What if you didn’t have to pay your credit card company? What if they paid you instead? A new phenomenon has hit the credit card industry. Who is at the forefront of this phenomenon? None other than American Express.

American consumers got pretty used to paying credit card companies. They would pay the credit card company by way of interest payments, extra fees, late payments, etc. But, American Express has started a new program that has begun paying its customers.

American Express is offering select cardholders the opportunity to earn $300 from them. What’s the catch? They have to pay off the remaining balance on their American Express credit card in full and close the account.

AMEX has not released the number of cardholders that have been offered this incentive. Several weeks ago, these cardholders received letters in the mail explaining the voluntary program. Along with each letter was a RSVP “code.” When this code is submitted online, the AMEX card is automatically canceled.

So, how long do these select American Express cardholders have to take advantage of this offer? They have until the end of April. By that time, the entire balance of their credit card needs to be paid off. Once it is paid off, they will receive a $300 prepaid American Express gift card in the mail.

Here’s another catch to consider. AMEX members who do not pay off their credit card balance by the end of April will not receive the $300 gift card and their credit card accounts will still be automatically closed.

Molly Faust, an American Express spokesperson said, “The intention is to help cardholders lower their debt and encourage responsible management of their credit.” Consumers really shouldn’t expect anything less from the credit card company that consistently ranks highest in terms of customer satisfaction. While other credit card companies seem to be looking out for themselves, American Express is still focused on the customer.

Members who decide to take advantage of this incredible offer will pay off their balances at their normal, usual interest rate. Similarly, any member who participates in this offer and who has accumulated rewards through their reward program must cash in their points before initiating the cancellation process. Once the cancellation process has been started, all accumulated reward points will be forfeited.

If you have an American Express card, it might be beneficial to look into this offer. The enrollment deadline is February 28, so act now!

If you have been in the market for a new credit card, you may have noticed that customers perks are getting better and better. Credit card customers have a lot more to choose from these days instead of just frequent flier miles.

Retail stores and credit card companies are competing to win your love and devotion. In order to do this, they are offering better and better perks.

Reinier Evers, the founder of Trendwatching.com, said, “Old perks were very much about collecting points to get ‘stuff’ for less or even for free. But those programs often got complicated and confusing. It felt at times as if the companies were pulling a fast one on you.”

New credit card perks are designed to make each customer feel like a VIP. Each perk makes the customer feel special in one way or another.

Here are just a few examples of awesome, new credit card perks…

• Only American Express cardholders are eligible to buy the “winning dress that was featured on the September 3 episode of Project Runway.” The dress was sold for $650 through designer Diane von Furstenberg’s web site.

• Island Lincoln Mercury Land Rover and Jaguar in Merritt Island, Florida offers an unheard of perk for those who purchase vehicles through the dealership. Vehicles owners get exclusive “Island” access to their on-site facilities. These facilities include: a state-of-the-art health club, am 1890s styles barbershop, a play area for children, a video arcade, a theater, high-speed Internet access, free coffee at “Carbucks” cafe, the Tiki Grill restaurant and more. You can even fill up your car at their gas station and pay the wholesale price.

• Visa Signature cardholders can take advantage of a different kind of perk. These cardholders can use private luxury restrooms at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco. This is a much better option than using the other option… portable toilets.

These are just a few of the incredible perks available to card members. Everyone is competing for your business, so take advantage of these incredible perks and offers. Who says now isn’t the time to look for a new credit card?

In it’s December issue, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine chose the best credit card offers of 2008. Kiplinger’s chose four different credit cards to best suit almost any spending style in the most popular credit card categories: cash back, gas reward, travel and low rate. Using one of these credit cards can add up to huge savings every year. Review the list below to see the results.

1. Cash Back – Blue Cash from American Express
2. Gas – Chase BP Visa
3. Travel Rewards – Simmons First Visa Platinum Travel Rewards
4. Low Rate – Wells Fargo Prime Rate

If you pay your balance in full each month, be sure to check out these cards from American Express, Chase and Simmons First. For those that carry a balance, check out the low rate card from Wells Fargo.

To review the terms and conditons for each card, see the credit card issuer’s website for full details.

For me personally, the answer to that question is a resounding yes! Customer service isn’t just about talking with someone on the phone or at a counter and having them answer my question or conduct a transaction for me. It’s more about my overall impression of the entire experience; the atmosphere, the goods or services and the way I was treated makes the complete package, not just some salesperson sucking up to me to get a sale. I understand that not every person at every company has the capacity to perfrom at such a standard every time, but there are a few companies out there who just seem to get it right while others can’t.

Take for example two credit card companies – USAA and American Express. Both companies have received the highest rankings for customer satisfaction, one from Consumer Reports and the other from JD Power and Associates. Is this a coincidence that I have accounts with both of these companies? Not exactly. USAA is more by coincidence for me, but without surprise, while American Express is solely by choice. My experience with both of these companies has been excellent and it is no surprise to me that either of these companies receive high ratings from other customers and ultimately from organizations like Consumer Reports and JD Power and Associates. Using a credit card from American Express does come at some cost, but I knew that before I became a customer. To me that additional cost or slight inconvenience is more than worth it.

Just like you I’ve also had bad customer service experiences too. For many years I used cellular services provided by Sprint because I was getting a “great deal” (price) on my monthly bill. However, anytime I had a problems with my phone or service,  I had to go to a Sprint store where I expected to leave there completely frustrated with my blood near its boiling point. Sure the reps were nice for the most part, but no one could ever seem to really help me or fix my problem. Why I stayed with them for so many years, I don’t know, but I now recognize the money I saved on my monthly bill was not worth it at all. When the opportunity to switch to a different provider presented itself, I did so without hesitation. The money I saved resulted in a lot of frustration and an overall bad customer service experience.

So I beg the question, does customer service influence where you shop or which companies you use? For me the answer is clear, I would rather pay more, sometimes a lot more, to have customer service experiences like those I’ve had with USAA and American Express. Leave us your comments and feedback.

It isn’t any wonder why American Express receives such great customer satisfaction ratings. In fact, AMEX has scored the highest, in terms of customer satisfaction ratings, for several years in a row. American Express offers incredible and exclusive offers with its reward credit cards. You too can become an AMEX Network Member by choosing between the Rewards Gold card and the Rewards Platinum card.

American Express Rewards Gold

• - Earn extra points whenever you travel
• - The easiest and most exclusive Membership Rewards Program
• - Shop at the Bonus Points Mall Website
• - Use your points to pay
• - Take advantage of limited-time and exclusive offers
• - You can even earn double points on travel purchases
• - Enjoy an exclusive dining and entertainment experience

With the AMEX Rewards Gold credit card, you have the opportunity to earn premium card protection benefits and exclusive entertainment access. Every time you use your Rewards Gold card, you can turn these everyday purchases into Membership Reward Points. These points can be redeemed for a variety of products including: shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment rewards.

There isn’t a pre-set spending limit with the Rewards Gold credit card. You can take advantage of exclusive Member benefits for just $125 per year. With the Rewards Gold credit card, it is easy to earn points. You’ll earn one point for almost every dollar you spend using your card. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn, so you can earn and earn and earn. You can either earn and redeem or save them for a larger redemption down the road. You can shop online through the American Express network to find incredible and exclusive deals at the Bonus Points Mall. You can even buy extra points or advancing points at the Bonus Points Mall checkout.

As long as your account stays open, your points don’t expire. That means you can redeem your points now or save them for later. You can buy awesome products at www.shopamex.com or use your points for your next vacation. You points can even be transferred to a frequent flyer program or to redeem name brand gift cards.

American Express Rewards Platinum

• - Exclusive travel benefits which makes traveling more luxurious and easy
• - Experience the finest treasures in life with exclusive dining and event resources
• - Take advantage of guilt-free pleasures including shopping, dining and travel
• - Stay well protected with the only card that offers an outstanding protection plan
• - Utilize key resources and tools such as: online account management, bill pay, etc
• - Enjoy personalized service from the Platinum Card Concierge

The AMEX Gold Rewards credit card offers amazing benefits. The American Express Platinum credit card offers even more benefits. The Rewards Platinum card allows you to take advantage of the best offers and first class service. Enjoy the VIP lounges whenever you travel. You have access to over 500 exclusive hotels and resorts around the world. Take your family on a luxurious cruise with your Rewards Platinum credit card. The Platinum card allows you to enjoy customized benefits whenever you travel.

Your AMEX Rewards Platinum card can get you in to exclusive restaurants and events worldwide. Everyone deserves a treat now and then. You can enjoy more indulgences with the Platinum card. You’ll be automatically enrolled in the AMEX Fine Dining program which allows you to dine in the finest gourmet restaurants around the world. You can also experience and enjoy preferential access to select special events.

The Rewards Platinum credit card has more protection programs included than any other credit card. You can travel securely with the Worldwide travel insurance program, fraud protection, emergency card replacement and other optional coverages. You can also shop with ease and confident with its worry-free shopping program. Take advantage of other resources like 24/7 Online Account management, access eNewsletter, bill pay, an itemized Year-End summary and more.

The American Express Rewards Platinum credit card is the best credit card with exclusive benefits just for you. You can take advantage of AMEX’s point redemption program and customized features and benefits just for you.

American Express has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any credit card company (JD Power 2008). Customers are pleased with the customer service that American Express offers. They are also satisfied with the exclusive membership benefits and great deals they get with their American Express card. In addition to other benefits, American Express offers fantastic deals through its partnership with Delta. Check out the American Express Platinum Delta card and the American Express Gold Delta card.

American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles

You can earn 15,000 Bonus SkyMiles when you make your first purchase using your American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles card. With 5,000 of these miles actually counting as Medallion Qualification Miles. You also can earn 10,000 bonus Medallion Qualification Miles every year when you spend $25,000. When you spend $50,000, you can earn an additional 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles.

Every year you renew your card, you’ll receive a complementary companion certificate. This means you have a better chance of flying for free and taking someone with you. With the American Express Platinum Delta card, you always earn two fly miles for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases. You’ll earn one Delta mile for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.

You can also take advantage of the Pay with Miles program. This is an exclusive program, available only to American Express card members. It allows you to redeem your SkyMiles for any Delta flight, any time. You’ll also save five percent on Delta flights when you use your American Express Platinum Delta credit card.

The American Express Delta Platinum card also has a low annual fee. You can add the Emergency Card Replacement and Identity Theft Assistance. With this program you can easily manage your card online and you have access to over 500,000 ATMs around the world.

American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles

The first time you use your American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles card, you will get 20,000 bonus miles. You can also get an additional 5,000 bonus miles when you add two additional cards to your account. There is no annual fee the first year, which makes it even easier to enjoy the benefits of being a Delta SkyMiles customer.

You’ll earn two SkyMiles for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases and one SkyMile for all other purchases. As long as your account stays open, your miles never expire. That means you can earn miles now and use them ten years from now. It is so easy to sign up for the American Express Delta Gold card. You can be approved in 60 seconds or less.

The American Express Delta Gold card also comes with the Global Assist Hotline and the Emergency Card Replacement program. You can access your account online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At the end of the year, you’ll also receive an Online Year-End Summary which automatically organizes your previous charges into easy to read categories. The American Express Delta Gold card is the perfect personal credit card for the everyday consumer.

Get Ready. Get Set. GO with American Express’s My Wishlist. This holiday season is going to be the best one yet when you use My Wishlist. My Wishlist is only available to American Express cardmembers. Here’s how the program works:

1. Register at mywishlist.amexnetwork.com
2. Watch the video to make sure you understand how My Wishlist works
3. Start buying hot products and featured products at unbelievable deals

It really pays to have an American Express card…especially during the holidays. Join the AMEX network to make sure you are connected with the hottest products and the lowest prices this holiday shopping season.

My Wishlist is a personalized website that lets you do your holiday shopping online. The website is easy to use and you’ll be sure to get the lowest prices. There are hot products, featured products and Wish certificates to choose from. You can buy hot products three times a day. The calendar at the top of the page let’s you know when these products will be on sale for ‘hot’ prices. You can know exactly when you need to log-in and secure unbelievable deals with one simple click.

Featured products are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These products are available while supplies last. You can buy featured products at the special cardholder rate with the touch of a button.

Wish certificates are available three times a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can get up to 25 percent off from name brand retailers from around the nation. Choose the Wish certificate you want, click ‘Unlock to begin’, enter your card number and click ‘I want it.’ It’s that simple.

Get Hot Products and Wish Certificates three times a day (while supplies last) in just three simple steps. You can get featured products any time throughout the promotion. You can find even more exclusive offers when you shop using My Wishlist. It will really pay to be an American Express cardholder this holiday season when you use My Wishlist.

People everywhere are experiencing the “credit crunch.” Some people have been feeling the effects of the credit crunch for several months while others are just beginning to feel it. Credit card companies have begun to take drastic measures in determining someones credit worthiness.

Have you ever heard the adage “guilt by association?” American Express customers have now been linked into that category. American Express is now limiting cardholders’ freedom according to where they live, shop, etc.

Customers are completely outraged. American Express customers around the country have recently noticed lower limits and tighter restrictions. Some customers are now having to consider closing their businesses. Without the freedom to purchase products for their business, many people might have to close their doors.

American Express has sent letters to people with AmEx cards notifying them of the changes. These letters include several reasons why the changes have been implemented. Among these reasons are, “Our credit experience with customers who have made purchases at establishments where you have recently used your card.” Another reason has been, “Our analysis of the credit risk associated with customers who have residential loans from the creditor indicated in your credit report.”

This is the first time that such limits have been implemented, although rumors of such limitations have been around for quite some time. American Express is completely defending their position on the issue. AmEx has decided to monitor credit risks. This includes monitoring credit profiles, income, credit reports from all three credit bureaus, payment history, etc. However, the major credit card company is also considering factors that have recently arisen from the struggling economy.

It does seem surprising that a major credit card company is taking such drastic measures to monitor credit risks. The lack of credit risk monitoring is a major contributor to the current crisis facing our economy. However, restricting someones account because they shop at a particular store or have a loan with a particular lender seems a bit unethical.

A troubling economy has led to drastic measures being taken by everyone. What will this lead to next? This is certainly a major issue for a country that lives primarily on credit. Our country is being forced to learn how to live without credit, or at least as much credit.

American Express is one of the nation’s leading credit card companies. Customers are extremely satisfied with the services that American Express has to offer. American Express ranks the highest in customer satisfaction (JD Power, 2008) out of all of the major credit card companies.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

No matter what type of credit card you are looking for, American Express is sure to have the right card for you. The American Express Gold Rewards credit card has been a customer favorite for a long time. The Gold Reward program is a special type of reward program. You can join this exclusive program without an annual fee for the first year.

Customers say that the Gold Rewards program is fast, flexible and extremely easy to use. The program lets choose from over 21 different airlines when you redeem your travel rewards. The AMEX Gold Reward program also hosts a number of Gold Card Events. These events are only available to Gold Reward members. You can get exclusive deals for shows, sporting events, concerts and more.

Every time you use your Gold Rewards card, you accumulate points. For every dollar you spend (using your AMEX Gold Rewards card), you earn 1 Membership Rewards point. You don’t have to worry about using your points by a certain date. There is no expiration date or limit to the number of points you can earn. If you want exclusive deals on many different services and products, join the American Express Gold Rewards program today.

American Express Preferred Rewards Green

The American Express Green Rewards credit card‘s reward program still offers the same great customer service but with different rewards. You can earn a 10,000 Membership Rewards bonus if you spend just $500 in your first three months of being a Green Rewards member. You can redeem this bonus for up to $100 in gift cards from major retailers, entertainment partners and restaurants nationwide.

Just like the Gold Rewards program, you still have the option of redeeming your points for travel rewards. You can still choose from over 21 different airlines to make your travel experience unique. You even have the option of transferring your points into 17 different frequent flier programs. Every point you transfer is equal to 1 frequent flier mile. Earn 1 Membership point for every dollar you spend using your Green Rewards card.

You can get an added buyer protection service that allows your credit to be better protected. American Express offers unbeatable customer service and outstanding rewards programs. If you want to be a member of the #1 exclusive rewards program, join the Gold Rewards program. If you don’t care about the Gold Card Events, but still want to benefits of a great American Express card, sign up for a Green Reward card today. Either way, your credit card needs are sure to be met by American Express.

If you have been thinking about applying for the True Earnings Costco American Express card or have been looking for a cash back credit card with additional rebates on gas purchases – now is the time. The Costco American Express card is now offering a $25 statement credit to new applicants after first purchase made with the card. Use the card to buy gas, go to lunch or pay a bill and get a $25 statement credit in additional to the cash rebate you’ll earn on your purchase.

Check out the highlights for the Costco American Express credit card:

• Earn cash back on gas and a $25 statement credit with your first purchase made with the Card!
• Earn cash back virtually everywhere you go – 3% for gasoline, 3% for restaurants, 2% for travel, 1% everywhere else, including Costco
• No Annual Fee with your paid Costco Membership
• The TrueEarnings Card serves as both your American Express Credit Card and your Costco Membership Card
• No Limit on the Cash Back earned

To apply for the American Express Costco card and to start earning cash back on every purchase, you must be a Costco member.