Question on Using my Amex

[JaeJae12]

Hi guys so I recently got approved for Amex BCE and it should arrive in the mail soon. Before I get the card I've read in the forum how Amex track/looks at your spending pattern. My question is, when I get my card should I make a decent size purchase right ($90-120), and follow up with a Starbucks purchase? So it sets me up for a spending pattern between $4-120? Or should I Start off small and gradually increase my spending habit. One thing is that I rarely spend over $130 a month on my CC's so my ultil is always like 1-2% if not less on all my cards.

Thanks.

[jsucool76]

I feel like the spending patterns matter more on the charge cards where your internal limit has a chance of changing basically every month.

I wouldnt activate the card and go buy a 2000 tv instantly, but as long as you treat the card well you'll be fine.

[JaeJae12]

Oh man never Lols, I only use my CC for things I can easily pay with cash right then and there, but I just put it on my CC for the sake of using it lol.

[RockinRay]

I really do not think this makes a difference. They gave you a limit and you are free to spend up to that limit.

People are too worried about Amex. Use it, pay it, and do not abuse it... You will be fine.

[dddewdrop]

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@JaeJae12 wrote:
Hi guys so I recently got approved for Amex BCE and it should arrive in the mail soon. Before I get the card I've read in the forum how Amex track/looks at your spending pattern. My question is, when I get my card should I make a decent size purchase right ($90-120), and follow up with a Starbucks purchase? So it sets me up for a spending pattern between $4-120? Or should I Start off small and gradually increase my spending habit. One thing is that I rarely spend over $130 a month on my CC's so my ultil is always like 1-2% if not less on all my cards.

Thanks.

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            Just try and remember Amex is working for you here not vice versa. I would say, buy whatever it is you would normally buy. Just stay away from the most blatent things that you read  about in articles such as charging a bunch of stuff in a strip club or something like that. It is good that you have that knowledge that they are monitoring but don't let it change who you are. 

[RockinRay]

I will add to this.

Over the years, I have used my Amex cards for:

1. Strip clubs.

2. Casinos.

3. Income taxes.

Bill came, paid in full, end of story.

I have carried one of their cards since 1979 and have never had any issues with them. 

You charge, you pay, and life goes on....

[NonSufficientFunds]

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@JaeJae12 wrote:
Hi guys so I recently got approved for Amex BCE and it should arrive in the mail soon. Before I get the card I've read in the forum how Amex track/looks at your spending pattern. My question is, when I get my card should I make a decent size purchase right ($90-120), and follow up with a Starbucks purchase? So it sets me up for a spending pattern between $4-120? Or should I Start off small and gradually increase my spending habit. One thing is that I rarely spend over $130 a month on my CC's so my ultil is always like 1-2% if not less on all my cards.

Thanks.

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I don't think the AmEx revolver is interested in your spending pattern - that's why they establish a credit limit.

The NPSL charge cards will monitor your normal spending pattern over time, so that any major deviation from the norm will raise a red flag, and possibly trigger the dreaded Financial Review.

I like using the NPSL charge card for everyday purchases (which always stays within a fairly normal, predictable pattern) and will be paid off in full at billing.

That leaves the revolver credit cards to sit at near-zero utilization, keeping the credit lines available for occasional large purchases and emergencies, which might otherwise trigger a Financial Review with AmEx.

Of course, this is only my general guide - there is always some mental math going on when chasing points/miles & rewards.

[Open123]

Doesn't matter for a revolver.  

My standard practice not just for Amex but all new cards is to make the first charge for the cheapest Starbuck's cup of coffee.  Afterwards, I just use the card--Amex or otherwise--indiscriminantly.

[boomhower]

Don't get to worked up about it.  Use it regularly and pay.  As long as you avoid cash advances, casino's, strip clubs, and stock accounts you'll be fine.  Normal usage and pay the bill is all it takes. 

[Anonymous]

I got my BCP card Wed and used it on Thursday for gas and then yesterday for the grocery store and later at Subway for dinner. No problem at all with any of that. Honestly just charge what you need to and pay it off next month. I wouldn't worry too much about what kind of charge you make. The whole point of credit is that you make it work for you, not the only way around,ya know?