{"id":7981,"date":"2009-08-28T20:00:03","date_gmt":"2009-08-29T00:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.askmrcreditcard.com\/news\/?p=7981"},"modified":"2009-08-28T20:00:03","modified_gmt":"2009-08-29T00:00:03","slug":"q-a-with-amex-part-2-and-comments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.askmrcreditcard.com\/news\/q-a-with-amex-part-2-and-comments\/","title":{"rendered":"Q & A With Amex, Part 2 and Comments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are there any distinctions between the annual fees or other fees on credit cards vs. Charge cards?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every card has a price, and we are upfront about ours.\u00a0 Take our Green Card for example. For only $8 a month, less than a movie ticket, you get:
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The ideal payment tool for people who want control of their finances
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Rich rewards you can use with no expiration, cap or black out dates,
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Access to everything from a hot concert to the local theatre
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Exceptional customer service<\/p>\n

Plus having the American Express Card in your wallet is like carrying around a security blanket: your purchases are protected and we are there for you when you are traveling.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re also attaching some fact sheets that show the different Charge Cards we offer and the benefits and services that come with each one.<\/p>\n

What reward programs are associated with Amex’s Charge card offerings?\u00a0\u00a0 How do they differ from the reward card offerings on the credit card products?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amex: Every Charge Card comes with the Membership Rewards program. The program allows Charge Cardmembers to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible purchases and provides Cardmembers lots of opportunities to earn double, triple and even up to 10x bonus points on purchases.<\/p>\n

With more than 500 partner brands, the program literally offers rewards choices from A to Z\u2014Cardmembers can redeem for everything from an Apple computer to a trip to the zoo.\u00a0\u00a0 The rewards options range from the outrageous to the ordinary, meaning you can use points to treat your family to a fancy vacation or for everyday necessities, such as gas cards to fill up the tank or gift cards at merchants like Gap and Old Navy for back-to-school shopping.\u00a0 The program puts rewards within reach for all types of Cardmembers.<\/p>\n

The program is designed to offer Cardmembers rewards that are the most relevant to their lifestyles, which is why partners include some of the best brands and companies that Cardmembers frequent in order to shop, dine and travel. And unlike some programs, Membership Rewards points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Cardmember can earn.<\/p>\n

In addition to earning one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible purchases, Charge Cardmembers have plenty of opportunities to make their spending even more rewarding. And now through March 15, 2010, Charge Cardmembers can earn double points on U.S. standalone gas and grocery purchases up to $1000 dollars of eligible spend each month. To take advantage of the offer, Cardmembers must enroll their existing Charge Cards.<\/p>\n

In terms of other rewards programs, American Express offers a variety of products because consumers want choice \u2013 we don\u2019t have a one-size-fits-all philosophy.\u00a0 We have a broad and diverse set of consumer card products and services, including charge cards, credit cards, reward cards and co-brand cards.\u00a0 All American Express Charge and Credit Cards offer a number of core benefits and services, at no extra cost, as part of the value of being a Cardmember.\u00a0 Cardmembers also have access to a wide array of rewards, unique experiences and world-class customer service.\u00a0 Each product offers a different level of travel, entertainment and lifestyle benefits.<\/p>\n

My Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Charge Card is an old product, and is the fore-bearer of the credit card that we all hold.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The distinction seem to be philosophical and psychological.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is philosophical in that the card is designed to be paid off in full every month.\u00a0\u00a0 This is the foundation of my personal philosophy with regards to charge\/credit cards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 And yet, I do not have a charge card among my American Express cards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is not that I plan on carrying a balance ever, it’s just that I still fail to see the point.\u00a0 My favorite Amex remains the Starwood Amex and the Business Platinum which gives me 5% off of gas, for now.\u00a0\u00a0 Neither are charge cards, yet I am, of course, free to pay off their balance in full every month.<\/p>\n

The psychological difference is the key.\u00a0\u00a0 For many, the temptation not pay their balance in full is strong, and the option to incur interest is just too tempting.\u00a0\u00a0 Amex keeps referring to their Charge Cards as a “smarter way” to pay.\u00a0\u00a0 I am not so sure.\u00a0\u00a0 In my view, this is primarily an advantage for customers who need the sense of obligation and the penalties of default to ensure they consistently do the smartest thing, pay their balance in full every month.<\/p>\n

In Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is good to have a contact at Amex to ask questions, and I did not get any surprises this time around.\u00a0\u00a0 I am now trying to speak with someone about their Financial Review process, a subject that I know that many readers would like to have some light shed on.\u00a0\u00a0 I hope things get more interesting in the future, and I am willing to direct your questions (not specific to your account)\u00a0 to Amex as appropriate.<\/p>\n

What would you like me to ask them?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are there any distinctions between the annual fees or other fees on credit cards vs. Charge cards? Every card has a price, and we are upfront about ours.\u00a0 Take our Green Card for example. For only $8 a month, less than a movie ticket, you get: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The ideal payment tool for people who want […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nQ & A With Amex, Part 2 and Comments<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.askmrcreditcard.com\/news\/q-a-with-amex-part-2-and-comments\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Q & A With Amex, Part 2 and Comments\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are there any distinctions between the annual fees or other fees on credit cards vs. Charge cards? 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