Any issues with American Express?

[monk3y]

Do almost all stores (like grocery stores and gas stations) accept American Express? Just curious because I'm thinking of applying for one. I've always only had Visa.

Also any comments in general about AmEx cards would be helpful.

 

[imported_Mike]

Stores either accept it or they don't, don't know where you got your "extra charges" myth from.

 

[Killerme33]

I've never seen a store that charges a fee to use American Express, I think it's against their merchant agreement.

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: Mike
Stores either accept it or they don't, don't know where you got your "extra charges" myth from.

I've never heard of any extra charges or anything. I'm just wondering if they exist or if there's anything else I need to watch out for.

 

[monk3y]

Anyone?

 

[everman]

The extended warranty is good for electronics, and I think it's the only card accepted at Costco.

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: everman
The extended warranty is good for electronics, and I think it's the only card accepted at Costco.

You get free extended warranties?

 

[anxi80]

i find a lot of smaller mom and pop shops wont accept amex because amex charges a bit more to the vendor per transaction. but its probably 3-4 times a year i run into a place that doesnt accept amex and thats when i just use my visa. but i like the perks with the amex (cash back, rewards program) and its also the preferred card for costco (both in the wherehouse and for gas) which i frequent quite a bit. also i like the fact that my purchases have their warranty doubled when i charge the whole amount to my amex card.

edit: for the record i hold the gold card meaning that your balance has to be paid in full every month (unless you enroll in the pay over time for purchases $200+ program). blue cards act as credit cards and i believe you have to pay the platinum cards in full every month also.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: monk3y

Originally posted by: everman
The extended warranty is good for electronics, and I think it's the only card accepted at Costco.

You get free extended warranties?

I know with Blue you do. It doubles any mfg warranty, other than a few things (cars, that kinda thing) up to $10,000, IIRC. AMEX is the only card I use :thumbsup:

 

[pulse8]

I very rarely find a place that won't take Amex.

 

[iamwiz82]

BTW, the last time I was shopping at a store that didn't accept AMEX was Wicked Weasel a few years ago, but now they accept Paypal, so I can go through that.

 

[Qacer]

Originally posted by: monk3y
Also any comments in general about AmEx cards would be helpful.

Tsk. My Blue Amex can't get me concierge services to get a PS3. Hehehe.

 

[mrrman]

some restaurants/stores dont accept them...I use AMEX for the points as my entire kitchen was bought on points/airmiles. Its good to have a Visa/Mastercard and a Amex CC IMO

 

[RossMAN]

monk3y,

Are you a member of CostCo or have you considered joining?

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
monk3y,

Are you a member of CostCo or have you considered joining?

I am a current member.

 

[monk3y]

Originally posted by: mrrman
some restaurants/stores dont accept them...I use AMEX for the points as my entire kitchen was bought on points/airmiles. Its good to have a Visa/Mastercard and a Amex CC IMO

That's pretty much what I'm planning on having. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

 

[totalcommand]

Originally posted by: monk3y

Originally posted by: mrrman
some restaurants/stores dont accept them...I use AMEX for the points as my entire kitchen was bought on points/airmiles. Its good to have a Visa/Mastercard and a Amex CC IMO

That's pretty much what I'm planning on having. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

If you travel a lot overseas, AMEX is unmatched for customer service. If your credit card gets stolen (happened to a family member of mine), they replace it instantly if you visit the local AMEX center.

Also, disputing charges is very easy with AMEX.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Here's the link to their Card Benefits.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: monk3y

Originally posted by: RossMAN
monk3y,

Are you a member of CostCo or have you considered joining?

I am a current member.

I would highly recommend applying for the co-branded CostCo Amex TrueEarnings credit card because:

• it bears the RossMAN Seal of Approval
• The Amex credit card doubles as your CostCo membership card.
  When you enter a CostCo warehouse show them your Amex cc.
• No annual fee but you do still have to pay for your CostCo membership.
• 3% for eating out at restaurants
  2% for travel
  1% for everything else
• Amex card benefits such as FREE 1 year extended warranty

Visa and MasterCard are still more widely accepted but Amex can still be found at most stores/restaurants.

 

[s0ssos]

Originally posted by: totalcommand

Originally posted by: monk3y

Originally posted by: mrrman
some restaurants/stores dont accept them...I use AMEX for the points as my entire kitchen was bought on points/airmiles. Its good to have a Visa/Mastercard and a Amex CC IMO

That's pretty much what I'm planning on having. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

If you travel a lot overseas, AMEX is unmatched for customer service. If your credit card gets stolen (happened to a family member of mine), they replace it instantly if you visit the local AMEX center.

Also, disputing charges is very easy with AMEX.

that's a generalization that is simply not true (what he said about disputing charges). it depends on your relationship with them. if you only have a lousy costco true earnings, disputing is difficult. i've tried it. much easier with cards that like you.
and as for doubling your warranty, getting any credit card basically does that for you nowadays. and if you look at the wamu free checking debit card, it even has price protection.
and yes, many places don't accept amex. i don't know why, but they don't. it's a fact.
and overseas, amex acceptance is quite rare. so, i don't know what you're talking about using amex overseas, cause i wouldn't care if my amex were stolen and didn't get replaced, cause i almost never used it overseas. they charge 2%, whereas you can get some visa/mc that only charge 1%.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: monk3y

Originally posted by: RossMAN
monk3y,

Are you a member of CostCo or have you considered joining?

I am a current member.

I would highly recommend applying for the co-branded CostCo Amex TrueEarnings credit card because:

• it bears the RossMAN Seal of Approval
• The Amex credit card doubles as your CostCo membership card.
  When you enter a CostCo warehouse show them your Amex cc.
• No annual fee but you do still have to pay for your CostCo membership.
• 3% for eating out at restaurants
  2% for travel
  1% for everything else
• Amex card benefits such as FREE 1 year extended warranty

Visa and MasterCard are still more widely accepted but Amex can still be found at most stores/restaurants.

I love my Costco Amex. :thumbsup: There aren't many other ways to get cash back on your costco purchases since they only take Amex and debit cards. And it's free of course, and the 3% at restaurants is nice. I've gotten a bunch of money from the 2% on travel for business trips. Earning cash back on something I didn't have to pay for is the best.

 

[saymyname]

I use my AMEX for everything. Costco was my original motivation but now I use it for just about everything.

A few places don't take it but it's not very often. There's a sushi joint that doesn't so I pay cash there but that's about it. I don't think Fry's takes AMEX either.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: s0ssos
and yes, many places don't accept amex. i don't know why, but they don't. it's a fact.

Higher fees

 

[George P Burdell]

Do you need another credit card?

 

[Pandamonium]

Amex used to have green, gold, and platinum as their flagship cards- all of which had annual fees, if I understand correctly. They've branched out offer standard credit cards with no fees and no additional services. If you've got good credit, be prepared to get amex gold, etc offers.

If I were you, I'd use the card that gives me the greatest cash back or added benefit at a particular location.