American Express Membership Rewards - SPG AMEX to AMEX PLAT

Ok so I am at a point in my life where I don't fly too terribly often, probably about every two months but love some sort of lounge access-> I'm debating an Amex plat vs a WC membership. I currently have a SPG AMEX and love it- I love getting SPG points but would consider moving to the AMEX plat for the lounge access. I was wondering if I could ask a couple of questions (search usually gives me information overload)
1) Membership rewards- I love the SPG program and the ability to redeem pretty easy- are lodging awards competiitve?
2) My annual income isn't too terribly hot (i'm in residency) but I do reasonably well on investments- last year I charged > $35,000 on my card and am on track to clear $50.000 this year- does that put in the ball park for a plat card.
3) FHR rates-> i've seen the name tossed around- what is it, are they good deals? I tend to like the FS/RC when not staying at SPG hotels.

I would miss accruing my SPG points- would it be worthwile to keep both cards and use the plat card for the benefits and the SPG card for my purchases (does AMEX require me to spend a min on the plat card).

Sorry search really only gave me more questions than answers and let's face it that's why there are so many experts here of FT.

chris

1) Membership rewards- I love the SPG program and the ability to redeem pretty easy- are lodging awards competiitve?

There is no comparison! The SPG card stands alone here.

2) My annual income isn't too terribly hot (i'm in residency) but I do reasonably well on investments- last year I charged > $35,000 on my card and am on track to clear $50.000 this year- does that put in the ball park for a plat card.

Can't help you herre but my guess is you need a higher income for Platinum. My son-in-law tried to get Gold early in his residency and it took forever.

3) FHR rates-> i've seen the name tossed around- what is it, are they good deals? I tend to like the FS/RC when not staying at SPG hotels.

They vary - some good some not so good. They all include continental breakfasts and some upgrade based on availability.

I would miss accruing my SPG points- would it be worthwile to keep both cards and use the plat card for the benefits and the SPG card for my purchases (does AMEX require me to spend a min on the plat card).

Now you're talking! This is exactly the approach I use. I have a Centurion card but charge much, much more on the Starwood AMEX because the points are so much more valuable. Should you qualify for AMEX Platinum, the only real benefit most people derive is the lounge access.

Good luck

2) My annual income isn't too terribly hot (i'm in residency) but I do reasonably well on investments- last year I charged > $35,000 on my card and am on track to clear $50.000 this year- does that put in the ball park for a plat card.

Can't help you herre but my guess is you need a higher income for Platinum. My son-in-law tried to get Gold early in his residency and it took forever.

If you have an SPG Amex and are paying your bill on time every month, I would think you'd have no problem getting platinum, regardless of income right now.

Side question: are you registered to view your account online?

I would miss accruing my SPG points- would it be worthwile to keep both cards and use the plat card for the benefits and the SPG card for my purchases (does AMEX require me to spend a min on the plat card).

Now you're talking! This is exactly the approach I use. I have a Centurion card but charge much, much more on the Starwood AMEX because the points are so much more valuable. Should you qualify for AMEX Platinum, the only real benefit most people derive is the lounge access.

Keep in mind that platinum charges a $395 annual fee, and as long as you pay the annual fee, I don't see why you'd need to spend any kind of minimum per month in addition to that, though I could be wrong. If the card were free, I could understand having a minimum per month, as you are paying nothing for the card and getting the benefits even so, which wouldn't make sense from a cost/benefit analysis on their end.

If you have an SPG Amex and are paying your bill on time every month, I would think you'd have no problem getting platinum, regardless of income right now.

Side question: are you registered to view your account online?
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yes and yes. why?

chris

yes and yes. why?

chris

anonplz, probably asked about the online access because it seems recently, that alot of people are being giving an "Upgrade to Plat" link when they log in to their amex account...

anonplz, probably asked about the online access because it seems recently, that alot of people are being giving an "Upgrade to Plat" link when they log in to their amex account...

Right, if you look on your account summary page, it says on the left "Welcome, FlyingDoctorwu" and on the right, Account Summary with hyperlinks to various options. Underneath that language is a black bar running across the screen. Under THAT is where there may be language in small font something like, "Apply for Platinum today! You are pre-approved."

Amex is pretty good about honoring such offers, i.e., when they say "pre-approved", they generally mean pre-approved (not pre-approved unless we decide not to approve you - ;) ).