I'm new to the Amex "charge" world, and this all kinda mystifes me. I mean, if I have a credit card with say a $5000 limit, I know that I am not going to be embarrassed at a restaurant unless I am a) over my limit or b) didn't pay my bill -- two factors which are almost always well within my control.

But with the "no preset spending limit" scenario, I am finding myself constantly afraid to use my card, since I never know what Amex is going to think is "too much" or "differs from my regular spending pattern."

How do Amex charge cardmembers reconcile their use of the Card with the inherent uncertainty of the on-the-fly credit decisions that Amex makes for its charge products?

Thanks in advance for any guidance...

best, Lewis