5 Reasons to AVOID American Express Cards
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
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5 Reasons to avoid opening Amex cards.
Timeline:
0:00 Start Here
1:10 High Spend Requirements
3:37 Anti-Gaming
5:40 Amex Customer "Targeting"
7:34 Travel Focused
9:12 Opportunity Cost
10:25 Bonus
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I don’t view Amex cards as credit cards with annual fees. I see them as membership fees, like a club, organization, society, etc. If you can eat your annual fee, then yes, the Platinum is worth it. I love eating chicken wings at the Centurion Lounge.
That’s a whole lot to pay for some damn chicken. Lol 😂
What do you get in return for being part of that organization?
@@TMartins379 my 400,000 amex points say otherwise lol
For most people, it’s the bragging rights of carrying an AmEx Platinum card. But, in today’s world of online shopping and paying by digital wallet (i.e. Apple Pay) using smartphones, the allure of carrying an exclusive credit card to show off has become redundant because most online merchants and cashiers don’t even see what kind of credit card a customer is using to pay.
@@golferprice how did you get 400,000 points
Here's the crux of the matter that most people don't mention in these videos: credit card game works best for big spenders. The more cash flow, the bigger the rewards. For those on a lower-income, don't take the bait.
- truth. I easily run $5k-$6k mthly spend through my credit cards.
@@docsays that’s low
@@brois841 good point. And sometimes I think, hey, why don't I just spend 3% less instead of trying to save 3% with a credit card. You're right. Sometimes it feels like we're all trying to be a coupon lady.
Funny I have always said it’s expensive to be poor.
People with low income should NOT carry any cards with an AF or keep it limited to say one that is $99 AF but absolutely not when it comes to higher tier offerings (e.g. Gold, Plat, CSR etc.) those AF's are annoying as it is let alone on a low income.
Their customer service and how they back you when you need help is far beyond what any other company offers. Well worth annual fee.
I guess you've never owned other cards, most cards have excellent customer service and back you up.
Agreed , their customer service is by far the best I’ve ever come across .
I agree! They are the best! I have owned American express since 1974. I will continue to have it as long as I live. I started with the green then upgraded to platinum and since my needs have changed I went back to my green. They are not treating me any differently.
@@brois841 there is a difference though with Amex they treat you like you the customer is most important, with other companies they treat you like the merchant is most important.
@@thetechlibrarian Citi has always treated me well and so has Chase when I had them. I've had no issues with disputes, just lost my card the other day, called them from the airport, they overnighted a new card to me, so when I arrived at home I had it.
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1) High Spend Requirements
2) Anti-Gaming(no manufactured spending)
3) Customer Targetting (care about new customers more)
4) TOO Travel Focused
5) Opportunity Cost(Other Cards value you less when you have an amex)
6) Too focused on certain cities(LA & NY)
I have about 6 Amex cards and only spend on 2-3 around $1,000-2,000/mo, never seen the popup offer yet! Cashed out about 350k MR points at 1.25cpp with the CS Plat.
There are Amex cards that do not require annual fees
@@CheekyBird790 I have a Hilton Amex card that gives me no foreign transaction fee and earn point to stay at all Hilton hotels. I received invitation from Amex twice for the platinum card but declined both offer as the fee is just too high.
Being active duty military really pays off with Amex. Thank you for informing me years ago about the MLA and SCRA benefits, Sebby! Not having to pay an annual fee is amazing.
Yes, that would make sense then. Also, thanks for your service, Ace!
Agreed with all points mentioned here!
oh haii!
A god amongst mortals 🤌🏻
@Brian Jung get off the crypto hype train and back into credit cards again. You haven’t even made a vid about the custom cash, Schwab point devaluation, etc. Us OG subs would appreciate it!
We miss a lot your credit card videos and charisma, why did you quit them?
@@Ace2021 - Dude, I feel u. I haven’t watch any of his vidz in months. Honestly, I might have to unsub from his channel. And I was subbed to him before he hit 5K in total subs too. Lol.
If you are a service member get Amex coz they waive annual fees. It's all upside for you.
FACTory
If you can’t use the credits, an Amex setup ain’t cheap 😬
🥇
@David W they get around this by saying you can use the card account on Samsung, Google, and Apple Pay as soon as you open the account therefore saying you have all allotted time.
If people want to flex those shiny Platinum and Gold cards they'll pay the price and jump through all hoops for the coupon book...
Yes, you must use the benefits for it to make sense financially 💵….take advantage of all or most of them.
Bingo. Highest "tier" of AMEX card I have is the gold and I am fixing to cancel it as it renews in August and I just can't justify the fee. It has gotten to the point where the credits are worth $0 to me. To add insult to injury, the gold card has absolutely the worst Amex offers of any of the cards I have. Think I will keep the green card, Blue Preferred, couple co-brands, and maybe add one of the everyday cards; things with no or low annual fees.
As for a platinum card, I had originally planned to get one but I am glad I held off as the card changes have made it all but useless to me. Seems like AMEX has decided they don't care about anyone except millennial hipsters and fake rich wannabe's as the credits have become complete trash for what was their core audience of middle-aged and upper middle-class people. Even the Schwab card is looking like a no-go due to the deval of points transfers.
At $695 renewal, it will be a struggle, the new credits, for the most part, are worthless and unusable to me.
If you travel and enjoy lounge access, then its worth it. If you dont care about lounge access, then the plat is not for you.
If benefits are worthless to you, why are you even thinking of a platinum card?😂
i love my platinum but i might have to downgrade. Gold and the other one are completely useless and so are the rewards. the plantinum would be worth it if you they didn't add such dumb benefits (peacook, audiobook) 200 is silly and the airline fee is silly bc it is only for and the new hotel benefit only for their premier hotels which is usable but best for vegas.
@@abhishekkumarrathore There arelots of people who has been taking the benefits of platinum card but don't wanna join equinox..
@@hyesungkim1474 I work for Amex.
I’m a platinum person for 38;years. Take note..........you will not be admitted into an AMEX lounge if you have a standby boarding pass, meaning you bought a ticket but your seat won’t be assigned until you go to your gate. You have to have a seat number on the BP or no entry even though you are a Platinum member. In SFO Sebby, AE LOUNGE is like ten thousand miles from UA, DL and AS gates. Once you’ve walked twenty minutes down to get a BP with your seat assignment, you don’t feel like walking back to lounge. Fun fact.....Delta lets you in their lounge no matter what your boarding pass says......just flash the Platinum. Also, Priority Pass lounges and restaurants are not accepting pass holders that are affiliated with Amex. That sucks.
Question- how many times has your annual fee increased? I’m 32 and wondering if I should take the offer.
I been flying standby for 27 yrs. and I always get in the lounges.
Reds........ok. Please tell me specifically what AMERICAN EXPRESS LOUNGES you get into with a boarding pass that just says STANDBY on it. Name the cities. I’ll be watching and waiting for your reply.
American Express cards are seen as a status symbol also.
I’ve been wanting the platinum, but like you said, my spend doesn’t justify the annual fee even for the welcoming points. I had made it up on the gold points on dinning and groceries.
Excellent video. Great timing too. Happy to see you making vids again!!
I thought the value of the Platinum card went down with less international travel during the pandemic, and even considering canceling when they keep raising the annual fee. But I got the best value from the card this year with the Better Mortgage promotion. I lowered my mortgage interest rate below 3%, paid zero out of pocket due to increase in home value (actually got $55 back), and also got a $6,000 statement credit on my Platinum card. That "paid for" a few past and future annual fees so I think I'll keep the card a little longer.
Doesn't Gold also qualify you for better mortgage? I'm up in the air on what to do.
Very good points, Sebby, thank you. I’m a fan of American Express, but it’s important to keep everything in perspective
i have an amex everyday preferred and got a 125k platinum offer
This video just gave me the clarity I needed on when to get the more Amex cards. I have the Hilton and Delta cards and I'm still learning how to get the most from those. Great video.
Hi Sebby, thanks for all the great content! What do you consider high monthly spend?
The more I look into high annual fee cards; they make sense if you have the monthly spend. The AMEX benefits are great, but if you aren't spending on their cards, they seem to like you have to go out of your way to use them. My current life situation doesn't have many expenses, and I'm happy with my Chase cards and WF Propel.
@Shawn S
Pay now, not on the end.
That helps you keep using, what you really need to pay. DebitCard👍
If I could pay a mortgage with Amex card I would platinum or Gold
Hey Sebi great advice. It's nice that there is a real consumer advocate out there. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge
Best wishes sir
Great vid as usual. Would love a wallet update sometime soon. It’s always helpful to hear your rational on current strategy/cards as I have similar goals to you
I’m excited about American Express because of their customer service and how they help their customers when issues arise. That’s my biggest selling point. If that were to end then it wouldn’t be worth it at all
Great info. Than you!!
I don't think I'm a value maximizer when it comes to my Amex Platinum, but as someone who does order food through Uber eats, does travel once, twice maybe three times/year and makes use of the other perks when they make sense for me, I would say I get more value from the card than I pay in the annual fee. And that's before taking points into consideration.
you are so good at analogies.. BRILLIANT
makes sense. I agree that Amex is geared towards New York lifestyle. The Gold and the BBP are my day to day drivers for me. The platinum, not so much but i do use Peacock and intend to book flights with it...that's about it
You’re always there when I need you ❤️. I keep going back and forth on getting one as we got the good offer. But we aren’t traveling right now.
Great points!
Paying no annual fee because active duty military has been a bonus for me.. Love the card and I realized with the amount of spend I do with them & the fact they are just about the only cards I use.... Makes perfect sense that I do have and will continue to have a good relationship with them. Does make me think that I am leaving opportunity on the table though by not having ANY chase cards. Almost at 400k points... Here is the crazy thing.. I don't even travel : (((
I’ve always just stuck with Chase for simplicity’s sake and I’m just not into aspirational travel, I rather just be able to visit my parents regularly in the US. I’ve been tempted by the Platinum, but I think this video convinced me to just stick with Chase. Great video!!
Solid review!
Hi Sebby! I like the rose gold card and that’s the only card that I have with an annual fee
Other than the Hilton Aspire, I'm backing away from the personal cards, as well as the business Platinum. No issue with the personal Gold, other than I'm earning enough MR points on the business side, and opportunity knocks.
Hi sebby I was prequalified for an upgrade from the gold for 100k bonus with 150 credit statement but later I saw it went down to 25k I called and told the rep about this and they were able to offer the 100k bonus
I’ve had all of the charge cards over the years, you have to stay flexible on what’s best for you and which card works at the time. Gold works best for me, long-term. They have really slashed services and advocacy over the years but they still stay above the rest.
Great comments on the necessary spend. I have a Delta AMEX, and started getting higher CL when I used it at Ben Bridge
The Gold has consistently outweighed its annual fee for me. As for the Plat.. we have yet to see.
Excellent info. Thank you. I will probably still go with AMEX especially since I was targeted for the 150K bonus, but I love all of the info you gave me to consider. I also want a Southwest Card because I do more domestic travel and I don't want to miss out on an excellent chase co-branded card especially if there is a good intro offer.
But my goal is to get the American Express Centurion card. First step is to win the lottery.
I have a question. So I have had the Amex Bus gold and a few others and just recently got the Platinum. I have relatively high card spend $100k+ a year. Regarding this in order to get like the $75k spend needed to bring others to the centurion lounges does this all need to be on the platinum or do my other AMEX consumer and business card spend count towards this also?
Funny enough, there was an AMEX ad right before the video started 😂
Thanks for another great video, Sebby!
👍 good information 👌
wow. what an awesome channel. It tough trying to figure out all these credit cards.
I was in Amex jail, but I had an upgrade offer for my Everyday card, I hit the spend requirement, and now I'm able to get the bonus on the Hilton Surpass. Soon I will have gotten the bonuses on all the Hilton personal cards!
The reasons you gave are really well explained 💯 Well done Seb 🏆
Thanks! :)
Military does not have to pay annual fees because they waive them!
Do you have a video on finding the best flights? Thanks!
I don't like credit cards with yearly fees
I spend around $1200 a month and don't expect to fly quarterly post Covid. Who should be my credit card company?
I am waiting until the late game to start the Amex journey. Thanks for the helpful tips.
I hear many channels talking about ease of usability on the chase website to redeem/transfer points vs Amex etc. Could you make a video that shows why there is a big difference or why one system is easier to use than another? If you have already done this link in your response if you don’t mind. Thank you as always!
Gave the video a like because they all great points despite me being a AMEX fan. I'm fairly new to credit cards but my family uses Hilton and we have time shares through them so AMEX long term makes sense to me. great video
Much appreciated!
I want to know if an AMEX card holder can you use the points earned for a Sandals Resort property?
“…other than Eqinox.” Lol, me too!
What if I upgrade a Gold card to a Platinum, will I still keep the spending bonuses as the Gold? (Restaurants, etc.) or do I have to sacrifice everyday spending bonuses for only Platinum travel bonuses? Also, if I already have Platinum, could I downgrade Platinum when I upgrade my Gold? That way I still have Gold everyday benefits?
Does the high spending requirement also apply to co-branded AMEX cards (e.g. the Macy's AMEX Card)?
I did not know about Amex Gel. Found it fascinating.
If I pay my balances weekly, am I seen as a good customer or a bad customer? A weeks spend can be anywhere from 50 bucks to 5k but it is always paid off on Friday.
Looking to fly international next summer. I only have Discover and Chase cash-back cards (both for 10 years+). I just applied for a Freedom. FICO=800+, so what Amex should I apply for out the gate (if at all) and when should I apply for a Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Thank you for another educational video. The only way it makes sense for me is if I get the Morgan Stanley Platinum. I currently have the vanilla Platinum
The airport lounge at Bradley in Hartford has been closed for over 18 months
So I've had the platinum for 10 years would I get the bonus offer if I got a aspire?
Thank you
I'm definitely not an American Express type of person since I prefer cash back, and I think this video just confirmed it, especially as a beginner still. After opening my cash magnet, I got the pop up of doom for the Platinum card, even though I never had the card before, and I never received a welcome bonus for that. With the annual fee increase and no intro bonus and my lack of traveling, I'm going to wait a year then cancel it.
Hey Sebby I was looking at the charles schwab investor card and it said it provided 24/7 dining assist and event planning is this the same as concierge?
Great info. Seems like this is very accurate. I was just offered 100,000 points plus 150 credit to upgrade from my gold card to the platinum card. Typical send is between 3000-4000/m
agreed, my biggest mistake was getting the gold card as my second card, i love it but i literally cant get rid of it even if i wanted
I applied and just recently received my gold Amex card. As I am recently building personal credit would this hinder me in some way in obtaining other credit cards?
Thanks! I waded in with a BCE card. Likely won't go any deeper. I'm low spend.
Does an AmexGold allow you to gain entry to the Centurion Lounge? I don't have the Platinum.
Does this apply to the everyday and blue or whatever it is??
I am from NYC I almost like 6 days a week takeout and outside eat. What is your recommended card?
Only people who should be getting Amex cards are military members because the fee is then waived (I believe). Makes no sense to get one otherwise
Thank you for this Sebby. Saved me the hassle of all of this. Will be interesting to see if other cards punish for sock drawer strategy.
Well guess that, I am just vintage old school. Found over time that, the best credit/charge cards for my needs are the ones with no annual fee, a grace period for late payments, and if there will be a balance for three to six months to offer a low interest rate. The American Express card that currently meets my needs is their business open card.
I feel like no downgrade paths to a no annual fee card should've been high on this list
Gold card is the limit for me. Got an upgrade offer for the Platinum but I don't travel. Also be careful because GC isn't a cash back card. If you redeem points for cash back it's not 1-1. More like 60¢ back.
Loved the visual examples!!! Had me ROTFL 🤣, but at the same time very educational.
I have a weird obsession with amex. Bin working so hard to get an invite for Amex. Finally got two today for a basic cards. And thanx for the info. I'll be using my card for all my expenses and leave my debit as a back up. Working my way up to gold, plat, and (probably impossible) centurion. But I'll settle with plat. I feel cursed for wanting a plat Amex card. I want those concert tickets!!! So hard to get good seats wen they go on sale. But as a new Amex member. What are the benefits (apart from tickets) are applicable to Amex members?
What are your thoughts on the American Express checking account?
I got approved with the 150K offer yesterday. My CSP is my everyday card and i spend 2-3k a month and I’m planning big trips over the next year that I’d love to have lounge access/upgrades/Global Entry for. I imagine I’ll close AmEx after a year. This video (especially knowing to wait a full 12 months before canceling) was so helpful!
I literally eat my way to vacations with the Gold Card. Whoever said there weren't any benefits to being a fatass clearly didn't realize how many points they can get from the Gold Card just for doing what they love.
I've been doing a little research about Dinners club and Carte Blanche cards..The are still a factor in some markets but not even taking application in the USA..I use the AX Platnum and several other cards by AX
Self examination is required when looking at Amex benefits and credits. Chase and Citi probably fit most people, but Amex cards like the Gold card and BBP seem essential in a card enthusiast's set up.
That said, I feel Amex Platinum is not worth it for most average consumers that don't travel more than 5+ per year.
Agreed, The Amex Green Card is probably the best one if you spend a few months abroad, unfortunately the others like Gold the *4 bonus points is only on domestic spend.
Chase Freedom offers 5% back on their travel portal ( Basically Expedia ).
While not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard, Amex is acceptable at a surprising number of places few here in Brazil unlike Cancun Mexico.
I still remember that Cancun gas station near the Isla Mujeres ferry they only excepted domestic Mexican credit cards and often cash only being much more common then Brazil.
Most places in Holbox Island Mexico charge a 5% CC fee, it's definitely not being used for road maintenance.
My Visa card not accepted literally only happened to me once here at a small local restaurant in Brazil. ( 4+ years living here.)
Foreign conversation fees are different then foreign transaction fees were an issue In Rio de Janeiro even when I pressed the button for local currency yet I was still charged that fee a few times. That's one positive of American Express, they don't accept the foreign conversation fee charges.
Very easy to justify Amex, especially the annual fee cards, being active duty military. All the perks with none of the fees
@ask sebby
Would my SO still be able to get BP if she signed up for the platinum card if she is an AU Plat under my account?
American Express Gold treats me well ! Very distinguish card !!
Customer service is superb!!
The bonus part is connected less acceptance too. I live in Canada, and have been very happy with Amex. Still valid concerns!
💚Thank you!!!👍🏽
given the high AF, the only reasonable 2 AMEX cards are the BBP & Biz Plat, and you should tax deduct the AF on the Biz Plat
Waits for Sebby to do a 5 reasons to avoid Chase.. 🤷♂️
Soon! Chase...Citi...Capital One...no one is safe 🤷♂️
What have we unleashed???
Looks like Credit One will be the last issuer standing 😂😂🏅
That's an End of Times sign ☢️ 💀😄
10 years from now everyone will be rocking their Capital One Reserve. Those lounges of theirs will have people scrambling to use their Home Goods $50 semi annual credit to break even.
@@SolidLiquidFox "First Shebby came for the Amex, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Amex hater.
Then he came for the Chase, and I did not speak out- because I was not able to get Chase cards.
Then he came for the Capital One, and I did not speak out-because I was not a Capital One customer.
Then he came for my US Bank-and there was no one left to speak for me and US Bank."
I have an Amex Platinum card the main reason why I have it is for the respect I get with it I probably only spend about $1,200 bucks a month on it but I do use the statement credits so realistically I'm probably spending $300 a year for this card not bad for somebody who makes $40,000 per year as an Uber driver before mileage deductions
Basically $300 down the toilet? It is a fun card to have after all lol.
Pls do a video on the pop up jail thing. I’m in “jail” and I’d like to know more information on that!!
That annual fee is ridiculous as I would never spend enough to make it worthwhile currently.
I use the American Express Bluebird card for my banking and love them
Could you possibly make a video reviewing the luxury card line up? Thanks
Pretty meh: th-cam.com/video/B-Tbx2ncZrk/w-d-xo.html
I love Amex, but still this is good information!