was a topic from the distant past.

Thanks, I appreciate the explanation. Now I will be humble and say that I dont understand what racking up kudos on the Smorgasboard(or anywhere)would accomplish/the appeal...unless a count is kept but it is hidden? I suppose I still have much to learn about this site.

Re: AMEX: "Card Not Present Transaction Approved", choice of wording

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 14:10:00 GMT

"CARD NOT PRESENT" is a term from the PCI Security Standards Council which was created by VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover and JCB. PCI SSC issues standards and requirement over credit card security. The phrase indicates that it was not a "face to face" transaction in a store where you present your card at a Point of Sale machine. Instead your card was used either over the Internet, Mail Order or Telephone Order. The notice to alert you that your card was used in such a manner. In addition, that same notice could be used as a receipt for an expense report similar to what you would get at a deli for a meal or a gas station for fuel.

This is a very good tool for fraud prevention.

Hope that helps.