Amex Spending Question

[Involus]

So I just ran a $1700 charge through my BCE within a week of activating it - had a tuition payment to make. Think this might spook Amex? Kinda worried. The charge went through no problem, no fraud alert. Just notified a large charge was done via email. I plan to PIF before statement close. Just don't want CLD or FR haha..

[daybreakgonesXe]

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@CotySinz wrote:

So I just ran a $1700 charge through my BCE within a week of activating it - had a tuition payment to make. Think this might spook Amex? Kinda worried. The charge went through no problem, no fraud alert. Just notified a large charge was done via email. I plan to PIF before statement close. Just don't want CLD or FR haha..

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Considering that people run much higher daily charges through, and really really high charges per month (i've seen people have like 15k through the card in one billing cycle), I think you'll be perfectly fine XD

[bichonmom]

What's your BCE CL? What's your overall util reporting?

i have used my Amex zync and Costco like "normal." I charge throughout the month and pif by due date. I did just make a larger purchase $450 (that's a big single purchase for me.) so decided to pay this month's balance early (but after the stmt. cut) just so I might abate any concerns they might have, also because my overall util is 20% currently. 

If your overall util is low and your CL with them is good, then you should be okay. But I would slow down the use on the card until its PIF. I also don't recommend paying Amex more than once a month. When I first got my Amex, someone recommended to me (from here) that I break them in like a new pair of shoes, which I did. That's a pretty hefty initial charge, but if you watch purchases until the stmt cuts and you PIF, you should be fine.

[Involus]

CL is 2000 so util would be 85% on that card specifically right now. I'm going to PIF tomorrow or Wednesday just don't want any AA. Lol. Just don't want to spook them running so close to the limit within a week of activation.

[Cdnewmanpac]

I really don't understand how this paranoia about amex and FR got started. I have friends who run 50k/month through their Amex cards and have never heard a peep of complaint. They are a spend-centric company. Also, they can see the merchant information. Nobody uses forged/stolen cards to pay tuition. They buy things that can be converted to cash quickly. If someone stole your card and used it to pay tuition, you'd have years to discover the fraud, dispute the charge and have the class vacated. What would be the point? Do I advise taking your brand new BCE and going from Walmart to Walmart all day long buying one CD each? No. I'd also avoid buying items in bulk that are popular on ebay right now, or buying a bunch of gift cards your first day. Also, if you make 10k/year, you should call in advance before you drop 20k on dinner at Per Se. Otherwise, relax. Use the card. That's what its there for. PIF and you'll be fine.

[Involus]

Cdnewmanpac - Thanks for that haha - I just joined the Amex family and don't want to get the boot haha.. I forget they are spend-centric. Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

[cashnocredit]

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@CotySinz wrote:

Cdnewmanpac - Thanks for that haha - I just joined the Amex family and don't want to get the boot haha.. I forget they are spend-centric. Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

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Agree with Cd.

IMO, that's not going to bother Amex at all. One never knows of course. There probably isn't a human at Amex that knows. There is some very small probability that the particular charge made correlates with a lot of chargeoffs and the computer flags it for FR or something.  You could also get hit by lightning. Not worth worrying about though.I spent over 5k the first few weeks I had my Amex and over 20k in one charge a few months after that. Not a peep.

I think people worry way too much but then again I do always carry backup.

[nicholasyud]

i just paid them a few days ago  before my statement cut on the 20......now another stupid automatic monthly credit monitor charge on 16 and my statement going to show some balance if i dont make another payment......should i paid it one more time ????? or just let it slide ????? its only $10......

[GoldenloveNY]

This Amex FR paranoia is getting old. I honestly don't understand the fear in all this. What's the point of having a card, if you going to be afraid in using it? Their cards aren't the devil traps. There cards are not loaded with some hazard chemical. A Amex agent is not sitting around a computer waiting for you to use their card to give you the "hahaha! got you!" face. Amex is not hiding behind the counter waiting for you to swipe, only to place a big red FR sticker in your forehead.

Use your card for everyday purchases (well within your annual/monthly income) and you should be fine. Set a spending pattern with them, and you should be fine. Any concerns of a huge suspected charge, just call them up. Amex WANTS you to use their cards. They get fees everytime you swipe. The more you swipe, the richer they get. 

[jake619]

I think there is some value in the notion AMEX is more sensitive to spending habits than in years past.  Don't for a minute think they took $3.39B in TARP and haven't changed their risk assessment standards.  The Fed's are up the creditors <ahem> watching closer than ever.  That said, USE IT.  I'd bet if we revisited this in 12 months there would be little to discuss.  My BCE comes next week and I will not hesitate to use it.  Burn it up, PIF it.  Rinse and repeat. Show respect, get respect.