American Express Membership Rewards - Gold Charge Card

Hi all,

I recently called Platinum Charge Card customer services to cancel my year old charge card. They offered me a Gold Charge Card instead, free for a year (usually £95 annual fee, here in the UK).

I've checked the Amex website and there's not much on there about the Gold card. I am tempted by it, as I can collect membership rewards and in addition I get to use the travel service.

My current setup is a BA Premium Plus card (free) with a Platinum Charge card (£300 annual fee). I've only ever used the BA one to collect the miles, although the included Priority Pass from the Platinum card has been quite useful. I'm thinking of cancelling the BA card too, along with the Platinum and getting the Gold.

Am I right in doing so? Should I consider an alternate card? Or do I need my head checking? :)

Definitely at least consider it--it's free for a year, so why not?

Also, keep in mind that if you close the Platinum charge card without keeping a Gold (or other Membership Rewards product), you will lose all of your MR points.

I have always valued very highly the 2 for 1 certificate you get for BA Miles bookings once you have spent about £10k/year. My wife and I have had very nice long haul flights in BA First each year since they introduced this.

I guess you would be giving this up if you stopped having the BA Amex Card

Cant comment on the Platinum, but Gold IMO is not worth much. I have one
for a few years, but never had to use. I have it because Its free from my
bank/broker.

Thanks for all your replies, people. Some interesting and varying views.

I am willing to give the Gold a chance as it's free and better than paying £300 for something I may not use (although the Priority Pass has come in handy in the past). If I were to go for this (and only this card), I will start to collect MR more seriously. Right now I have very few that probably wouldn't get me anything.

I wanted to use my Platinum to book a posh night out at a few restaurants that require you to book months in advance. I've not tried this, but I suppose it's one benefit I'd lose from cancelling my Platinum. Has anyone had much luck doing something like this with a Platinum Charge card?

In any case I have been reading on the differences of Gold and Platinum insurances. My Platinum failed to cover me on an insurance travel claim, which is one reason why I decided to scrap it. The Gold however does seem to offer refund and other similar protective insurances. I presume the Platinum has similar ones?

Unfortunately, I missed out on the BA 2-for-1 by just a few pounds this year, so I think it's not worth keeping that card for now. I have used some points to claim back a couple of one-way journeys and upgrades to Club. Actually, does anyone know how much the BA Premium Plus card will cost if I have a Gold charge card? Having the Platinum Charge card made the BA one free.