Can't Balance Transfer from Amex to Tesco?

mentalmike

I got a tesco credit card with 14month 0% interest on balance transfers to clear off my other cards. I tried to use their online tool to do this but it wouldn't except the account number - I thought this was due to the card number on American Express cards being 1 didget less than other cards so I gave them a call.

I spoke to a guy who seemed to think there should be no trouble with transfering from American Express and after confirming my account details of both cards 3 times put me on hold. When he returned he said that some card companies won't allow other companies to pay off the balance.

So is this true or was he just covering up a problem at his end or is there something different I have to do for American Express. I have never heard of companies doing this.

Just for info it was an American Express Blue card.

anotherpaul_2

I had the same transferring from Amex to Ulster Bank.

mentalmike

thats sneaky if it is the case I can't - have I got any other options to pay this off? I'm guessing if paying the money into my current account to then pay off the card would class as a cash advance?

Swans1912

mentalmike wrote: »

thats sneaky if it is the case I can't - have I got any other options to pay this off? I'm guessing if paying the money into my current account to then pay off the card would class as a cash advance?

Have you asked AMEX?

BoGoF

mentalmike wrote: »

thats sneaky if it is the case I can't - have I got any other options to pay this off? I'm guessing if paying the money into my current account to then pay off the card would class as a cash advance?

Not sure about the tesco card (supplied by RBS I believe) but an MBNA card enables you to transfer funds to your current account and it still counts as a balance transfer - best check your T&C's for your Tesco card.

YorkshireBoy

mentalmike wrote: »

I'm guessing if paying the money into my current account to then pay off the card would class as a cash advance?

No, it'd be classed as a 'money transfer' and charged at your purchases rate, ie 15.9/16.9% (note: no introductory 0% rate applies).

Speak with Tesco and Amex to see if they can offer an alternative method. If not, then get yourself an SBT card such as MBNA, Virgin, Egg, etc...all of which will pay cash into your current account at 0% for x months.

mentalmike

thanks for the advice! I'll be making some enquires tomorrow!

Martin_y

any advance on this? I also tried to transfer from Amex to tesco card on-line, but it wont recognise the acc no.

Wannabedebtfree

I would assume it is the Tesco card causing the problem as I know you can BT from Amex to Virgin (supplied by MBNA) and to Barclaycard without a problem.

td_007

mentalmike wrote: »

I spoke to a guy who seemed to think there should be no trouble with transfering from American Express and after confirming my account details of both cards 3 times put me on hold. When he returned he said that some card companies won't allow other companies to pay off the balance. .

It is surely a problem at Tesco's end. I have transferred balance from Amex to first direct Visa card - so Amex does allow it.