NEW YORK, NY: Don't Leave Home Without It (2/5/10)

Don't leave home without it. Although usually "it" is a flask, I'm talking about my American Express card. American Express is a charge card with an annual fee. This sounds like it could be a bone, but my AmEx is the best thing to have happened in my role as a financially responsible individual. Let me start by illuminating the perks of this little mean green machine.

Customer service. I've called AmEx several times to question charges, enroll in programs, pay my bills, etc- and their customer service is absolutely outstanding.

1) First of all SOMEONE ALWAYS PICKS UP THE PHONE! Beyond providing my card number, I have never spoken to an automatron.

2) Second, they're professional. Nobody kisses my ass, they just treat me like a normal human being.

3) Third, I know AmEx has my back. When I've called to dispute a charge, I've never been treated like I was the wrongdoer. Everything has always been resolved respectfully, professionally, quickly, and cleanly.

Their programs are awesome.

1) First- they have a credit watch center! I'm twenty-four, and I know nothing about credit except that I need to pay my bills on time if I eventually want to buy a house. But how do I monitor my own credit? How do I know who to hire to monitor my credit without worrying about them pulling a report that would have an effect my score? Well, American Express monitors my credit regularly- without pulling a credit report. They let me know if something fishy is up and they fix it right away.

2) Travel insurance. Through a responsible insurance carrier, AmEx provides travel insurance. I know if I end up in Paris, France and my bags go to Paris, Texas- AmEx has my back. They'll pay for me to wear new duds until my bag arrives.

3) I have my own personal accountant at AmEx. The Money Manager tracks my monthly budget and tells me how to keep on track. Money Manager also tells me when I've spent more on my dog than on human food this month... which it actually told me yesterday...

4) I get concert tickets, dinner reservations, flight deals, car rental offers, etc- for discount prices, and in advance.

They're hardcore about their customers.

Aside from general customer service wonderment and sweet perks, American Express is hardcore about their card-members.

1) Each time I call I am reminded of how valued I am, and how long I have been with AmEx.

2) They alert me when there is a fishy charge.

3) They offer me new services I never knew existed. If the service has a cost, they are upfront about it right away.

4) AmEx takes their responsibility to their customers seriously. They even donate to worthy causes they know are close to their clients' hearts.

With AmEx, I feel taken care of. The Roman dude with the broom hat is the perfect image for this company (even though they're American), because they are the gold (or in this case, green) standard of protection, service, and fighting on behalf of their card-members. It may seem like a spontaneous love fest- but after having called AmEx in a panic this morning, and being told "don't worry- this is why we're here," I am just so grateful. I am a lifelong AmEx customer. If you haven't opened an account yet, do it. Even if you don't use it that much- keep it. The longer you're with AmEx, the more you are valued. Man, I love these guys.