Comments on: American Express Platinum Card http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/ Latest Credit Card News, Reviews and Information Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:48:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Guest http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-273126 Guest Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:12:42 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-273126 Hey Amex is now offering 50,000 points with the platinum card!!! https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3DAB13D29976C43096F630B68437904BAA-10938?csi=platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3DAB13D29976C43096F630B68437904BAA-10938 Hey Amex is now offering 50,000 points with the platinum card!!! https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3DAB13D29976C43096F630B68437904BAA-10938?csi=platinum-charge-card/45000-343-0-2C03E565B03A5B3DAB13D29976C43096F630B68437904BAA-10938

]]> By: Dave B http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-246661 Dave B Fri, 07 Oct 2011 22:01:57 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-246661 Fairly happy Plat user here, a bit over 10 years. Have had 2nd thoughts a couple of times as the fee has gone up, but I do think it's a decent value for me. Obviously you have to use the perks...I find the prestige argument kind of silly. I'd make the case that the benefits are most valuable to those who travel a moderate (or maybe moderate+) amount but at the "higher end." The real road warrior types are going to have top level status in other loyalty programs without having to pay a fee to get it. But for someone who travels a couple of times a month on business at most--but including international trips--and takes a few personal trips--and likes the luxury hotel experience, the Amex Plat definitely eases the way and pays for itself. Airport lounge access has been great...though disappointed about CO dropping out, they've added Priority Pass Select (which is best for international use), so we'll see. The new $200 airline credit easily gets consumed with any amount of travel: a change fee here, a couple of in flight meals/drinks there, also can go toward lounge day passes or baggage fees. I also find the rental car and hotel elite status benefits are worth something. Starwood is a good program anyway (imo) but being assured of gold whether I get 10 stays in every year is nice. Have gotten some great upgrades (5 nights in Vienna in a $700/night suite at a $300 standard room rate stands out). Probably use the Fine Hotel program once or twice a year (for pleasure), and while other forms of haggling or deals can pay off too, it usually provides more than trivial value, esp as you can often combine with other promotions (such as 3 or 4th night free)...but of course you need to enjoy plush hotels and feel they are at least somewhat worth the going rates to begin with. The "value" of a free $50 Four Seasons hotel breakfast might not be that high, but it counts for something, and I've had pretty good luck with upgrades though this program too (again--not the only way to get one...) Most people are probably not going to get much out of the companion airfare program unless they'd otherwise be buying a full-fare ticket (and it was always clear to me that you needed to be buying an unrestricted fare for the offer to apply). But I've used it twice to Asia (Tokyo on JAL on Hong Kong on Cathay P.) and it was definitely a several thousand dollar savings in each instance for tickets that would have been purchased anyway (i.e. they weren't for a "discretionary" companion). I actually signed up for the Plat card to get the Tokyo deal way back when as my travel agent said that was really the only way she could think of to significantly reduce the cost of 2 tickets. But have also come up empty a few times...they don't always have the seats and certain itineraries seem to cause problems. Would also agree that Amex service for any kind of billing issues has been excellent, esp as compared with other CC issuers. Not that I've had much to test them with. Think i used the concierge once and it was fine, but I would not apportion much of the annual fee as being justified by that service. The biggest issue is consistently taking advantage of the benefits. I had a couple period of relatively little travel over the last 10 years and felt like a bit of chump for paying the fee. (In light of some of the above, probably should have tried to get a concession, but maybe I'll leave that for the next renewal). Fairly happy Plat user here, a bit over 10 years. Have had 2nd thoughts a couple of times as the fee has gone up, but I do think it’s a decent value for me.
Obviously you have to use the perks…I find the prestige argument kind of silly.
I’d make the case that the benefits are most valuable to those who travel a moderate (or maybe moderate+) amount but at the “higher end.” The real road warrior types are going to have top level status in other loyalty programs without having to pay a fee to get it.
But for someone who travels a couple of times a month on business at most–but including international trips–and takes a few personal trips–and likes the luxury hotel experience, the Amex Plat definitely eases the way and pays for itself.
Airport lounge access has been great…though disappointed about CO dropping out, they’ve added Priority Pass Select (which is best for international use), so we’ll see.
The new $200 airline credit easily gets consumed with any amount of travel: a change fee here, a couple of in flight meals/drinks there, also can go toward lounge day passes or baggage fees.
I also find the rental car and hotel elite status benefits are worth something. Starwood is a good program anyway (imo) but being assured of gold whether I get 10 stays in every year is nice. Have gotten some great upgrades (5 nights in Vienna in a $700/night suite at a $300 standard room rate stands out).
Probably use the Fine Hotel program once or twice a year (for pleasure), and while other forms of haggling or deals can pay off too, it usually provides more than trivial value, esp as you can often combine with other promotions (such as 3 or 4th night free)…but of course you need to enjoy plush hotels and feel they are at least somewhat worth the going rates to begin with. The “value” of a free $50 Four Seasons hotel breakfast might not be that high, but it counts for something, and I’ve had pretty good luck with upgrades though this program too (again–not the only way to get one…)
Most people are probably not going to get much out of the companion airfare program unless they’d otherwise be buying a full-fare ticket (and it was always clear to me that you needed to be buying an unrestricted fare for the offer to apply). But I’ve used it twice to Asia (Tokyo on JAL on Hong Kong on Cathay P.) and it was definitely a several thousand dollar savings in each instance for tickets that would have been purchased anyway (i.e. they weren’t for a “discretionary” companion). I actually signed up for the Plat card to get the Tokyo deal way back when as my travel agent said that was really the only way she could think of to significantly reduce the cost of 2 tickets.
But have also come up empty a few times…they don’t always have the seats and certain itineraries seem to cause problems.
Would also agree that Amex service for any kind of billing issues has been excellent, esp as compared with other CC issuers. Not that I’ve had much to test them with.
Think i used the concierge once and it was fine, but I would not apportion much of the annual fee as being justified by that service.
The biggest issue is consistently taking advantage of the benefits. I had a couple period of relatively little travel over the last 10 years and felt like a bit of chump for paying the fee. (In light of some of the above, probably should have tried to get a concession, but maybe I’ll leave that for the next renewal).

]]> By: JayT http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-184630 JayT Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:20:35 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-184630 Some people may think the card brings prestige. yes, Amex does market it as an elite product. but whether that marekting affects you probably has more to do with how you see yourself and worry about how others see you, rather than any true value. The card itself does have real benefits, but you should consider the fee to see if you get your money's worth. I think this card is geared for travelers. I get the value for the annual fee because I travel with my young kids (nothing exotic, just visiting extended family around the country) and the $200 baggage fee reimbursement and the access to lounges which I would otherwise have to pay $50 a person for, quickly get recvered, and then some. I would not agree with those who say the fee is justifiable if you spend $45k and get 45k in membership reward points. Spending money to save money does not make any sense. The card either delivers hard dollar value to you or not. If you dont get hard dollar value for the fee, get a low cost/no cost card. As for the Intl Airline program, we have used this with great satisfaction. Yes - it only covers their 23 partner airlines (but that gets you a lot), and yes, it is for full fare refundable business tickets. But if you are buying large dollar tickets and have risk in your itinerary, then its sensible to look at refuindable fares anyway. In the 3 times we have used this program, the total cost of the full fare with companion ticket was less than 2 non-refundable business tickets. So it has worked for us. But I always check the discount travel websites for myself to make sure. Finally, it has been helpful to have their service when were in foreign countries, esp,. Asia. with language and cultural differences, I have found it hard to get local help when logistics go wrong. amex can always make things right, whereas my Visa providers cannot. Some people may think the card brings prestige. yes, Amex does market it as an elite product. but whether that marekting affects you probably has more to do with how you see yourself and worry about how others see you, rather than any true value.

The card itself does have real benefits, but you should consider the fee to see if you get your money’s worth. I think this card is geared for travelers. I get the value for the annual fee because I travel with my young kids (nothing exotic, just visiting extended family around the country) and the $200 baggage fee reimbursement and the access to lounges which I would otherwise have to pay $50 a person for, quickly get recvered, and then some.

I would not agree with those who say the fee is justifiable if you spend $45k and get 45k in membership reward points. Spending money to save money does not make any sense. The card either delivers hard dollar value to you or not. If you dont get hard dollar value for the fee, get a low cost/no cost card.

As for the Intl Airline program, we have used this with great satisfaction. Yes – it only covers their 23 partner airlines (but that gets you a lot), and yes, it is for full fare refundable business tickets. But if you are buying large dollar tickets and have risk in your itinerary, then its sensible to look at refuindable fares anyway. In the 3 times we have used this program, the total cost of the full fare with companion ticket was less than 2 non-refundable business tickets. So it has worked for us. But I always check the discount travel websites for myself to make sure.

Finally, it has been helpful to have their service when were in foreign countries, esp,. Asia. with language and cultural differences, I have found it hard to get local help when logistics go wrong. amex can always make things right, whereas my Visa providers cannot.

]]> By: Jay http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-159597 Jay Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:33:22 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-159597 A long time ago, when I was a young sailor with a very expensive vehicle, the other young guys would say things like, "Man, if I had a car like that, I would 'pull' all the women!" And I would ask how would a car in the parking lot have anything to do with you 'pulling' a woman out of the club? Sometimes, I would ask, are you going to wear a picture of the car around your neck? To me, it's the same way with the American Express Platinum card. Pretty much all my life, I have owned a 'fine' vehicle. I never considered getting a AMEXPC before, but not long ago, I purchased the flagship model of the Mercedes Benz. It is really a fine vehicle. I enjoy driving it immensely. While doing some research for other things, either an AM commercial came on TV or a message popped up on my screen. Either way, I applied for the Platinum card. I have never owned an American Express card before. I will say that I have high limits on my other credit cards and I typically pay off my balance each month. But I bank with NFCU and BofA. I clicked the button and 60 seconds later, I received the Congratulations notification, I had been approved for the AMEXPC. I will admit, I was pleased and it feeds the ego a bit. But there are not many other people with limits as high as mine on my personal credit cards either. Also, as I mentioned, I had just purchased a very expensive vehicle. Nonetheless, I do not intend to walk around showing people my credit card. People do not go around talking about their credit scores, but those with good scores have the peace of mind in knowing they are paying better rates on some purchases. So, I said all that to say that while it is a nice perk to be able to get into the airport clubs without paying for them (two visits pays the price of the annual AMEX PC fee), and to have the extended checkout times in hotels, and auto upgrades, what one does with his or her AMEX PC is their own wishes and desires. Just as you applied for one, you can cancel it. I do appreciate the comments here, because they have provided areas for which I can be prepared. I intend to enjoy the card while I have it (just like my Benz!) and when it's too much of a pain or a hassle, I will send it on its way. But none of my friends know I have one -- but they do know I have the Benz. I just thought the two kind of went hand in hand. So far, I am satisfied. As far as the customer service comments go, how many times have we all experienced poor customer service. Next time, just say to the rep, "Hey, let's switch places for a moment. Is that how you would like me to handle your situation if you were in my place." See if that gets them to change their attitude. Remember, you can always hang up and call to get another rep as well. Yeah, you'll have another way, but you'll have some other things to do while you wait (like go to the bathroom) and believe me, it will be worth the wait. Happy Holidays. A long time ago, when I was a young sailor with a very expensive vehicle, the other young guys would say things like, “Man, if I had a car like that, I would ‘pull’ all the women!” And I would ask how would a car in the parking lot have anything to do with you ‘pulling’ a woman out of the club? Sometimes, I would ask, are you going to wear a picture of the car around your neck?

To me, it’s the same way with the American Express Platinum card. Pretty much all my life, I have owned a ‘fine’ vehicle. I never considered getting a AMEXPC before, but not long ago, I purchased the flagship model of the Mercedes Benz. It is really a fine vehicle. I enjoy driving it immensely. While doing some research for other things, either an AM commercial came on TV or a message popped up on my screen. Either way, I applied for the Platinum card. I have never owned an American Express card before. I will say that I have high limits on my other credit cards and I typically pay off my balance each month. But I bank with NFCU and BofA. I clicked the button and 60 seconds later, I received the Congratulations notification, I had been approved for the AMEXPC. I will admit, I was pleased and it feeds the ego a bit. But there are not many other people with limits as high as mine on my personal credit cards either. Also, as I mentioned, I had just purchased a very expensive vehicle. Nonetheless, I do not intend to walk around showing people my credit card. People do not go around talking about their credit scores, but those with good scores have the peace of mind in knowing they are paying better rates on some purchases. So, I said all that to say that while it is a nice perk to be able to get into the airport clubs without paying for them (two visits pays the price of the annual AMEX PC fee), and to have the extended checkout times in hotels, and auto upgrades, what one does with his or her AMEX PC is their own wishes and desires. Just as you applied for one, you can cancel it. I do appreciate the comments here, because they have provided areas for which I can be prepared. I intend to enjoy the card while I have it (just like my Benz!) and when it’s too much of a pain or a hassle, I will send it on its way. But none of my friends know I have one — but they do know I have the Benz. I just thought the two kind of went hand in hand. So far, I am satisfied. As far as the customer service comments go, how many times have we all experienced poor customer service. Next time, just say to the rep, “Hey, let’s switch places for a moment. Is that how you would like me to handle your situation if you were in my place.” See if that gets them to change their attitude. Remember, you can always hang up and call to get another rep as well. Yeah, you’ll have another way, but you’ll have some other things to do while you wait (like go to the bathroom) and believe me, it will be worth the wait.

Happy Holidays.

]]> By: Danyell Griffin http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-137178 Danyell Griffin Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:28:15 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-137178 I need to report a lost credit card I had from 2007Sept. Wish to have a new 1 updated with all credit info included from 2007-2010 I used a few times only maybe once... I need to report a lost credit card I had from 2007Sept.
Wish to have a new 1
updated with all credit info included
from 2007-2010
I used a few times only
maybe once…

]]> By: ErikF http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-136511 ErikF Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:07:40 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-136511 Am planning to bail on Platinum now as Continental is removing themselves from the Platinum "family" (no lounge access, no easy transfer of points for miles). And, coincidentally (not!), Continental is now offering their own 'elite' card the Presidential Plus Card which has lounge access, concierge service...a lot of other little things--comparable to the Platinum Amex card. Since I focus all my travel on Continental this seems like the way to go for me... Am planning to bail on Platinum now as Continental is removing themselves from the Platinum “family” (no lounge access, no easy transfer of points for miles). And, coincidentally (not!), Continental is now offering their own ‘elite’ card the Presidential Plus Card which has lounge access, concierge service…a lot of other little things–comparable to the Platinum Amex card. Since I focus all my travel on Continental this seems like the way to go for me…

]]> By: Michael http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-132935 Michael Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:32:27 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-132935 I have a question: If you get the Platinum card and cancel it within the 1st year, can you keep using the card to get access to the airport clubs? Then when the card expires, apply for it again. I'm assuming it's only free for the first time, but just cancel it within a year and keep using it. Do you think that would work? I have a question:

If you get the Platinum card and cancel it within the 1st year, can you keep using the card to get access to the airport clubs? Then when the card expires, apply for it again. I’m assuming it’s only free for the first time, but just cancel it within a year and keep using it. Do you think that would work?

]]> By: Greg http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-126090 Greg Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:40:25 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-126090 I had the Gold card years ago before Amex went downhill. They sent me a pre-approved platinum offer that gives 100k MR points after charging $1000 in the first three months. It appears to be a standard offer for new members. The 100k points alone are worth more than the $450 fee, so I took the offer. The club lounge access will be a bonus too. I doubt I'll keep it beyond year 1, but we'll see. I had the Gold card years ago before Amex went downhill. They sent me a pre-approved platinum offer that gives 100k MR points after charging $1000 in the first three months. It appears to be a standard offer for new members. The 100k points alone are worth more than the $450 fee, so I took the offer. The club lounge access will be a bonus too. I doubt I’ll keep it beyond year 1, but we’ll see.

]]> By: Mr Credit Card http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-123527 Mr Credit Card Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:58:05 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-123527 definitely your personal credit, not too sure about the business side though I suspect they also check. definitely your personal credit, not too sure about the business side though I suspect they also check.

]]> By: sean Bobie http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/comment-page-2/#comment-123492 sean Bobie Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:43:32 +0000 http://askmrcreditcard.com/creditcardblog/americanexpressplatinumcard/#comment-123492 I have a business for 8 years,& my DNB score is very high Do AE also check your personal credit for a business card,or just your company credit Thanks Sean I have a business for 8 years,& my DNB score is very high
Do AE also check your personal credit for a business card,or just your company credit
Thanks Sean

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