American Express Warning

During the last few weeks, American Express has been rapidly and unexpectedly reducing the credit lines on many of its accounts, for no apparent real reason. We've received phone calls and emails from several members who were affected by this while on vacation in St. Maarten.

If you depend on American Express or, for that matter, any other credit cards while you're vacationing, we suggest you consider two alternatives. The first is the old fashioned one of travelers checks, which can't be rescinded after being issued. The javascript:void(0)second is a debit card, though we have always been leery of handing a debit card to a stranger. We do use debit cards in St. Maarten, but only to withdraw enough money from an ATM to meet expenses for a couple of days.

In any case, be aware of what American Express and some other card issuers are doing. Many of you use Citibank cards associated with the American Airlines AAdvantage program; reportedly, they too are cutting credit lines --- seemingly arbitrarily.

We just wanted members to be aware of this when they travel.

We sent this warning to our members early last Friday. Member Kim Dennison responded with further advice:

"One way your readers can avoid this situation while on vacation is to call your credit card company before you leave the country. Let them know that you will be traveling abroad and that you will (or will not) be using your card. The credit card companies will flag the account and watch the activity more closely than you would expect. They ensure that you have the credit limit needed (or extended) for your time of travel. This also makes sure that they don't close down your credit line due to 'unusual activity'. Chase and Bank of America are really great about this.

"More importantly, readers might like to know that credit card companies are now charging a 3% fee for using the card internationally. This fee is above and beyond the amount of purchase, service, etc. Bank of America just sent out an addendum to their agreements making card holders aware of this new fee. This is becoming standard. Cash (travelers checks) may be the way to go if card holders don't want to incur additional fees.

"One more comment, not sure if travelers are aware but in the island, they do not only list only the last 4 digits of your card number on receipts. They actually retain all credit card information on your receipts (including expiration date) so if they are lost or misplaced while on the island, it is very easy for someone to get your credit card information and use it to make their own purchases. I don't have to tell you that theft is a huge issue. While we are safe from a lot of crime and corruption we see daily here in the states, many travelers let their guard down while there."

Related stories are in this week's edition of St. Maarten and St. Martin Weekly News, to which you can subscribe free at www.everythingstmaarten.com.

St. Maarten Timeshare Owners Association Forming

If you are interested in St. Maarten timesharing, please visit the "St. Maarten and St. Martin Travelers" group on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) and join it, free. Not only does this 500+ person group share island info, it is also actively involved in the formation of the St. Maarten Timeshare Owners Association. Learn more at www.linkedin.com -- look for the "St. Maarten and St. Martin Travelers" group. You will be admitted if you ask to join.