Having just added a third AMEX to my wallet I was dreading the day that this would happen, but knew that it would eventually when I noticed Flight Centre were now only charging 0.92% surcharge for AMEX compared to the 2.97% they used to charge.
That part is very true across the board. Most non merchant member posts on this thread are totally inaccurate - Amex fees have dropped heavily for merchants in recent years. Do good turnover, and do NOT charge any surcharge as I never do, and a Rep calls YOU and offer a lower rate
"in recognition of not charging surcharge fees". They did to me at least, and I appreciate it.
I
PREFER taking Amex, over any other kind of card.
As a small sole trader merchant it costs me only
about 1% FLAT to accept Amex, from local or foreign buyers. It was about 3 times that only a few years back.
Accepting VISA/MC via my large Bank is a lottery re the cost to me for each $100 spent. ALL foreign buys (huge part of my business) cost me 3.25% flat. Outrageous, but that is the rate.
Local Visa/MC card users cost me from well under 1%, to up to over 3% depending on WHAT type on card type level they have - I never know of course, who is using a debit card, and who is using a Westpac Plutonium card etc. All I see are 16 number cards. So I prefer Amex at all times. 1% I can work with happily. Over 3% hurts.
As to earn rates, the humble green card is looking very good after April 2019 - less than $100 a year to have - and $60 of that you get back each year via the ''Shop Small'' each November.