What's with the AMEX Obsession?

[LS2982]

How many of these types threads are we going to have??

If you don't like AMEX don't get one, don't knock the people that enjoy their cards.

[jamesdwi]

Yes backdating still works if you have closed all your AMEX cards, usually if its still on credit report its easy to get it backdated, if its older than that it can be more work and hassle but always worth it... for the backdating goodness. If its prehistoric like a card from the 1970's or 80's its YMMV.  ;-)   yeah i had a AMEX card while i was in elementary school, I wish..  ;-)

[parakleet]

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@LS2982 wrote:
How many of these types threads are we going to have??

If you don't like AMEX don't get one, don't knock the people that enjoy their cards.

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+1000

[MonkeyBelly]

For me it's the rewards at department stores and Whole Foods, and its usefulness as a credit tool (hellllllloooo, 1989 backdating and day 61 3x CLI! You're both looking LOVELY today!). I don't consider it prestigious. I'm not sure the cashier at Bloomingdales really gives me a second thought regardless of what I'm paying with.

[enharu]

Amex is a nice to have card, not a nice to depend on card. That's the difference.

Their benefits and level of service generally surpasses most other companies, but they are probably the last prime lender anyone ought to really depend on. That being said, for anyone who's financially sound, Amex can be your best friend. For those who are not financially sound, they can be your worst nightmare.

Look at Amex as your reward for being in good financial shape. If you are not in good financial shape, you probably have other bigger problems to worry about.

[ztnjpv]

Jamesdwi,

Thanks for the reply on backdating. I have a Plum Card that I don't use very much and was thinking of closing it. Doesnt show up on credit report anyway. So, if I apply for a new Amex in, say, 3 months, they will honor that backdating of my Plum's date?

[Anonymous]

I am certainly not apart of "everyone" that is obsessed with having an AmEx product. Most people do not care anymore if you have an AmEx. There is certainly no "oooing" and "awwwwing" when I use either of mine. I got my first card at 20 and then the Blue Cash this past January at 22. I could literally count with the fingers on 1 hand how many comments have been made about them.

Although I haven't had any issues with AmEx, I do think they can be a bit uncouth in how they conduct business. I have read how rude and accusatory they can be when they hit you with the FR bat (completely evidenced by shutting down your cards out of the blue).

If the Blue Cash wasn't such a great card, I think I would only keep an AmEx just to have a card from all 4 major card networks, as silly as it sounds.

[jamesdwi]

The plum card, being a bussiness card makes things a bit more fuzzy,  http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/AMEX-backdate-between-personal-amp-business/td-p/971046 is a thread where the topic was discussed, seems to come down to the agent you get and previous relationship with AMEX. 

[thom02099]

Keep you eyes on the watch....

Keep following it as it swings back and forth...

Your eyes are getting heavy....heavy.....

You are getting sleepy....sleepy....

Now...repeat after me...

It's only a credit card...it's only a charge card

It's only a credit card...it's only a charge card

It's only a credit card...it's only a charge card

It's only a credit card...it's only a charge card

But seriously....IT is simply a consumer product.  Not unlike any other consumer product.  There is a mystique about the brand, one that I'm sure they continue to promote.

Do you like Buicks?  Why?

What about a Jaguar (or as the British may say Jag-u-ar)?  There's a mystique about them as a car company as well.  Is it based on fact...or myth?   How does it compare/contrast with that Buick?

Is a Whirlpool washing machine better than a Kenmore?  Is a Samsung a better cell phone than a Motorola? 

Consumer products...any consumer products...are designed to appeal to a specific target market.  AMEX is no different.  The "appeal" or "obsession" is exactly what they (the company) want it to be...sometimes based on facts (as noted in a lot of posts in this thread) as well as myth (also noted in posts in this thread).  And I'm pretty confident AMEX wouldn't have it any other way. 

And subconsciously, I don't care how much one doth protest, there is still that glimmer of belief amongst 99.9% of the population that, holding an AMEX card does in fact signify arrival..."I have arrived".   Because that's the way AMEX has been for nearly 70 years. 

[ztnjpv]

Thanks for the link jamesdwi.

So I guess it would be prudent to open a personal card before ever closing my business card....just to be safe. Also, I think the issue with some of the posters in that thread had to do with corporate cards issued at work. Not the same as having a small business card methinks. 

I'll call and ask to be sure.