Why do so many businesses refuse to accept American Express ?

[vishenda]

thanks guys, your words are well taken, now I got a clearer picture.

[vishenda]

Originally Posted by hrbatyfan

I kinda want to get a rewards Visa card, but I don't want to screw with my score. I might apply for a mortgage soon, and having a rewards Visa isn't a NEED.

so how did it went?

[PauletteGoddard]

American Express charges the most of mainstream credit card brands for each transaction. Discover also has a somewhat higher fee to the merchant, which also reduces the participation by venders.

Makes perfect sense to me now why MBNA, now FIA under Bank of America, would switch my WorldPoints (what a crock) card to American Express. A more telling sign of my uselessness and inadequacy as a credit risk: switching me to a cruddy card accepted in fewer places that I have to pay in full. Needless to say, I have never activated the card. MBNA now FIA doesn't want to give me any genuine incentives to use the card, so I just keep the account open because it's one of my longest-held accounts in good standing.

[MaureensAvon]

Originally Posted by PRICEPLUS

CC's at Mickeys Ds'? The world has finally lost it totally! I don't get it! :

Would you believe that the Coke machine outside my supermarket now takes credit cards?????


Yep, you can swipe your card right on the soda machine!

[PRICEPLUS]

Originally Posted by MaureensAvon

Would you believe that the Coke machine outside my supermarket now takes credit cards?????
:confused

It is now official...the world has lost it....stop the ride I want to get off!!!

I mean they have to be kidding me with a CC Coke machine! I can't believe where this society is going.

[Elgin526]

Originally Posted by PRICEPLUS

It is now official...the world has lost it....stop the ride I want to get off!!!

I mean they have to be kidding me with a CC Coke machine! I can't believe where this society is going.

In a weird way it makes sense. With debit cards now, many people don't have cash on them, if you want a $1 bottle of Coke (or water or whatever) and don't have the cash, you just skip it. The vending machine company loses that sale. But they tack on a CC machine, and voila, now they've captured that cashless market.

I've never used one at a vending machine, but I've charged $2 or $3 at McD's and Starbucks on my debit card when I've not had cash on me. The world didn't end!

[Mr. Furley]

The video store I work for part time only accepts Visa/MC/Amex. No Discover at all.