This to me was one of the best benefits Amex offered and I'm really upset about this change. It was one of the things that made me feel the annual fee was 100% worth it every year. I used it a few times in emergency situations and trust me, when you are in a situation where you need it, it's invaluable. Essentially, they would connect your Amex card to your bank account so you could use it as an ATM card. The funds would be drawn directly from your bank account and you would just pay a service charge. It was not considered a cash advance and did not accrue interest because the funds were being taking right from your bank account like an ATM card would.

It's not something you would use just because, it would be a way to get funds if your ATM card didn't work, usually because it either wasn't recognized by the machine you were trying to use or because your bank flagged it and shut your card off. I've been in both situations traveling in remote places at different hours of the day. Yes, I always bring cash to change in emergencies but places might be closed if you get to an airport late...there are a lot of situations you can try to prepare for and still end up in a bind.

Admittedly, this has happened less as networks and banks have gotten better and I haven't had to use this a lot. Most people probably never use this. But the extra level of security in being able to get cash really gave me piece of mind.

It's kind of strange that Amex would discontinue this. It's not like you could not pay the bill....the funds were taken right from your bank account. I guess they want to make more money, but when you have customers already paying $550 a year for their card...idk.

I'll manage but, for me at least, this really set the Amex apart as a card that you needed as a frequent traveler because they provided you with extra support and protection around the world that no one else provided. I'm sad to lose this!