No more American Express at Costco

The partnership between American Express and Costco will dissolve on March 31, 2016

Currently, American Express is the only accepted credit card in Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Other forms of payment accepted at Canadian, United Kingdom, and United States Costco locations include cash, Costco Cash Cards, Costco credit cards, checks, EBT cards (food stamps), and PIN-based debit cards (Interac in Canada). Costco also accepts Flexible spending account (FSA) debit cards for qualifying purchases at the optical and pharmacy departments in the U.S.

Online, Costco.com accepts the American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards. The website also accepts PayPal Credit accounts for payment.

As of January 1, 2015 MasterCard is the only accepted credit card at Costco warehouses in Canada.

As of February 12, 2015, the 16 year partnership between American Express and Costco will dissolve March 31, 2016, meaning that Costco will no longer accept American Express credit cards and members that enrolled in TrueEarnings Costco-American Express cards will no longer be able to use it anywhere else within the United States after March 31, 2016. There may be some leeway to this date, where the cards may be accepted beyond March 31, 2016, but it depends on what happens between the two companies in the following months. American Express mentioned that it and Costco failed to reach an agreement that would have continued their partnership beyond March 31, 2016, the end date of their contract. The department between American Express and Costco will have a large impact on consumers because Costco is one of the few large-scale retailers that only accepts American Express and not Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. However, Costco accepts debit cards from Visa and MasterCard. The TrueEarnings Costco-American Express card does not have an annual fee and offers cash back on certain tiers of purchases. American Express however, offers a deal to new cardholders, such as zero percent interest for six months, followed by a variable rate at 15.24%. The result of the termination of contracts between the two companies will open doors to other financial service companies. Although Costco has not confirmed their new and upcoming credit card holder, it has been rumored though that Costco may consider adopting MasterCard and Capital One to replace American Express.

Costco American Express Cash Back Reward

Costco and American Express are breaking up. My American Express card will no longer work at Costco next year. I will no longer receive a cashback reward check. Without a Costco cash-back reward, I have no reason to continue using the American Express card.

Anyway, here’s my cash back reward certificate of $262.03

I am crossing my fingers for good news on the AmEx alternative for Costco members.

Happy Valentine’s Day (2015)

Happy Valentine’s Day (2015).

Viagra girl says that half of the men over 40 suffer from some form of ED. But, I think most men can solve their problems by just watching this commercial (this model).

Posted in Personal Comments Off on Happy Valentine’s Day (2015)
Product Review – Water Ridge Kitchen Faucet

February 1, 2015 – after 2 weeks of use.

  • This kitchen faucet by Water Ridge is good for what you pay ($78.99). The pull-out feature & spray features function OK. Installation was easy. It works for me, but this is not for rich people.
  • Money to value score: 91%
  • Satisfaction score: 89%
  • Regret score: 0%
  • Complaints: (The faucet is good overall. I’m just being picky).
    • The faucet feels lighter than it should. It doesn’t feel solid, heavy, and expensive. You may even say it feels (somewhat) flimsy.
    • It lacks precision in water flow control. Control is OK/good, but not great. I bet expensive faucets provide better control (precision).
    • I cannot use the spray at low flow.
    • It comes with 1 sinkhole cover. But, I can see many people would need the second sinkhole cover.
  • Rich men score: I would buy a better faucet if I made $250K / year
  • I don’t understand the bad reviews – maybe I have a low standard? Or maybe I need to give it more time? we’ll have to wait and see. So far, I am happy with it. My kitchen looks better. I enjoy my time in the kitchen more.

Water Ridge (WaterRidge) Costco kitchen faucet

Water Ridge (WaterRidge) kitchen faucet