Is AmEX worth getting?
 

I'll in in Europe for about 3 weeks. I have both a platinum VISA and VISA debit card. Does American Express office in Paris especially, or AmEx in general provide any services that you have found makes it worthwhile to get that card also?

For most travelers there's nothing one needs from a card that platinum VISA and and debit card wouldn't provide. <BR> <BR>AMEX markets "prestige", "member benefits" ... blah blah blah. Nice to have. Unnecessary in my opinion. <BR> <BR>twenj

A second credit card would be useful as a backup. There are a number of things that can happen to your credit record, especially with overseas travel ... not to mention card loss. Get a second credit card. A MasterCard is probably the most useful backup.

Visa does not charge a fee for money conversion (Francs to $, etc.) Mastercard does, I don't know about AMEX.

I prefer the AMEX Platinum. Although it has a fee of $375 per year, the service is worth it if you travel frequently or like special attention. <BR>I use the AMEX card for access to several airline clubs and have used the card to get roon upgrades, as well, at their member hotels. <BR>I also like the concierge service. I've used it to get restaurant reservations when none were available to the general public and to get advice on a private tour from Paris to Normandy. <BR>I've also found that the exchange rate is generally better than most banks give on their cards. <BR>Also, although I have not used it yet, you get a buy 1 get 1 free for international first class on several airlines.

Contrary to a previous post, some Banks do charge a fee for foreign currency transactions on their card. (Chase did this to me recently.) <BR>Visa does not issue cards, banks issue Visa cards. Visa, like Mastercard, is the network not the card issuer. Check with your bank on its policy and fees.

The good thing about AMEX is that it is not really a credit card. No finance charges, but you do have to pay the entire bill each month. This works well when travelling because you don't have to keep using your cash or depleting your back account; you do that when you're safely back home and the bill comes (but hopefully, you've planned on that and have savings to draw from). <BR> <BR>But AMEX also has an option where you can choose to have any travel related purchases (airfare, hotels) charged to a revolving credit-type account; same AMEX card/account, it just shows up as a separate account on your bill and you only have a montly payment (like a regular credit card). This works for me for spur-of-the-moment trips and haven't quite yet saved for airfare!

A big bonus for me is that the American Express Rewards card allows you to collect points (1 dollar = 1 point = 1 mile) and apply them as miles on serveral different airlines and their partners. So instead of having only a Continental credit card, for example, you can decide which airline (among the participants) you want to apply the points at the time that you need them.

Hi Tony <BR> <BR>I've found that American Express isn't always accepted here in France. As long as you have a back up Visa (sometimes MasterCard isn't accepted either!), you'll be fine.

I wouldn't bother with the card; too expensive and not accepted enough places. If you want to use their offices, some services such as money exchange are open to everyone, and other services can be used if you have a few of their travellers checks (issued without fees at some banks and credit unions).

Lori: <BR>On my last trip my B/A visa chaged a currency conversion fee(about 2%). My Wells Fargo Master Card did not charge this fee. So,as stated, I guess it depends on the bank. Do we need to pressure are money hungry banks? Also, I found that almost all Italian ATM's took my Master Card while far fewer would accept my Visa. I passed on my Amex credit card. Contrary to thier advertising, I found it the least useful in Europe.

First, I agree with most of the posters that you don't need an Amex card. However, it's my #1 card for a couple reasons. My reasons for having an American Express card parallel those of Mia and Russ: <BR>1. I like using it because I know I have to pay it in full each month, so it's a wise fiscal move for me, as I can't use it as a crutch! (Yes, I also do have Visa and MasterCard cards for the "just in case" situations.) <BR>2. I like the flexibility of the Membership Rewards program and have redeemed miles on three different airlines in the past few years. <BR>Though I know it's not accepted everywhere, unlike some of the previous posters, I've never had mine rejected overseas. (And, yes, I do carry a Visa card as well.) <BR>But again, in spite of my pro-Amex attitude, no, Tony, it's not necessary as long as you have a Visa and MasterCard.

I have let my Amex card expire after almost twenty years. I could not understand why I needed it.

Gerry and Philip: <BR>While I agree that the cards are issuee by banks and MC and Visa are the network - my husband's MasterCard is issued by the same bank as my Visa card. He was charged a conversion fee, I was not. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmm.

AMEX has many varieties of credit cards. The one I use is the "Platinum Cash Back" card -- no membership fees, and and there is approximately a 2% *CASH* rebate at the end of your billing year (February for me). <BR>I try to use this card for EVERYTHING. I am able to get many hundreds of dollars of refunds this way. <BR>This is reeason enough for me to have an AMEX card. <BR> <BR>The cash rebate is deducted from your months charges, you don't actually get a check in the mail. <BR> <BR>But you do need a Mastercard or VISA as an alternate, since AMEX is not as universally accepted.

Lori: <BR>Unfortunately the fee rules are so complicated and change so often that you don't know what you are paying until you get home and see the bills. It seems that it can also depend on whether you are taking a cash withdrawal from an ATM or using it as a credit card and what type of card you have(ie.platinum, gold etc). On our trip my wife and I used used TD Whaterhouse Visa ATM(no conversion fee charged, $2 ATM fee); Wells Fargo Platinum Master Card ATM and Charge card(no conversion fee charged, $2 ATM fee); Citibank Gold Visa used as both ATM and Credit card(no conversion fee charged); Bank of America Visa Gold ATM and charge card(2% conversion fee charged, $2 ATM fee and $3 "international trasaction fee" on ATM use. ) Bank of America gave us the best currency exchange rate, Citibank the worst. Now I know which card to leave home next time. But then, will the rules be all different? <BR> <BR>Good Luck! <BR> <BR>Gerry

Amex Platinum Cash Rebate Card gives you a rebate of 2% on your purchases only if you carry a CREDIT BALLANCE of over $5000! You pay 17 1/2 % interest on this ballance. Then they "give" you a 2% rebate at the end of the year. If you think this is a good deal, I suggest you talk to a financial advisor or debt counselor. You should skip a few trips until you pay off your credit cards!

I took out an AMEX card because it covered the car insurance for 30 days. MasterCard only covered for 2 weeks. Later I discovered I could have the AMEX card at no annual fee. Just ask them. However, if you're not renting a car, don't bother. I have found it takes longer in some places to approve an AMEX card. Consequently, I almost never use it.

Nancy, <BR>How did you get an American Express card without paying their annual fee? You said "just ask them". Exactly what did you do or say to get them to waive the fee?

Hi I´m from Germany and I strongly recommend to get a second credit card for your trip. Amex as well as Visa is not everywhere excepted. Like one of the above posters stated Mastercard is very useful in Europe. I ones had a nasty experience in a restaurant in France where my credit card didn´t work for some technical reasons. Since I didn´t have a second credit card at that time and there was no ATM anywhere (the restaurant was in the middle of nowhere) I had to pay with some German cash that I luckily still had in my wallet. I got a bad exchange rate and they didn´t even offer an "Eau de Vie" to make up for my trouble! Without the cash in my wallet I´m sure I would still be sitting there.

Amex is not always accepted in Europe, eg some hotels dont accept it.I have an Amex corp. card which I never use unless I'm going to the US. <BR>Many businesses here don't like dealing with them, the member benifits come from gouging the retailer. <BR>So its no use here as a primary or backup card. <BR>Unless there are specific services you want (eg reductions on certain hotel chains), I wouldn't bother. <BR>Of course you will get a lot of airmiles if you book your flight with Amex.(eg with AA - depends on the airline)

When my AMEX card came up for renewal at $50 I called and told them to cancel it. They said "why" and I said "why pay $50 when other cards don't charge anything." They said "would you keep it at no cost?" and I said "sure, if I still get the 30 days car insurance coverage." They said "O.K." So, I still have the card which I can use if necessary. Hope this helps.

Tony--as the saying goes- I don't leave home without it--AX is a bank in Europe so if you need to change TC. or cash a regular check, your AX and passport suffice for ID--also their memberhsip miles club is THE BEST--i have upgraded to business class and gotten almost all my Europe tkts using my AX miles---much better than USAIR visa card or AA Mastercard for the airline tkts--in my opinion....

I wanted to chip in with a big thumbs down for the Barcelona AMEX office. We needed some meds shipped in from the US - stat - and had them sent to the AMEX office in Barcelona, thinking this was one of the nice services we could count on as justification for the above-average fees and below-average acceptance of the card. When we got there and the office opened (after lunch, siesta, staff training, whatever the cause for miserable delays) we were told - in a downright snotty tone - that the "poste restante" service was limited to "normal" sized envelopes only, and that our parcel (the size of a paperback book) had been refused, and we'd have to schlep halfway around town to the local FedEx representative to get it. "Where's the FedEx office?" - Shrug. "Can we use the phone?" - No. Oy. Plus, while we were standing there I overheard the "travel agent" giving TERRIBLE advice to a poor girl trying to get to London for a family emergency. I don't know if this is typical, but it sure put me off my AMEX card, permanently.

I have been an AMEX cardholder since 1978. It is my card of choice. In fact, I do not have a VISA or MC. I think all of this banter about which card is best, is simply a matter of choice and preference. Attest the wide range of answers to your question. Perhaps, the AMEX is not for everyone. For others of us, it is our card of choice. <BR>First, in my view, the American Express Rewards Program is far superior to any other loyalty program available...and there are in fact some good ones. To those of us who travel a great deal and incur very large monthly bills, this is a great incentive, and with a good history we do not need to be concerned about any spending limit. Also, I have received far more in hotel savings and other upgrades by using their travel service, than the price of my membership fee. That said, it is also worth the price of admission if you are taking advantage of all of the ancillary services which are part and parcel to certain AX cards i.e., airport lounges, concierge service, late hotel check outs, retaraunt reservations. On the few occassions, I have had a problem with a billing, the customer service to resolve any problems has been excellent. I will agree, that in some places, the AX card is not as readily acceptible as the others, however, I can only recall but a few times in all of the places I have been to, that I have not been able to use it. I have always been able to use it at hotels and restraunts, and car rentals.

Wonder why AMEX is not accepted in more places? <BR><BR>Here's what happens when you pay for anything with a credit card - may not apply to "mega" companies - but certainly does to every small business:<BR><BR>With VISA and MC, your purchase is posted to the merchant's bank within 48 hours. With AMEX, the merchant waits 4-5 days (sometimes longer) for the money. <BR><BR>Each credit card sale incurs a transaction fee (percentage of the sale). VISA/MC fees are tolerable, AMEX is akin to highway robbery.<BR><BR>If you like the service and/or merchant you do business with (at home or while travelling), do him/her/them a favor and pay with ANY card other than AMEX - reserve it for those you don't like. <BR><BR>That phrase, "the card" means two entirely different things - depending on which side of the transaction you're on. <BR><BR>In our business, we are now telling customers who want to pay w/AMEX that there is a 5% surcharge for its use - and even with that, we still don't recoup the difference between what AMEX charges vs. VISA/MC.<BR><BR>BTW, Discover cards are no bargin either.. where do you think that "cash back" bonus comes from.

Tony-<BR>Add me to the list who have dumped AmEx. The only thing that it offers is the ability to redeem FF ponts on a number of airlines. That, too has its lmitations, however - significant blackouts, etc. do apply. And besides, these points don't count for qualification for the airlines Elite level programs, which is where one really gets to earn some of the best perks.<BR>Reasons for dropping were 1) why pay for what everyone else gives me for free?; 2) absolutely HORRIBLE treatment and service in several European AmEx offices. Not only unhelpful, but infuriatiungly rude for even the most elementary of service requests. The promise of traveler assistance is a ruse! 3) it is indeed not accepted nearly as widely as the other branded (Visa, MC) credit cards.

I just posted a reply earlier..but after reading some of the subsequent post, must chime back in again . The illusion that AX charges exhorbitant fees to the merchants is a bit much...It is a bit higher it is true..but it is only by a marginal rate..At my busines..I am charged an effective rate of 2.25-2.35% to accept VISA or MC.while at the same time I am charged 3.1% to take an AX..hardly enough to quivel about..While it is true, there are some black out dates,,,,I would think that any of the other programs are faced with the same problems due to demand..after all there are more of us out her getting points,,than there are airplane seats to sit on ...when we decide to redeeem the points...and I would think it would not matter whether that was an AMEX, VISA. or MC affinity program..

Well, I was just in Europe and let me tell you a Visa or Mastercard is worth gold. You may see only a handful of shops/stores that accept AMEX but the majority of places definitely accept Visa/Mastercard or for some who have it, Diners Club. (Sorry, they never heard of the Discover card abroad)<BR><BR>So hopefully this answers your questions.

Tony,<BR><BR>Like most of the other replies, I think that a second card is essential, whether it is AmEx or not. I, too, think AmEx is great and it keeps me honest and pay my bill in full at the end of the month. I also like knowing that I have no spending limits. I was in Paris last month and had no problem with my AmEx card. I think there was one shop that didn't accept it, but the rest of the charges I made were posted to AmEx. Whatever you decide to do, take a second card. Have fun!!

<BR>response to Gerry above, who wrote:<BR>========================<BR>Gerry ([email protected])<BR>Date: 06/21/2001, 03:42 pm ET<BR>"Amex Platinum Cash Rebate Card gives you a rebate of 2% on your purchases only if you carry a CREDIT BALLANCE of over $5000! You pay 17 1/2 % interest on this ballance. Then they "give" you a 2% rebate at the end of the year. If you think this is a good deal, I suggest you talk to a financial advisor or debt counselor. You should skip a few trips until you pay off your credit cards!"<BR>=================<BR><BR>NOT TRUE ! <BR>I never carry a balance and have never paid a finance charge. I pay it off in full every month, and I DO get the 2% cash rebate (last 3 years in a row)!<BR><BR>As far as I know, this is the only flavor of Platinum Cash Back card that AMEX offers.<BR><BR><BR>

Tom:<BR>I went back and re-read the disclosure statement. You're right. I misread it. Sorry for what I said about your finantial savy. The disclosure statement I have(AMEX Platinum Cash Rebate Credit Card) says 1 1/2% rebate on all purchases over $5000 per year(not per month) and an additional .5% (or 2% total) cash rebate for purchases on which you carry a ballance. Below the $5000 level your rebate is .25% to .5%.<BR>Hope I am reading it correctly this time. But you are correct as to not having to carry a cash ballance to get to at least the 1.5% level.<BR>I, too, pay off my ballance every month.<BR><BR>Thanks for pointing out my error.<BR><BR>Gerry

No Gerry you were right. To get the full 2% cash rebate on your card you would have to carry a $5000 balance as you stated. But Tom may be right too. Maybe all AmEx cards are not the same.

As previously stated, there's no question that Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted cards, but it's a misstatement to say that Amex is not accepted in many places, at least from my experience. In fact, I've never try to use it and been told the place of business didn't accept Amex. My Visa card has never left my wallet in Europe.<BR>As far as the merchant being charged more, that really is not of great signficance to me when deciding which card to use.

<BR>Frank &amp; Gerry -<BR><BR>All these bank cards' terms &amp; conditions are so confusing (intentionally so, I am sure) that I suppose everyone should just carefully read all the fine print and determine how applicable it is to their own situation.<BR><BR>You are all correct that in this specific case AMEX has a "progressive" rebate, and to get up to the full 2% rebate requires substantial purchases to the card. In my case, I charge virtually EVERYTHING (incl groceries) to the AMEX card just to get that 2% effective discount. Of course, it requires the discipline to monitor one's purchases carefully and to avoid the usurious finance charges. It may not be appropriate for everyone.

I have kept my Amex card due to two trips where they were a life-saver.<BR>1. An ealier trip to Italy prior to days of ATM's where they cashed a large personal check for me.<BR>2. In Luxor, I stopped by their office looking for a translator when my plane was cancelled, and even though I had NOT booked my trip through them, they sat me down, bought me tea and made numerous phone calls on my behalf to get me on the next plane out and put my trip back on schedule. Meanwhile hords of people could not get any information in any language and many did not get on the next flight.<BR>I am forever grateful to them, and carry their card whenever I travel overseas. Things happen!

Tom:<BR>You just made the point for me that I so clumsily attempted. One should at least try to understand the fine print before falling for advertising of "free" things. Very few things offered are truly free. Their hope is that you will get hooked on their 17 1/2% debt. This can realy mess up your future travel plans!<BR>I can see that definately don't advocate this type of use of credit. That I may have implied this, is the reason for the apology.<BR><BR>American Express: I have never used an AMEX card in Europe(use Master Card and Visa). Over the years, I have used some other of their overseas services(travelers checks, city tours etc.) and never had a bad experience with them. In "the old days" we would look for the American Express office when we needed help or advice(sort of like you might go to the embassy). (Example: When we needed a visa from East Germany to get out of West Berlin.) Never was asked for a card to get their travel services(travel services was/is-?- their business). If you had a couple of their traveler's checks, that was great, but you didn't even need that. Now, I'm sure things are different and I haven't used them lately. But, I still have very good feelings towards them. This makes me think: I might consider having their card or something just as insurance that I might have another place to go to for help in case of an emergency.(see Conni's post) It would be sort of analogous to having AAA in the US in case your car breaks down.<BR><BR>Gerry