American Useless (American Express)

Member Name: hthomas1531

Product:	American Express
Date:	06/12/02 (553 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 1 % Cashback

Disadvantages: Can't be used everywhere

I've been a customer of American Useless through work (we received Corporate Credit Cards). My experience of them is not at all positive. I'll describe the Blue card.

USABILITY
The Amex card can't be used everywhere as they seem to charge retailers high prices for the pleasure of receiving them. However, given that most people use their cards with the weekly shopping, Tesco (for instance) do accept this as a method of shopping.

CASHBACK
Without a doubt, Amex Blue offers the best cashback around at the moment (with the exception of Morethan which offers 0.8%, and double that for the next 6 months).

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Their customer service department is, well I can't say 'on a family show'!! Firstly, you dial the number, and then you must put in your number. This takes you to a further list of things to do automatically before you can speak to an operator. The only way I know of to speak to one is not to put in your number in the first place (and wait a long time). The number is not freephone or lo-call either (adding to the annoyance!).

PAYMENT
You'd think that you could pay off the Amex easily, using direct debits, balance transfers etc. But NO! Balance transfers to another credit card are impossible as they can't to it electronically. Believe it or not in the internet age, other companies can only receive the AMEX balance through writing them a cheque. I tried this with Egg twice, and twice it didn't work (AMEX charged me £10 each time for slow payment, which Egg promptly compensated me for, good eggs!).

ONLINE
There is online servicing and application available for the card. This does make things slightly more user-friendly but I like the option of being able to speak to customer services should I have a problem. This is difficult with Amex.

PROTECTION
They do offer online fraud protection, refund protection, purchase protection and travel accident ins
urance. However, most fraud is not committed over the net (so the first is not really a benefit). The refund protection is good as it guarantees a refund within 90 days of purchase (even if the retailer refuses). Also, the purchase protection protects against theft and the travel accident insurance insures up to £50,000.

Basically, go for this card at your peril. If you don't mind the hassle, and would like the 1% cashback then go for it. Otherwise, avoid and opt for the Morethan Accucard at www.morethan.com

Summary: