American Express Membership Rewards - Amex AeroPlat ( CAD) 50k Bonus - Worth it?

There is a promo in my neck of the woods; get an Aeroplan Platinum Amex and get 50k... But let me break it down so you guys can tell me if it's worth it.

First, u get 30K on first use. For that, it sounds great! Theres a waiting time for the other 20K - at the first anniversary date of the card. Ok, maybe a long term investment.

Here's where I'm a bit apprehensive: the card is 499$ annually. So for 50K I'd have to pay that amount twice. Being a membership fee, it's like purchasing miles directly. That would be 1.99c a mile. Call me picky but I prefer having a spending limit, where I can buy things that I will use then or in the future, all the while getting bonuses on top. So essentially, my miles are free.

I contemplated going for only 30K and cancelling, (1.6c a mile) but then that would just tick me off knowing that I didn't go all the way for the full score.

There's a better deal on the regular amex platinum charge card. Also, I think that it's a better card anyway, but I don't fly air Canada.

Better deal?

Do tell!

The Aeroplat often has 50K miles right away, without having to wait (and pay) for another year, so there's certainly been better than the current 30 + 20

It certainly doesn't make sense just for the 50K miles, considering you can get CIBC AeroGold (15K), Amex Gold Personal (15K + 5K referral) & Business (25K+) are all first year free.

You can decide whether you value the MLL access and other perks for $499/year.
I find the benefits of the regular Plat much more useful and valuable. SPG Gold, OneWorld Gold, FHR and many dining/hotel special offers.

Unless you want MLL access, the Aeroplat card is probably not worth it.

You might think of a regular Amex Plat card, but I'm not sure what the deals for that are in Canada. I know that my wife uses the Premium Plaza Lounge at YYZ and was able to access it with both her Aeroplat (which she had first) and Amex Plat (which she has now). Look at where you travel and where the lounges you can use with Priority Pass are.

Lounge access is usually for privilege members, frequent flyers and personnel...

All of a sudden, you've got hundreds more that have "priority access" just because of a card. Kind of kills the Lounge concept!

Lounge access is usually for privilege members, frequent flyers and personnel...

All of a sudden, you've got hundreds more that have "priority access" just because of a card. Kind of kills the Lounge concept!

Agreed! :mad:

It certainly doesn't make sense just for the 50K miles, considering you can get CIBC AeroGold (15K), Amex Gold Personal (15K + 5K referral) & Business (25K+) are all first year free.

You can decide whether you value the MLL access and other perks for $499/year.
I find the benefits of the regular Plat much more useful and valuable. SPG Gold, OneWorld Gold, FHR and many dining/hotel special offers.

I asked my mom to get the Aeroplat so that she's get 50K miles quickly and be able to go somewhere in J sooner -- she started from 0 miles. I think in that sense the $500 for 50K was ok. Also, I hope to do a 6 mo pro-rated cancel :)

25k upon approval and 25k after spending some small amount.Ie: You needn't wait a year to get the second 25k, so it's a better deal.

Better deal?

Do tell!