American Express has been taking it in the shins lately.  Frankly, they deserve a bit of constructive criticism for some of the conduct I’ve read about in the papers such as cutting cardmembers off for using their card at shops where their computers say other shoppers have had problems paying there bill and such whether you’ve had trouble paying your bill or not.

An article in today’s Wall Street Journal (subscription required) really summed things up well.  Basically, the article traces a lot of Amex’s current troubles to a gradual shift away from it’s classic charge card business and into credit cards.  It’s a worthy read, and not just for those of you who are Amex customers.

These issues aside, I continue to carry two American Express cards, and have experienced no problems with credit limit reductions, spending limits and charging shut-offs.  I’m blessed with stable employment and an above average income, and I’m guessing that makes me a target demographic for Amex and most other financial firms right now.

I’ve posted about the American Express Platinum card previously, and I still recommend it for anyone that travels at a reasonably frequent level.  The Platinum card continues to offer a number of enticing benefits for travelers, topped off with day of travel lounge access for those flying American, Continental, Delta and Northwest.  That alone pays for the annual fee.  Add in the many other benefits of carrying this card, and you have a compelling case for ‘not leaving home without it.’  I certainly don’t.

Hat Tip:  Let me offer some recommended reading to you.  Creditmattersblog.com is a fantastic resource for those of you interested in the subject of credit.  I’ve learned a lot since I found this blog, and highly recommend it for your regular reading list.

OK, it isn’t really that sad, but March 1 is the day those of us who are losing status in a favorite frequent flyer program descend to dirt status.  Dirt status is no fun, and does not come with complimentary space-available upgrades.  Dirt status comes with Zone 96 stamped on your boarding pass, and I do not like it.

Yes, I am now Delta Dirt, and I do not care for it.  But I will rise again!  Delta, if you read this and want to have a little sympathy on someone…. I can be reached at the “contact me” link to your right.