[MMC24]

I think you hit the nail on the head. AMEX charges too much for merchant processing fees while other cards charge less. Most major credit cards today have the purchase guarantee and point programs so it is no longer unique to AMEX. If you are paying off the balance each month than what makes the difference which card you use. The only major difference today is with AMEX you have to pay the balance each month with others you have more flexability.