[KnowItAll]

Didn't mean Amex Credit cards, their charge card (not sure what their conversion rate is right now and as far as I know they've not co-branded their charge cards with anyone else)

[Jon.E.Kong]

Originally Posted by c1000

A few things annoy me about my HSBC account:

- Long lines at lunch time

Are you insane!?!?!?!

[MovingIn07]

sure there are alot of people in hk, but there are alot of bank staff too and they choose not to bother to open up extra tills etc. That IS a valid point about customer service!

[pin]

Originally Posted by tsuiwah

I think Amex has the higher transaction/conversion fees on overseas usage (at least DBS Amex versus my BEA or UOB Visa cards).

DBS Amex offers extra miles/points on overseas usage, but it comes at a cost.

I've found that to be the case as well. Used to use Amex DBS abroad cause of the higher rate for AM, however now found out they have higher fees, am using my Visa cards when abroad.

Now that the HK$ has dropped against the £, I've sent some money back to the UK and am using my Nationwide CC and debit card (no foreign fees), while I'm abroad.

[pin]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

Didn't mean Amex Credit cards, their charge card (not sure what their conversion rate is right now and as far as I know they've not co-branded their charge cards with anyone else)

from the t&c for amex charge cards:

"FOREIGN CURRENCY CHARGES If you make a Charge in a currency other than Hong Kong Dollars, that Charge will be converted into Hong Kong Dollars. The conversion will take place on the date the Charge is processed by American Express, which may not be the same date on which you made your Charge as it depends on when the Charge was submitted to American Express. If the Charge is not in U.S. Dollars, the conversion will be made through U.S. Dollars, by converting the Charge amount into U.S. Dollars and then by converting the U.S. Dollar amount into Hong Kong Dollars. If the Charge is in U.S. Dollars, it will be converted directly into Hong Kong Dollars. Unless a specific rate is required by applicable law, you understand and agree that the American Express treasury system will use conversion rates based on interbank rates that it selects from customary industry sources on the business day prior to the processing date, increased by a single conversion commission of 2%. If Charges are converted by third parties prior to being submitted to us, any conversions made by those third parties will be at rates selected by them."

Seems visa remains cheaper (they do a straight 2% charge, as opposed to a double conversion that Amex will use, if not paying in US$).

[KnowItAll]

got it - was assuming it was something like the overseas surcharge that Visa or someone else has.

[Jon.E.Kong]

Originally Posted by MovingIn07

sure there are alot of people in hk, but there are alot of bank staff too and they choose not to bother to open up extra tills etc. That IS a valid point about customer service!

Sorry should have clarified. I also agree this is bad customer service. Only pointing out it's insane to go to a bank at lunch hour here, that is if you actually want to eat lunch.

[MovingIn07]

oh I see what you mean. I tend to grab a take-away at 12 sharp so does not take up my whole lunch hour queuing for lunch!

[pin]

Originally Posted by Jon.E.Kong

Sorry should have clarified. I also agree this is bad customer service. Only pointing out it's insane to go to a bank at lunch hour here, that is if you actually want to eat lunch.

vote with your feet, and go to another bank. oh wait, other banks are just as bad.

oh well, use internet banking, but oh wait, some stuff require you to visit to set stuff up.

[MovingIn07]

Pin - that's about it! [Sighs]