Amex

catoutthebag

Hi,

Never had or used amex, but people talk about lots of air miles etc.

Is it worth having? I use my nationwide debit card 99% of the time, though could use amex for purchases if rewards were good....I like European city trips.

Just their site and there's a plethora and it's all a bit confusing, what sounds best suited to me?

Is it true some restaurants and shops don't take them?

[Deleted User]

Some. But it's not a major issue.

JuicyJesus

There are places which don't take it, but the vast majority of places do - especially large chains.

I get 1.25% cashback which more than makes it worth it.

newuser86

For air miles take out the amex gold card, free for the first year and you get bonus 20k miles for spending 2k in three months. If you can't spend that much on the American Express to get the bonus miles then perhaps get another card such as the BA, Virgin or Lloyd's cards.

Headforpoints is a good website for more information. Before taking a card look at TCB or get a referral for bonus points

A4445

I've got a BA Amex card and use it where I can, if Amex isn't accepted I use my nationwide select or ASDA cashback.

lr1277

newuser86 wrote: »

For air miles take out the amex gold card, free for the first year and you get bonus 20k miles for spending 2k in three months. If you can't spend that much on the American Express to get the bonus miles then perhaps get another card such as the BA, Virgin or Lloyd's cards.

Are you aware Amex do credit cards and charge cards?
Huge generalisation here but:
the charge cards tend to have annual fees, but do tend to have rewards, points etc.
The credit cards don't charge you money, and some might give cash back but not sure on the points angle.

DYOR.

Ben8282

I doubt people talk about lots of air miles because air miles have been called Avios for years now.
Yes it's true Amex cards are the best for rewards ... cashback, membership rewards, there is even a nectar points card. You just need to see which one suits you best.
Your OP would imply that you don't currently hold a credit card if you always use a Nationwide debit card. In your situation you may be better off considering getting a visa or mastercard credit card first rather than an AMEX as your one and only card. Perhaps apply to Nationwide for one of their cards or if they refuse you try one of the credit builder cards. You may noyt get an AMEX card as your first card so be prepared for the possibility of a refusal.

newuser86

lr1277 wrote: »

Are you aware Amex do credit cards and charge cards?
Huge generalisation here but:
the charge cards tend to have annual fees, but do tend to have rewards, points etc.
The credit cards don't charge you money, and some might give cash back but not sure on the points angle.

DYOR.

Yes I was aware, however as the OP was talking about air miles I was just offering advice on that.

ARH_2

catoutthebag wrote: »

Hi,

Never had or used amex, but people talk about lots of air miles etc.

Is it worth having? I use my nationwide debit card 99% of the time, though could use amex for purchases if rewards were good....I like European city trips.

Just their site and there's a plethora and it's all a bit confusing, what sounds best suited to me?

Is it true some restaurants and shops don't take them?

If you're also a Nationwide customer, you should get their select credit card. It gives you a perfect rate overseas and gives you 0.5% cashback at home.

You should also get an Amex - either the cashback version, points version or Avios one - which one given the various ongoing and intro offers is a further discussion, but most likely the £25 fee cashback one.

Then, if a retailer takes Amex, use it and get a benefit worth c.1%. If they don't use your nationwide credit card and get 0.5% cashback. If you're reasonable amount on the credit cards, you can easily find yourself getting a £100+ present once a year, which is a bonus worth having.

Good luck,

catoutthebag

Ben8282 wrote: »

I doubt people talk about lots of air miles because air miles have been called Avios for years now.
Yes it's true Amex cards are the best for rewards ... cashback, membership rewards, there is even a nectar points card. You just need to see which one suits you best.
Your OP would imply that you don't currently hold a credit card if you always use a Nationwide debit card. In your situation you may be better off considering getting a visa or mastercard credit card first rather than an AMEX as your one and only card. Perhaps apply to Nationwide for one of their cards or if they refuse you try one of the credit builder cards. You may noyt get an AMEX card as your first card so be prepared for the possibility of a refusal.

I've got a nationwide Select credit card