I'm afraid that this isn't true in all cases. AMEX are wonderfully flexible with my account. I have a high limit and they have moved heaven and earth for me on occasion. I have also been with them for ten years.

Mother Continentalclub has only been a primary account holder for 5 months however - and it's a different story for her. It seems that, certainly for the first six months, the account is technically 'on probation' and there is no flexibility whatsoever. We have tried putting it into credit, lifting the limit, paying early and all to no avail. It's part of the business model and, to be honest, I can see why it might be sensible for them.

Any card issuer that doesn't constantly bombard me with balance transfer 'offers' and credit card 'cheques' is favoured in my book, even if they nanny us a bit at first