I also posted this on the big game forum...

So you ask, what does this have to do with hunting? A whole lot!

If you aren't familiar with a post I made sometime back in October 2005, it concerned a bear I left with a taxidermist. Do a search on my name and you'll find it.

I shot a bear, a nice black bear boar with a big white patch on it's chest in June of '04 in Idaho. It was a very cool bear, trust me. Due to hot weather I left him with the outfitter recommended taxidermist.

This taxidermist FINALLY contacted me in March of 2005 for a deposit and discussion on a mount. I paid the deposit with my Amex, $450 for a 3/4 mount.

In October I got a crappy notice from some local court that this taxidermist filed bankruptcy.

I called Amex.

They investigated.

No response from the taxidermist (no surprise).

Amex ATE the $450, they creditied my account for the full amount. What an awesome company!

Lesson: USE YOUR AMEX

So, don't go hunting with out your American Express card!

I don't know if any other CC comapnies are this good but, I am very happy with the outcome.

My bear skin and skull was also recovered, it's now being handled by a professional who's bent over backwards helping me with this situation and that is our own Widowmaker 416, Ron Newman.

Certain credit cards also will perform currency exchange for no charge so check out the cards you carry if you plan to use them in Africa or any other country.

Congradulations on getting your bear. Now I am starting to worry again about my pronghorn I shot in Montana in Sept of 04. The Taxidermist just says it will be done soon. I think it is time to check again and I have some contacts in Montana that can help me. AT least it is not a bear or something like a Waterbuck.

Good luck getting your antelope!

I hope the taxidermist doesn't do you wrong, call him and get a dialog going.

Ann,
I sure like stories with HAPPY ENDINGS!!
Charlie

Ann: we use our AMEX card for everything and they do satnd behind that policy. I paid my taxidermy bill last time using it and plan to do so again. It's a great insurance policy. jorge

Because AMEX was so good to me I will be tooting the horn for them for a long time. This information helps ANY traveling hunter.

I do use them for my air tickets and insurance, basically everything. It sure does pay!

If I am overseas and a vendor accepts them I use it.

I completely agree with AMEX service. I was overcharged an incredible amount for phone service at a hotel in Delhi, India, and only learned of that upon my return home, and receipt of my AMEX bill. I wrote the hotel, and got typical polysyllabic non-speak. I wrote AMEX, and they ate the charge, and "APOLOGISED" to me, for the incident!!

My neighbor who travels alot for business, many trips literally just overnight..... loves AMex.... says if his bags are lost, he can make a call to Amex, they will provide him with I think it was $400 to go to mens store and buy a suit or suitable clothes for what ever meeting he must attend. He is one of the few folks I know who loves to have his bags lost by the airlines

I'm another one who will "sing the praises" of AMEX. They have stood behind me several times when I was having trouble with fraudulent charges.

What you guys describe is standard from major credit cards. The getting emergency cash thing is a usual benefit form all Gold Visa's and mastercards. Amex wouldn't have eaten that phone charge, they would have charged it back to the hotel.

As an European, little chance I am using an Amex card.
And I am pleased so. Why? Because when abroad, Asia or Africa, most of the vendors are reluctant with Amex because they are taking a huge commission compared to Visa or Mastercard.
I remember a travel in Egytpt where a fellow-traveler had to use my mastercard for the whole journey. Amex commission is almost revolting.
Anyhow You can be pleased Amex ate the doubious bills. The minor problems I encoutered were also eaten by Mastercard, but my experience is with minor troubles only.

What I'll remember is Widowmaker416's kindness.

I found AMEX was well accepted in Namibia wherever I wanted to use it....Windhoek, Swakopmund, Outjo, Etosha, etc.

jbderunz is right about Amex. I am a Banker, Visa/Mcard discount fees are typically less than 2 % of the purchased item, where Amex is usually 6.5%. On a big itemthe merchant gets really hammered.