credit cards

[boosami]

Do credit card companies have that level of access to transaction details? Obviously they can track merchants and locations of use, but are they able to track WHAT you are actually buying?

Yep, though it depends what information the retailer provides. The level of detail is more than you might expect, but it's not fully itemized. My gift card purchases indicate they were for gift cards. AmEx can definitely see that I am buying them as opposed to purchasing a product or service.

Looking through my online statement, I thought this was cool... Here's the full detail from a dinner I just had. It breaks it down tip vs food costs.

SULLIVANS-XXXXXXXXXX
04/11/2009
175.00
RESTAURANT
FOOD/BEVERAGE 116.79
TIP 58.21
Reference No: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[glock35ipsc]

Here's the full detail from a dinner I just had. It breaks it down tip vs food costs.

SULLIVANS-XXXXXXXXXX
04/11/2009
175.00
RESTAURANT
FOOD/BEVERAGE 116.79
TIP 58.21
Reference No: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

50% tip?? That good, huh?

[KevinCarr]

All cards are about the same.

Hello ,what are the advantages of "American express"before "Visa"? Can anyone explain to me?Thanks in advance

American Express typically protects against Fraud for LONGER. All cards are about the same. I personally like my Visa Black Card I just got. It seems to have the same protection and service as my AMEX plat.

[boosami]

50% tip?? That good, huh?

Haha... I tipped extra because my drinks and dessert were comped.

[kebark]

I cant understand why so many people use cards yet are are unable (or unwilling) to pay for them. If you have to get one, get the one with the lowest interest.

[boosami]

I cant understand why so many people use cards yet are are unable (or unwilling) to pay for them. If you have to get one, get the one with the lowest interest.

Interest rate is the last thing that matters if you never carry a balance.

[MBizz]

I personally think that paying for a credit card is not a very smart idea because they're pretty much the same, except for some of the reward programs they offer. Are reward programs worth paying for?

[creditoria]

It really depends which Amex or Visa card you consider acquiring. It also depends on your specific requirements and needs.

Why don't you go to some comparison service in the internet.

I like using sites like creditcardsexplorer com to compare various CC offers.

[boosami]

I personally think that paying for a credit card is not a very smart idea because they're pretty much the same, except for some of the reward programs they offer. Are reward programs worth paying for?

It depends on the person and the rewards they are using. My AmEx Platinum has an annual fee of $495 that I gladly pay. As a single example: My card allows me access to a number of airline lounges when I fly. If I had instead had memberships with each of those airlines, it would cost me more than the annual fee on the card. Personally, I spend enough time in the airport that I want to have access to those lounges for convenience. I challenge you to name me a free card offers that perk.