American Express Discussion Area

Meister_Jager

Thanks - that sounds encouraging. I suppose I'll find out for sure if and when they accept my application.

zcaprd7

Hi all - I've posted this on the student board as a cunning use for an AMEX (it might not apply to all here but I thought it might get you thinking about similiar applications?)



I have just found out that one can make extra payments to your student loan via credit card (including, handily AMEX).

If you get an AMEX via this link:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q16F527C8

you get 5% cashback on the first £1000 spent in the first month i.e. up to £50

The plan is to overpay you student loan by £1000 by using this card, get the £50 cash back, then move the £1000 around on 0% deals


This should be an easy amount to move around, the only caveat being the 2-3% minimum repayments needed to maintain a credit card balance - his could be avoided by using a MBNA 0% offer.


If you are thinking of paying off your student loan at all (either totally or in bits and pieces) one really should use a cash back card - the AMEX reverts to 1% after the first month.

Meister_Jager

Hi, my next question with regard to AMEX Platinum. Has anyone been able to set up a direct debit arrangement to pay the full balance each month? Thanks

zcaprd7

I've done it with an AMEX blue - there are instructions on their website,

pin

Hi, my next question with regard to AMEX Platinum. Has anyone been able to set up a direct debit arrangement to pay the full balance each month? Thanks

Got that set up no problems, if you had a Blue and have upgraded, this was done automatically.

zcaprd7

I got my CDwow CD - and the charge on my AMEX was....

£6.34 a result! It would have been £6.49 in sterling.

So including the 1% cashback that's an extra 21p off for using my AMEX which actually works out at a just over 3% saving.

OK its not mad savings but better than using a VISA (also bear in mind the same CD costs £12.99 plus £2.99 p&p from WH Smiths)

HAPPY_CHRIS

Has anyone else been waiting a very long time for their new Platinum card? We transferred from the Bkue card about 2 months ago well as soon as I saw it on Martin's page. They keep saying it will be here in 7-10 days. We have been accepted but seems like dealying tactics to me. Anyone else having same probs?

AP

Although my blue Amex card has a chip at the front, it is not enabled for Chip and Pin payment. I rang Amex customer services and the lady told me that they are going to have it phased in from 2005 onwards.

The problem now is that every time I go to a supermarket (e.g. Morrisons, Safeway, etc.) when they have Chip and Pin payment facility, the cashier automatically put my card into the Chip and Pin keypad which, obviously does not work, before swiping the card to get the transaction authorised. This is totally time-wasting at checkouts and I now have to tell the cashier every time that my blue Amex card does not work with the Chip and Pin keypad.

cheap_sk8

AMEX HAVE AXED 1% CASHBACK!

From October it's now 0.5% on purchases up to £2000

and 1% on purchases over the £2001

Gotabiscuit

Were you notified personally of this?

If it affects all cardholders then I think Amex may just have shot themselves in the foot - what with the card's acceptabilty problems, as well.