AMEX not accepted or surcharge

[EestiTiger]

Really? Is that the main bar or just the restaurant? I remember my last visit there - no EFTPOS at all at the bar, and the restaurant had EFTPOS but no AMEX (and no way to pay for drinks via the restaurant).

Yep that is the pain I am talking about I know it too well...

In the bar. They have three or so terminals along the length of the bar for tap and go. AMEX even worked as a 'tap and go' transaction without having to 'insert' the card.

 

[Moopere]

I recently changed my dentist because they stopped taking Amex.

I just went to see mine last week - same one I've seen for the last 20 years and in all that time they've accepted Amex ... last week they wouldn't take it - too expensive (apparently). As a previous poster said, you've got to be joking, this practise is amongst the most expensive in PER, margins must be healthy (you'd think). I'm pretty disappointed and its making me have thoughts that they, as a business, didn't need me to have.

On a positive note, despite getting refusals all over when trying every avenue I could think of to pay WA car registration with Amex I finally ended up at my local Aus Post and it went through on the Edge without the bat of an eye, and no surcharge - nice!

 

[Chicken]

It is a worry when people choose dentists based on AmEx points or close to work, rather than the skill and end result of the dentist ......

 

[albyd]

On a positive note, despite getting refusals all over when trying every avenue I could think of to pay WA car registration with Amex I finally ended up at my local Aus Post and it went through on the Edge without the bat of an eye, and no surcharge - nice!

If you were using Amex issued card, you'd likely get only 0.5 points per dollar as Australia Post counts as 'government'.
Bank Amex should be ok.

 

[Moopere]

If you were using Amex issued card, you'd likely get only 0.5 points per dollar as Australia Post counts as 'government'.
Bank Amex should be ok.

Yes I know - but times are tough eh? Most VISA/MC earn is woeful nowadays so even 0.5 on the Amex is acceptable ... so long as theres no surcharge.

 

[albyd]

Citi just removed most government payments as well so Amex looking good at 0.5points on government spend.

 

[DC3]

It is a worry when people choose dentists based on AmEx points or close to work, rather than the skill and end result of the dentist ......

I would choose to have both/all.

 

[cove]

Have never been surcharged in the US using any Amex card.

 

[twiningb]

I think I read Amex's (and likely Visa's, MasterCard's, Discover's) US merchant agreements tend to expressly prohibit surcharging higher than any competitor card, which keeps that in line.

 

[slinky123]

Quality pharmac_ down here in Melbourne. Its a big pharmac_ chain, has lots of stores.
Iv'e been using my AMEX card a few times, I went the other day and they happen to notice it and added a 3% surcharge. When I asked why I wasn't charged the last few times they said it was because they didn't see what I used on the paywave. Next time I paywave the Amex I will put my thumb over the amex logo LOL

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Speaking of chemists, the Terry White near me couldn't accept AMEX this week as they'd just changed terminals from one bank to another. Apparently they'd already called to have AMEX attached to their new terminals, but you'd think they could do this before they get installed and or before getting rid of the old ones...

Will try again there in a couple of weeks - hopefully it's just one of 'those things', but the 'new terminal' issue at various merchants is nothing new... it's even worse when they change but just can't be bothered having it linked to their new facility! Recently had to find a new local cafe because of that, even after speaking with the owner about it and pointing out it could be done with one phone call.

 

[JohnK]

I think we've mentioned this before. Metro service stations have 3% surcharge for Amex. Time to send some feedback.

 

[yld200]

Anyone have any tips to pay vicroads registration on Amex?

 

[Moopere]

Anyone have any tips to pay vicroads registration on Amex?

Can't help with Vicroads, but I was hitting one brick wall after another trying to pay registration in WA using Amex. Ended up at an Aus Post which took Amex without surcharge (and not all do) - is that an option? You have to physically turn up at the counter, online appears to only accept Visa/MC

 

[albyd]

Did you get full points with Amex at Post office? Generally only half when I've used it there.
I was at SYD international yesterday. Bought some $5 Red Bull's at WH Smith. On top of the no Amex, there was also a 1.5% surcharge on Visa.

 

[yld200]

Can't help with Vicroads, but I was hitting one brick wall after another trying to pay registration in WA using Amex. Ended up at an Aus Post which took Amex without surcharge (and not all do) - is that an option? You have to physically turn up at the counter, online appears to only accept Visa/MC

The post office is the only option I have to try at the moment. I'll try it out this week and see how it goes.

 

[whatmeworry]

Anyone have any tips to pay vicroads registration on Amex?

Maybe with eftpos Gift cards purchased at WW/Coles? Assuming their is a deal to negate the activation fee.

 

[yld200]

Maybe with eftpos Gift cards purchased at WW/Coles? Assuming their is a deal to negate the activation fee.

I'll look into whether its possible to use this at the post office - Vicroads site only allows for lump sum payment.

Don't believe there are any deals at the moment, could purchase through Cashrewards though? or can WW/Coles vouchers be purchased and then used to by eftpos/VISA/MC gift cards? Might have to read into some of the other gift card threads.

The main reason is to hit my min spend on my explorer card asap.

 

[Moopere]

Did you get full points with Amex at Post office? Generally only half when I've used it there.

I'm sure it will have been 0.5.

I was at SYD international yesterday. Bought some $5 Red Bull's at WH Smith. On top of the no Amex, there was also a 1.5% surcharge on Visa.

I'm fast falling out of love, if I was ever in love, with Visa/MC. I'm not going to pay market value for points ... whats the point? If I cant buy cheap and sell for a profit (redemption) then theres no business model in that for me and I'll use cash.

The trouble for me now is finding a VISA/MC that actually earns decent points and doesn't cost so much up front that that earn is effectively negated. Major spend is always going to be with Amex

 

[albyd]

That's going to become more difficult mid year based on what's been presented to us by Citi and NAB's new interchange 'compliant' card. The only game left in town will be Amex based on what we know.
Looks like eftpos and cash are going to have a renaissance (except for many not on AFF who don't understand the value of points and that they're paying too much).