Tuesday, October 03, 2006

American Express Card

When I wanted to switch from Visa to an American Express card, I didn't quite realize what I was getting myself into. Not having kept up with the company's new products and services that have been introduced over the years, I figured I would just get that classic green American Express card and be done with it. What I didn't realize was that there are now several different cards to choose from, each offering various perks and protections. Of course there were different fees and annual interest rates associated with each one too. I am not very good at reading the "fine print," so that's why I'm glad I decided to use an independent third party to help me choose the American Express card that best fits my needs.

There are many websites out there that allow users to compare all the credit cards offered by major banks and corporations. This was very helpful to me in my latest search because I was able to see the different features, interest rates, and special rewards that I would get if I signed up. I could easily see how the American Express card stacked up to competitors, which enabled me to make a more informed decision.

Before I actually visited one of these websites, I had a couple of questions about how they worked. Fortunately, I was able to find the answers to these questions relatively quickly. First, I wanted to know if I would be getting a genuine American Express card issued directly from that company, or if I would be getting one that was backed by some outfit I've never heard of. I discovered that if I did fill out an application for an American Express card, it would indeed be the real deal. The website simply acts as an information provider and probably gets a commission for every application they steer towards the banks.

A second question I had was how secure the whole process was. After all, I didn't want some random website to have access to my personal financial information. Again, what I found out really put my mind at ease. Any application forms I chose to fill out would be done so directly on the card issuer's official website. My American Express card application was submitted over a secure server and none of my personal information ever found its way to a third party.

Websites that offer side-by-side comparisons of credit cards are free to use and are an exceptional tool for consumers. I recommend checking out some of these websites before you apply for an American Express card. By doing so, you'll be able to shop around for the best deals and offers without having to expend a lot of time or effort. So go fill out an application today, and you'll have a brand-new American Express card in your wallet before you know it!

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