Is it much of a hassle to get your money back or is it a single paper to file?

I call Amex, tell them my story, get money back immediately 'pending investigation', and never hear another thing.

Don't abuse it, they have top notch investigation. When you spend on a credit card, it's not your money they're stealing.

I've used it probably 5 times in 10 years, and never had a problem.

I second this. Rented a house on VRBO. Arrived to find a rundown flop house and had to find other accomodations for my family (3000 miles from home on minutes notice). VRBO has zero consumer protections or support for renters. I got taken for $2200. Since I paid with a debit card...screwed. Amex from now on.

Agreed. AMEX really goes to bat for you. The few times I have had an issue they go after the issue with tenacity. No hassle to me beyond a 2 min phone call.

I had the opposite experience: the one time I've tried to use this with Amex they were completely useless. We had a fraudulent $200 charge on our business card, and Amex ruled in the merchant's favor after being presented with an unsigned PDF "receipt" that was nothing but the text "Digital Software... $200"

I would add to the other poster - I use visa, and it is easy as well. I call, report a scam/fraud. Within 10 days the money is back on my card. I have never had an issue with this process.