Is using American Express at a currency exchange a cash advance?

wiredchild_2

I'm currently abroad in Thailand and unlike the UK many currency exchanges seem to accept American Express. If I use my American Express card with them is this classed as a charge, which I will gain points for or a cash advance (like using an ATM), which I'll get no points for an incur fees I believe. I will use my debit card if the latter.

Also, what are the charges for using a American Express card abroad, I know they take a percentage of the cost, does this have a limit?

Any help appreciated.

grumbler

I checked Sample Terms and Conditions and Summary Box for some random card (Platinum), and both are very clear on the second point: 2.99% that is obviously unlimited.

Re the first point, it's less clear:

A cash advance means any cash advance, any gambling transaction... or any other types of transactions which we notify you will be treated as equivalent to cash

I can guess that as they have not notified you, this is not a cash advance.

dzug1

It will - probably - be charged as a cash advance. 5% min £5

Amex generally have a 2.99% foreign exchange fee built into the exchange rate

The above might vary according to which particular variety of Amex you have

[Deleted User]

As I mentioned last time you asked this question, if you order currency from the Amex Exchange website it will be treated as a purchase. If you walk into a normal bureau de change it will be treated as a cash advance and attract a 3% cash advance fee.

If you are in Bangkok or another city with an Amex Travel Service office (check online) then you might be able to order (and pay) online and collect from the office. This might count as a purchase in the same way that collecting from a UK airport does.

wiredchild_2

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciated. I think I'm just going to use a debit card to get cash. As much as I'd like the potential points, if there's a chance it'll be treated as a cash advance I'd rather not risk it as the cost will outweigh the pros. I'm there's no clearer wording from Amex as this strikes me as quite a common situation, especially for those who travel a lot.

And Lazyloki, last time I posted I was querying the fact that no UK foreign exchanges accept Amex and asking if there were any that did. Now abroad and seeing most do I wondered if this is because it's treated differently. Also, it states at the bottom of the page in bold letters on the Amex site that any payment for foreign cash with an Amex card will be treated as a cash advance? The reason I didn't order from them when I saw they (obviously) accepted Amex.

[Deleted User]

wiredchild wrote: »

Also, it states at the bottom of the page in bold letters on the Amex site that any payment for foreign cash with an Amex card will be treated as a cash advance? The reason I didn't order from them when I saw they (obviously) accepted Amex.

Yes, I know that it says it will be treated as a cash advance but I can guarantee, 100%, that it is not.

Last time I said:

You may read on the Amex website that your card must be enrolled for 'express cash' to be able to do this. Also if you call Amex and ask they will tell you that ordering online will count as a cash advance. They are wrong and it does not. I think this is only the case if you withdraw cash from an ATM, not order currency online.

I don't know if Amex have just worded their policy poorly or if this is some kind of mistake but, for the sake of clarity; if you order travel money from the Amex website and pay with an Amex card it it is treated as a purchase. You will earn points and will not be charged interest. It will also count towards any spending targets etc.

The only caveat I will add is that I have only done this with a charge card, I don't know if it would work the same for an Amex credit card.