Amex - Gold Ascent Credit Card ??

[Zoe Nguyen]

Hello,

I current have Bankwest Master Card with no annual fee - no reward - to use as a second card when Amex Plat Edge is not accepted / surcharged.

I recently found Amex also offers an Gold Ascent CREDIT CARD. The card has no annual fee, and $2 spend = 1 point. The reason why I have my current CC is to use in situations when Amex is not accepted or surcharge. So with this credit card from Amex, will the cards be widely accepted as the same as bank issued Credit Card ? I saw the ads in Amex website, the card seems not to have a Chip , will it be a problem ??? I'm quite confused with the name...

Thanks

[WindowSeat]

Hi Zoe,

Anything offered by Amex or branded Amex will have the same acceptance, so can't see how a Gold Ascent will be accepted anywhere that Plat Edge will not.

You'll need something branded Visa or MasterCard for greater acceptance (only available from banks, credit unions, basically anyone but Amex) for a backup card. Your Bankwest card will be OK, but if you want to earn points for QFF the Citibusiness Gold (Visa, 1.25pt per dollar, $149 annual fee) or the Woolworths Everyday Money (MasterCard, 1pt per dollar, $89 annual fee) seem to be the way to go if you're not happy with the Bankwest card.

Amex acceptance isn't different between their charge cards or credit cards - anything branded American Express will have the same acceptance whether it's a credit card, charge card, Amex direct issue or bank issue.