American Express Membership Rewards - New Centurion Benefits Site & Moving of Comparison Pages

It is my pleasure to announce that my previous AMEX comparison pages have moved from our googlepages site to a new domain of http://www.jblackbelt.com With the help of BDAW from BDAW.com (http://www.bdaw.com)we have brought a whole new design and layout to our page, and a whole bunch of new sections. Not only can you see a much nicer laid out version of our comparisons, but also a complete listing of benefits of the Centurion card. In the future, you can expect much more out of us, and down the line, we expect to add more content besides credit cards to the website. Eventually we do plan to add a car section to the website. As always, comments and suggestions are appreciated, and we also would like to hear what you would like to see next. We hope you enjoy the new site.

The centered text in the bullet list is pretty hard to read. Also, there are some issues with the content. One that I immediately noticed is that the spec you have for the AmEx Platinum road-side assist is wrong. The link should be this:
https://www143.americanexpress.com/cards/platinum/benefit.do?benefitTemplate=template_b&benefitId=roadsideassistance
and the text states that it is only available from within the USA, not internationally.

Fine Dining and Hot Plates have been combined into a program now called Platinum Dining.

thanks I will definately correct that.

Regarding the text, what do you think would be easier to read.

Under "things to register for" I didn't see Virgin Atlantic.

Regarding the text, what do you think would be easier to read.

Left justified. As a general rule, headings are centered, not body text nor lists, especially when they are as long as that one. In some cases there was a very large space between the bullet and the actual text; it was distracting.

And I would still like to see the benefits arranged by category in the comparison matrix. It is somewhat confusing to me to see the IAP near the top and the domestic program near the bottom when they are pretty similar benefits.

Left justified. As a general rule, headings are centered, not body text nor lists, especially when they are as long as that one. In some cases there was a very large space between the bullet and the actual text; it was distracting.

And I would still like to see the benefits arranged by category in the comparison matrix. It is somewhat confusing to me to see the IAP near the top and the domestic program near the bottom when they are pretty similar benefits.

^ i think left justified is a cleaner look too - what browser are you using? I'll see about cleaning up the code so it looks the same in all browsers

^ i think left justified is a cleaner look too - what browser are you using? I'll see about cleaning up the code so it looks the same in all browsers

Welcome to FlyerTalk!!

I checked it in either IE7 or FF2; I don't remember which and I use both pretty frequently. The issue was that the bullets were left justified but the content was centered, often leaving lots of space between the bullet and the words. It just didn't read well.

Any more tips and I might have to start charging my typical web dev rates (which are generally paid in 12-16 ounce increments :D).

You plan to just keep that US focused?

You plan to just keep that US focused?

As of right now the answer is yes. The reason being is that I do not have official information that I can site for cards outside the US. All the cards at the moment have either a website, book, of pdf that I can site, and I do not have anything for non US based cards. However, I would be open to the idea if I could get official information to some of the cards outside the US.

On another note, any pictures we can get from Centurion users of some of the stuff that comes with the card (as of right now i have the centurion wallet, fhr book 2007 & 2008, and the benefits book 2008 that will be appearing on the site shortly) such as pics of their elite cards or welcome packages, it would be much appreciated.

Left justified. As a general rule, headings are centered, not body text nor lists, especially when they are as long as that one. In some cases there was a very large space between the bullet and the actual text; it was distracting.

And I would still like to see the benefits arranged by category in the comparison matrix. It is somewhat confusing to me to see the IAP near the top and the domestic program near the bottom when they are pretty similar benefits.

as per the category comparison matrix, I can tell you now its coming. I pushed it off to redesign the site and I think it will be the next major project of the site. :) thanks for your other tips.

Under "things to register for" I didn't see Virgin Atlantic.

thanks I will add that shortly

"Celebrating all the things that lead [not "leads"] to a Life of Luxury."

Great new site, btw.

thanks boulderlaw. ill change that now.

so does everyone like this better than the old one?

This looks much better than the old one. But I note that my acknowledgement is gone. :-(

sorry i forgot to copy that over. we will put you in the special thanks section :)

Welcome to FlyerTalk!!

I checked it in either IE7 or FF2; I don't remember which and I use both pretty frequently. The issue was that the bullets were left justified but the content was centered, often leaving lots of space between the bullet and the words. It just didn't read well.

Any more tips and I might have to start charging my typical web dev rates (which are generally paid in 12-16 ounce increments :D).

Thanks, I made a few changes. I've been concentrating on the code more than the style.

Make sure to send the bill to Jblackbelt :D

This looks much better than the old one. But I note that my acknowledgement is gone. :-(

If the acknowledgement is the one I'm thinking of, then it's back. :D

"Please take the time to update your site. I found a few differences when reviewing my materials.


I have found a lot of the benefits are similar to the Chairman card. Some of the Differences are listed below:
Magazine is called 360, sent Quarterly
There is a 2 4 1 airline program
Hotels benefits are exactly like Chairman with the exception of Hilton Gold.
They have a ton of partners on the Worldpoints Mall Site. https://wwwa.managerewardsonline.com...k?eid=DAA1C3C2

I hope this helps. PM me if you need me to help you fill in any gaps.

Regards,

*****"

Can anyone confirm this PM I got / provide me to official information on this?

The link doesn't work for me.

All I see is a big area of white space in the center surrounded by LOTS of ads.

i assume your talking about the link above and not www.jblackbelt.com ?

thats why i asked lol, as none of that is on my chairman benefits pdf.

Yes, I'm talking about the link in post #19 - it doesn't work.

yea all that info was sent to me in a private message. i couldnt confirm any of it nor was it listed in the chairman benefit pdf i have so i figured id ask on the board, and even then i would need something from che chairman card website, etc

Wow good thing I looked that over, did not realize it came with Priority Club Platinum. I will have to call tomorrow and request my card.

glad we were able to help someone :)

As normal Amex was very helpfull and they are sending me the paperwork to get enrolled. I guess I need to read more carefully the material they send.

I must have thought it was the Priority Pass membership which I had already setup.

good to hear. :)

on another note... it is my pleasure to announce that a Platinum Card Benefit Page has been made. Same format as the centurion benefits.

now if you are waiting for the comparison by benefit type, i have some good and bad news. the good news that it is done - content wise. the bad news is that there are some problems with formatting so we are delaying it until bdaw has a chance to look at it.

I'd like to ask two things if possible

1) I'd like to propose that www.jblackbelt.com gets added to the useful websites sticky thread.

2) I'd like to ask for anyones assitance that is willing to post on the centurion card wikipedia page to get the site back on wikipedia. we need all the support we can get to be readded.


thanks to all in advanced

...Platinum Card Benefit Page has been made.

Good. I didn't see real value comparing Chairman or Accolades to Centurion because they are designed to compete with Platinum.

It may also be worth adding Merrill+ VISA, because their approach is quite different. The card has no annual fee, demonstrating that the cost to provide many of the benefits touted by these cards is trivial.

definately will try to add merrill+

https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/MERRILL.htm <--- is this all the benefits? if so ill try to work on the comparison shortly (would be awesome if a merril+ card member could help us out). i really want to launch the card comparison by benefit next, just formatting issues holding us back.

what else would you guys like to see?

Once again, it is my pleasure to announce that jblackbelt.com has now launched a comparison by benefit. there are three sections. travel, lifestyle, and shopping. as always, comments are appreciated.

on another note i would like to hear what people would like to see next. the poll said its not listed, and no one used the contact us page....so i figured id ask here as well.

I already have a suggestion for a merril+ visa page which will happen in the future, that i recieved through pm here.

Jblackbelt,

Which card's concierge is best? I know this is a hard question to investigate or answer, but some factors might include:
Best response to inquiry for information, e.g., destination info, home contractors, etc.?
Fastest response?
Easiest to contact (e.g, Amex offers email or phone access)?
Best access to tickets, restaurant reservations, etc.?

definately a good question to investigate, the question would be how. surveys is my guess, but then its all the question to tell whose legit. that is one thing i have tried to keep my site, all my info comes from a legit source. all cent info from cent website or benefits book, etc, so i will have to think that one through, but definately let me know if you have some ideas. just shoot me a pm.

any thoughts about the new stuff?

We made an addition to the site today to the history page of the centurion card, and have added some pictures.

We also are asking any centurion member that can and would like to help us with some things to please send me a PM.

I posted the link wrong in the PM. I will get an updated link soon. My Premier Banker informed me BOFA is launching a new site for Accolades. I will post once the email has been received.

Quote from PM sent to JBlackbelt
"Magazine is called 360, sent Quarterly
There is a 2 4 1 airline program
Hotels benefits are exactly like Chairman with the exception of Hilton Gold."

I have received two copies of the magazine and the Hotel benefits are there. The 2-4-1 airline program can be used 4 times. You must call a dedicated number(Just like PTS) to receive the benefit. I called the number on the back of the card, and was provided a lot of information, such as the number to call for PTS-BOFA's Version as well as how to sign up for Priority Pass. (Signup done via prioritypass website with a special promotion code to activate)

Reply or PM me with any specific questions. I am glad to help.

FYI....I received my latest 360 Magazine on Saturday.

JH

SITE FOR BOFA ACCOLADES
http://www.preferredoffers.com/?obj=Home

I do not know how to post Screen shots, however here are a few of the benefits:

Canyon Ranch: Receive a $360 Allowance

Park Hyatt: Receive a room upgrade and complimentary breakfast for two

Destination Hotels and Resorts: Receive a room upgrade and complimentary breakfast for two

Fairmont Hotels: Receive a complimentary room upgrade

Intercontinental Hotels: Receive a room upgrade and late check-out.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Receive a room upgrade and complimentary breakfast for two

Mandarin Oriental: Receive a room upgrade and complimentary breakfast for two

Venetian: Receive a $50 amenity credit per night of your stay

These were the standout deals in my opinion. There were a few others.

CARS
National Emerald Club Membership is included.

CRUISES
Regent Seven Seas: Receive a one category upgrade.

Silversea: Receive a $200 per suite Onboard Spending Credit.

CONCIERGE
The Concierge service provided by Les Concierges, Inc

SPECIAL OFFERS
Purchase Airfare for $500 or more get a $200 AMEX Gift Card
Make hotel reservation for 2 nights or more get a $100 AMEX gift card
These offers can be combined with offers above too!

As always, please reply or PM me if you have any specific questions.

Regards,

JROCK

Excellent work....Lots of material there. Your site will save lots of time for card shoppers.

I couldn't find the roadside assistance benefit for amex plat and cent on your site. I have used this service and found it very similar to AAA.

Regarding Merrill+ VISA... Definitely worth adding. I have had as good or better results with their dedicated concierge compared to AMEX plat. BTW, both amex plat and Merrill+ use Circles. I really like their points for air travel: No restrictions, plain and simple. An added plus is earning airline FF points when you buy a ticket with their travel dept. However, Merrill+ is no help at all when booking hotel reservations. They completely lack an equivalent to Amex's PTS/CTS or Saks WEMC's Virtuoso service.

The Saks WEMC would be an even better card to add. Although their points are only for Saks shopping, their Virtuoso travel service is very similar to amex PTS. In fact, it is virtually the same. It offers early check in, Late check out, daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade at check-in when available, a special amenity that varies by property (example spa credits/workout room passes). They are not as well connected as PTS/CTS, but I have found they try harder, and I have gotten really good results with them.

Magazine is called 360... The 2-4-1 airline program can be used 4 times. You must call a dedicated number(Just like PTS)

360 seems to be published by American Express for their card issuing bank partners. It is also sent to Citi Platinum American Express cardholders.

The American Express domestic companion program is not operated by Platinum Travel Service (PTS), but is outsourced to API which seems to specialize in this type of benefit. It would be interesting to know who operates the Bank of America program. My guess is that it is "Promotions in Travel".

SITE FOR BOFA ACCOLADES
http://www.preferredoffers.com/?obj=Home


Unsurpringly, these offers are identical to those at http://entre.com which is the Citi version of the same website. The benefits package seems to be assembled by American Express for their card issuing bank partners. Perhaps someone with access to both could report if the layout of the pages is different beyond the entry page?

I have a Bank of America Platinum Plus Amex credit card. I too get the 360 magazine and access to all of the Entre rewards and website.

When I enter the first 6 digits of my Accolades card on the Entre site it redirects me to the BOFA site.

This gives much credence to what mia states....
...The sites are managed access by AMEX, not the issuing banks.

wow a lot has happened here today.

ok

1) do you mean you can't find the roadside on the benefits or comparison part of the site?

2) I will search the BOA site and come up with a details page. The benefits book they sent me sucks.

3) Merrill+ will be next on the list, and mia has kindly provided me with links.

4) I would love to add the Sakes World Elite card but I have not found a member that can get me into their website or provide me a benefit book. If anyone can do that I'd be happy to add the card, it was on my original list as well as the Stratus White Card.

5) Once again, any Centurion member that wants to do us a small favor for the website, please PM me.

Thanks... i think I covered everything, if not please let me know

once again, its my pleasure to announce a new update to the site...the Chairman Card (AMEX) Benefits Page. As always, comments are welcome...

up next the Merril+ Visa and a surprise...

any other ideas for what you want to see please let me know.

enjoy

A small update. We have added a Centurion Pictures Page. The page contains pictures of the cards that come with the US Centurion such as Priority Pass and other cards. Also a small update to the home page as well.

Larger Updates hopefully soon.

Special Thanks to Ron Schnell for the pictures.

I know this is kind of off topic as this particular post doesn't particuarly relate to AMEX but, I am interested in the opinion you all have of this. I am thinking of expanding the site to do comparisons of the frequent flyer/hotel programs. For example Hilton Diamond vs. Starwood Platinum vs. PC Plat vs. Hyatt Diamond. What do you guys think of this? Is it something that would be useful or should jblackbelt.com stick to credit cards for the time being?

Hi all,

Just an fyi we added some new stuff to jblackbelt.com including info on the BOA accolades amex. Feel free to check out the new update. and happy new year!