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Is it embarrasing using AMEX at a fast food?

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Uborrow-Upay
Valued Contributor

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


@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!

Message 11 of 109
fishbjc
Senior Contributor

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

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. 

Message 12 of 109
creditwherecreditisdue
Senior Contributor

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

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.
Message 13 of 109
DI
Super Contributor

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


@creditwherecreditisdue 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.

Message 14 of 109
creditwherecreditisdue
Senior Contributor

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


@DI wrote:

@creditwherecreditisdue 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
Message 15 of 109
Anonymous
Not applicable

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


@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.  Smiley Very Happy  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!

Message 16 of 109
Anonymous
Not applicable

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

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.
Message 17 of 109
creditwherecreditisdue
Senior Contributor

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

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.
Message 18 of 109
OnTheRebound
Established Contributor

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

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?
Amex BCE $11.1 / Citi Diamond Preferred WMC $12K / Citi Double Cash WMC $3.8K / Comenity Total Rewards Visa $2.5K / Citi Home Depot $5K / AU- Amex BCP $12K / Chase Freedom Visa $11014.00 / PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature $6K / GE Lowes $10K
myFico Scores on 10/03/2014
Eq 798 / Exp 811 / Trans 814
CCT Fico 08 on 1/3/16 - Trans 786 / Exp 793 / Eq 797
Message 19 of 109
creditwherecreditisdue
Senior Contributor

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


@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?

Message 20 of 109
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