Mar 16th, 2008
Ask the Readers: What Do You Think of American Express?
American Express is a charge and credit card issuer that I’ve used for a few years. I only got a card from them due to my Costco membership, since they won’t accept other cards. I originally had an American Express Blue card, but I found their customer service unacceptable, which surprised many of my friends; most of them found AmEx customer service far better than the norm. My primary issue is that I had a 0% balance transfer that they charged me interest on. It took about ten phone calls and three letters, including one with copies of every statement I had from them, to get them to correct the situation.
I eventually canceled that card because I was so annoyed with them.
I now have an American Express Costco Rewards card that gives me a reward in the form of a once a year Costco rebate coupon. I receive a 3% reward on gasoline or eating out, 2% on travel, and 1% on everything else (including shopping at Costco). There is no fee, but the yearly Costco membership (approximately $50) is charged to the card.
I’ve mostly had positive experiences with AmEx this time around, although I have rarely had to deal with their customer service. The one time I had to (when a restaurant added on a tip to my charge even though I totaled it with no tip and left cash), they handled the situation immediately (and quite well, considering how furious I was with the restaurant). Recently, however, I had another unusual dealing with them (the Costco rebate coupon was supposed to arrive with my statement last month, but didn’t–when I called they said it would come this month, so I hope it does). So my impressions of them haven’t been of the sterling customer service others speak of.
What are your experiences with American Express?
I’ve had mostly positive experiences with AE. I like the fact that I don’t have to take extra insurance when renting a car as AE will cover me. Having said that, I had an incident with Thrifty Rental Car last April (’07). They said I caused some damage that I absolutely did not. They sent me threatening letters and harrassed me constantly about ruining my credit. I was an idiot and paid the fine under pressure. I called AE and they investigated. Since I paid the fine, I had to file a separate claim to get the money back ($400). They were happy to take my claim and assured me that I was covered and would receive a refund. Almost 12 months later, they are still “working on my case.” And although the send me a monthly update regarding my claim - they have yet to pay me back. They claim they need additonal paperwork from Thrifty (who are refusing to send it) and they can’t take my copies. Why? I don’t know. Still, they claim I will get my money soon. We’ll see!
We’ve had the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express for about a year and a half. We had to contact customer service several times and our concerns have always been resolved to our satisfaction. Dealing with American Express has by far been the best credit card issuer we’ve ever dealt with.
i used to have a blue card too. i thought their customer service was sub par. i also hate that the monthly statements would be several pages that was mostly advertisements.
[...] since they won’t accept other cards. I originally had an American Express Blue card, … http://www.uncommon-cents.net/2008/03/16/ask-the-readers-what-do-you-think-of-american-express/ Uncommon Cents [...]
hey said I caused some damage that I absolutely did not. They sent me threatening letters and harrassed me constantly about ruining my credit. I was an idiot and paid the fine under pressure. I called AE and they investigated. Since I paid the fine, I had to file a separate claim to get the money back ($400).