Any AMEX card holder here? since not many shops accpet AMEX, can anyone of you share your opinion how to earn membership reward point fast?

This post has been edited by Dozz: Apr 25 2009, 12:02 PM

Maybank AMEX offers double point rewards. Petrol refill also entitled to points collection.

yes... i want to take advantage of the double point promotion. but so far.. only Shell stations accept AMEX right? Petronas no longer accept...

caltex aso accept and now got 3X points if pump over rm50

Cool! What about Mobil or Esso? are they accept AMEX? i always book ticket on malaysiaairlines.com but too bad they dont accept AMEX

This Maybank promotion is not limited to AMEX card right?

where to get the AMEX card?

Apply from the bank. Not many local banks offer AMEX. So far, I know only Maybank offers it.

you could visit the following maybank site to apply for the card online ..

http://www.maybank2u.com.my/consumer/onlin...mex_index.shtml

Any idea if other banks beside Maybank got AMEX?

Hong leong bank

Amex currently offering RM2.80 = 1 Frequent Flyer Mile!!! very good deal man!!!! i want to earn more points

You meant this:

http://www.hlb.com.my/pfs/cc/ccamex.jsp?flag=ccamex

not many AMEX card holders here?

Because not many merchants accept it as well.

AMEX or charge card (eg:DINERS) are not popular with young ppl.
With the availability of credit cards, young consumers prefers that.
Also, AMEX's merchant charges are higher than VISA and MASTERCARD; thus the reason behind why a lot of shops doesn't get AMEX merchant's POS.

For me, i m a frequent traveller... so i prefer to earn fast points.. Amex is offering RM2.80 per frequent flyer's mile where other credit cards you need to spend RM5.80 in order to get 1 mile. thats a lot different...
but yeah, Amex card is more for business man cos we have to make the full payment each month.

Yes, Esso and Mobil accept AMEX, not only that, u can earn reward point as well.

Thanks for the info next time will fill up petrol with Esso or Shell only lol...

What petrol are you using currently?

most of the time i use Petronas but since they dont accept AMEX... i will use Shell next time.. its help me to earn points faster!

I see. Petronas will be my last choice of petrol.

Amex really gives lots of points....got for those who always go travelling...
now Maybank got promotion for American Express Charge Card-
Annual Fee Free for 1 Year!
You will entitle to participate in 'Scratch & Win' contest once your card is approved,and get freebies like i-pod,Universal CD,optical mouse...etc....

you are right...currently AMEX gives you RM1 = 3 MR points (if you take the turbo point program) which is RM1.80 per frequent mile... Thats really the best offer in the town now!! this promotion end late of jan.2008... i want to find a ways to earn more points during these periods. hahah..

yeah...you are correct....hmm.....so wat do you guys out there waiting for??
come and apply and get fast points...( Dozz,don't be angry ya )

haha.. why should i angry? i m not working for AMEX or Maybank anyway.. i will be great if AMEX get more card holders, so more merchants will consider to accept the card. haha

haha...thanks....yes correct,if more member,then merchant for the card will increase....
so....hehe...fast fast apply...

we have to remember that AMEX charge higher merchant fees. That's the main reason why lots of shops do not use it.
but like Dozz had mentioned before, and to those who doesn't know, pls understand that one have to pay full before he can use the card after being billed; thus it's a charge card same as DINERS.

Same goes AMEX credit card or what?

I read from the other thread said that there's AMEX credit card and AMEX charge card.

as far as I know, American Express is a form of charge card. they have pulled out of Malaysia and sold their product franchise to Maybank and Hong Leong.
what is left in M'sia is their global fraud, autho & collection team. but they're setting a new wing of global risk here to take care of this operations.

yes,corretc...indeed there are 2 types...one is normal credit card,another one is Charge card...where you have to pay in full after you use it and it has no limit...

I'm still a little confused. Meaning no matter which type, you still have to pay in full? Correct me if I'm wrong ...

The other thing is on no limit, what you meant?

have checked Maybank's website and saw the 2 type. the only explanation is they created this credit card product running on AMEX network instead of VISA or MASTER.
http://maybank.com.my/consumer/online_cards/amex_index.shtml
http://maybank.com.my/consumer/online_cards/amex_about.shtml

This post has been edited by b00n: Nov 5 2007, 11:19 PM

Do you guys know that actually AMEX doesnt have its own credit card in Malaysia? Those AMEX cards with issued by maybank & hong keong are actually co-branded credit cards, its not 100% percent from AMEX. Try to browse other countries AMEX's web sites like singapore, HK, Australia.. they all have their own AMEX issue credit cards avaiable.

AMEX was previously here.
But I guess market demand made them pull out 2 years ago.
But before they pulled out, they sold the franchise to Maybank and Hong Leong.
Their global Fraud, Autho & Collection team are still in based in Msia. Golbal risk HQ is in London, but are setting an arm here to further have monitoring on this Fraud, Autho & Collection team.

Maybank amex users here...being use for petrol for points....use for travelling as well.....

b00n:

Are you AMEX card holder as well? Does Malaysian's Amex charge card same as other amex cards that issued in other countries or not?

Nope, I just happened to be in Banking and Finance line dealing with risk management.
If it's charge card than it should most probably the same.
It's recognised and taken as a privilege and well accepted in overseas.
Partly because of the next to no limit bounds and also a customer would need to pay off the bill before next usage. Since AMEX doesn't earn much from the interest charged unlike credit cards; they would have to charge high merchant fees. Thus creating a hindrance from shops to carry the merchant.

i heard AMEX actually charge merchants 5% of the total amount charge..where VISA and Mastercard only 2% to 3%.. is that true?

yeap, it's somewhere there..........
That's why a lot of shop prefers cash instead. And some would imposed another separate charge of additional 3% or say no discount at all if purchasing via cards, because they want to dvert the merchant charges to customer instead.

Seperate charge are usually happen in travel agency when you want to pay by your cards... if believe there is no extra charge if buy direct from the airlines company right?

The big companies would be able to absorb the cost. But the smaller companies, or smaller shop wouldn't want to bear the cost. One would find it more rampant while buying electrical, mobiles and not to mention....even jewelries.

I strongly agreed with this. There's always service charge imposed if you pay using CC when you want to buy consumer electronics including PC peripherals.

yes...agreed too..sometimes depends lor...

I'm still not that clear regarding AE credit card and AE charge card. Are they basically the same? What're the differences between them?

Is there a credit limit on AE credit card like usual Visa or Mastercard credit card? Do I still need to repay in full for AE credit card like AE charge card?

ok..it's like this...
American Express Credit Card- i) like other normal credit card
ii) gives 2X treat points
iii) there's credit limit given
iv) can pay minimum payment

American Express Charge Card- i) Charge card - you need to pay in full amount when you use it
ii) no pre-set spending limit
iii) no interest charge because you settle your account in full each month
iv) 2X treat points
v) this is a good card for those who always go oversea

Maybe not in Malaysia but other countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia.. AMEX card very accepted mostly every merchants.

Those of us that pay up full amount for CC would find that Amex better because can collect points at petrol station and get 2X reward points. And since Amex is a charge card and is targetted at "people with higher spending power", their members tend to go to higher end establishments. Anyway so what if the merchant does not take AMEX, most of us have Visa or Master.

I have mentioned many times, AMEX annual fees waiver is the best, call them and on the spot waive without any conditions attached i.e. no minimum usage nor amount.

AMEX interest free installement program for any purchase is truly interest free as they don't charge handling charges like CC. However this program ends on 15 Nov 2007.

DELL also accept AMEX, bought my Vostro with it and got 2X rewards

Someone also mentioned that jem shops imposed surcharge, well it depends which shop you go to. My wife have been using AMEX recently at her regular jewel merchant and use cash or AMEX same price. Got 2X rewards somemore.

haha, looking at above, i mentioned 2X rewards many times, this is because i got my statement today and happy with the total rewards points to date however i have yet to compare redemption points required for same item with CC. If AMEX need twice the amount of rewards points to redeem same item compared to CC, then the 2X rewards points is BS.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Nov 7 2007, 01:55 AM

@Gen-X:

Yes, if those merchants doesnt accept AMEX, we still have VISA or Mastercard for backup. lol

2x Reward Points are great! its equal to RM2.80 per mile.. where other credit cards you need to spend between RM5.40 to RM6.00 in order to get one mile.

Gen-X, did you enrolled in the Turbo Points Program?

No worries getting point from charging your credit card for petrol next year... Up RM0.70....( is it confirm up RM0.70???)

If you're talking about Maybank's AMEX credit card; than no. One cannot use VISA or MASTERCARD's merchant for that specific card because it's still riding on AMEX network. Just that it's in a form of credit card instead of charge card. As the franchise had been sold to Maybank, Maybank would have to bear the losses if any dispute is to come out of a transactions.
AMEX no longer carry the huge risk as they're basically only running and maintaining their network. But there's still certain cases whereby AMEX would have to bear the fraud losses.

yes, i did enroll Turbo Points but not for flyer miles if not mistaken.


bOOn, we are saying that AMEX cardholders also carry Visa and Mastercard lah so if merchants don't accept AMEX no problems as can use CC.

update: just saw Ad in The Star, AMEX interest free installment for 3 months extended to March 2008. Not too bad deal as 2/3 of the purchase amount can be invested say into 1 month FD at 3%. So if purchase price is like RM9K, RM3K have to be paid on coming due date and balance RM6K to be paid equally the next and following month. For example, interest earned for 1st month RM6K @ 3% = RM15 + 2nd month RM3,015 @ 3% = RM7.54 (but in real world minimum RM5K for 1 month FD) or Total interest earned = RM22.54 for using AMEX interest free program

Gen-X;

If you enrolled in the Turbo Point Program, you will earn 1 MR point extra, thats mean RM1.00 spend = 3x reward point that is sweet isnt it? lol..this promotion will end in 31 January 2008.

Yeah, i just saw the Ads from The Star too, not familiar with Flexi Pay Plan... but its pretty good deal if you intend to purchase something more than RM1000 in single receipt... the sweetest part is 2x reward points. lol

Yes...AMEX used to be independent...been a user for AMEX since Year 2002...and still is... :-) U can actually use Amex in Tesco and Guardian and many more merchants out there...AMEX is really useful when you're in overseas...used them in hotels too...no problem for them to accept AMEX..

you are AMEX member since 2002, do you find any different after Maybank manage it?

Recently i purchased something from US web site, surprisingly the conversion rate are cheaper than what am expected. highly recommended to use AMEX card

This post has been edited by Dozz: Nov 7 2007, 05:01 PM

Personally I dont find them any different...maybe bcos Im just a casual user...so once I use ...i settle them off b4 the due date...those days we r able to pay our AMEX bill via Bank Simpanan Nasional...now no more of course...can just pay via maybank2u online...

However...i must say that AMEX's customer service hotline today is still the same...they still maintain the professionalism and efficiency in picking up customers call...unlike maybank's customer service!...so i always feel the difference when i call Maybank credit card customer service hotline and AMEX hotline...sigh ....eventhough now maybank is incharge....

anyone saw America Express black card before?

Black Card is the highest one can go and it's like an urban legend whereby I don't think anyone here saw it before as it is too exclusive. The most ppl like us can go after is Platinum.

AMEX Plantinum annual fee cost RM2k++.. really $$$!!!

For Malaysia highest ranking card is Platinum card...

black card which is the Centurian Card is available in S'pore, HK, Aus... etc ... but not in Malaysia.


p/s:edit due to typo

This post has been edited by lauyamonk: Nov 8 2007, 02:19 PM

It was rumored that there's 5 black card in M'sia. Rumored that our Tun had one, and also Robert Kuok.
Like I said, it's an urban legend. No one knows who owns one as it's by invitation only; so we wouldn't know whether or not any M'sian had it or not.

i'm 100% sure there isn't any malaysia base centurian card, unless as u said they hold foreign centurian card. how i know... working in amex ma...

@lauyamonk

are there many people in msia have AMEX plantinum??

Amex platinum very rare...

rare or not i don't know but not many people going to waste RM2K on annual fees if that's the amount.

OT: AMES still in Menara Weld? Waiting for a call from London.

call from london??!!

Phone interview for the position I mentioned in previous page.
Being so long looking at Credit Card risk, now wonder whether or not can tackle Charge Card instead as different type of ball game.

i spend RM3k last month and i earned 9000 membership rewards point... thats nice

Good for you.

I guessed you signed up for turbo points earlier in the year. I called AMEX today and was informed i got no Turbo since it is not auto renewable. So i asked what was the RM25 i paid earlier this year and the girl said was for reward membership! Anyway the Turbo program have been terminated and next year onwards no need to pay RM25 also.

Looking back at my statement, only for 2X reward points for last month.

AMEX reward points redemption catalogue still under construction in thier website.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Nov 9 2007, 11:45 AM

Yes, The reward points redemption area always under construction.. meanwhile, if you want to check the latest promotion or updates of AMEX, please go to this page http://www.maybank2u.com.my/consumer/onlin...promo.shtml#new

Turbo Reward will be end by 31.March.2008.. if you have big purchases within these few months, it still worth to pay RM50.00 for this program as we can can 3x points during these period.

Gen-X, may i know what is the emboss name color on your AMEX card? is it black or silver color?

This post has been edited by Dozz: Nov 9 2007, 11:59 AM

Silver. What's the diff?


Edited:

thanks for the link http://www.maybank2u.com.my/consumer/onlin...promo.shtml#new

For comparison: Redeem RM100 Voucher for Dome and TGIF AMEX 15,500 and 17500 whereas HSBC 16000 and 17000 respectively. So i must say AMEX 2X rewards points is a very good deal as spend RM17K can get about voucher worth RM200 whereas other CC get half or even less.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Nov 9 2007, 01:15 PM

@Gen-X;
Since you had your AMEX card for many years already, dont you find that design on the card has slighly changed? Last time the emboss name was in black and the card gold color was darker.. now the card with silver emboss name and the whole card color has changed a bit... make the card look even better

Yap, 2x reward points really give you faster points compared to other CC.. hope AMEX keep this promotion on going...lol

yah the colour tone change a bit but i couldn't careless as long as it can be swiped and its free

Haha...usually when you call up to request for fee waive? Before or After the annual fee charge to your card?

Usually after i see it in the statement. Too many cards to keep track.

Just went to Esso Station to pump petrol with my AMEX card, but they said my card is declined, i asked the cashier tried again...but it still declined damn it!! i paid with my VISA card instead.
I rang up AMEX CS righg after am reached to office, they check my account.. everything is good and they didnt see any declined message in their system. so who fault is it? Petrol station or AMEX? how you guys handle such situation when your card got declied in the cashier but you know your account is clear and fine?

@Gen-X:
Among all your CC, which one is your favourite or the one you used the most?

This post has been edited by Dozz: Nov 9 2007, 04:21 PM

did u swipe at the pump or u went to the cashier there for them to swipe? sometimes, but not often i encounter such problem at the pump.

i went to cashier and they swipe my card for me... she tried twice but still declined... what can i say ?

hmm, maybe at that time AMEX was offline?

btw, i am using Maybank AMEX credit card. a few years ago, maybank offer me 5 years annual fee waive, so i took it.

since few months back i have been using AMEX at Mobil and Esso. Sometimes offline can't use AMEX and or CC.

Me got no favourite. When Citibank had 8X and 12X reward points few months back, use it for most of my transactions. Now Amex got 2X so use it more often. Last time DA swipe RM800 or something at pertrol station get free watch so use it then. which ever card offer me more benefit use it more loh. In general use as follows (but also depend when statement date to max credit time):

AMEX - petrol.
UOB - Mostly auto debit payments.
Citibank - Coffee Bean for 10% discount
HSBC & HLB mostly for business expenses.
RHB Evo - headache, got to use at least once a month else got to pay RM8 for that month. Want to cancel it next year.
DA - give wife to use. Mine in drawer, hehe.

Gen-X;

Seems like you and me are the same type of person who like to fully utilize the benefits and advantages offer by CC. lol.. yeah.. Citibank previous promotion of 8x to 12x points are cool, i used it for all my purchases and bills, and i earned quite a lot of points that time.

Do you know which motor insurance company accept AMEX card? because i always help my customers to buy insurance, the companies that am dealing with (Jerneh and UniAsia) does not accept AMEX

one should fully utilize benefits that are free yah noted you also pump petrolat Esso. I think Smiles reward the best, every RM1000 get RM15 back.

as for motor insurance, no idea. I usually just fax my renewal and the form only got Visa and MC if not mistaken.

This post has been edited by Gen-X: Nov 10 2007, 04:03 AM

Anyone of you guys join the Global eShop by AMEX?

---

Added on November 13, 2007, 12:34 amhello??? where are AMEX's fans? lol...

This post has been edited by Dozz: Nov 13 2007, 12:34 AM

american express fan is here to stay. im an amex platinum charge card member. so far service is nothing short than superb. love it to bits. ive seen a few black cards though they are normally carried by foreigners. ive a friend whose father has a black card but issued by american express uk.

it is expected when the black card comes to msia the annual fee is around 5k. my platinum is already 2380 per annum. but service is truly wonderful. my car broke down once and i called them. within half hour they sent their breakdown assistance team to help me. also, i really treasure the platinum concierge service. there were a few times when i want to book in a table at luna bar or some other fancy restaurants they brush me off saying its fully booked etc. normally i just make a phone call to amex and within 10 mins the table is confirmed. its really reassuring to have it in your pocket.

on the downside, the no pre set spending limit can be dangerous. they even allow you to charge a 7 series on the card if theyre confident you can afford it. it puts luxury and convenivence in a whole different platform altogether!

@mrcloud9

nice to heard that you are happy with the services... how i wish to have that card one day by the way, can i ask how you apply for the AMEX plantinum card? AMEX invite you to join?

you will. dont worry! i started off as supplementary cardholder and later on received an invitation for the card. the annual fee is hefty though!

Does AMEX sent you the plantinum card and offer you to upgrade or they send you the pre-approved letter to sign? let say if they send me the plan card, dont know want to accept it or not as the annaual fee really $$$$....

Do you have VISA plantinum? they provide concierge services also...i use the service before, asked them booking HK disneyland and some concert tickets for me... they usually get back to me within 24 hours or shorter....

as mentioned earlier, ive been their supplementary cardholder. so i guess they have seen my usage and spending pattern on the supp card. i indicated my interest to have my own card so they reviewed and i qualified they sent me an invitation for the platinum card. i signed and in about two weeks ive got my cards. the rm 2380 annual fees lets you have 2 cards of your own (to separate business expenditure from personal) and 4 supplementary cards.

yes i have visa platinum too. youre right they have concierge service but mostly depends on the bank who issues the card to you. ive once tried asking hsbc to book me a table at malaysia petroleum club level 42 klcc. i had to let them know 3 days in advance. they faxed me a letter to facilitate entry because of the tight security. if you wanna know more about platinum cards, dont hesitate to ask me. i think ive experience with almost all the banks and i dont mind to share it with you if you wanna learn more!

Thank you very much for your sharing...i asked AMEX before what criteria they looking at for invitation on plantinum, the lady told me.. Min spend RM50,000 per year and good payment record. Frankly speaking, RM50.000 spend per year is not that difficult for me (cos i use card for most personal and business purposes) but the problem is AMEX is not widely accepted like VISA and MASTERCARD in Malaysia.. thats make me a bit difficult to reach the target.

For Visa concierge service, i think the call center is located in Australia... whatever request you make will go thru Australia's Visa Plantinum Concierge Center... so i assumed whichever bank visa plantinum card we holding will receive standard service from them? correct me if i make a mistake,

youre possibly right!

@mrcloud9

How is your AMEX Platinum card looks like? does it look very exclusive and elegant? hahaa....

AMEX platinum is nothing ... black card is good for show off.

Well.. VISA and MASTER plantinum cards maybe is nothing but AMEX one... Hmm... look at the annual fee RM2380 (fee will never waive regardless how much you spent) thats make the card mean something to me.. lol... unfortunately we do not have black AMEX card here... but if you guys wanna get a black card which is look similar to AMex's one... try to get HSBC Visa Plantinum... its black color.... lol

haha.. no lah. its just like the green card only thing it is silver in colour. but there are a few shops when i take out of my wallet they said "nice card!". they liked the design of it i suppose. amex platinum card is still made of plastic like the rest of the cards. the amex centurion black card however, is made of titanium. so, it is considerably heavier than normal plastic cards. the black cards arent issued by american express malaysia yet.

Other countries like Singapore, HK, Australia they all have own AMEX credit card... but dont know why its not available in Malaysia... Any opinion?

simple reason in those countries american express has its american express bank's presence there. so they can issue credit card as they need to tie up with banks to do that. in malaysia's case, the credit cards are issued jointly with maybank and hong leong banks. so these two banks issue malaysian american express credit cards. as for the charge cards, they are now issued by maybank since the handover ceremony last year.