American Express Membership Rewards - Amex Key Fobs...How to get one?

I know Amex issues key-fobs that can be used for ExpressPay and such, but I've never had one nor known anyone who has had one...

So I am wondering how to get one, and what they are like? Are they like the Bank of America ones that you can swipe too, or just Express-Pay only?

What cards are they available for? Are they even available in the US?

Anyone who knows, would be much appreciated!

I know Amex issues key-fobs that can be used for ExpressPay and such, but I've never had one nor known anyone who has had one...

So I am wondering how to get one, and what they are like? Are they like the Bank of America ones that you can swipe too, or just Express-Pay only?

What cards are they available for? Are they even available in the US?

Anyone who knows, would be much appreciated!

They are available on two cards if I recall correctly....Blue (student Blue included) and the SPG Platinum card.

I'm not sure how the Bank of America one works, but I would assume they are the same concept. With my Blue card it just has the chip built in and I hold it close to the reader at the POS, the reader beeps and a receipt prints out.

Here's the link from the Amex website about express pay (https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=expresspay)

I have the Blue for Students already, and it has the chip built in.

I like using my charge card for everyday stuff, though, (keeps me in line...have to pay in full that way), and was wondering if I can get one for that...they key fob style?

I have the Blue for Students already, and it has the chip built in.

I like using my charge card for everyday stuff, though, (keeps me in line...have to pay in full that way), and was wondering if I can get one for that...they key fob style?


I have the Blue for Students as well...express pay comes in handy at 7-11 after a few too many drinks and the card is hard to dig out of my wallet :)


No Amex charge card offers the express pay (chip or key fob) as far as I know.

The website seems to indicate that it is only available on some of their credit card products, however I have the keyfob and it has been linked to my AmEx charge card for a couple of years now. I picked up a registration brochure a couple of years ago at a Cold Stone Creamery in Phoenix. I was told that they were using Phoenix as one of the test markets, so I signed up and put my regular AmEx number on the profile.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=expresspay&module=6

The website seems to indicate that it is only available on some of their credit card products, however I have the keyfob and it has been linked to my AmEx charge card for a couple of years now. I picked up a registration brochure a couple of years ago at a Cold Stone Creamery in Phoenix. I was told that they were using Phoenix as one of the test markets, so I signed up and put my regular AmEx number on the profile.

I'm gonna call them up and ask them this. This would be great if you could actually do this

Hi,

I have the AMX Platinum card and called customer service and asked them how to get an ExpressPay key fob. They put me through to the department and I ordered one. I then had it linked to my AMEX Platinum Charge Card, which does not otherwise use ExpressPay.

Hope this helps answer the question: You can have a regular charge card linked to an ExpressPay key fob, but not all cards have the chip functionality built in.

Eric

The key fob is available or all amex products from amex. I have one of each product and I have them on all. They even make a debit version.

The debit version is additional security (and not for cash(!)), right?

It is an Express Pay key fob that is linked to your checking account.

Just tried requesting it for my Centurion card...no dice from Centurion customer service. Apparently the 2 people I spoke with had no idea of even the concept of a key fob. They kept thinking I was referring to getting an RFID chip in my card, even after I explained what the key fob was.

Then I noticed there was a dedicated number to call for ExpressPay customer service. They were able to help a little, but unfortunately a supplementary cardholder cannot request one unless the primary acct is also ExpressPay enabled. Just something to keep in mind in case anybody else out there is not the primary on their account...

I ordered a key fob today linked to my Gold Rewards Plus. I generally use gift cards for the places I frequent most (Starbucks, Subway, Jamba Juice, etc.) by funding them with my Amex card so I don't have to carry the card unless I specifically plan to use it. I had originally planned to do the same thing with the key fob. Just load it up with a set amount for 7-11/drugstore runs. However, if you do that, it's deemed a cash advance vs. a normal purchase. Of course, it has no bearing on the charge cards, but if anyone is planning to prepay with a link to Blue, this is something to be aware of.

That's an awesome turn of events, guys. I will ordering a key fob for my Platinum Card on monday. I can't wait, it is a neat system and I can use it at CVS and such...

What is the appeal? I'm not sure I understand.

It's this little RFID keychain tag...looks kind of like those ones you get from Winn-Dixie, CVS, and Harris Teeter...you know, you put them on your keys and they get a discount when you check out...

Anyway, Amex's version, they have a bunch of merchants signed up for this "Express pay" thing...so you get the keychain tag and you can just wave it near the cash register, and it automatically completes your purchase without you having to enter any numbers or sign anything.

Works off of a radio frequency if I understand correctly. It very neat.

Thanks. I understand how the tag works. I just don't see why I'd want it. I think the only reason is the convenience of not having to get out your wallet? I believe the card itself already has the RFID.

Only two Amex cards carry the RFID technology built into the card itself, Blue and Starwood.

The rest do not have that capability.

I use my charge card for most everything, mainly because since I have to pay it off every month it keeps me out of trouble. The Platinum Card does not have RFID capability.

Yet, the couple times I've used it on my Blue, the experience was wonderful. You don't have to bother with being hassled for ID because they never so much as even see your credit card, and they aren't allowed to ask anyway...the process is totally automatic and the cashier has no input.

You don't have to deal with those freaking ANNOYING little touch screen dealies where you have to push 10 buttons to tell it what to do, and usually enter your zip code, and you don't have to sign anything to complete the purchase. You literally just wave the RFID tag at the cash register, the approval is instant, the receipt prints out, and you walk out.

Convenience-wise it's great. Plus, it's just fun watching the 4 people in line ahead of you have to fumble for their ID for some cashier that gets off on demanding it, and then be able to walk up, wave the thing, grab the receipt, and leave.

Thanks. I didn't realize that there are literally no buttons to press like on a debit/credit reader. I'm using SPG so I'll try it if I see an opportunity.

Big caveat with these. Apparently, they don't use the same authorization system for the key fobs as the actual card, and if their 'system is down' you will get a decline at the terminal regardless of your account status.

I speak from experience.:mad:

Apparently, they don't use the same authorization system for the key fobs as the actual card
I'd wondered about this- not only do the charges seem to take forever to post, but every 7-11 purchase comes thru as "ExpressPay on Blue- Tulsa, OK", which made me think the first time I'd used one that I'd had a fraudulent charge.

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=expresspay&module=6

this link always gives me an error after taking my login and password: "Your operation was not successful. Please try again later."

this link always gives me an error after taking my login and password: "Your operation was not successful. Please try again later."

Go here:

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=expresspay


At the bottom there is a button with a pic of the keyfob on it, click that

It says:

The ExpressPay Key Fob is a small device that fits right on your key chain, so you'll always have exact change whenever you shop. No more fumbling with loose change or running to the ATM.
You should be the only person using your key fob. If you have linked ExpressPay to your American Express® Card, you can get an additional key fob for every additional Card that you have on the account by calling 1-800-448-6400.

There are two ways you can fund your ExpressPay key fob.
Link to an American Express® Card
Have your purchases billed directly to your American Express Card. All charges appear right on your statement, highlighted as ExpressPay purchases and accompanied by the name and location of the merchant where you made the purchase.
You can spend up to $150 a day. If you have linked ExpressPay to your American Express® Card, you can get an additional key fob for every additional Card that you have on the account.
Pre-Pay Your ExpressPay from Another Card
Pre-pay your ExpressPay with an amount of your choice from your American Express Card, MasterCard®, Visa®, or Discover® card. Whenever you use ExpressPay, your purchases are deducted right from the pre-paid amount.
You can reload ExpressPay anytime you want, or choose to have it automatically reloaded whenever it runs low. Learn more
If you have chosen to pre-pay ExpressPay, you can get up to three additional key fobs to share with your friends and family.

you see, i hate using the phone. i just sent a "secure" email thru the ax website and we'll see what happens. the secure email thing usually ends up being pretty useless but still i try ...

[QUOTE=tifosi chris;7589183]Go here:

https://www124.americanexpress.com/cards/loyalty.do?page=expresspay


At the bottom there is a button with a pic of the keyfob on it, click that

Just requested it last week as a charge-to for my Cent card, called Cent CS first and they directed me to whatever third-party people are doing the fobs.

They asked a ton of information, which made me as "is this opening a new line of credit?" but they said it was just to make sure that could match the account information to amex correctly, which makes me think it is indeed a third-party doing it that has little to do with Amex.

Just requested it last week as a charge-to for my Cent card, called Cent CS first and they directed me to whatever third-party people are doing the fobs.

They asked a ton of information, which made me as "is this opening a new line of credit?" but they said it was just to make sure that could match the account information to amex correctly, which makes me think it is indeed a third-party doing it that has little to do with Amex.

EVERYBODY gets your info (affiliates).

See

http://www.spychips.com

Katherine Albrecht - a woman who is educating the populace on all this "new RFID technology".

They asked a ton of information, which made me as "is this opening a new line of credit?" but they said it was just to make sure that could match the account information to amex correctly, which makes me think it is indeed a third-party doing it that has little to do with Amex.

that's what i was thinking when i went through the process yesterday. card number, ssn, ... they said it'd take 7-10 days to get the keyfob to me.

I think the key fobs are an interesting concept, but personally don't see much of a use for them--particularly given that the SPG AmEx has a chip built in. I guess there is some effort required in opening one's wallet and removing a card. :)