AMEX Blue smart card reader...is it a good thing to have?

I just applied for the Blue for students. I always make my online purchases with a debit card and i'm starting to rethink that, because I'd rather a bank be out the money if there's fraud involved rather than me losing the $$ for a while.

So I'll find out in a couple weeks or so if I got the card, but I was wondering about the whole card reader/smart chip thing. It seems really cool (you buy something online, put the card in the reader, enter a pin) because it pretty much confirms that you're the one who's using the card. Does anyone here have the card reader? Is it worthwhile to get? I'd order the $25 USB reader, but if someone can convince me that the serial reader is just as good I'll get it (FREE) instead. Thanks!

 

[guyver01]

I was sent the reader about 3 years ago when i first got my Blue... never installed the software, and never needed to use the reader. I dunno if i like the idea of "swiping" my card to purchase, when home... makes it too easy.

 

[LOLyourFace]

completely useless. I got it for free in the mail, I opened it and said wtf is the purpose of this.

 

I think I get the picture. The main reason I applied for Blue though is because of AMEX's historically great customer service and because of their Private Payments (one-time-use credit card numbers) for online shopping.

Wish me luck!

 

[Soybomb]

Its a credit card purchase so you're protected no matter what. Why make yourself have to use some reader when you could just type in the number.

 

[MustangSVT]

Originally posted by: LOLyourFace
completely useless. I got it for free in the mail, I opened it and said wtf is the purpose of this.

mine is great at collecting dust ... wait no its not..