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.

Over the course of the past few weeks, several changes have occurred to many of the credit cards on our website along with the complete removal of others. The proverbial belt of available credit appears to be tightening even more as interest rates are raised, credit lines are trimmed and cards are eliminated all together. And all of this is happening just as we enter into the holiday season, the time of year where retailers offer great deals on merchandise and the demand for credit increases dramatically.

Despite all the changes and the reasons for those changes, there are still some really good credit cards available and even some issuers have improved their offers for holiday shoppers this season. If you’ve been thinking about applying for a credit card this holiday season, now is the time to do so. Several very competitive and industry stalwarts are still available that earn rewards, allow you to make purchases or balance transfers for an introductory 0% APR and help establish or rebuild credit.

The term “Black Friday” can be traced back to the 1960’s in Philadelphia (WikiPedia 2008) and did not carry the same connotation it carries now. Nowadays, “Black Friday” is still synonymous with long lines and traffics jams, but more importantly the amazing deals retailers offer us on electronics, clothing and other holiday merchandise. If you’re one of the few employees who still gets a Christmas or year-end bonus, taking advantage of the “Black Friday” deals may not always be practical with the timing of a bonus. However, taking advantage of an introductory 0% APR on purchases would allow you to enjoy the special pricing on the day after Thanksgiving for many of your gifts, pay no interest and pay off the balance with your bonus. You can also enjoy additional savings when using a reward credit card.

If your looking past the holidays in anticipation to the start of a new year and are looking to make a few New Years goals, like getting out of debt, then check out balance transfer offers. Bank of America has extended some of their balance transfer offers to 15 months for 0% APR and a low 3% transfer fee. For those with a balance still on their department store credit cards accruing 20 plus percent interest, check out card offers that offer lower rates on balance transfers for those with excellent, above average and good credit.

No matter what type of credit you have, there are still many offers to choose from. Making sure you act fast to save additional money on holiday purchases, saving money on existing balances or to rebuild your credit, there is a credit card offer available for every need. Remember this holiday season to read the full terms and conditions of each card and never over-extend yourself from your ability to repay your balance in full within a reasonable time if necessary.

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.

Remember when milk was less than a dollar per gallon? Remember when a gallon of gas was just barely over a dollar per gallon? Remember when everything was less expensive? This time has long since passed. But, did you know that Starwood Hotels now offers rates based on your birth year?

Starwood Hotels and Resorts is celebrating your birthday. Any Starwood Hotel and Resort guest can pay a special rate that is equal to their birth year. You stay has to be a minimum of two nights and a maximum of three nights. You have until December 30 to take advantage of these incredible rates.

Here’s how it works. You’ll pay the regular rate the first night (rates vary at participating Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheraton and element hotels) and the special birth year rate the second and/or third night. If you were born in 1940, you’ll $40 for the second and/or third night of your stay.

If you want to stay at the luxurious Equinox Golf Resort and Spa, you’ll be able to take advantage of a similar promotion. If you were born in 1942, you’ll pay $142 for your second and/or third night. If you were born in 1964, you’ll pay $164 for your second and/or third night.

This is the perfect way to get away before Christmas. If you want to getaway to Boston, Manchester, Lexington, Providence, Stamford, Hartford, Burlington or the Canadian destinations of Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Halifax, Hamilton and Collingwood.

Call 1-866-716-8119 to book your weekend or weekday getaway. These exclusive rates are per night and per room and are based on single or double occupancy only. Some hotels offer limited dates throughout November. Other hotels offer the promotion on certain days of the week - Thursday through Sunday arrivals. You can also go online to book your stay www.starwoodhotels.com/payyourage.

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.