American Express Membership Rewards - AMEX Platnium

Please don't flame me for this. I know there are many threads on the Plat card but, after using the search feature, nothing matched my criteria. I am thinking of getting the card and I have a few question.

I have not previously been an American Express card holder, does that diminish the chances of being accepted?

As long as I can pay the annual fee and have spotless credit, do they really care?

I understand the card has several advantages besides status, such as FHR and lounge access, do these perks outweigh the price?

And finally, would it be better to get the green/gold card and get a feel of AMEX before starting at the top?

----I have not previously been an American Express card holder, does that diminish the chances of being accepted?

I do not believe so.

----As long as I can pay the annual fee and have spotless credit, do they really care?

I doubt it! I believe if you are new to American Express, they do require an annual income of at least $100,000. If you are a holder of another of their cards, the income requirement is waived after a few months.

----I understand the card has several advantages besides status, such as FHR and lounge access, do these perks outweigh the price?

That is likely something you will have to decide for yourself. I believe the free business/first class ticket with one you purchase is only on tickets purchased through AMEX, and they are expensive, as it is usually full fare tickets. You can look at the benefits online and, depending on how you value them, the card may or may not be worth it. For example, lounge access is nice if you fly those airlines.

----And finally, would it be better to get the green/gold card and get a feel of AMEX before starting at the top?

There are some benefits available to only Platinum/Centurion members, but you can save some money by trying a gold and upgrading later.

----I have not previously been an American Express card holder, does that diminish the chances of being accepted?

I do not believe so.

----As long as I can pay the annual fee and have spotless credit, do they really care?

I doubt it! I believe if you are new to American Express, they do require an annual income of at least $100,000. If you are a holder of another of their cards, the income requirement is waived after a few months.

----I understand the card has several advantages besides status, such as FHR and lounge access, do these perks outweigh the price?

That is likely something you will have to decide for yourself. I believe the free business/first class ticket with one you purchase is only on tickets purchased through AMEX, and they are expensive, as it is usually full fare tickets. You can look at the benefits online and, depending on how you value them, the card may or may not be worth it. For example, lounge access is nice if you fly those airlines.

----And finally, would it be better to get the green/gold card and get a feel of AMEX before starting at the top?

There are some benefits available to only Platinum/Centurion members, but you can save some money by trying a gold and upgrading later.



Thanks very much for your insight. I think I will go with the gold and see what it is like.

IMHO, the most significant benefit is lounge access, which only comes with Plat. Plat Amex costs about the same as membership of the relevant lounges anyway, although it is a little more restrictive.

...do these perks outweigh the price?I ask myself this question everytime my annual renewal comes around, especially since they raised the annual fee to $395. The advantages for me are access to Continental's Presidents Club, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis Preferred, no additional charge for AX Membership Miles, and $500,000 flight insurance instead of $100,000. As far as how difficult the Platinum Card is to get, I don't know. It used to be quite a unique thing, but now it seems AX has so many different cards out there that just about anyone with a pulse can get one.