American Express Credit Cards
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American Express is one of the leading global finance brands and consequently their cards are welcomed across the globe. Although primarily based in the USA American Express has a good selection of credit cards available to the UK consumer. Packages vary (in terms of APR, credit limit and insurance cover), so it's worth spending some time looking at the various options. American Express credit cards are primarily targeted at movers and shakers in the business world and 'frequent fliers', hence the provision for travel cover (which typically includes: lost/stolen luggage, delayed flights and other mishaps).
Their basic card is the Blue card , which pays one percent cashback on anything spent (in addition to a range of fringe travel benefits). Besides the Blue card you can choose between Gold , Platinum and Centurion cards. The Centurion card is boastfully billed as the ' most prestigious, exclusive and respected Card in the world' and is reserved for those who have shown the 'greatest commitment' to American Express (although what this actually means isn't made all that clear). However, possession of this card is by invitation only.
American Express knows the value of customer service (hardly surprising considering their all-American roots) and staff are available round-the-clock to answer any queries and replace lost or stolen cards. The company's global reach and recognition has allowed them to team up with a number of affiliates such as Lastminute.com and Liberty to offer a variety of member benefits. In addition members are able to access and manage their accounts 24/7 via the web. All cards carry an automatic online fraud protection guarantee and lost or stolen cards will be replaced anywhere in the world.
American Express differs from other credit card companies in that they actually prefer you to clear your balance every month. This shows a fundamental difference in ethos, whereby their cards are aimed at facilitating commerce and travel; rather than encouraging borrowing.
American Express Cards have higher than average APRs (typically hovering between the 18-20% range), which certainly aren't the most competitive in the market. However, this is partly the intention of American Express who wants their services to appeal to a certain type of clientele (i.e. 'high rollers'- who in financial terms represents little risk).
Applying online for an American Express card is a remarkably straightforward process.
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