Got Amex now regretting it, advice please...

Kim_Shilling

Hi,
I did the eligibility calculator and decided on the Amex Platinum Cashback from the list available to me. I was pleased to see I have a limit of £3000 straight off, never owning a CC before, however, I didn't realise that Amex isn't accepted everywhere like Mastercard and Visa are. I know I could use my bank card if it's not accepted but I would be embarrased if I went to use it and was told the company didn't take it. I also thought I could use it in Costco only to find out they are going to stop accepting Amex in the very near future.......my bad, I really should of looked into it all first.
My question is, am I unlikely to be accepted by anyone else now that I've just got the Amex?
I don't want to apply for a Visa or Mastercard and be turned down.

TIA

OllyM

Kim_Shilling wrote: »

I know I could use my bank card if it's not accepted but I would be embarrased if I went to use it and was told the company didn't take it.

Why? Just try it, if it doesn't work pay with a different card. Depending on where you shop, you'll probably have very few problems.

I also thought I could use it in Costco only to find out they are going to stop accepting Amex in the very near future

While it is true that they are going to stop accepting Amex in their US warehouses and switch to Visa, this doesn't affect the UK so you'll be able to use Amex in their UK warehouses for the foreseeable future. Costco Canada switched to MasterCard a few years ago - each country negotiates their own agreement.

AJXX

Personally, I'd hang on a bit before applying elsewhere as your credit score will likely show a new line of credit with AMEX and too many applications in a short space of time could be seen as bad.

I've had an AMEX card for roughly 1.5 years - started with 1k credit, recently applied and was accepted to move to 2k credit. Starting off with 3k seems like they've been fairly generous, though I suppose it's different for everyone.

It's really not a massive issue if a retailer doesn't accept it, it's not embarrassing at all - AMEX is seen as a 'prestigious' card (or at least hard to get) IMO.

I think it's more embarrassing for the retailer these days - if they don't accept what is a popular payment method.

Personally I keep the following site handy all the time (http://www.whoacceptsamex.co.uk/) it's really easy to see if somewhere accepts AMEX or not if you feel embarrassed to ask.

darren72

As AJXX has said - It is embarrassing for the retailer if they don't take it, not for you!

redpete

Kim_Shilling wrote: »

I would be embarrased if I went to use it and was told the company didn't take it.

Why. It's no reflection on you

I don't want to apply for a Visa or Mastercard and be turned down.

Why?

planteria

it's the best spending card on the market..
just get another cashback/points card to use as a backup.
i currently spend with Amex Cashback/Barclaycard Cashback(Visa)/TSB Debitcard.. depending on circumstances.
i wouldn't give up too easily, and don't ask if they take it, just use it..that will increase your results.

Kim_Shilling

Because a rejection would look bad on my credit file, I'm not going to apply again though as everyone has made me feel much better about have Amex :j

[Deleted User]

A rejection wouldn't even show on your credit file, let alone look bad. only the search appears.

RedLemon

Kim_Shilling wrote: »

Hi,
I did the eligibility calculator and decided on the Amex Platinum Cashback from the list available to me. I was pleased to see I have a limit of £3000 straight off, never owning a CC before, however, I didn't realise that Amex isn't accepted everywhere like Mastercard and Visa are. I know I could use my bank card if it's not accepted but I would be embarrased if I went to use it and was told the company didn't take it. I also thought I could use it in Costco only to find out they are going to stop accepting Amex in the very near future.......my bad, I really should of looked into it all first.
My question is, am I unlikely to be accepted by anyone else now that I've just got the Amex?
I don't want to apply for a Visa or Mastercard and be turned down.

TIA

Who Does/Does Not Accept Amex?

cheesetoast

Why not get the Curve add-on card, that lets you use Amex in places that don't take Amex?

https://www.imaginecurve.com/ for info, and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/02/21/new-card-allows-users-to-use-amex-anywhere---without-paying-surc/ for an article on it.

marksoton

It tends to be smaller retailers that don't accept Amex so day to day you should be fine.

I have two Amex cards ( One charge card one cashback) and their customer service is exemplary. Membership reward points are also very good.