Jan 16, 2021 01:00 AM
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(Updated Jan 16, 2021 12:38 PM)
I was offered this basic card back in 2018 for free and have used it since, for the last 2.5 years until its services were stopped. I was quite satisfied using it and will now elaborate on the same.
FEATURES:
Points Accrual: It accrues 1 point every Rs. 50 spent. So, accountability of your spends is more assured and steady. I also managed to use it at the time of specific offers, which made the accrual more beneficial and more rewarding at times. There is no cap on accrual of points, which is good.
Points Redemption: This is mostly at a fixed rate of 0.25 per rupee spent. However, I have benefited from using it on the right occasions with specific offers which made it more rewarding than it was, at times.
Redemption Catalogue: It had certain different things and some variety to offer in its redemption catalogue like books and some niche items, which is good to see. Generally not seen in regular redemptions of most other cards in its category.
Pay with Points: "Pay with Points" feature is implemented in a very transparent and unconditional manner for card users, compared to other cards.
Fraud Liability & Replacability: Although I've never used or intend to use these features, replaceability is believed to be very simple and hassle free. Its 0 fraud liability is also a good feature of this card and simple procedure wise. Good to have.
Secure Transactions: "Safe Key" is a good feature which is known by other names like "netsafe" or in more common terms, their version of "OTP" for some other cards for online transactions. A more generic form of this feature is the "eAZEE Click" transaction for more ease.
International transactions are also supported. They have 1 additional implicit feature for reasons of security, which is better not disclosed.
Customer Care: My experience with their customer care was that they were quite prompt, comprehensive and articulate in their services.
Wi-Fi Support: The card supported Wi-Fi transactions in addition to being a chip enabled card, which is also good.
Other Features: EMI options are possible in this card. You can withdraw upto a set cash limit in a month. For me, the credit limit was Rs. 50k and cash withdrawal limit was Rs. 10k (very basic), but that is subject to flexibility for modification. I never bothered to modify it.
Cons: "American Express Gateway" is overall limited as an accepted gateway at outlets in India at the moment, compared to "VISA" and "Master" and others. But I'm not sure it can be called their fault. That will probably improve with time.
I'd say for the basic card that it was, it did all the important things right and over performed compared to its premise, in certain aspects, on occasions. I was quite happy with my first stint with Amex here.
