American Express Membership Rewards - What would you like to see Amex offer as Plat benefit(s) to justify $395 annual fee?

The benefit that AX is not Citi, Bof A or Chase is enough for me. There is always room for improvement-- lets hope not 'enhancement'--- but I am a satisfied camper. I guess its not until you have a comparative experience that you appreciate what you have. At least's that is what Bill Clinton says;)


Hi,
I bump a few threads to highlight the limitations of the Plat travel service.
I thought rather than just complain that I should start a constructive, proactive thread.
I promise to write to American Express once a month with a summary of the suggestions, ideas posted by our vibrant intelligent community.
I will try to get an "Amex lurker" here to participate in this forum, similar to the Starwood lurker, a.k.a.William.
I also promise to update and maintain this thread.

I thought that we could have ONE thread for realistic, viable wishlist or improvements that cardmembers felt would be an enhancement.

My thought is that a Centurion cardholder can start a parallel thread on what benefits cardmembers would like to see Amex offer to justify the $2500 fee.


Posts and suggestions are welcomed by the entire Flyertalk community. Not just Amex Plat card holder.

I thought that non plat holders could state what benefit --- within the constraints of a viable business model--- would induce them to apply for a $395 a year charge card.

I'm not suggesting that lounge access be expanded to more carriers.

Rather how about Three Choices be given to cardmember each year.
Once you selct a choice, that is your benefit the next year.

Here's an example of three choices:

1- curent skyteam CO, DL, NW

2-AA --- Citiibank now offers Amex Cards. Perhaps they could loosen exclusivity with AA

3-ONE of the other Membership reward partners. i.e.

Its intresting to note that Merrill plus offered by MBNA offers a choice of an Admirial Club membership at level three. This equate to only $50,000 in annual spending. Of further note is that Merrill Plus card offers Circles concierge at the same senior level of Amex Centurion at $50,000 of spending. So MBNA offers Admirial Lounge and Centurion concierge at only $50,000 of annual charging. And Merrill plus is a free card. Not $2500-.

I would like to see another hotel added besides Starwood. Maybe Hilton Gold added to the program.

The "Entertainment Coupon Books" offer 50% off the rate rate price for a number of properties. That makes a big difference in price at the resorts. It would be great if Plat AMEX could add that. Do things that save us money as well as exclusive events and invitations. Make us feel special.
The restaurant list is out of date for Denver, it lists two places that closed years ago. Also, all the ticket specials seem to be along the coasts. What, is Denver chopped liver?

Oh, boy, have you got me started. I'll limit this particular post to PTS improvements I'd like to see:

Bottom line---Train your "travel consultants" before you put them on the phone! This means:
a) Make them all aware of the possible travel benefits available on the plat card. Car insurance program and coverages, travel protection, FHR, IAP, *wood gold, travel accident, baggage insurance, airport club access...etc. Have a database to lookup the benefits. Know what the emergency check cashing benefit is and accurately be able to tell you which worldwide offices can provide this service!!!
b) Know what a "visa" is!!! Incredible that a travel agent wouldn't know what this is, but it's happened with PTS flunkies. Also, have basic database lookup for said agent (heck, a link to www.state.gov would be sufficient if you are dealing with US citizens) to look up visa requirements.
c) related to above, be able to recommend a good, worldwide service that can assist in obtaining a visa, renewing a passport, making passport amendments, etc.
d) Confirm FF numbers and frequent stay program numbers when making a booking. I always have to ask every time I make a booking, and it is annoying when I forget to.
e) Add some value for the 35 USD airline ticket booking fee! Confirm my flight reservation for me in the recommended window. Email me with a confirmation or if there is a problem.
f) Know the difference between Y, B, Q, J, C, D, Z, fares...etc. Be able to tell me which one you are booking for me and accurately be able to tell me what the cancellation or re-booking penalties are.
g) Know how to book hotels outside of your very limited database. (Or expand the dang database!) I don't know how many times I've had trouble booking a hotel in Asia with PTS in other than a major city.
h) Related to above, be able to lookup the distance between point a and a given hotel.
i) Be able to lookup and tell me what airport transfer options I have between x airport and my hotel.

Bottom line, instill confidence in me that you know what you are doing, and my travel won't be somehow screwed up along the way.

The "Entertainment Coupon Books" offer 50% off the rate rate price for a number of properties. That makes a big difference in price at the resorts. It would be great if Plat AMEX could add that. Do things that save us money as well as exclusive events and invitations.

I strongly second this suggestion. You can't always stay at an FHR property and FHR rates aren't exactly the greatest, either. It would be nice if there would be more ways like this that could help a cardmember recoup (and therefore justify) the steep membership fee. It doesn't have to necessarily be 50% off, but a decent discount using Amex negotiating power would go a long way with me.

It would be nice if I could call PTS and be reasonably confident that I am not overpaying for a trip. Up to this point, I am always checking rates first on my own before I call. Its a shame I have to do this.

1. Unified customer service. Cardholder should be able to call one number, or write to one email address, and speak to one person about any feature offered by American Express - account inquiries, travel booking, "concierge", emergency assistance, insurance benefits, etc. Complicated situations might require being switched to a "specialist", but the person who answers the Platinum line should be able to handle routine issues in all categories.

2. Allow FHR bookings to be priced and made online.

3. The Two-for-One International Airline Program is largely obsolete now that carriers offer deeply discounted business class fares. Amex needs to do a better job of explaining when the program may provide good value (i.e. no advance purchase, changeable and refundable), but they also need to enhance value by including (for example) double Membership Rewards points on the purchase price, bonus points to offset miles not earned on the "free" ticket, complimentary limo service, etc.

4. The Platinum version of Membership Rewards should be at least as good as the Gold Rewards Plus version, which means 1.5 (or 2) points per dollar on transactions with MR transfer partner airlines and hotels. This reinforces the relationship between American Express and those airlines and hotel chains.

5. Post Membership Rewards points simultaneously with statement on which they are earned rather than end of the next cycle.

6. Include a Priority Pass membership. (See Citi Chairman Card, and Amex Platinum UK)

7. Eliminate foreign currency conversion fees. (See Merrill+ Visa).

8. Card member designated categories for year-end transaction reporting.

dennis

4. The Platinum version of Membership Rewards should be at least as good as the Gold Rewards Plus version, which means 1.5 (or 2) points per dollar on transactions with MR transfer partner airlines and hotels. This reinforces the relationship between American Express and those airlines and hotel chains.

[/QUOTE]

#4 is a great point.
A charge card gets its revenue from two sources. Merchant fees aka "the discount rate" and annual fees. If you pay in full , they miss out on the high margin, high profit intrest rates. Hence, the industry's term for someone who pays their revolving CREDIT card in full each and every month DEATBEAT. Seriously, the informal term within industry circles for someone who pays in full each month is a deadbeat.

Being that annual card fee is an important source of revenue for Amex, It seems unfair that the cardholders pay $395 annually accure far less points than Green and Gold cardholders. Case in point. Business Gold offers a hefty threshold bonus at a few diffrent tiers. Essentially, Someone charging 50,000 in first twelve months would earn about forty thousand bonus membership reward points, and the first year fee of $125- is waived!.

My $0.02 worth: Eliminate the DL, NW, CO lounge with carrier "benefit" and include Priority Pass with at least 10 includes visits (if not more) instead. Interestingly enough, this is a feature on non-US Amex cards.

Cheers!

Nico

1) For the voicemail prompt that says "Your call is important to us...Please continue to hold" add an estimated call wait time.

2) Give the people at AMEX PLAT Travel the ability to send a confirmation e-mail in real time (I don't know if this is true or not, but have had to call several times on several occassions just to get a copy of a confirmation and have been told that e-mails are done by an outside company???).

3) Delete the "Dining Room" at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, CA from the Fine Dining program as they closed several years ago.

Dare I say it? I would actually be willing to pay **more** than the 395 fee if they would only improve their services to a truly premium level. To be honest, considering that I regularly use the concierge, FHR, FDP, and membership rewards (75 fee included in the plat price, which if you consider it, really makes the plat premium only about 150 bucks or so), I actually think I come fairly close to getting my money's worth. It's only when I deal with people who don't seem well-trained that I question what I am paying my membership fee for.

From reading these boards I've noticed that Amex Plat UK and Germany have enhanced benefits (like the delayed luggage benefit, priority pass, add'l rental car insurance, travel insurance etc.) that the U.S. Plat does not have. However, members holding the UK and German cards also pay notably higher fees. Personally, I wouldn't mind paying the higher fees if Amex included these benefits that are truly valuable to me. As it stands, I already pay for Priority Pass (the 10 visit card) as well as the Amex, so it would be worth another 130 bucks or so to me if they would improve their service level and include a value-added benefit like Priority Pass.

writetorich, this is a valuable service. Thanks for starting this thread.

<<Business Gold offers a hefty threshold bonus at a few diffrent tiers. >>

I think it's misleading to compare the rewards offered by personal and business cards. Personal cards do not offer threshold bonuses, but they do offer category bonuses, and the end result may be substantially similar. However, I would agree that Business Platinum should offer the same or better Membership Rewards program as Business Gold.

I have discussed this twice with American Express and while they acknowledge that the Gold Rewards Plus version is better they seem to think Platinum includes other benefits which more than offset this -and- that Platinum cardholders don't place the same value on points :rolleyes: . I think they have a long way to go to make the Platinum Card benefits sufficiently attractive to offset diminished point earning opportunities.

dennis

I think one of the things that is highlighted by this thread is that different plat cardholders will value different things. One group may value the travel amenities (FHR, insurance, airline lounges, IAP), another the rewards program (bonus points or extra points as plat recognition, transfer bonuses to airlines, etc), still another the lifestyle benefits (buyer protection, warranty, etc.) Perhaps it is time that Amex consider differentiating the plat card based on targeted features. (Similar to what they have done with the various gold cards). In that way, they could charge the appropriate fee, and provide targeted value that would satisfy each specific group. Just a thought.

I think one of the things that is highlighted by this thread is that different plat cardholders will value different things. One group may value the travel amenities (FHR, insurance, airline lounges, IAP), another the rewards program (bonus points or extra points as plat recognition, transfer bonuses to airlines, etc), still another the lifestyle benefits (buyer protection, warranty, etc.) Perhaps it is time that Amex consider differentiating the plat card based on targeted features. (Similar to what they have done with the various gold cards). In that way, they could charge the appropriate fee, and provide targeted value that would satisfy each specific group. Just a thought.

So someone who does not fly CO, DL, NW could opt out of free lounge access.
Perhaps there could be an option that offered "always double MR points on ALL purchases" for spenders who are not costing Amex money for lounge access.

One option could be ENHANCED lounge access. Say priority pass AND the current Sky Team partners. But the lounge access option would not have the double membership reward points. Either or


I'm calling a V.P of Amex today who, believe it or not was a teacher of mine in High School in the mid 1980's. I met him a few years ago at the Freddies. Between High School and the Freddy event, I had not spoken with or heard about him

I would love better airline programs, meaning that the 2 for 1 ticket thing would actually be worth it, currently u get 2 tickets cheaper than 2 for 1, and thats business class.

So that kind of sucks.

Other than that I would also love access to Lufthansa lounges and maybe get urself bumped up to FTL status if you dont have it already.

I'd like a free Centurion card after I pay my annual Platinum card fee.

Who knows we may acyually get an Amex Lurker.

Then we'll have to be careful what we post :)

United Red Carpet Club, PLEASE!!! I will stay with PLAT each year and happily pay $395.

A car rental CDP that actually has value. Yesterday I booked with Hertz and once again got a better rate by plugging in the standard American Airlines CDP.

Until a couple of months ago I was a surprisingly happy AMEX Plat. cardholder without any big complaints about their services, etc. I was always surprise to see people complaining on FT about AMEX because I really hadn't had any big problems with them.

My opinion of AMEX has however gone downhill recently and I have become very frustrated with their treatment of their top customers. I am sick of their customer service reps giving me the standard BS when I call with comments or concerns. My biggest complaints and things I think AMEX needs to sort for me to continue paying $395 a year for this piece of plastic are:

1. Stop the damn targeted promotions for double/triple points! I am getting very annoyed by this! Basically I feel like I am being discriminated against for actually using the card.

2. Stop the targeted redemption promos! Why are other AMEX MR customers getting more for their points than I am? Should I not be upset that others are being offered close to 50% more for their points than I am? (See recent targetted hotel promo to IC, BW, *W and HH)

3. Fix the AMEX MR program! So many airlines and hotels have dropped out of the program. Sure they added Airtran and JetBlue but this does not compensate for the loss of others. I wouldn't transfer miles to CO NONEPASS if my life depended on it. DL isn't much better for redemptions every time I check availability. AMEX also needs to realize that their MR dedemption rates are crazy for hotel certificates. Two example:

AMEX MR point requires 35k points for one Hyatt Elite Level Certificat, ML+ is 25k and Diners is 23k.

AMEX MR points requires 60k points for a Fairmont C reward, ML+ is 40k and Diners is 33k.

What warrants spending almost double with AMEX to get the same rewards?

4. Offer lounge access to airlines other than DL, CO and NW. I do not use Skyteam airlines and thus the lounge access doesn't do anything for me.

I don't really have any big issues with the FHR or 2-for-1 BC ticket options.

I recently saw someone on FT use the term "wallet candy" to describe one of their cards and this is basically how I view my AMEX Plat. card now. Question is how much longer will I pay $395 for this....answer is not much longer and the rate they are treating me!!

Agree with points 3 and 4. I don't even know if it's worth renewing when the time comes.

I ask myself every year if it is worth it...

But, everytime I had false charges (double, overcharge on hotel etc) I got the money back after one phone call. As I use the card in coutnries like Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, it is actually valuable to have that service.

Second, although I hate it that they say no preset spending limt, so far I never had problems. Just bought 5 FC (Europe) tickets and called them ahead to clear it.. so also that is manageable ...

However, I wonder if I should downgrade to Gold again ...

1. Stop the damn targeted promotions for double/triple points!

2. Stop the targeted redemption promos! Why are other AMEX MR customers getting more for their points than I am?

3. Fix the AMEX MR program! So many airlines and hotels have dropped out of the program. Sure they added Airtran and JetBlue but this does not compensate for the loss of others. I wouldn't transfer miles to CO NONEPASS if my life depended on it. DL isn't much better for redemptions every time I check availability.

4. Offer lounge access to airlines other than DL, CO and NW. I do not use Skyteam airlines and thus the lounge access doesn't do anything for me.



Christian- Sorry to cut a bit. But...


HERE HERE!!!

It would be nice to have similar advantages for all Platinum card holders no matter which market.

I am not here to be a representative of AMEX, but I must say I love the U.S. Platinum card and I feel it is an outstanding value for anyone who travels. I upgraded to the Plat card about 15 years ago and I feel the card has certainly grown with my increasing needs. Whether the concierge for prime European concert tickets which I could not otherwise obtain, outstanding prices at certain Fine Hotel Program properties (you still have to compare prices closely, but some locations are unbeatable), or the Airline Lounge Program, which I really don't need because I purchased a life membership in one of AMEX's partners prior to obtaining AMEX Plat status-- all the benefits combined with Starwood Gold, Hertz and Avis premium benefits, this is all a great deal for anyone who travels heavily, particularly internationally.

I personally don't think AMEX needs to increase their benefits further for Plat cardholders, because I am actually worried the way they now advertise this card that they will gain so many new cardholders that they will ultimately water down the benefits as they have done with Centurion. If that happens I am concerned that Platinum Card membership will become a joke that will cause me to cancel my membership or downgrade back to green. (I remember the days when Plat was once an exclusive membership as Centurion once was.)

For anyone who thinks $395 is too expensive, my response is that we all have different requirements in our travel and business transactions and such people should downgrade to gold. I have no shame in admitting I have never been offered a Centurion membership but would turn it down if offered because the increased cost does not meet my lifestyle and travel requirements--I receive 90% of the Centurion benefits with a Plat card and see few of the additional 10% in Cent benefits that I would want to use considering the additional cost. In fact, the difference between Platinum and Centurion membership fees would more than cover the added costs I would achieve, if I wanted to upgrade my Starwood Gold hotel status to Platinum,(the status many Cent cardholders now complain they will lose.) I am quite frankly not interested in the prestige factor, traveling to some countries internationally I don't even pull out the Plat card because I do not want to attract attention. Gold status through Centurion with airlines I do not fly does not interest me because I always try to fly international business class on paid tickets-- no need to fight for mileage upgrades at the gate if a discounted paid ticket can be found.

All things considered, I think the AMEX Plat card is one of the best values on the market for frequent travelers. I don't aspire to a Cent card, but I will downgrade after 15-20 years of membership if I ever feel that AMEX Plat is turning into the equivalent of a MC/Visa Platinum or Signature card. I already have a Visa Signature with my favorite airline and could transfer all my charges in a heartbeat if I ever felt AMEX Plat lost its value.

I this is all a great deal for anyone who travels heavily, particularly internationally.



All t if I ever feel that AMEX Plat is turning into the equivalent of a MC/Visa Platinum or Signature card. I already have a Visa Signature with my favorite airline and could transfer all my charges in a heartbeat if I ever felt AMEX Plat lost its value.

LaxRuss-

First off thank you taking the time to share your opinion with a thoughtful, detailed response.


I think those traveling extensively internationally would want priority pass and not Skyteam.

It's just too diffulcult dealing with PTS for FHR benefits.
We need the ability to book on line and check rates and availability without being grilled with question after question after question "for our own protection". Why can't they ask just the acct # and then quote rates.

Moreover, I 've heard ( no first hand experience) that Virturoso travel agents are actually pleasant to deal with and efficant and get you more or less the same benies as FHR program. And the there is United Amenti program.

My two cents here on this issue.

I wish that on the cruise program, the rates were comparable to the rates offered online at places such as vacationstogo.com. When I can find an good outside room there for $599 pp, why should the Amex folks charge almost twice as much on the same day in order to get a shipboard credit or a free meal at the upscale onboard restaurant? Also the total for two persons would not be enough on the trip to earn a statement credit so that is not an issue for the difference in cost.

I remember here in the past there was a card from I think a broker that offered a free night at the Ritz Carlton each year. I would actually prefer that over the lame buy one get one air program or certificate for my Plat or Plat Skymiles card.

I keep the Platinum card for the breakage, warranty, and the "get me to a real doctor or get me home benefit" Although we did not have to use the medical coverage when my mother tripped on a London street and fractured her skull last December, it was good to know that if we were in the third world it would have been safer than waving a chicken over her and chanting :)
I also use the card for MR points after I have done the $25K amount on Delta amex for the 10K bonus and still have months before the anniversary date. Also all double point purchases go on the card.

Lastly, did anyone else get the mailing about sign and travel and the 1250 points for signing up for extended travel payments? I have it already, but when I called in to change my address for the summer the rep offered me 2500 points so, sure I said yes!

JudyJFLA

I'd like to see another hotel program added to the list, whether it be, marriot rewards gold, hilton honors gold, or hyatt platinum. I'd also like to see either a priority pass to replace the Skyteam lounges and 1 frequent flyer card, maybe OnePass Elite Silver or Gold.

I know centurion has all these, but imo Centurion is the best of the best, or at least is supposed to be, and centurion members should have the platinum or diamond cards with multiple hotels and airlines.

Allow the Platinum version of Membership Rewards to be at least as good as the Gold Rewards Plus version (earning extra points on travel and Your Ticket reward)

Allow all programs (Fine Hotels & Resorts Program, International Airlines Program, Cruise Privileges Program, etc) to take advantage of the best rates available including specials/discounted rates available to the general public

Frequent Flyer status in an Airline program (for an additional fee)

One thing they could do is enhance the Airport Club Acess so that as long as you are on a SkyTeam flight, you can use one of the clubs. Maybe only if there isn't a SkyTeam lounge in that terminal or at least offer a reduced fee for Club Access to other Clubs.

I'd agree with changes to the 241 program - paying normal full fare for two isn't bad, but paying a special full fare only for AmEx Plat in order just to get the 241 isn't on. Fully agree with the car rental discount code that doesn't increase the cost of the rental !

For the New Zealand, Australian and Singapore card's I'd simply like to see the fee come down to be in to line with the charge products in the rest of the world. In New Zealand the Platinum card is a full US$250 per annum (Singapore US$218, and Australia a comparatively respectable US$135) more than the UK cards, but has worse benefits. No Eurostar lounge access for instance...

I registered specifically to reply to this thread, which is great, btw.

I would be willing to pay much more than $395 if that meant that I would be guaranteed tables at restaurants which usually require to reserve at least one month in advance. Last week I was told by the platinum concierge that Babbo specifically asked that Amex DO NOT contact them on behalf of their card holders. How ridiculous is this??! Overall the concierge is completely useless when it comes to dinner reservations and can't do anything that you wouldn't be able to do yourself. That's the only thing that I'd be interested in improving. I like to eat :-D

Last week I was told by the platinum concierge that Babbo specifically asked that Amex DO NOT contact them on behalf of their card holders. How ridiculous is this??! Overall the concierge is completely useless when it comes to dinner reservations and can't do anything that you wouldn't be able to do yourself.

Agreed. This comes pretty close to my beef when it comes to the "premium" benefits we supposedly get when we pay up for the platiunum. In theory, all the "benefits" sound great on paper, but when you actually use them they often fall short, primarily (IMHO) because the people are poorly trained AND the service isn't anything near to what is advertised. As I have said earlier on this thread, I would also be willing to pay MORE if only the services were actually premium.

In this case, Amex needs to do several things
a) Stop advertising certain "benefits" if they can't live up to their advertising promises
b) If providing a stated benefit at the full service level costs more, then up the price of membership. I don't mind paying more if I get a truly premium service.
c) If it is too difficult/expensive to continue providing a certain service, then drop it. I would much rather be told that something can't be provided at all rather than rely on its availability and have it fall far short of expectations. I've been dissapointed far too many times with Amex service, which is really the main reason why I question myself year to year as to whether in the end I should continue forking over the premium membership fee.
d) As BLV points out, what is the point of using Amex "services" when you can just as easily do something yourself? What is the value add here? Amex needs to seriously address this point.

d) As BLV points out, what is the point of using Amex "services" when you can just as easily do something yourself? What is the value add here? Amex needs to seriously address this point.

I received the "you used our concierge, so now rate the service and suggest what you'd improve blah-blah" paper in the mail recently. What I initially posted is pretty much what I wrote down. Whether it will be implemented is a different story.

I'm willing to pay, but I want things in return.

:eek: Just to prove that AMEX Platinum is going down the drain , they have started giving any riff raff this supposedly exclusive card and when I say riff raff I mean, me. I'm 1 year out of college so I don't really have a history of steady income yet and I got an invitation in the mail to join Amex Plat for $275 a year and a $100 signing credit. For me its a business write off so I joined last month. Now this week they sent me a voucher that will let basically anyone I give it to receive an AMEX Plat and I will get 2,500 bonus points. I sure don't feel like part of some elite class that they want me to feel, more like a refferal service for AMEX to get more youth using their cards.

But seems to have better benefits for the In'tl traveller:

See: http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,10351,00.asp#a16

Highlights are that they include Priority Pass membership, Starwood AND Hilton Gold status and what seems to be very good Worldwide travel insurace coverage. No FHR or 2-for-1 program, though.

Thinking I might make the switch.

Highlights are that they include Priority Pass membership, Starwood AND Hilton Gold status and what seems to be very good Worldwide travel insurace coverage.

According to the link, Hilton Gold is only for the first year.

According to the link, Hilton Gold is only for the first year.

Saw that. I should have been more specific, but in my mind the biggest plus for the Int'l traveler is Priority Pass membership in lieu of the virtually useless Skyteam lounge access (for int'l travel, anyway).

Biggest disadvantage is probably the loss of FHR, but now that Virtuoso exists, probably less of a loss than one would first imagine. Also, I see that 2-for-1 is actually a benefit, so no loss in that.

I should have been more specific, but in my mind the biggest plus for the Int'l traveler is Priority Pass membership in lieu of the virtually useless Skyteam lounge access (for int'l travel, anyway).


In the same interest in being specfic, that link and associated benefits are not for US based card members.

5 phone calls later (3 to the U.S., 2 to offices in Europe), and I still haven't been connected to the part of Amex that can switch my US plat card to an Int'l dollar card! yet another example of poor CS integration. I've at least now been told that the process is a separate application, and I may be able to apply a pro-rated part of my already paid membership fee to the new card. I'm giving up on Amex. As invested as I am in the program, they just make it too difficult to remain a loyal customer.

5 phone calls later (3 to the U.S., 2 to offices in Europe), and I still haven't been connected to the part of Amex that can switch my US plat card to an Int'l dollar card! yet another example of poor CS integration. I've at least now been told that the process is a separate application, and I may be able to apply a pro-rated part of my already paid membership fee to the new card. I'm giving up on Amex. As invested as I am in the program, they just make it too difficult to remain a loyal customer.

I was wondering how that would/would not work out. Thanks for saving those of us curious enough to try it, the time and frustration of actually trying. Let us know if it actually does work out at some point.

5 phone calls later (3 to the U.S., 2 to offices in Europe), and I still haven't been connected to the part of Amex that can switch my US plat card to an Int'l dollar card! yet another example of poor CS integration. I've at least now been told that the process is a separate application, and I may be able to apply a pro-rated part of my already paid membership fee to the new card. I'm giving up on Amex. As invested as I am in the program, they just make it too difficult to remain a loyal customer.

Kuroneko, Are you based outside the U.S.
I did not see a location in your profile.
I don't think that USA residents are eligable for this Amex Product.

USA residency per se does not disqualify one from obtaining an International Dollar Card, but American Express looks for a connection to the region where the card is issued. "Provided you have a residential address in Europe or Africa, we are able to process your application." (Note that IDC products are also issued in other regions.)

The application form is here...

http://www10.americanexpress.com/emea_idc_ss/emea_idc_pers_apply%20for%20card_ss/pdfs/platinum_app.pdf

Note that the application asks if you have another American Express card which allows them to access your USA account information. They also require bank and income details but not, in my experience, confirmation of those details.

Note also that American Express has a department called "Global Transfers" which facilitates conversion of accounts from one nationality to another:

http://home3.americanexpress.com/canada/en/global_card_transfer_en.asp

This said I cannot see any convincing benefit to replacing a USA Platinum Card with an IDC Platinum Card, unless you spend a significant amount of time in Europe or Africa. IDC is not subject to USA legislation regarding unauthorized use or merchant disputes. The IDC website is primitive, you can see a list of transactions and your Membership Rewards balance, but you cannot do anything with this information online. IDC Membership Rewards does not offer double points for "everyday spending", nor instantaneous transfers to any partners - phone or fax your requests. Most of the benefits are geared to travel originating in Europe.

The Priority Pass membership is nice, but if that's your primary motive it would seem better to apply for the Citibank Chairman card.

dennis

:eek: Just to prove that AMEX Platinum is going down the drain , they have started giving any riff raff this supposedly exclusive card and when I say riff raff I mean, me. I'm 1 year out of college so I don't really have a history of steady income yet and I got an invitation in the mail to join Amex Plat for $275 a year and a $100 signing credit. For me its a business write off so I joined last month. Now this week they sent me a voucher that will let basically anyone I give it to receive an AMEX Plat and I will get 2,500 bonus points. I sure don't feel like part of some elite class that they want me to feel, more like a refferal service for AMEX to get more youth using their cards.


Well yes and no, some people sign up for the Platinum card for the flash value or whatever, but in my case it was for the lounge access. I live in Houston which is a major CO hub, and has 4 Presidents clubs in the airport. I usually only fly CO so for me this is better, as I can take two guests in with me, and not have to pay for prioty pass (which would charge me extra for guests). Yeah I can't get in to lounges in every airport....


I figure that I would pay $110 for the Preferred Green anyways, so thats only $285 for the lounge access whereas Priority Pass is $399 and $24/Guest, plus I still get the other Platinum benefits if I happen to use them.


With all that being said my two ideas of improvement:

1. (Like others have said )Access to Skyteam Lounges Across the board (regardless of which airline you are flying, it would probably attract some business away from Priority Pass).

2. Better MR Bonuses, it still escapes me why my mother who has a Preferred Green can sign up for great double or triple MR promotions and I usually can't. This is a point that I will be reassessing at the end of the year to see if its worth downgrading just for the promotions...




-Andrew

P.S. I am 22 Work Full Time, but still in College BTW

1- If you would have purchased a lounge membership on DL, CO, or NW, then having and maintaining the card is a no brainer. The incremental additional annual cost is well worth it. If you did not purchase a lounge membership and used Plat. instead for access, having the Plat Card is a no brainer.

2-If you have occasion to use the lounges at least 4 times and you value access per visit at $50 or greater, a case can be made for having the card.

3- If you don't use the lounge access, then the card is not worth it.

Finished.
my wallet candy is going back.
I will use starwood and Hilton mostly, I think that I will maintain One Membership Rewards product. Just not a $395 a year one. Think about it in five years that's two grand, And they don't give me anything of value.

The $395 is well worth it to me.

I was paying $140 for the gold card plus MR fee, so I view it as an additional $250 a year.

#1 -- the value of emergency medical assistance while in a foreign country is or could be (to quote abother card's tag line) priceless; certainly well worth $250 a year for me.

#2 -- By switching to the Platinum card, I was able to eliminate my DL Crown Room expense. Even though I don't fly DL as much anymore, they have the only club on the main concourse here @ PBI.

#3 -- The first year I had the card, received a $300 shipboard credit for a cruise, plus a bottle of Dom in my stateroom. The value of those alone covered my fee for the year. I did not book the cruise through PTS; was able to book through my own agent and have her contact PTS for my amenities.

#4 - I could Save some $ if I wanted by switching to the business platiumum card;just haven;t bothered.

My $0.02 worth: Eliminate the DL, NW, CO lounge with carrier "benefit" and include Priority Pass with at least 10 includes visits (if not more) instead. Interestingly enough, this is a feature on non-US Amex cards.

Cheers!

Nico

non us card is 550€/year in italy :)

Kuroneko, Are you based outside the U.S.
I did not see a location in your profile.
I don't think that USA residents are eligable for this Amex Product.

I used to live in the US. I no longer do, but still have the US based plat card. (I still get paid in US dollars)

Amex keep sending me letters offering the platinum card, but so far I can't see any benefit over the Gold, other than "elite" membership of a couple of rental car programs and on a couple of US airlines I don't use.
It seems to me they should make different versions of the card for different lifestyles. All of my travel is leisure travel. I am in my 30's and I live in NYC. I don't need cruise tickets or one-car upgrades at Hertz. The "concierge" seems a waste of time if you are capable of using Google or stubhub yourself.
Pretty much everything else is covered in Gold I think.

The $395 is well worth it to me.


#1 -- the value of emergency medical assistance while in a foreign country is or could be (to quote abother card's tag line) priceless; certainly well worth $250 a year for me.
.


Yeah, That was a psycological selling point for me also.

But, I'm concerned that its a false sense of security.

My concern is that if someone really needs this benefit that they are better of with the Med Jet company, Med assist company.
http://www.medjetassistance.com/plan_regular.asp?partner=&formtype=regular>

Amex will get you to "nearest, appropriate hospital". Not home.

Are there a lot of exclusions and ways out??

I think that the company that charges for this will get you home, i.e to YOUR choice of Hospital

http://www.medjetassistance.com/plan_regular.asp?partner=&formtype=regular>

Here's what I'd like to see with AMEX plat...

1. Hilton HHonors Gold status
2. full Skyteam lounge reciprocity (i.e. I'm flying on, say, CO then my card gets me into a DL or NW lounge)
3. more airline choices on MR, and options for international business class/first class rewards (not just economy class, as they currently offer. I usually fly J/F on longhaul international flights, as I suspect many AMEX Plat members do)
4. more double miles MR promos
5. a REAL cuise program whereby the rates quoted by AMEX are the same as anyplace else (rather than the current sham in which one gets "free" benefits if they book their cruise through AMEX at their considerably higher rates)
6. Better PTS service. Their customer service reps. are not very informed/helpful in my experience.

If they gave me all six of the above, I'd be a very happy camper!

My concern is that if someone really needs this benefit that they are better of with the Med Jet company, Med assist company.
http://www.medjetassistance.com/plan_regular.asp?partner=&formtype=regular>

>

Interesting that someone brings this up, because this is yet another "benefit" offered by Amex that I supplement with something else because Amex falls short. Right now, I subscribe to the International SOS plan (http://www.internationalsos.com/en/index.htm) which gets you out of a country for both medical and security emergencies.

So as it stands, in addition to Plat Amex, I buy Int'l SOS, Priority Pass, and will soon buy a non-owner car rental insurance policy for rentals in the U.S. and Canada. (As you all may know, from 1 May, Amex will not cover CDW for non-U.S. residents when renting on a US issued plat card)

I personally am looking to make a switch due to the continuous erosion of benefits that I have to supplement with something else.

I promise to write to American Express once a month with a summary of the suggestions, ideas posted by our vibrant intelligent community.

so when does the first letter go out?

so when does the first letter go out?


Actually, It was an email and not a letter.

oh cool...im interested to what they will say. may i ask what you said?

I'd like to see elite status on at least 1 US airline. e.g UA Prem Exec.

UK Plat card benefits are very poor now considering the £300/$540 (I think) fee.
I'm considering ditching it now, but will miss the Priority Pass.

Or are you suggesting "perputual" status on UA?

Add a "Clear" membership (details at www.flyclear.com) would be great too. It cost approximately $80.00 a year, but you are able to bypass the long security lines. Right now it is only available in a small group of cities, but it seems they are rolling it out across the nation.

Add a "Clear" membership (details at www.flyclear.com) would be great too. It cost approximately $80.00 a year, but you are able to bypass the long security lines. Right now it is only available in a small group of cities, but it seems they are rolling it out across the nation.

Besides the many reasons that will take a discussion about this from reasoned to OMNI, why? If this is in 30+ airports, then maybe it's something. However, the web site says only MCO and soon SJC and IND. So for the time being for most people across the county, this would just be another "feature" that sounds good in AMEX marketing but turns out to be useless or nearly useless, right?

I hate how they charge you at PTS to buy tickets. $400 a year for a card and they still need extra commission on airline tickets? C'mon. I can book myself for a better price ususally.

I'd like to see a 2for1 on restricted business fares, not just astronomically priced flexible tickets.

I'd like to see a 2for1 on restricted business fares, not just astronomically priced flexible tickets.
I'd also like the moon on a stick, but it will never happen.

What is the possible benefit to the airlines of giving away business-class seats at half-price to Amex cardmembers?

The two-for-one works because the airline gets two seats filled in exchange for what is effectively a concession on the flexibility of the ticket - i.e. two seats at slightly discounted prices but with full-fare flexibility.

I hate how they charge you at PTS to buy tickets. $400 a year for a card and they still need extra commission on airline tickets? C'mon. I can book myself for a better price ususally.


see the other thread.

I'd also like the moon on a stick, but it will never happen.

What is the possible benefit to the airlines of giving away business-class seats at half-price to Amex cardmembers?

The two-for-one works because the airline gets two seats filled in exchange for what is effectively a concession on the flexibility of the ticket - i.e. two seats at slightly discounted prices but with full-fare flexibility.

It's not supposed to be a benefit for the airline. It's supposed to be a benefit for me.

How about a Plat/ Cent liason desk at membership rewards that could have paricipating partners "hold" award availabilty pending a transfer of points.
I'm not suggesting increased award capacity. But, award availability is fluid and not static. So the M.R. Liason desk would confirm to the airline that the cardmember has requested a binding non reversable transfer and they the award space should be held pending the transfer.
Essentally, a defacto ability to book award air tixs in "real time".

For example, I note that Airline X is one of the more attractive redemption options.

But does a high spender with no elite status on Airline X and no familarity with the Airline X affinity program really want to transfer 200,000 M.R. Points on the premise that the desired award is available today and "might" still be available after the transfer actually occurs.

I would not like this risk.

The attractive thing with this suggestion is that:

1- It represents true valued addded for premium card holders.

2- It costs Amex very little.

I for one would not mind a "special handling " fee for such a service. So this ehhancement could actually be a profit center for Amex. ( although it would be classier if it was offered for free)

If the concept of Pat $395 and Cent $2500 is high volume chargers then Amex needs to realize that a transfer of two hundred thousand M.R. Points needs to be handled in a more seemless fashion than say a transfer for one domestic coach tix ( 25,000 M.R. points)

Membership Rewards point transfers are often instantaneous if performed online. I have only done this with CO and VS, but I see that several other partner programs also say "Normally immediate, but please allow up to 48 hrs". In the time it might take Amex to notify they could probably accomplish the transfer unless there is a technical bottleneck on the reciept program's end.

dennis

Who knows we may acyually get an Amex Lurker.

Then we'll have to be careful what we post :)

Just wondering--any traction on getting an Amex Lurker?

I am now seriously considering the switch to the Chairman card--I find myself using Plat Amex less and less. Don't know if I'll get rid of Amex altogether, but at least a downgrade seems imminent.

But, I will try again.

I will print out this entire thread and Fed Ex it to THREE differrent individual at Amex .

I will of course acompany the thread with a well composed , articulate , professional and spelling error free business letter. In other words, unlike my nearly 1700 posts here ;)

I think an old fashion paper letter gets a more thoughtful read than e mail.
Similarly, I think that fedEx is more effective than U.S. Mail.
I promise to post my response(s) , if any. Any potentional post(s) will not identify execs by name. Any Amex Exec corresponding or answering my letter will have his or her privacy honored.

Over the past 15 years I have been extremely satisfied with my Platinum card. I like the convenience of lounge access with my card (although I am disappointed how the non-NW/CO/DL lounges have disappeared from the list including the Amtrak lounges). The Platinum concierge has come through a few times in some big ways. I use the FHR program a couple times a year. I have cashed in MR through the years to redeem a few international business class tickets on Delta. The Platinum Card benefits I receive are unquestionably worth the annual membership fee I pay each year. (And of course the $395 annual fee today is certainly less in today's dollars than the $300 fee was 15 years ago.)

I am less concerned about receiving more benefits than I am with simply holding the line with the useful level of services that we currently receive. Just as Centurion cardholders have lost Hyatt Diamond and Starwood Platinum status as benefits, I am concerned that the current level of AMEX Platinum benefits will also erode if AMEX pushes too hard in maximizing the number of Platinum cardholders and creates a situation where the commercial air, hotel and rental car partners ultimately feel they are extending amenities to a broader cardholder base that is no longer their marketing target. (AMEX now appears to be marketing Platinum to anyone willing to pay the annual fee and pushing current cardholders to apply for additional cards.) Ultimately I pay my annual Platinum card membership fee for the current level of benefits. If the current benefit level were to start a downward slope, I would consider moving my spending to another card and cancel the Platinum card which I have been satisfied using for many years.

I am less concerned about receiving more benefits than I am with simply holding the line with the useful level of services that we currently receive. Just as Centurion cardholders have lost Hyatt Diamond and Starwood Platinum status as benefits, I am concerned that the current level of AMEX Platinum benefits will also erode if AMEX pushes too hard in maximizing the number of Platinum cardholders and creates a situation where the commercial air, hotel and rental car partners ultimately feel they are extending amenities to a broader cardholder base that is no longer their marketing target. (AMEX now appears to be marketing Platinum to anyone willing to pay the annual fee and pushing current cardholders to apply for additional cards.) Ultimately I pay my annual Platinum card membership fee for the current level of benefits. If the current benefit level were to start a downward slope, I would consider moving my spending to another card and cancel the Platinum card which I have been satisfied using for many years.

I completely agree. As I stated earlier in this thread, I'd actually be willing to pay MORE if what Amex Plat offered was truly premium. Yes, it is possible to extract $400 worth of value, but it can really be painful doing so. PTS is a joke, many CSRs are clueless about plat benefits, and a few things have quietly gone away as published benefits. Concierge is OK, but forget about having them go beyond arranging basic restaurant reservations and tickets. Those "miracle" stories on the Plat Website about the Concierges finding an exotic solution for this or that must be one in a million acts performed by rare individuals whom I have certainly never encountered when using them.

I completely agree. As I stated earlier in this thread, I'd actually be willing to pay MORE if what Amex Plat offered was truly premium. Yes, it is possible to extract $400 worth of value, but it can really be painful doing so. PTS is a joke, many CSRs are clueless about plat benefits, and a few things have quietly gone away as published benefits. Concierge is OK, but forget about having them go beyond arranging basic restaurant reservations and tickets. Those "miracle" stories on the Plat Website about the Concierges finding an exotic solution for this or that must be one in a million acts performed by rare individuals whom I have certainly never encountered when using them.

Kuroenko,

I agree with your assessment. Many of us long-term Plat card holders appreciate the benefits and are willing to pay for a Premium card. Keeping up with inflation, I certainly would have been willing to consider a Centurion-type card with a $1000 annual fee. When AMEX chose to detract from the status of the Plat card by creating Centurion, and then move the invite-only status in the U.S. to that card with an eye only toward those super high end spenders who charge $250K plus, AMEX in effect turned Platinum into just another common card with a higher annual fee. For those of us long-term Plat card holders who travel frequently, internationally, on paid-business class tickets and stay at premium hotels (but without volume $250K individual spending on a personal card), this leaves us on the side-lines watching to see whether the Platinum annual fee remains worthwhile or whether our spending should ultimately be moved to a no-fee USAA AMEX (which offers $1mill flight insurance unlike the $500K insurance for Platinum which has never increased) or a low annual fee Visa Signature card that also carries $1mill coverage. Ten years ago AMEX Platinum was a special card in a league of its own. Today it is just another card where any cardholder must weigh the cost/benefits of card membership. Currently, AMEX seems to be expanding the Platinum customer base such that many prospective cardholders are now more interested in how to obtain a waiver of the annual fee than in the actual level of benefits offered. I don't begrudge AMEX for making a business decision for creating a high-end Centurion; I just mean that AMEX also has to realize that they need to continue satisfying their 15 year Plat customers with continuing benefits or risk losing them to other cards if they scale back on what the Platinum Card offers. While Platinum did not invite me to trade up to Centurion, they have satisfied my expectations by in effect lowering my membership fee (inflation considered) and more recently by lowering my additional card holder fees. (Previously I was paying $175 a year for each of four additional cardholders in my family. More recently, thanks to FT Threads, I learned that Platinum now charges only $175 for three additional cards and I called and cut my fee for additional cards in half--$175 for three additional + $175 for the fourth). In this sense, as AMEX has chosen to downgrade the status of their Platinum Card, they in effect have placated me by lowering the annual membership fee for primary and additional cards. My point is simply at this current fee level AMEX has ensured my continued loyalty. But I am ready to jump ship if AMEX does not continue to maintain its current level of benefits or increase them. For instance, it is a joke over the past ten years that AMEX has never raised its flight insurance (which none of us expect to use) when my fee-free AMEX card offers $1 mill, twice the Plat card's rate.

However, a nice additional benefit would be free wi-fi service through a service like T-mobile...

I would like to see access to AA and UA lounges in addition the CO/NW/DL lounges.

But, failing that, how about providing business quality travel services through PTS. Unless I am booking a 2-for-1 international ticket (PTS being the only choice then), the service seems to be exactly the same as the regular Amex Travel.

I'm fowarding this thread to the Executive Offices today.
Hopefully it will be passed on to some one in marketing

-better spg ratio or more airline partners
-more hotel benefits

i'd gladly pay more depending on how good, for both plat and cent, i plan to get cent in future.

both amex plat lounges and priority pass both dont seem all that great to me..

merrill+ getting you real club memberships, including AA seems better, but still not something id get merrill for.

Automatic OnePass Silver would be nice, that way I wouldn't have to qualify every year. I really, really, really want Centurion though.

A massage service :D

However, a nice additional benefit would be free wi-fi service through a service like T-mobile...

Now, that's a good comment. Would never happen though.

As for the opening up of the program to the common man, I find it hilarious that I have not been invited yet. I spent $250k last quarter... (And no, this is not my first 3 months with amex ;-), it is only 20% higher than my normal spend.)

I just upgraded to Amex Plat Business... here's what would be great

1. i want to reiterate a point mentioned previously in this thread (just in case an interested Amex person reads this:) more airline lounges added (or at least the Priority Pass ones). More importantly, allow the access to CO/DL/NW anytime, not only if in possession of a ticket from those airlines for same-day travel (so if I'm flying AA, I'd like to be able to access the CO or DL lounge by presenting Plat card)
2. 2 for 1 deal on coach tix internationally (not only business/first class tix)
3. upgrade possibilities, as in their UK programs (which also offer Priority Pass lounge access)
4. 1.5 mileage on travel partner purchases (like Gold Rewards Plus offers)
5. I certainly would support the massage idea a previous poster suggested!!

backpack2firstclass what do you mean by #3?

and lessthanzero, its been stated that they no longer actually send out invites, you have to call them and request an upgrade.

backpack2firstclass what do you mean by #3?
and lessthanzero, its been stated that they no longer actually send out invites, you have to call them and request an upgrade.

Hello Kagehitokiri,

Can you clarify: they no longer send out invites for upgrading and/or joining Amex Platinum (in the USA or UK?)?. Also, you mention having to call for airline upgrades now in the UK?

Here are the specs on the UK card; if it's changed, apologies for misinformation:

http://www.americanexpress.com/uk/benefits/platinum/platinum_listpage.shtml?sourcecode=X49899IE32&name=

...

3. upgrade possibilities, as in their UK programs (which also offer Priority Pass lounge access) what does that mean? are you talking about how you get some sort of BA status through BA amex or something, when you have centurion?

in the US, you have to call if you want a centurion card. they dont call you anymore.

i have no idea if its the same in UK or not, last i remember they were not allowing new cardholders because they were going to relaunch it or something..

backpack2firstclass what do you mean by #3?

and lessthanzero, its been stated that they no longer actually send out invites, you have to call them and request an upgrade.

Kage,

I've read the thread and could easily have called (even without reading this thread). My comment was merely pondering the fact that I have not been targeted for any sort of promotion. Sicne the black card still is invite only (or so they say) I would have expected a few calls from them.

Again, I know I can call them myself and that I would qualify. So maybe they are doing their targeting right, because I doubt I would have upgraded without being comped. Without this site I would not have been able to make the cost/benefit tradeoff analysis so easily though!

Go back to double points on everyday purchases.

Also, add Priority Pass for lounge membership, like the UK card.

If they add PP, I am a plat cardholder for life. Without it, I vacillate every time I see my annual dues charged to my card.

Keep up the good work.

After nightares with Citi and Bof A, I reconize the difference.


As James D. Robinson the third use to always say, "Quality is the only patent protection that we've got".

Well AX , you DO have a patent.