A couple weeks ago, the food blogger network I belong to, FoodBuzz, reached out to ask if I’d be interested in writing a post about Serve, a new card from American Express. I was all “meh” but they were all “hey, we’ll put some money on the card that you can use toward a meal.” And I was all “ok, Foodbuzz, I like to eat and I like money, you’ve got a deal.” I was actually curious to see what this card was all about – mostly I was intrigued by the food themed name of “Serve.” Also, no incentive needed for me to say nice things about American Express, I’ve been a cardholder for a few years and have nothing but raves for their incredible customer service (especially compared to the horrendous customer service that surrounds us in so many areas, especially credit cards and banks).

So what’s the deal with the Serve card? Basically it’s American Express’s answer to other mobile payment companies, but they’re taking a foodie/restaurant oriented approach to marketing it. With the card you can “settle up” your share of a bill by instantly sending and receiving money on your mobile device (iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone). The card isn’t a credit card, but rather a bit of a debit card that has to be pre-loaded with money. Setting up an account isn’t hard, and I was sent my card in the mail a few days later. It is, in fact, rather easy to transfer money from one account to another. You know, if you’re one of those people that is into that sort of thing.

Why “Serve”? I’m not sure. It’s an interesting approach from American Express, clearly targeting high-end foodies and those who are social restaurant goers who may frequently eat in groups. The card theoretically has other uses, as it is accepted anywhere American Express is, but it’s an intriguing marketing approach to a certain niche. Will this angle work? Meh, might be tough. Seems like a pretty exclusive niche. Obviously paying a bill when many people are chipping in cash can be a hassle, but to avoid that you’d need to make sure everyone you eat out with has a Serve account. Considering a lot of people already carry several credit or bank cards, good luck with that. Plus, so many restaurants are now perfectly willing to split your bill on 3 or 4 different credit cards, so it may not be necessary at all to use something like Serve. But for people who frequently eating out in social settings I could see it being handy. Or maybe not. Who knows if it’s worth your time to set up. It’s like those old commercials would say “You Make the Call!”

American Express is definitely making a push to get people to try the card, as evidenced by their outreach to me and other food bloggers (again, I’m intrigued by this niche targeting of foodies).  They’re even gonna give $100 to a So Good reader. Sweet huh? So yeah, leave a comment in the next 7 days and one will be chosen to win $100 that will be added to a Serve account for you. Fun=fun? Sure, that’s fun.

Disclosure: “As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a $250 stipend to try Serve from American Express. Sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use.  Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Official sweepstakes rules and regulations may be found here.

19 Responses

  1. Eden

    I must admit, this card sounds annoying just cause EVERY food blogger is pimping this out.

    But me being a cheap jew, I’ll take any money offered so I don’t blame you for posting this and getting the stipend.

    Reply
  5. Gem

    There are so many other systems like this, I don’t know how this is going to fare. But I’ll always give free money a try!

    Reply
  7. Marisa

    I’m curious to see how it works out, after the fees kick in. I signed up last week and so far, so good.

    Reply
  15. Jill N.

    I’d like to try this out. Would be nice to have it come loaded with the first $100 for free!

    Reply
  16. celina

    Well this is my first time taking a look at this card I have a Paypal master card and I know that master card is token every where, unlike american express card is limited because not everyone wants to deal with american express fees I worked for a small docs office and they stop taking american express because of the fees were to high so I would not get this card I would rather just stay with my Paypal plus with the Paypal you get 1% cash back for every credit card use : )

    Reply
  17. karen granados

    Signed up for the card. Have had it a couple of months and no problems. So far I am happy with the card and the service. Would also love to win some extra money.

    Reply
  18. Sabrina holiday

    I find it an interesting since I only got it when I signed up for it to get more farmville cash. Yes, I play Farmville on fb. As someone earlier stated, it sounds like American’ Express version of PayPal. I’ll give it a try and see if I win. lol

    Reply
  19. George Elliott

    I used it for roadside assistance got the first use of the card for free 2 gallons of gas when stranded.

    Reply

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