American Express.... Are they worth it?

Legacy_user

I am trying to slim down the plastic in my wallet, and want the best cards for everyday spending, and clearing off the balance.

Im not that interested in cashback cards, but have been looking at the Gold AMEX (aware its a chargecard) and their Membership Rewards scheme - or maybe the BA card. I would like to fly more often so thought it would be a good way of getting some discounts on flights.

Are AMEX cards dying out in the UK? should I just look at a Visa or similar to use as main card?

BTW currently have a First Direct Gold and Barclaycard Platinum. Idea would be to have a Visa and possibly amex, but if less and less retailers are accepting, dont think its worth it.

Wondered what everyone else thought of AMEX cards? especially interested in gold charge card

reclusive46

marsboy wrote: »

I am trying to slim down the plastic in my wallet, and want the best cards for everyday spending, and clearing off the balance.

Im not that interested in cashback cards, but have been looking at the Gold AMEX (aware its a chargecard) and their Membership Rewards scheme - or maybe the BA card. I would like to fly more often so thought it would be a good way of getting some discounts on flights.

Are AMEX cards dying out in the UK? should I just look at a Visa or similar to use as main card?

BTW currently have a First Direct Gold and Barclaycard Platinum. Idea would be to have a Visa and possibly amex, but if less and less retailers are accepting, dont think its worth it.

Wondered what everyone else thought of AMEX cards? especially interested in gold charge card

First of all, Amex is hardly dieing out in the UK, UK spend on Amex cards have significantly risen over the last 2 years.

95% of my purchases are on my Amex, acceptance problems are over-hyped, All major supermarkets that take credit cards take Amex, all major petrol stations and most major retailers (Even Poundland now!!!).

All hotels and airlines also take it. The weakest areas are small shops and restaurants but even this is improving day by day. Promotions like the shop small promotion (Spend £10 on an Amex in a small business and get £5) are meaning more and more retailers are joining.

The benefits far out way the negatives.

thesaver79

I hardly ever need to take out my non Amex cards... and I cannot but recommend the Gold card with the current offer!

pvt

Having my AmEx card refused is an exception rather than a rule, my experiences are the same as reclusive's and the saver's.

I would also commend their customer service, which is UK based and always helpful, efficient, and easy to communicate with. A breath of fresh air in this day and age.

[Deleted User]

I used to have the FD Gold card - get rid of it, it gives you no benefits whatsoever. Get the Amex Gold card - so far as loyalty/rewards cards go, I'd say it is the best currently on offer on the UK market (while it's free for the first year ay least). If you're going to apply for it, I'd recommend doing before a period when you know you will spend the £2k required for the sign up bonus.

boliston

Amex is good for cashback, but the fees are high for some small traders, so it's mainly useful in larger chain type outlets.

System

Thanks for the help guys. Have applied for the gold card. I have been looking for a decent rewards card and the membership rewards seems the best on the market.

I travel with work a lot so doing the 2k probably wont be a problem. For those purchases that cant be done by Amex, does anyone suggest a good Visa card reward program???

Due to some past problems (mainly major screwups on my account) i have boycotted anything MBNA - i know they run alot of them

reclusive46

marsboy wrote: »

Thanks for the help guys. Have applied for the gold card. I have been looking for a decent rewards card and the membership rewards seems the best on the market.

I travel with work a lot so doing the 2k probably wont be a problem. For those purchases that cant be done by Amex, does anyone suggest a good Visa card reward program???

Due to some past problems (mainly major screwups on my account) i have boycotted anything MBNA - i know they run alot of them

The Capital One Aspire world is a good backup to the American Express. (Its a MasterCard). It's cashback rate is not amazing but it is also free to use abroad.

System

Not too keen on captialvone either. I have a perfect credit history but they don't accept me. Tried a year or so ago and instant turn down online. Not sure why as everyone else accepts me

You-kip

marsboy wrote: »

Not too keen on captialvone either. I have a perfect credit history but they don't accept me. Tried a year or so ago and instant turn down online. Not sure why as everyone else accepts me

Capital one don't except you because you fail their credit scoring.

System

You-kip wrote: »

Capital one don't except you because you fail their credit scoring.

I got that! Just don't get how they credit score if I have good history:money:, not a lot of debt, never missed payment and low credit avaliability use

Some of my friends have capital one and they have bad history. To me it seemed they only accepted people with bad history. Might be different now as this was a year or so ago.