This blog isn’t about the Royal Family or the Blake Shelton-Miranda Lambert divorce with a side of Gwen Stefani. No, it’s about Costco and American Express.
Perhaps you’re not a Costco member, so this may not seem important. But if you are, and your membership is tied to an American Express card, then you know Costco will no longer honor that card after June 20, 2016. Instead Costco has found a new partner in Citi. Those shoppers who had Amex need to get used to it.
Even though I’ve followed this business situation for the past few months, I’m still unclear as to the real reasons for the break-up. But I suspect money has a lot to do with it. Either Amex didn’t feel it was getting enough of a discount or Costco felt it was paying too much. There was also the added issue of cash back on purchases.
As with most break-ups, the parties have tried to be civil, using their legal and marketing departments to full advantage. I can’t tell you how many flyers and letters and brochures I’ve received giving me a blow-by-blow. And, a couple days ago, my new Citi card arrived in the mail, with no muss or fuss or application process.
If this were a real divorce, I’m in the position of the offspring who is not consulted but has to live with the consequences. I don’t even get visiting privileges with Amex.
Leave a Reply