American Express Card
 

I'm looking at getting an American Express card to use while travelling to supplement my Visa cards. Specifically, I'm looking to use the card to easily get cash from their many ATM machines around the world. They also offer a service where you can write a personal check at one of their offices and get cash (or AmEx traveller's checks). And they have a toll free traveller's advice number.

I have a couple of questions for those of you who have used AmEx cards while travelling. First, is it easy to find AmEx ATMs and withdraw cash with your card. And, are the fees for using their ATMs reasonable?

Second, were you able to get local cash or traveller's checks at the AmEx offices?

Third, how easy was it to manage your account online? Was it easy to pay your bill, transfer funds, etc?

And lastly, which AmEx card should I get? They seem to offer many different cards, but I'm not sure they all offer the same benefits. Has anyone used the plain old green AmEx card to withdraw cash from ATMs and purchase local cash? If so, that's probably all I need since I don't need a credit card, just a charge card.

Thanks for the advice.

Story

Hi Story

Depending on where you are going will depend on how useful your amex card will be.
I used to travel with one as a backup but actually cancelled it a few months ago due to the silly charges.

You will always find somewhere that will take a visa card. Amex is not widely accepted unless you are going premier touring and staying in the very large hotels. If you think about it they charges are much higher than visa etc so many in poorer countries are not prepared to lose approx 4.5% of their sale

You will find it easier to get cash from an ATM using a visa card was my experience. The more remote you good, cash is king so always make sure that you are carrying enough. In the large cities you'll always find a atm so top up your cash there.

I use a few accounts when I travel and use a debit card which is automatically deducted from my balance. So no need to write a cheque out.

With reference to internet banking, be cautious here as most of the internet cafes etc are not secure and may have tracking software running in the background noting all your keystrokes.

So to conclude I wanted even bother with an Amex card, you can undercut their travel service by half, using the web, their insurance won't cover you for extreme biking. I would use your memebership fee for travelling rather than lining their pockets.

Regards

Julio