Amex Private Payments Program

[Lex Luthor]

Here is another Amex benefit (no I don't work for them...lol).

They have a new feature called private payments.

Link

Seems as if you can get a separate AMEX card number each time you buy something (at your online request).

I see a few possibilities with this such as buy.com "new" customer workaround or some other order where you don't want someone to charge your credit card on some sort of recurring basis (ie that shopss deal or magazine deals). Just remember, I think it's illegal to give a company a one-time use credit card if you are buying something where the agreement is that you are to be billed again.

I guess this would be similar to getting a webcertificate (they still around?), but quite a bit easier then having to fund it.

I guess the main idea AMEX had behind this is that you are safer shopping online if the # you enter to the merchant can only be used for that one purchase.

Let me know if you guys come up with other uses for this and how it works out.

Lex

 

[Askalon]

AMEX Sucks!, They don't offer cards in Iowa due to our revloving credit laws. Every other cards accepts them but AMEX.

 

[shamu]

heh, amex doesnt suck, it rocks. low 9.9 % rate for all purchases, and ive been using private payments since it came out and it rocks, you don't have to worry about someone getting your card number.

 

[wjones]

Can you use this Private Payments program with the smart reader they provide for free?

 

[shamu]

I wouldn't even bother with the smart reader, you just go to amex web site, select the create new number button, and instantly you get a one time use number that expires the same month. that's it, you just copy the number and plug it into the checkout at wherever you're buying at.

 

[Hammer4A]

The Amex Blue is an excellent card for internet shopping. I started using it after someone lifted my Visa number off the internet. It is interest free for six months and also no annual fee. After the interest does kick in is varies but is reasonable. Mine is set at 10.99%
When you make a purchase and get to the credit info page you click on a tray icon which connects you to Amex to get the number. When you get the number you double click and drag and drop, also you have an expiration date of generally the same month you place the order.
The only problem I have experienced was on a credit after the date expired. I had to contact the retailer by phone and use the number on my card to get the credit.
You also have access to your account information and there are various reward programs.

 

[SpyKey]

Askalon, maybe it's Iowa that sucks? But, seriously, check out Blue, it acts as a regular CC with revolving credit as far as I understand. Isn't Optima the same way?

 

[Mihir]

i second that
Amex rocks
it was the first card i had
but now my amex cards are gathering dust coz i put miles on my aadvantage account with the citibank card

mihir

 

[Lex Luthor]

Someone posed a good question on any board.

With the amex payments, it's a one time use credit card.

What if a vendor like buy.com breaks the order into two parts and charges twice? Will it not go though?

Lex

 

[Unsickle]

Is there a way to see your Amex Blue charges online?

 

[TheDuk]

yup. http://americanexpress.com/igotblue
create an account with them and you can not only view, but pay your bill online.