Benefits to keeping an American Express account open?

[romeogolf]

Have switched away from my American Express Gold card for a new intro offer with another provider.

Is there any benefit to opening a free "basic" account with American Express and not using it? Do they have any long-term loyalty reward I should be aware of before closing my last account with them?

I've had AmEx cards for about 4 years and like having the "Member Since 12" on my card, but if there's no benefit in long term membership I'll just close it.

Thanks.

[bad company]

Funny, I have been thinking on similar lines. I have a Platinum card & been a member many years but I can't see that the benefits justify the £450 fee so coming out. The 3% forex fee kills it for me.

[JulianPH]

Check for any unused air miles before you close it.

I had a platinum card and after my first year had an invite for a black Centurion card (invitation only). I accepted and then two weeks later they wrote back turning me down! I called them and asked why on earth they had sent me an obviously very expensive invitation box only to turn me down and was told they were very sorry and this was an error.

They sent me a new pack, I returned it and they declined me again!!!

To be honest, given the card is not accepted in so many places (or there was an additional charge) and the above I called and told them to cancel it.

I then contacted them about the 250,000 air miles I still had and the told me they were now gone as I cancelled the card (two hours previously)!!!

EDITED FOR TYPO

Edited by JulianPH on Sunday 10th July 19:50

Edited by JulianPH on Sunday 10th July 19:51

[ncjlee]

Julian, did you have anything relevant to contribute or could you just not help telling us all how considerably wealthy you are?

[oyster]

JulianPH said:

Check for any unused air miles before you close it.

I had a platinum card and after my first year had an invite for a black Centurion card (invitation only). I accepted and then two weeks later they wrote back turning me down! I called them and asked why on earth they had sent me an obviously very expensive invitation box only to turn me down and was told they were very sorry and this was an error.

They sent me a new pack, I returned it and they declined me again!!!

To be honest, given the card is not accepted in so many places (or there was an additional charge) and the above I called and told them to cancel it.

I then contacted them about the 250,000 air miles I still had and the told me they were now gone as I cancelled the card (two hours previously)!!!

EDITED FOR TYPO

Edited by JulianPH on Sunday 10th July 19:50

Edited by JulianPH on Sunday 10th July 19:51

I use my Amex for at least 95% of all credit card use by transaction and probably 99% by value.

[Some Gump]

ncjlee said:

Julian, did you have anything relevant to contribute or could you just not help telling us all how considerably wealthy you are?

Chip on your shoulder much?

fking peasant.

[romeogolf]

I manage to put the majority of my spending on the AmEx cards quite easily. Other than B&Q it's really only the independent retailers who don't accept it.

All points etc are transferred off, of course.

[LordHaveMurci]

Depends on where you use your card, I rarely use my AmEx as most places I pay by card don't accept it.

[ncjlee]

Some Gump said:

Chip on your shoulder much?

fking peasant.

Apologies, I forgot that this was PH, will remember to include more willy waving in my next post. It's surprising peasants like me can even afford internet access...

[LordHaveMurci]

ncjlee said:

Apologies, I forgot that this was PH, will remember to include more willy waving in my next post. It's surprising peasants like me can even afford internet access...

Looking at your post count you can't afford much internet access!

[ncjlee]

My internet machine works by steam power so I have to ration my contributions to only the most important arguments :-)

[NordicCrankShaft]

LordHaveMurci said:

Looking at your post count you can't afford much internet access!

Looking at your's you have too much time on your hands.

[LordHaveMurci]

NordicCrankShaft said:

Looking at your's you have too much time on your hands.

Probably fair

[Jockman]

LordHaveMurci said:

Depends on where you use your card, I rarely use my AmEx as most places I pay by card don't accept it.

Don't you do DIY?

B&Q surprisingly don't take it !!

Edit to acknowledge romeogolf's post.

[NordicCrankShaft]

LordHaveMurci said:

Probably fair

[David Beer]

I use my Amex hugely, get the most out of it, very rare not to be accepted. The box is nice !