Problems using Amex with Argos

Little_Bunny

Hello,

I hope you don’t mind me posting this question as it isn’t a huge issue but I was just wondering whether other people had problems using an Amex whilst purchasing from Argos online? I tend to shop online and wanted to go via the BA eStore to Argos to get a double whammy of Avios points but literally 7 times Argos kept saying this order has not been processed yet it went into a pending transaction on my card.

I called Argos and Amex a number of times over 3 evenings (!!!) and basically both blamed the other. One thing I will mention was Amex did stop my first transaction so I texted them saying I recognise the purchase then each time it never went through. Argos have said to me their system never received anything from me so all these pending transactions should time out ... a week later I am still waiting and my credit limit has been reduced correspondingly.

The only way to resolve my predicament was to buy the item in a store and Amex kindly gave me the Avios points as compensation because I couldn’t go through the BA eStore through no fault of my own.

So my question is do anyone else have any issue like this? I basically can’t buy from Argos online anymore which is annoying and I opened a complaint with them but have not heard anything back from them and doubt I will urgh. Save from never using them again is there anything else I can do (sorry I am an Avios obsessive as you can probably tell!! )

Thank you,

Bunny

2ilent8cho

I've used the BA eStore to order from Argos online with my BA Amex Premium Card 3 times in the last week and its all worked fine and transactions went through fine , last time being yesterday afternoon. Sounds like its specific to your account some how or i would have had the same issue?

Little_Bunny

Hello,

Thanks I guessed it was just me that had the issue as Argos take Amex yet but for me online, only in-store. The only thing I can think of is Argos keep flagging my card as fraudulent because Amex prevented me from buying online the first time around.

I will see if anything can be done as an outcome via the Argos complaints process but seeing as they haven’t even acknowledged my complaint officially I guess I just need to not ever buy from Argos again! Well at least online anyway lol.

Thank you even if it is a bit disheartening to know my credit card is being singled out unfairly!! :mad:

:rotfl:

Bunny

NoodleDoodleMan

In respect of online purchases from Argos, in my experience there should be a straightforward solution to ensure your Amex card is debited - link it to PayPal and use PP for settling the cost.

I have an Amex rewards card hooked into PP - and get the appropriate % cashback when using it for any purchase using PP.

Woolco

Hi, pop over to Tripadadsvior. You know, the airtravelforum. "they" will help ypou.

Little_Bunny

Good morning,

Sorry I didn’t see these new messages. That’s a really good idea NoodleDoodleMan I will look into that. My main issue is also being able to go to Argos online via the BA eStore but seeing as PayPal is the payment part and can link to my Amex then hopefully I won’t be penalised that way. Then getting cash back on top would be a triple whammy!

Thanks Woolco I will look into that too but I thought Tripadvisor was just to review hotels and restaurant?!

Thanks all

Bunny

beefturnmail

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

In respect of online purchases from Argos, in my experience there should be a straightforward solution to ensure your Amex card is debited - link it to PayPal and use PP for settling the cost.

I have an Amex rewards card hooked into PP - and get the appropriate % cashback when using it for any purchase using PP.

Just be aware that if you do this, you are not covered under Amex's (very good) protection if you have any problem with the payment (e.g. you want to dispute any charge if goods are faulty). In particular, I would not do this for large value purchases.

NoodleDoodleMan

I am using PP nearly always for Ebay only - now it seems I have the option to use my linked Amex card direct, without having to use PP.

Still handy where a retailer accepts PP but not Amex.

I had a strange one a couple of days ago - purchased an electrical product online using Amex card at checkout. I had earlier 'phoned ahead to ensure it was in stock and if they accepted Amex - yes, online only, but not for telephone orders.

Nick_C

I often use Amex to pay Argos via the BA shopping site and have never had a problem.

Try using a different browser? Clear cookies?

Are you sure you are using the four numbers on the front of the card instead of the three on the back?

Has your card number changed but you have old version stored (for example, have you upgraded the card recently)?

Little_Bunny

Hi Nick_C,

Yes I cleared cookies (I hope it worked anyway!), removed then saved the card just in case, tried both the 4 and 3 number but mostly the 4 as I know Amex is different like that and used 3 different browsers.

I had 9 pending transactions in total of £300 each but luckily they all timed out now. That’s why I asked the question here, if is a trivial matter but it is literally just me having problems and it’s very annoying because I prefer to online shop because I want to track transactions via the BA eStore (trying to get First Class flights so any Avios points help!).

I think it will only be resolved if I potentially ask Amex to change the card but I can’t really be bothered for that. I have £5k left to spend on the BA Amex card but next year once I get the BA Companion Voucher I will probably get the Amex Gold and cancel this card. That will prove Argos don’t like my card rather than it being personal against little me!!

Many thanks,

Bunny