American Express. Do you accept it?

[a1anm]

Just wondering if people accept Amex for payments on their site?

We do but the fees are extortionate. We do get people using it from time to time but can't help but think if the option wasn't there they would have another card they could use instead.

 

[itboffins]

We have had a few people ask if we take AMEX but as soon as we say no, they are half expecting it and pull out another card anyway!

 

[a1anm]

We have had a few people ask if we take AMEX but as soon as we say no, they are half expecting it and pull out another card anyway!

That's what I'm thinking. I don't think many people would have it as their only card as so many places don't accept it.

Very tempted to remove it as an option.

 

[Cylon]

We accept it online and for phone orders but wish we didn't, sometimes it is a necessary evil for high value items but I have to agree if theres any problem with accepting it by phone (there always is ) another card usually comes out.

Taking up to 8 days for the funds to hit our account is a real pain as well.

We have had a few occasions when a sale has took place because we where told a competitor wouldn't accept it but this is rare.

 

[a1anm]

sometimes it is a necessary evil for high value items

Just out of curiosity why do you think this? Most of our products sell for between £100 and £500 so do you think it would be better to keep it as an option?

 

[Cylon]

Just out of curiosity why do you think this? Most of our products sell for between £100 and £500 so do you think it would be better to keep it as an option?

I always thought it was because of airmiles or some other AMEX offer but we keep it as an option in the hope no one uses it, I'm in two minds whether to remove it totally as only one of our sites use it.

 

[Vending Siting Services]

We don't as it is far too expensive.

Barbara

 

[PrestonLad]

I have an Amex, but like everyone, you always have another card... and expect to need it very often.

The banks drive some people to use Amex with a cheap gimmick. My bank gives me an Avios Duo credit card (Avios was formerly Airmiles) - I think Avios have the same deal with other banks.. This gives me 2 cards - one is Amex, the other is Mastercard.

You can use either card, and it all goes onto one single bill. The only difference between them is that if you use the Amex you get one point for every 1 pound spent... but if you use your Mastercard you only get one point for ever 5 pounds spent... so there is a massive psychological difference.

In reality, by encouraging the customer to take the Amex rather than Mcard from their wallet, the banks give them a few extra penceworth of airmiles.... but this costs the retailer a lot more in credit card fees.

It's blooming immoral. When I am leader of this country, I will ban banks from giving incentives to use credit cards. It really should be illegal IMO. Make them fight with the offer of lower interest rates/better service. Don't encourage buying on credit, for the sake of getting some freebies.

So... what about the OP's question? If you're in a business where it is easy to switch between one shop and another, then it is possible that a fraction of the population might choose a shop that takes Amex, just so they get their endorphin hit from being awarded some near worthless loyalty points. But a big big majority will just use Visa or Mastercard.

 

[moogento]

I'm pretty sure that Paypal allows Amex, as does 2CO.
I just offer Paypal, that seems to cover most bases.

 

[a1anm]

I'm pretty sure that Paypal allows Amex, as does 2CO.
I just offer Paypal, that seems to cover most bases.

I hadn't thought of this. I think I might diable Amex on our main payment page and if anyone really wants to use it they can do it via PayPal

 

[SamStones]

Good point about PayPal. We accept it but have been reviewing it recently due to a couple of attempted fraudulent transactions. Was going down the route of adding the safe key security thing but might just drop it altogether.

 

[Deleted member 136029]

We accept Amex, having taken up a special offer on SagePay for it. The fees are around 1% I think. It's no hassle at all. A pretty small proportion of customers pay by Amex, but having a good range of payment options gives a better customer experience and adds credibility.

Keep your eyes peeled for more offers, they do them pretty regularly, I think.