AMEX PM ends tonight 4/30!!

[rj2828]

Granted that a few cards will be keeping the BVG (and from the CSR I spoke to at Amex, not at the BVG number, only a few cards will keep it - not all the no-yearly-payment cards) - will the BVG still be worth it?

I read in a few posts (and it's hard to tell what's rumor and what's fact these days) that the BVG will now exclude a larger number of items, will be for only *print* ads, and will disappear soon on the other cards too.

As far as Amex taking away the privilege - I'd definitely hop in on a petition. This is a pretty funny case of a credit card underestimating (or not properly evaluating) it's clientele. Amex had higher income clients for the longest time, and something like the BVG was probably for the most part unused with them. They release cards that have a lower income requirement (like Blue) and all of a sudden - get pounded with claims Truth of the matter is - it's hard to feel sorry for Amex - they're a credit card company, and are making a killing off of interest and merchant charges. It's also hard to blame them for taking the privilege away - they're in the business of making money, and this benefit was clearly costing them more to provide than it was bringing them back in customers.

If they did see a large drop-off in the number of Blue applications/return memberships, I'm sure they'd reconsider though (unless they're really taking a killing on the BVG).

 

[fouroaks]

Well now that the program is gone for Blue guess what. *snip* *snip* goes the scissors.

 

[wesbc]

Blue still have it's perks and it's free so why the snip snip. First off, I like the look of the card... mines a bit scratch up though. It still has the return service for items you don't want and stores won't take back. And it also has points... even though you really need to rack some up to make any use of it.

I'm keeping mine, but maybe also look for another. Does anyone know if their regular green card has BVG? Maybe I'll check out what my parent's have and use their card... hehe.

 

[psteng19]

First off, take the poll

Question: A lot of the times when you buy something, your credit card is not billed until the order goes through, the item ships, etc.
I'm just wondering if they're looking at the date you are billed (which shows up on the statement?);
or the actual date that you placed the order (can they figure that out?)

I've only used (not abused) the BVG twice and it's really gives buyers peace of mind when it comes to buying products.
I used it on the Compaq 910 deal from CDW last week for $219, and this week it's going for $148 at ecost, so I filed a claim.
THIS is what the program was intended for.

The two times I called them to file a claim, they were both the nicest CSR's I've ever dealt with.
One lady truely seemed happy that I was able to save money through using BVG.
I hope the best for the bunch that works there.

I intend to continue using their card for the majority of my purchases whenever possible.
Too bad they don't make much money off of me...
I pay my bills in full so they only get the small % that the merchant/vendor pays.

I propose that they keep the program, but that they lower the max amount limit (currently $1250? - make it $500 or something) or number of times you can use it a year.
Hey, it's better than nothing at all.

Boo to all the abusers

 

[dentalboy]

deal is dead

 

[TakedownCA]

I just got the card a month ago and only used it once for that smoking Panasonic 27" flatscreen tv deal. Too bad I'll still use the card, but hopefully a free replacement program comes up from another card. I don't get in on that many hot deals so I won't necessarily get back that $70 a year for the Amex Gold BVG.

 

[jasonja]

I called this morning and cancelled the card. I got one PM out of it for $36, so I don't think paying $75 a year for it in the Gold card is worth it to me, but if you used this hardcore then I'm sure it is.

I strongly urge any of you that don't plan on using this card because they canned the BVG to cancel and be very vocal about why you're cancelling. Even if it does nothing for Blue, perhaps it will make them re-think plans to cancel it on Optima and other cards in the future.

 

[fouroaks]

That was the main reason i got that card to begin with the BVG i have another card with better rates so if i do get stuck with a balance like last fall when my furance went. I used the other card. Blue is not the lowest in rates.

 

[Athena]

« Does anyone know if their regular green card has BVG? »

The green card does not include it but the Platinum Optima does and there's no fee for that one (if you qualify).

 

[pecel]

Damn !! :|

DELL just charge my AMEX Blue for Canon S330 on May 1, 2002.

Can I still do PM with BVG later on or it's already too late?
coz I order the S330 around in mid April

:|

 

[Juicebox]

Frankly,

Saying that people are abusing the BVG is silly. All Amex has to do is lower the annual payout. I got my blue purely for the BVG. I only used it once for$86 for the Best Buy 80 gig Western Digital deal. In fact I think it is crazy to cover electronics or computer parts. Those always go down.

The idea is like rebates and coupons. The offer may get a lot of people in on it, but many don't follow though.

Cheers

 

[Tung]

err.. nice.

 

[Optical]

On the "abuse" thing, I also find it silly. They created the program and it seems like everytime I call they always encourage me to take advantage of it. I actually had the card for about 2-3 years and it almost became a nuisance when they kept telling me to take advantage every freaking time I call. It wasn't until my 3rd year I really used it (used a lot!). They created the program and we are use using it as such.

I think they actually abuse us more than anything else. Outrageous late fees, cash advance fees, yearly fee (not blue), super complex interest rate structures...

 

[psteng19]

<< On the "abuse" thing, I also find it silly. They created the program and it seems like everytime I call they always encourage me to take advantage of it. I actually had the card for about 2-3 years and it almost became a nuisance when they kept telling me to take advantage every freaking time I call. It wasn't until my 3rd year I really used it (used a lot!). They created the program and we are use using it as such.

I think they actually abuse us more than anything else. Outrageous late fees, cash advance fees, yearly fee (not blue), super complex interest rate structures... >>


I'm sorry, maybe you misunderstood me.
I didn't mean to say that everyone abused it, only some.

If it weren't for the abusers, the program would still be intact.
I've heard of people who max out their $1000+ BVG limit in a month.
In another thread, someone mentioned they bought a ton of other items to resell and PM when the prices dropped.
You can't deny the fact that the program was abused.


BVG just had too many flaws that were too easy to take advantage of, and many people did, ruining it for everyone.

... and about AMEX abusing us, it all comes down to you paying your bills on time [/list]

 

[Neuroanatomist]

Those of you who are thinking of cancelling your Amex Blue cards.. don't forget to actually call Amex to close your unused account.

Cutting up your credit card will not "close" the account or cancel your line of credit.

The account will still show as "open" on your credit report, even if you don't ever use your Amex blue again and just keep it in a desk drawer.

In college and graduate school, I had accumulated way too much available credit.

Before I started thinking of getting a mortgage for a new house, my banker told me to get a copy of my credit report.
I cancelled all the credit cards that I didn't need (thus reducing my overall available credit) and found 3 mistakes.

My credit score went up 50 points in 12 months and I got an excellent rate on my mortgage.

Credit score is more dependent on responsible use of credit vs. total amount of available credit or # of open accounts.

Credit cards are the most expensive form of money.

 

[Emulex]

btw, if you have ANY business (hint start one) get the amex business gold card. Its $0 for the first year, same benefits..

 

[Justincase]

>>>Credit cards are the most expensive form of money.<<<

No, credit cards can be the most expensive 'form of money.' They can also be the least expensive. I've had non-introductory credit card rates as low as 1.9%; no mortgage or equity loan can touch that. And of course there are introductory rates of 0% all over the place these days.