AMEX Tidbit:
Got an enclosure in my current American Express bill. Showed a woman staring intently at her laptop with the heading: "Why Wait? Keep track of your spending now or anytime, online at www.americanexpress.com/cards
Says that service includes bill details and the ability to pay your bills online, as well as download to Quicken, MS Money, etc.
Don't know CF's involvement here, if any, but it looks and smells like CF (anyone know?)
I signed up for the service (online, I might add -- took only a few minutes -- again, CF?). Saw details of my bill (a bit primitive-looking, but accurate).
Site said to call 800-821-6439 with to register for bill pay (said you should call w/ a sample check -- for account number, routing number, I figure).
I called and asked the operator a couple of questions. She didn't know if CF was the technology provider, but she mentioned that AMEX had the service for about a year (so maybe it was developed internally???).
Anyway, to make a long story short -- the key thing, I think, is that AMEX has just begun to direct-market the service to cardholders -- another indication of things to come in this new industry.
ALSO --
Saw in "A" section of New York Times today --
Ad for Bank of New York -- big promotion for new accounts. "Priority Value Banking" with the tag, "What Will You Do with Your Keys to the Bank." Touted free checking for four months, etc. as well as "Free PC Banking with Bill Payment.*"
The asterisk mentioned "Service free for one year from sign-up date."
Don't know if this is PC or Web Based bill pay, but, again, another small step in the right direction...
Regards, RK |
