Thread: New PR Gold Member - Advice Needed

Hey All!

First post, and first time - very informative site. So, I'll start off with some quick BG demographic info so you guys can judge some responses.

25 Yr Old / 85-95k Annual Salary - I applied for Premier Rewards Gold Card and was approved instantly online. My card is due to arrive later this week.

Now, I was very pleased considering the fact that adding up Luxury Spending / Monthly Bills would get me at a minimum of 2k/mo on the AMEX PR-Gold.

So, Come to find out, a few of the places where I am spending close to $500-$1,000 of my expenses per month do not accept AMEX. BUMMER.

Now, in turn, I am probably going to be starting out with a base minimum of $500 on the card monthly, but it will realistically be more like $1200-$1500 with Gas/Groceries/Shopping/etc.

My question: Is the AMEX PR-Gold WORTH it if I am only dropping $1200-$1500 a Month on the card?

My Lifestyle: I am a consultant, and am on the road ALOT of work - not by air - mostly by vehicle. Gas/Mileage Expenses add up each month. I also probably spend about $300 in food per month minimum. In my off/vacation time - I DO like to travel (main reason which spiked my interest in the PR-Gold)

I am interested in the rewards, and want to get as much of my expenses as possible on the AMEX, I also am influenced by the prestige of american express :P

thanks for listening, and appreciate any feedback.

I see 1200-1500 for gas/groceries/shopping assuming you are going to gas stations like Exxon Mobil, Sunoco, Getty, Citgo you shouldn't be having problems with your card. For groceries, places like Shoprite, King Kullen, Pathmark if these are the stores you mean, again there shouldn't be a problem with using your card.

If you mean certain bagel shops, convenience stores, these types of small businessrd you may have a problem using your Gold card. I think you should KEEP the card, unless while traveling on the road you mainly go to pizza places, small business likes delis etc. if your card isn't being accepted in 30% or more of the places you go. but if your card is being accepted in at least 70% of the places I would keep your card.

Spending that money every month, you might be getting like 1750 to 2000 MRP, at the beginning that might not be enough, but it add ups and soon enough you will have some good points to spend.

Also, you will find that you are going to start paying more and more with your card, and for sure you will be spending more than 1.5K per month on it.

GPR card is quite good, I put on it close to 5K every month and the points that i am getting are growing pretty good.

Is the first year free? I would "test drive" it for a few months. You might find alternative places that will accept Amex and end up putting more than you imagine on the card. After 3-6 months you should be able to gauge if the rewards are worth the annual fee. If it does work then you are on all set. If it is not going to work out then you have some decisions to make. If you do not like it, I would take the points and get the "best deal that you will use", and move to another card.

Hope it helps.

Pete838, may i ask where do you live? I find hard to think that there are not too many places that accepts the card. I mean, I live in an small city in CA, no more than 60K people, and even the most simple business out there take AMEX.

I know that not every business will take it, but I expect that in other countries, but not in the US.

You could make a similar list for visa and mastercard.

I almost never have trouble with acceptance of amex. Sure there are a few places that don't take it but not that many.

Hey Guys!

thanks for all the responses. I've had the card about two weeks so far, and am finding more and more to throw it. However - I am finding a trend with a lot of places that don't accept AMEX for the measly things... i.e - $100/mo on dry cleaning, $500/mo personal trainer, etc!!

I am on point with the $1200-$1500 a month, and most likely will figure that any large purchases i make in the future will most definitely be with my AMEX.

My Car Insurance company doesn't take AMEX either!! (Progressive) which sucks as well, considering my premium with them.

Oh well, Most likely if the card will pay for itself each year (which I am sure it will) I have no gripes using it - as opposed to just throwing everything on my debit card with no rewards whatsoever!