I have an American Express Credit Card for past few years. It was issued by one of the major banks in Ireland. I got it primarily for online purchases - I never use it for day to day stuff (have another card for this).
Reason I got it in the first place was for added security when doing internet shopping. I deliberately got one with low limit, so if someone did get hold of the details, there is very little damage they can do.
Current card is still a year short of its expiry date. Was issued just prior to chip & pin, so is the old style card with no chip. I expected that at some stage, I would be sent a new card with the chip & pin, however, to date all I've got is the occasional letter in the post saying chip & pin is being introduced incrementally.
Was in shop at lunchtime and saw the sign that a lot of retailers have saying that non-chip & pin cards will not be accepted in shops after 17th March 2007. This sign reminded me about my Amex card. The card is in date, valid and has never been chip & pin (I assume that they probably wont get round to issuing a chip & pin until it exires next year). Whereas it doesnt really bother me as I dont use it in shops, what would happen if I tried to? Would it be accepted? What do people who only have an Amex card do?