I’ve used an AMEX for several years, and so far my experience with the card and the company has been completely fine. I have no issues with their customer service. But their junk mail is making me cranky, for reasons beyond the senseless waste of trees.
Twice now this year I’ve received the same infuriating letter from AMEX. Some no interest on purchases deal, which in and of itself is fine. What makes me angry is the way they’re promoting it: ”Go ahead, treat yourself!”
In other words: Spend money you don’t have on crap you don’t need; you’ll pay for it later but don’t think about that now!* Just shop, shop! You deserve it.
*p.s. if you miss a payment we will destroy you.
It’s like they have total amnesia for the whole “economic tsunami” situation. Maybe they just haven’t been reading the news about how so many people are dangerously overextended with debt.
Expecting credit card companies to think of people’s welfare would be naive. I don’t expect them to care about people, but I do expect them to care about their brand. And blatantly encouraging financially irresponsible behaviour in a recession makes them look like assholes.
So no, AMEX, thanks for your “special offer” but I think I’m going to stick to my totally retro plan of saving up for things before buying them.
