Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - CX and American Express Issue Cathay Pacific Credit Card

Now we know which company CX has teamed up with to issue their co-branded credit card--it is American Express.

See here: http://www.americanexpress.com/hk/en/campaigns/flyfaster/default.shtml?PID=344&BUID=CCG&AFFID=HSEhpg&CRTV=STDBAN&PSKU=CPE&sourcecode=0000AVE002

Does anyone know any details, eg:

1. How many dollars (pts) to one asiamile,
2. Is there bonus for overseas spending,
3. How the welcome miles and first month bonus can be gained?

Does anyone know any details, eg:

1. How many dollars (pts) to one asiamile,
2. Is there bonus for overseas spending,
3. How the welcome miles and first month bonus can be gained?

See the link I posted, above. But, to answer your query:

1.) 1 Asia Miles for HKD 8.00 local spending
2.) 2 Asia Miles for HKD 8.00 overseas spending
3.) Up to 60,000 bonus Asia Miles in first 4 months

No spending cap on #1 and #2, above.

Great! It can now bring me back to the Macro Polo for free.... has been grounded last year (and flying again from July) and I missed the business class check in counter....

But the earning rate is not attractive at all when compare with SC / DBS Amex ...

The other benefits seem to be much the same as the old CitiCX card - online booking bonus, plaza premium lounge access, etc.

Plus it has what I think are the usual Amex benefits of Insurance, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Travel Insurance, etc, which is better than the old Citi card.

The only thing I really don't like in the T&Cs is that all foreign currency transactions go through US$ and are at 2% off interbank. So if you make overseas purchases in any currency except US$ or HK$ then the effective rate is 4% off interbank, which is not very competitive at all.

The annual fee of $1800 waived for the first year.

There application form has some weird stuff on it. For example, trying to find my nationality I looked for British, then United Kingdom, and then finally found "England (British Citizen)". The other elements of the UK just have the country/principality/region name without any mention of British Citizen, which is a bit bizarre. It isn't clear to me how a non-Chinese BN(O) would apply. Many of the other country names have spelling mistakes! A number of the fields are too short to enter the required information. A bit shoddy overall.

I've applied, and at first sight this card is going to get my HK$ purchases and CX tickets. Non-HK$ expenditure is going to stay on my Citi Premier Miles card (because the exchange rate is better). The HSBC Premier Mastercard gets nothing unless they have special offers (as they have for May & June). I have still to do the sums on the Citi Premier miles introductory offer vs the Amex introductory offer for the period to the end of August (the Amex one is capped, so maybe can get both).

anyone manage to find any penalties for cancelling the card after one year (they rescind the introductory bonus miles, etc.) ? this card is not very attractive if not for those offers, and i won't have any signifciant spending left (after the SCB and Citibank max and min requirements respectively) to put on this card that would qualify for an annual fee waiver. not unless i win the HKD 45M on thursday.

will likely apply then cancel before teh $2300 hits (primary + 1 supp).

There's a 1 yr annual fee waiver... so u can pretty much just apply for this card, spend it once at starbucks or something, and then stash it away.. and still pick up 7K bonus miles.. sweet deal.

The other benefits seem to be much the same as the old CitiCX card - online booking bonus, plaza premium lounge access, etc.

Plus it has what I think are the usual Amex benefits of Insurance, Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Travel Insurance, etc, which is better than the old Citi card.

The only thing I really don't like in the T&Cs is that all foreign currency transactions go through US$ and are at 2% off interbank. So if you make overseas purchases in any currency except US$ or HK$ then the effective rate is 4% off interbank, which is not very competitive at all.

The annual fee of $1800 waived for the first year.

There application form has some weird stuff on it. For example, trying to find my nationality I looked for British, then United Kingdom, and then finally found "England (British Citizen)". The other elements of the UK just have the country/principality/region name without any mention of British Citizen, which is a bit bizarre. It isn't clear to me how a non-Chinese BN(O) would apply. Many of the other country names have spelling mistakes! A number of the fields are too short to enter the required information. A bit shoddy overall.

I've applied, and at first sight this card is going to get my HK$ purchases and CX tickets. Non-HK$ expenditure is going to stay on my Citi Premier Miles card (because the exchange rate is better). The HSBC Premier Mastercard gets nothing unless they have special offers (as they have for May & June). I have still to do the sums on the Citi Premier miles introductory offer vs the Amex introductory offer for the period to the end of August (the Amex one is capped, so maybe can get both).

Hi Christep,

Just want to know what is the the Citibank Premier Miles Card?

I currently have a Platinum Citibank Visa card and as I understand it I can convert to CX points but have to pay a fee (don't know the conversion rate).

Is this Premier Miles card something different?

anyone manage to find any penalties for cancelling the card after one year (they rescind the introductory bonus miles, etc.) ? this card is not very attractive if not for those offers, and i won't have any signifciant spending left (after the SCB and Citibank max and min requirements respectively) to put on this card that would qualify for an annual fee waiver. not unless i win the HKD 45M on thursday.

will likely apply then cancel before teh $2300 hits (primary + 1 supp).

Actually, supp cards are free so it's only $1800. And it's waived with Silver or higher Marco Polo status.

Also, I'd say the earn rate of 4:1 local or 2:1 overseas for the first four months is pretty good. Also, Priority Pass lounge status. I don't have MP status yet so this is really good for me...

There's a 1 yr annual fee waiver... so u can pretty much just apply for this card, spend it once at starbucks or something, and then stash it away.. and still pick up 7K bonus miles.. sweet deal.

just a small catch - the first-puchase bonus actually requires a purchase of HKD 100 minimum...so you do need to buy more than a couple of coffees if you want to do it at Starbucks... :)

just a small catch - the first-puchase bonus actually requires a purchase of HKD 100 minimum...so you do need to buy more than a couple of coffees if you want to do it at Starbucks... :)

A easy work-around ... get a Starbucks Card!!! ^

"Double Asia Miles earn rate in the first four months" sounds really attractive, but then the FX rate is just :td:

After all those bonuses, which card would be better? Citi PremierMiles or CX AMEX?

How is the 6K bonus miles earned? I am afraid I am not able to click into their site!

the FX rate is just :td:Can anyone who has another HK$ Amex confirm whether this 4% from interbank for all non-HK$, non-US$ transactions is the same for all their cards?

wrong post

Can anyone who has another HK$ Amex confirm whether this 4% from interbank for all non-HK$, non-US$ transactions is the same for all their cards?
Recalling from a conversation with Amex ~2 years ago, I believe it is 2% for Amex credit cards and 3% for amex charge card.

It seems like miles earned by sup card holders will go into their own AM accounts (just like HSBC).

I can't see it anywhere but does anyone know whether you can apply for this card and get the welcome bonuses if you are already an amex user?

I actually think spending by supp card holders will actually go into the basic card holder's AM account:
As a Basic Cardmember you'll earn......Asia Miles faster with Supplementary Card spend.
And I'm quite sure you should still be able to apply for this card even if you hold some other AmEx charge or credit cards - it seems to be positioned as a quite different product. a bit unlike AmEx Krisflyer/Cheung Kong credit card where upon successful application of one of these cards, your existing "normal" AmEx credit card will be cancelled and balance transferred to this new credit card - so out of the three types ("normal"/Krisflyer/Cheung Kong) you can only have one at a time; same for "normal" AmEx charge card vs. Peninsula charge card. but so far I haven't seen any clause like this for the new CX card yet.

Recalling from a conversation with Amex ~2 years ago, I believe it is 2% for Amex credit cards and 3% for amex charge card.Yes - this one 2% as well, but the problem is that all non-US$, non-HK$ charges get converted first to US$ and then to HK$ incurring two currency spreads, totalling 4%.

I wonder whether there will be any additional special sign up offers for existing MPO members. I'm waiting to see if they have any direct mailing offers to attract join up for this card.

I notice that Amex is also advertising the card through Flyertalk banner ads now at the top of the CX forum (they have different ads for different people so you might not see it).

yes, non-USD transaction will be converted to USD before being converted again to HKD, but, are we sure that it means 2 x 2% commission ? because in the T&C, it actually said "a single conversion commission of 2%"...doesn't necessarily mean each conversion will get a 2% ? maybe it means each transaction (despite requiring 2 conversions) will get a single 2% commission ? I don't know, just a thought...

13. FOREIGN CURRENCY CHARGES If you make a Charge in a currency other than Hong Kong Dollars, that Charge will be converted into Hong Kong Dollars. The conversion will take place on the date the Charge is processed by American Express, which may not be the same date on which you made your Charge as it depends on when the Charge was submitted to American Express. If the Charge is not in U.S. Dollars, the conversion will be made through U.S. Dollars, by converting the Charge amount into U.S. Dollars and then by converting the U.S. Dollar amount into Hong Kong Dollars. If the Charge is in U.S. Dollars, it will be converted directly into Hong Kong Dollars.

Unless a specific rate is required by applicable law, you understand and agree that the American Express treasury system will use conversion rates based on interbank rates that it selects from customary industry sources on the business day prior to the processing date, increased by a single conversion commission of 2%. If Charges are converted by third parties prior to being submitted to us, any conversions made by those third parties will be at rates selected by them.

If it doesn't then what is the point of telling us that they are going to perform two conversions?

Can anyone with an existing HK$ Amex shed any light on this?

yes, non-USD transaction will be converted to USD before being converted again to HKD, but, are we sure that it means 2 x 2% commission ? because in the T&C, it actually said "a single conversion commission of 2%"...doesn't necessarily mean each conversion will get a 2% ? maybe it means each transaction (despite requiring 2 conversions) will get a single 2% commission ? I don't know, just a thought...

I swear I read somewhere that most major foreign currencies such as the GBP, JPY, EUR and CAD (may have missed a few) no longer require a conversion to USD first. I think that was a mailing from Citi CX card, on a monthly statement or something. But then, I can't be sure anymore. I must have gotten this info somewhere and perhaps it was from an AMEX statement??? This is what happens when you have too many plastics in your pocket! :mad:

In any case, as a rule of thumb, AMEX always have higher FX conversion charges than Visa/Mastercard. I see no real tangible benefits with this CX AMEX card vs. the Citi PremierMiles card although the latter is scarce in details on what exactly they offer other than same point earnings as before. The HK version of the CX AMEX card seems to better than the Taiwan version. It seems as though AMEX Hong Kong is more aggressive in targetting the existing Citi CX customer base than does its counterpart in Taiwan. There are some pretty good $1 for 2 miles AMEX cards in the U.S. right now by Bank of America for Asiana and Virgin Atlantic and you don't have to pay any FX charges if you spend them in the U.S., which IMO, is better than this new CX AMEX.

Citi has treated me very well and I racked almost half of a million Asia Miles last year thanks to them. So far, I see no reason to ditch a Visa that has the same earning potential than the far more expensive and restrictive AMEX.

If it doesn't then what is the point of telling us that they are going to perform two conversions?

Can anyone with an existing HK$ Amex shed any light on this?

I have a DBS Amex. The forex rate works out at around 3-4% of the interbank rate (based on xe.com).

I believe they do a double conversion.

BTW I used to have an Amex in the UK, and they also did a double conversion.

Thanks. Looks like they're only getting my HK$ expenditure then.

So far, I see no reason to ditch a Visa that has the same earning potential than the far more expensive and restrictive AMEX.

The CX Amex only has 2 +ves for me ... great introductory offers and the card looks very nice. Once I've paid the conversion fee for the intro miles, I don't see myself using it very much. In fact, I'd probably cancel it once any miles clawback period has passed.

I quite like the travel insurance included as well. Since my other cards no longer have that I had been purchasing separate policies, so there are some savings there.

If it doesn't then what is the point of telling us that they are going to perform two conversions?

Can anyone with an existing HK$ Amex shed any light on this?

When I moved to Hong Kong I noticed these T&Cs as well. I believe it is perhaps related to US companies (somebody mentioned Citi has this T&C as well, but I know that Dah Sing and HSBC do not seem to). However, as somebody said, the 2% is not added on BOTH conversions, just on the overall. So you may lose slightly on the double-conversion exchange rate but not on a double fee.
Also, given that the HKD is pegged to the USD, I'm surprised people see this as a big issue. The extra miles on overseas should make up for the slight difference in conversion as compared to another product, no? :confused:

But Amex has exactly the same miles as Citi Premier Miles on HK$ and overseas expenditure. Citi converts at 2% off interbank from most currencies (or a touch under for US$) in my experience.

How is the 6K bonus miles earned? I am afraid I am not able to click into their site!

here you are :

http://www.flyfaster.com.hk (direct link to american express website)

It seems like miles earned by sup card holders will go into their own AM accounts (just like HSBC).

I can't see it anywhere but does anyone know whether you can apply for this card and get the welcome bonuses if you are already an amex user?


i called them up this afternoon, because i had the same question!

i've got amex centurion + amex platinum credit card + amex gold charter member card (for the last two, they said they'll waive the fees indefinitely as long as i keep the centurion ... even if i don't use them).

plus i've got the standard chartered amex (HK$3 = 1 mile for the first HK$3xx,xxx per year).

they said all the promos apply to everybody, regardless whether they've got an american express card (and even for me, already with 4 amex cards).

... the standard chartered amex (HK$4 = 1 mile for the first HK$3xx,xxx per year)...

I thought the Standard Amex only gives HK$4=1 mile for first HK$120,000 or something like that, nowhere as high as HK$3xx,xxx?

It is Centurion 3x that caps at about HK$312,000 per year?

already with 4 amex cards).I reckon you need to talk to yourself about that - it's not normal behaviour! Did you suffer from a lack of toys when you were a child or something? :D

I thought the Standard Amex only gives HK$4=1 mile for first HK$120,000 or something like that, nowhere as high as HK$3xx,xxx?

It is Centurion 3x that caps at about HK$312,000 per year?

I reckon you need to talk to yourself about that - it's not normal behaviour! Did you suffer from a lack of toys when you were a child or something? :D

ah... you're both right. need to book some psychotherapy sessions ... looking for the reason behind getting so many amex cards. (i did think about the DBS one a while ago .... nearly applied for it).

i'm starting to have problems keeping track of the the conversions for my 4amex cards ! now it's going to be 5 !

the standard chartered amex is HK$4 = 1 mile for the first HK$120,000.

the $312,000 is the cap on the centurion for triple points HK$4 = 1 mile.

the amex platinum is now HK$6 = 1 mile for the first HK$160,000.

the amex platinum used to be triple points for HK$312,000 .... before it switched to HK$6 = 1 mile.

not usre if this was asked, but do MPC holders have an auto enroll, or does everyone have to apply?

not usre if this was asked, but do MPC holders have an auto enroll, or does everyone have to apply? Of course everybody has to apply, the decision on whether to give you a card (or in AMEX's language "grand you the membership" depends on your credit worthiness, not how often you fly.

the standard chartered amex is HK$4 = 1 mile for the first HK$120,000

I thought this Standard Chartered AmEx is in fact 4x, and so should be HKD 3 = 1 mile ? (but yes, the cap is HKD 120k)

I thought this Standard Chartered AmEx is in fact 4x, and so should be HKD 3 = 1 mile ? (but yes, the cap is HKD 120k)

Yes I think it is 4x for Standard Chart Amex.

What about this reference to SCB I see all the time?
Is it Shanghai Commercial Bank?
How is it attractive?

SCB = Standard Chartered Bank, I think

Just noticed that nobody has mentioned the other intro offer...in addition to the bonus miles for the first few months, there is also a "Million Mile Sweepstakes" with grand prize of 1 million miles, a few other prizes (I think 150K, 50K, so on down the list).

It is a shame that CX has not come up with a credit card partner in the US.:(

This is surprisingly weak for all of the hype. I see no reason to switch from Premier Miles.

This is surprisingly weak for all of the hype. I see no reason to switch from Premier Miles.

Free Priority Pass and travel insurance are pretty good benefits that few other cards offer anymore. Priority pass no good if you are MPO status, but hey better than nothing. And supplementary card members can also get the membership so its good for your non-MPO spouses.

Free Priority Pass and travel insurance are pretty good benefits that few other cards offer anymore. Priority pass no good if you are MPO status, but hey better than nothing. And supplementary card members can also get the membership so its good for your non-MPO spouses.

actually, when I looked at the terms in more details, I think many of the benefits esp. the CX-specific ones apply to basic cardholders only, and not supplementary cardholders, e.g.

inflight shopping bonus miles (i.e. 2 miles per USD 5)
online booking bonus miles (i.e. double credit card miles)
CX holidays bonus for some specific packages
discount on gift miles, renewal, transfer
complimentary MPO GR membership
priority pass (but plaza premium lounge access applies to supplementary cardholders too)

all these seem to apply to basic cardholders only if you read more carefully...both the detailed T&C and on the www.flyfaster.com.hk page under the "Privileges" tab at the top.

actually, when I looked at the terms in more details, I think many of the benefits esp. the CX-specific ones apply to basic cardholders only, and not supplementary cardholders, e.g.

inflight shopping bonus miles (i.e. 2 miles per USD 5)
online booking bonus miles (i.e. double credit card miles)
CX holidays bonus for some specific packages
discount on gift miles, renewal, transfer
complimentary MPO GR membership
priority pass (but plaza premium lounge access applies to supplementary cardholders too)

all these seem to apply to basic cardholders only if you read more carefully...both the detailed T&C and on the www.flyfaster.com.hk page under the "Privileges" tab at the top.

Check this out: http://www.americanexpress.com/hk/en/pdfs/terms_n_conditions.pdf

PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE ACCESS
The American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card – Basic and Supplementary Cardmembers can enjoy either one of the following complimentary services per visit per day:

Eligible Person: A person shall be an "Eligible Person" under Master Policy Number NAC0000034 / NAC0000035 ('the policy') only if: i. He or she is a) The Basic or Supplementary Cardmember who has an American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card / American Express Cathay Pacific Credit Card issued by the Policyholder and billed in Hong Kong Dollars; or

These are probably the most valuable benefits that aren't offered with other cards, and these are available to the supplementary cardholder.

yes I did read the detailed T&C a couple of days ago and that's what I meant - plaza premium lounge access is the benefit that's available to supplementary cardholders as well, but priority pass and most other CX benefits are not (including the free MPO GR membership - I was responding to the earlier post saying that free membership is given to supp cardholders too). of course, in reality they might still let you sign up for free...

and yes, the insurance policy you referred to also applies to supplementary cardholders...

and yes, the insurance policy you referred to also applies to supplementary cardholders...

Which are not as good as what Citi PremierMiles or its former CX Visa offers. Those insurances were really valuable, for luggage delayed over 24 hours, they reimbursed up to about $1,000 USD per card holder. Recently, we were reimbursed for about 2,000 USD for luggage delayed that went above 24 hours. We did not lose our luggage but the policy treated them as lost and promptly reimbursed emergency purchases such as suits. AMEX is not known for their insurances and this new card is no exception.

Can anyone please confirm if the I would earn double miles for purchases on CX.com as a supplementary card holder?

there's no very clear and direct description saying that "supplementary cardholders won't earn online purchase bonus miles", but from various evidences here and there I'd guess it's a "no".


if you go to www.flyfaster.com.hk, after going through all the initial graphics, when you select "Privileges" at the top, then select "Earn more Asia Miles", you can see there's a list of mileage/bonus earning opportunities, and only "Earn 1 Asia Mile for every HK$8 you spend locally" and "Earn 2 Asia Miles for every HK$8 you spend overseas" have the asterisk (*) at the end, and this * means "Also applies to Supplementary Cardholders". I would infer from this that all other points listed on that page do not apply to Supplementary Cardholders
if you look at this page http://www.americanexpress.com/hk/en/personal/Cards/benefits/cathay_elite_exclusive.shtml, it says the following with clear reference to "Basic Cardmember" (although this is not exactly the same as the above either, the first bullet point below should apply to Supplementary Cardholders as well):
As a Basic Cardmember you'll earn:
1 Asia Mile for every HK$8 you spend locally and 2 Asia Miles for every HK$8 you spend overseas.
2 Asia Miles for every HK$5 you spend (with a minimum net purchase of HK$500) on inflight sales purchases when you fly with Cathay Pacific Airways.
Double Asia Miles when you book your Cathay Pacific flights online at www.cathaypacific.com
An extra 1,000 Asia Miles when you book a 'Discover the Difference Selection' package from Cathay Pacific Holidays.
Asia Miles faster with Supplementary Card spend. if you look at the detailed T&C (the "Basic Cardholders" is indeed bolded in the T&C):
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS BENEFITS

The following Cathay Pacific Airways benefits apply to Basic Cardmembers only when effecting payment The American Express® Cathay Pacific Credit Card / The American Express® Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card. Any Bonus Asia MilesTM will be credited directly to Basic Cardmember's Asia Miles account within 4-6 weeks of the qualifying transaction.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Free Marco Polo Club Green Tier membership

..........

Cathay Pacific inflight shopping bonus

..........

Cathay Pacific online booking bonus

Applicable only to Cathay Pacific revenue tickets purchased online through www.cathaypacific.com. Excludes travel itineraries originating from mainland China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Africa. Cardmember must log in using his own Marco Polo Club / Asia Miles membership number and must be traveling personally. Cathay Pacific will credit the Cardmember with 1 Bonus Asia Mile for every HK$8 of the ticket fare. Award redemption bookings made online are not applicable. Full payment must be made by The American Express Cathay Pacific Credit Card / The American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card.

Cathay Holidays bonus for “Discover the Difference Selection” travel packages

..........

10% discount on Asia Miles mileage renewal fee, mileage transfer fee, and purchase fee of Asia Miles Gift Miles

..........

Which are not as good as what Citi PremierMiles or its former CX Visa offers. Those insurances were really valuableEh? My (HK) Citi Premier Miles Platinum Card T&Cs make no mention of any insurance whatsoever.

The previous CX co-brand card (Platinum Select Preferred) did have such protection for luggage delayed over 12 hours (US$1000), and increased to US$1250 at 48 hours.

This is a downgrade as part of the loss of CX co-brand which I hadn't previously noticed.

From memory (the T&C link seems to be broken at the moment) the terms of the new CX Amex card are similar to what the CitiCX card used to offer. In what way do you regard it as inferior?

Eh? My (HK) Citi Premier Miles Platinum Card T&Cs make no mention of any insurance whatsoever.

The previous CX co-brand card (Platinum Select Preferred) did have such protection for luggage delayed over 12 hours (US$1000), and increased to US$1250 at 48 hours.

This is a downgrade as part of the loss of CX co-brand which I hadn't previously noticed.

Uh...are you saying your Citi PremierMiles Visa has no insurances? That doesn't make any sense. Mine cleary has it hasn't changed from its predecesor per the membership guide that came in the mail recently.

From memory (the T&C link seems to be broken at the moment) the terms of the new CX Amex card are similar to what the CitiCX card used to offer. In what way do you regard it as inferior?

I scanned the policy quickly and the AMEX seems to offer lower reimbursment limits based on memory as they usually do against other premium credit cards in Visa or MC.

Uh...are you saying your Citi PremierMiles Visa has no insurances? That doesn't make any sense. Mine cleary has it hasn't changed from its predecesor per the membership guide that came in the mail recently.Yes - and I am sitting here with my (Hong Kong) Citi PremierMiles Platinum Visa Card Welcome Guidebook and all the associated paperwork here in front of me. There is no mention of insurance anywhere.

any indication of what level of PP you get with this credit card?

I notice with my CX Citi card I get points for Direct Debit payments (e.g. mobile, netvigator, NOW etc.) but I don't get any points for paying utility bills using their online payment function. Does anyone know why that is and whether it will be the same with the new CXAE card? If indeed one is able to pay bills using AE cards.

any indication of what level of PP you get with this credit card?

It appears to be unlimited visits for the basic card member, and a fee for guests.

I notice with my CX Citi card I get points for Direct Debit payments (e.g. mobile, netvigator, NOW etc.) but I don't get any points for paying utility bills using their online payment function. Does anyone know why that is and whether it will be the same with the new CXAE card? If indeed one is able to pay bills using AE cards.

CX-Citi and Citi PremierMiles cards are the same in this, and consistent with what I found out and mentioned in this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=757418&highlight=aavs&page=4

I think (but not 100% sure) that you cannot pay bills online with AmEx - but you can set up monthly auto bill payments and get points that way. in fact, there's often promotions (and an ongoing one) where you get 10k points (~833 miles) for signing up auto bill payment with them (unfortunately it's 10k points per card, not per bill company). but this is about the "standard" AmEx card, not sure about the new CX AmEx card...

It appears to be unlimited visits for the basic card member, and a fee for guests.

so they are giving away free priority pass membership in effect.

wouldn't it be worth it to get the card just for that?

It appears to be unlimited visits for the basic card member, and a fee for guests.

Not just basic card members, but also supplementary members.

priority pass membership is only for basic cardholders. supplementary cardholders only get unlimited access to plaza premium lounges (which exists in HKIA and a few other airports).

I phoned Citi a while back and confirmed - no insurance on the PremierMiles card...

Yes - and I am sitting here with my (Hong Kong) Citi PremierMiles Platinum Visa Card Welcome Guidebook and all the associated paperwork here in front of me. There is no mention of insurance anywhere.

priority pass membership is only for basic cardholders. supplementary cardholders only get unlimited access to plaza premium lounges (which exists in HKIA and a few other airports).

So they are giving basic CX-Amex cardholders PP membership worth US$399 a year for free?

Am I missing something here?

Presumably they don't expect many people to use it given that most of the card holders will be high tier MPC members and will use the CX lounges in preference.

Plus it's only for the basic cardholder and I guess they hope that they will often bring someone in with them for whom they will get revenue.

Has anyone applied for this card and heard back yet? I applied late last week I think, faxed in the needed docs and have not heard.

Has anyone applied for this card and heard back yet? I applied late last week I think, faxed in the needed docs and have not heard. Come on, give them a chance. They need to process credit checks, get the card stamped out and have it sent to you. And it was a public holiday this Tuesday so I won't expect to see the card until early next week.

Has anyone applied for this card and heard back yet? I applied late last week I think, faxed in the needed docs and have not heard.

Actually I was unable to grab time to fax them the stuff, by then yesterday they call me to chase for it (I am just applying the greeny one), so I assume they are pretty aggressive on it.

I applied for the card - but didn't send any of my details in - am all ready an AMEX card holder, so I assume they have all my details on file. They haven't chased me - so maybe that's a good thing?

I phoned Citi a while back and confirmed - no insurance on the PremierMiles card...

Sorry to hear the HK version doesn't have insurances, suffice to say the non-hk versions still do and state so in the membership booklet.

Sorry to hear the HK version doesn't have insurances, suffice to say the non-hk versions still do and state so in the membership booklet.

heh, HK and any form of consumer protection, double heh.

The inclusion of otherwise of an insurance policy is absolutely nothing to do with "consumer protection", it's simply a bundling of two financial services together. And the old CitiCX card had, and the new AmexCX has, insurance. If you want it you can get it.

Come on, give them a chance. They need to process credit checks, get the card stamped out and have it sent to you. And it was a public holiday this Tuesday so I won't expect to see the card until early next week.

From talking to people, it seems to take about 2-3 weeks from the time you get documents in (usually I manage to forget something first time round :p ) until the card arrives. I'd imagine this first week they were swamped with applications so there should be lots of cards going out towards the end of next week or early the week after, depending on how quickly people sent their documents.

I got a reply from Amex today - confirming my credit limit, and that the new card has been approved. Was very easy as an existing Amex card holder as they didn't require any additional documents. I applied at the end of last week.

I'm jealous. Is there a way for non-HKG residents to apply for this card? I'm out of LAX and I convert AMEX SPG points into AM... Is it possible to get status by swiping the card?

I'm sure mine will take some time. Last AMEX I held (a student Blue) was a while back and although I've got a pretty extensive credit history since (good), it would not surprise me if systems weren't linked too well. Or if I get rejected.

Seems that they have launched the card in Taiwan as well:
http://www.americanexpress.com/taiwan/campaign/flyfaster/default.shtml

Not too sure if they are going to offer it to the right of the countries.

seems the benefits of the card are quite different across markets. the Taiwan one does not seem to give Priority Pass or Plaza Premium lounge access ? while it gives 20 days of free parking at the airport (Tapei?), and more welcome bonus miles and 20% bonus miles for all spending in a year when your spending exceed NT$400k a year etc...

Seems that they have launched the card in Taiwan as well:
http://www.americanexpress.com/taiwan/campaign/flyfaster/default.shtml

Not too sure if they are going to offer it to the right of the countries.

Note you don't get double miles for overseas spending for this version of CX AMEX. Clearly, there are some disparities across different markets for the CX AMEX and Citi PremierMiles card. The best one though, IMO, is still the Citi PremierMiles card (and its former CX Citi Gold) in Taiwan given their very frequent double, triple, sometimes 5X times promo in the last 2 years or so,definitely better than any HK version of the CX cards. You could rack up some pretty serious miles very quickly with no cap.

Just got my new card from DHL this afternoon!;):D^ Just in time for my up coming MNL and LAS trip, will take advantage of the double-mile offer by ticketing via cx's web site.:D

Just a question. If the supplementary card holder gets MPO Silver can the primary card holder gets the annual fees waiver (from second year onward)?

This is because the supplementary card holder flies enough to get MPO Silver but he does not has any income to apply to be the primary card holder.

My guess is this is not possible, right?

I'd also guess it's a "no"...it probably has to be the primary cardholder him/herself.

Just a question. If the supplementary card holder gets MPO Silver can the primary card holder gets the annual fees waiver (from second year onward)?

This is because the supplementary card holder flies enough to get MPO Silver but he does not has any income to apply to be the primary card holder.

My guess is this is not possible, right?

i have a feeling that if you say exactly this to AMEX, you might get a chance.
Or is AMEX less lenient on annual fees compared to other companies?

Does anyone know the maximum credit limit on this card?

Is the Citi Premier Card for long term (not Amex promotional period included) the best card for conversion rates?

Just got my new card from DHL this afternoon!;):D^ Just in time for my up coming MNL and LAS trip, will take advantage of the double-mile offer by ticketing via cx's web site.:D

Damn, that was quick.

BTW any mention of free Priority Pass with the pack?

Is the Citi Premier Card for long term (not Amex promotional period included) the best card for conversion rates?After the promotional period the Citi Premier Miles and the Amex CX card have the same rates as far as I can see (1AM for HK$8 local, 1AM/HK$4 non-local). The only difference seems to be on RMB expenditure: I think Citi defines that as local, Amex as non-local.

I have also received my card as well, but not via DHL, just normal mail. (it might have arrived a day or two ago already - but I'm just back home today and checked my mails).

It doesn't come with the Priority Pass card automatically - there's a form for you to fill in to apply; free for the Basic Cardholder and US$249 for Supplementary Cardholder.

Not sure about "maximum" credit limit...but for me it's just a bit more than my monthly base salary. Don't quite remember how this compares to my credit limit on the AmEx Plat credit card...

Note you don't get double miles for overseas spending for this version of CX AMEX. Clearly, there are some disparities across different markets for the CX AMEX and Citi PremierMiles card. The best one though, IMO, is still the Citi PremierMiles card (and its former CX Citi Gold) in Taiwan given their very frequent double, triple, sometimes 5X times promo in the last 2 years or so,definitely better than any HK version of the CX cards. You could rack up some pretty serious miles very quickly with no cap.

Hi Guava, do you know any information (fees, benefits, criteria, etc) for Citi PremierMiles Visa in Taiwan? Is it offered in Taiwan at all?

I know Citi is issuing a "replacement" for its CX Visa, but they haven't advertised anything on their website (Chinese version), and it's not disclosed whether the applications will be accepted to new holders (people who didn't have CX Visa before, like me)

Also how did people get 2x miles for overseas spending with the old Citi CX Gold? Was it an "unpublished" benefit? My dad had received an invitation to sign up for one but even that letter didn't state the 2x miles benefit.


Any info is appreciated. Cheers

Hi Guava, do you know any information (fees, benefits, criteria, etc) for Citi PremierMiles Visa in Taiwan? Is it offered in Taiwan at all?

I know Citi is issuing a "replacement" for its CX Visa, but they haven't advertised anything on their website (Chinese version), and it's not disclosed whether the applications will be accepted to new holders (people who didn't have CX Visa before, like me)

Also how did people get 2x miles for overseas spending with the old Citi CX Gold? Was it an "unpublished" benefit? My dad had received an invitation to sign up for one but even that letter didn't state the 2x miles benefit.


Any info is appreciated. Cheers


Some of my information is 2nd hand since all I do is transfer money from US to pay the monthly bill. Here is what I know as information is scarce as you have probably noticed by now.

The new card is a carbon copy of the old Citi Gold Card (TW) as far as benefits are concerned excpet no CX brand beneifts (such as discount on duty free and complimentary Marco Polo Club membership). Although it's not on the web, it actually has the strictest income requirement of all Citi cards, pegged at $1 million NTS / year, minimum. Not sure why they ask for so much money given all other Platinum level cards ask for less and they don't even publish it on their website, so you could only tell from the application form. The annual fee is about $100 USD / year, fairly reasonable vs. the HK version of the cards. The insurance package is great though, the usual flight delay, luggage delay, emergency medical and etc. are covered - I'd say on par with a typical AMEX Platinum Charge card in the U.S. in terms of payout and conditions. I took advantage of the insurances a few times, really no hassle to deal with and they pay quickly. For example, luggage delay over 24 hours pay about $1,000 USD per card member where supplementary cardholders are treated as a separate member provided he/she uses his/her own card to pay for the trip.

As far as the double miles for overseas spending, it's no secret really. It was published on Asiamiles' website for everyone to see when you scroll to the credit card pages. It explicitly stated X2 for overseas spending, same as HK version of the CX cards, but only better because their base of calculating one mile is $25 NTS, which is roughly 6.4 HKD whereas in HKG, they pay 1 AM per 8 HKD. So you essentially earn 2.5~2.75 miles per USD spent with the TWN version of the card and when the promo doubles or triple, it adds up very quickly with no cap.

However, here is potentially a bad news you don't want to hear. It would appear the X2 miles benefits is only being grandfathered to existing members of Citi Gold card only. The printed copy of the membership guide made of point of stating that so I guess anyone who was not an existing customer of Citi Gold is unfortunately out of luck. No harm in trying to ask, but this is explicitly written on the PremierMiles membership guide. The service of Citi is very good. They will call you in the U.S. or overseas, wherever you are if you give them your number. They follow up on things, very polite, knowledgeable (unlike in the U.S.), try very hard to take care of big spenders. They will fedex things for you by overnight delivery and go above and beyond to be nice to customers they obviously value. It's a very Asian way of thinking I guess since credit cards are usually making money from people with big balance and who don't pay on time - thus lots of interest to charge as opposed to people who buy a lot but always pay their balance in full. But it's Asia, the thinking is definitely reversed. If you buy a lot and pay in full every month, you are treated like a VIP.

After the promotional period the Citi Premier Miles and the Amex CX card have the same rates as far as I can see (1AM for HK$8 local, 1AM/HK$4 non-local). The only difference seems to be on RMB expenditure: I think Citi defines that as local, Amex as non-local.

Thanks christep. Seems like with the Citi card I have option of Asia Miles and KrisFlyer. Amex only has Asia Miles so better go with Citi.

All this time I've been using Citibank Ultima and HSBC Platinum. Both at 1AM/HK$12! So stupid!!!:(

Some of my information is 2nd hand since all I do is transfer money from US to pay the monthly bill. Here is what I know as information is scarce as you have probably noticed by now.

The new card is a carbon copy of the old Citi Gold Card (TW) as far as benefits are concerned excpet no CX brand beneifts (such as discount on duty free and complimentary Marco Polo Club membership). Although it's not on the web, it actually has the strictest income requirement of all Citi cards, pegged at $1 million NTS / year, minimum. Not sure why they ask for so much money given all other Platinum level cards ask for less and they don't even publish it on their website, so you could only tell from the application form. The annual fee is about $100 USD / year, fairly reasonable vs. the HK version of the cards. The insurance package is great though, the usual flight delay, luggage delay, emergency medical and etc. are covered - I'd say on par with a typical AMEX Platinum Charge card in the U.S. in terms of payout and conditions. I took advantage of the insurances a few times, really no hassle to deal with and they pay quickly. For example, luggage delay over 24 hours pay about $1,000 USD per card member where supplementary cardholders are treated as a separate member provided he/she uses his/her own card to pay for the trip.

As far as the double miles for overseas spending, it's no secret really. It was published on Asiamiles' website for everyone to see when you scroll to the credit card pages. It explicitly stated X2 for overseas spending, same as HK version of the CX cards, but only better because their base of calculating one mile is $25 NTS, which is roughly 6.4 HKD whereas in HKG, they pay 1 AM per 8 HKD. So you essentially earn 2.5~2.75 miles per USD spent with the TWN version of the card and when the promo doubles or triple, it adds up very quickly with no cap.

However, here is potentially a bad news you don't want to hear. It would appear the X2 miles benefits is only being grandfathered to existing members of Citi Gold card only. The printed copy of the membership guide made of point of stating that so I guess anyone who was not an existing customer of Citi Gold is unfortunately out of luck. No harm in trying to ask, but this is explicitly written on the PremierMiles membership guide. The service of Citi is very good. They will call you in the U.S. or overseas, wherever you are if you give them your number. They follow up on things, very polite, knowledgeable (unlike in the U.S.), try very hard to take care of big spenders. They will fedex things for you by overnight delivery and go above and beyond to be nice to customers they obviously value. It's a very Asian way of thinking I guess since credit cards are usually making money from people with big balance and who don't pay on time - thus lots of interest to charge as opposed to people who buy a lot but always pay their balance in full. But it's Asia, the thinking is definitely reversed. If you buy a lot and pay in full every month, you are treated like a VIP.

Thanks Guava for the great info. Do you know if the new Amex CX card in TW offers double miles for overseas spending? The Amex and Asiamiles website have nothing about overseas spending

Our experience with Citi in Taiwan was terrible. My dad was a CitiGold client and he hated that he had to manage his transactions thru the appointed banker, not anyone else. The credit card department wasn't much better either, very unresponsive. We took business to HSBC and other banks.

other things with the HkG card:
REturn guarantee _ you can take items back to AMEX for a refund if you change your mind abotu a a purchase within 30 days
45 days insurance for items bought (theft and damage)
1 year extended warranty for items bought (up to $40k an item)
Price protection - AMEX will refund the differnce if you find it cheaper after buying within 14 days.

In HKG where consumer protection is way down the list of priorities some of thes are really useful.

other things with the HkG card:
REturn guarantee _ you can take items back to AMEX for a refund if you change your mind abotu a a purchase within 30 days
45 days insurance for items bought (theft and damage)
1 year extended warranty for items bought (up to $40k an item)
Price protection - AMEX will refund the differnce if you find it cheaper after buying within 14 days.

In HKG where consumer protection is way down the list of priorities some of thes are really useful.

That's pretty good. Amex usually reserves these benefits for the charge card only, or to the Platinum credit cards which have hefty non-waivable annual fees.

That's pretty good. Amex usually reserves these benefits for the charge card only, or to the Platinum credit cards which have hefty non-waivable annual fees. and this is why I am going to get rid of my Charter Member charge card... ^

I have a question how can I apply living in Taiwan buy cannot read Chinese

Got a call from the folks at AMEX yesterday. They wanted me to resubmit my documents, like copy of my HKID, since it was "too dark" and since I'm not a PR here, they also wanted my passport copy and home address and phone number in the US for verification.

If it took them 2 weeks to come up with that, then I'm sure it'll be another month before I get my card...

Got a call from the folks at AMEX yesterday. They wanted me to resubmit my documents, like copy of my HKID, since it was "too dark" and since I'm not a PR here, they also wanted my passport copy and home address and phone number in the US for verification.

If it took them 2 weeks to come up with that, then I'm sure it'll be another month before I get my card...

got same call - they are so disorganized.

got same call - they are so disorganized.

Hey, I have submitted my stuff two weeks ago and haven't received a call yet. I am also not living in HKG but have perm ID card. :(

i called up today and said i got accepted a few days ago.

should get my card next week.

are there any cards for USA residents with bonus miles or miles you can convert other than the starwood card?

Got a call from the folks at AMEX yesterday. They wanted me to resubmit my documents, like copy of my HKID, since it was "too dark" and since I'm not a PR here, they also wanted my passport copy and home address and phone number in the US for verification.

If it took them 2 weeks to come up with that, then I'm sure it'll be another month before I get my card...

I got the same call :confused: ... and what's worse is that they call me when I am in Shanghai and the roaming fee is more or less 2nd most expensive :mad:

Luckily when I come back to home today I got a nice "pre-approval" kit which get me the plat card instead of the greeny one ^ ... so I probabaly ignore my previous application and go for the new one :p

Just wondering has anyone applied for the Citibank Premier Miles Visa card? I heard this is the official replacement card to the CX Citibank Visa card?

Annual fee waiver for Amex Platinum/Centurion card members

Last week I got a little package promoting their CX Amex - which includes a "fake" card with the message "to get your real credit card, call 2277 3333" - it's a popular Amex thing in HK ... in my collection I've now got a "fake" platinum credit card, platinum (charge) card, centurion and now the CX card ....

Anyway, there was a letter inviting me to apply for the CX Amex. The last sentence of the letter says "... the annual Card fee of HK$1800 will be completely waived as long as you continue your existing membership of Centurion, Platinum Card or Platinum Credit card from American Express, or maintain Silver tier or above ...

There was no mention of this on their website or in their terms/conditions, so I called them up - and they confirmed the annual fee waiver for Centurion/Platinum members, Silver MPO, or if you spend HK$150,000 in the first year.

I know most of you are Silver or above ... but for those like me who only fly on award redemption tickets, the waiver for Centurion/Platinum cardmembers is great news.

Just wondering has anyone applied for the Citibank Premier Miles Visa card? I heard this is the official replacement card to the CX Citibank Visa card?I guess it depends on whose perspectives we are talking about. from Citibank's perspectives, the official replacement card is the PremierMiles card. from CX's perspectives, the official replacement card is this CX AmEx card being discussed.

people who were holding the old CX Citibank card right before the change would have received the PremierMiles card automatically...and there should be some discussions in other threads on this card.

got same call - they are so disorganized.

I recently applied for and subsequently canceled my Amex Plat card coz of their disorganization.

1. Applied online and sent all my necessary documents in. 2 weeks later got a letter asking me to physically sign to accept the terms & conditions (despite the online application enabling you to accept the same t&c but not with an actual signature).
2. Another 2 weeks went by and I heard nothing, so called up Amex customer services in HK. They said my card had been approved but could take a little longer to arrive coz it was being sent from Australia!!!
3. Another week later, got my welcome pack but not the cards themselves so i called again and asked if they even knew if my card had been sent and when etc. The HK office had no idea (they sent the card via normal mail). To me, if you don't even know if and when a card has been sent, that to me meant lots more trouble in the future so i canceled my card there and then.
4. The irony is, they sent me the free cinema tickets (extra welcome gift for applying online) via recorded delivery and arrived before the actual cards itself!!!

Basically Amex in Asia is extremely disorganized. I may well apply for this CX card, but just to get the 7,000 miles.

Got my card, and faxed in the form for the complimentary Priority Pass (not sure how much I'll use it since I'm normally travelling with Mrs christep with access to airline lounges). I was slightly surprised by the (large) credit limit they gave me - more than my Citi Premier and HSBC Premier combined!

The insurance does look pretty good - I don't think I'll be renewing my travel insurance policy.

I was slightly surprised by the (large) credit limit they gave me - more than my Citi Premier and HSBC Premier combined! Same here, I have a been given a credit limit that I will never need! Not sure how they arrived at that figure... a random integer generator plus a multiplier of 100,000?

I also got a really high credit limit....don't know why they are being so free and easy with the credit. Maybe because of my history with Amex?

Hey, better a large credit limit than a small one, right?
They are probably hoping that everybody buys full F tickets on CX using the card :D

So is the consensus here go with the CX AMEX card rather than the Citi PremierMiles card. I thought the main point is regardign the overseas spending where AMEX charges more in the conversion rate?

I am planning to convert my Citi Platinum to a Citi PremierMiles Platinum

May be OT. I've changed fm old Citi'CX card to PermierMile since last month. Though I have made the request for converting points to AM directly, I still haven't received the mileages for Jun. Checked with Citibank and they said they would post points to AM after 20th of each month.:(. , unlike before, CX Card's points usually converted at the beginning of each month. Just wonder any FT already rec'd points credit to AM after converting yr CX card to to PermierMile??

My july statments had the points deducted and when I called up citibank they said it's deducted for transfer to AM but when i checked my account no sign of hte miles yet....will give it a few days before i make some noise !!!

There is another alternative card as I find out from my banking manager today - the Citi Ultima Card as it give 1.5 X more than the standard Citibank Platinum/Premier Miles card.

However the manager said they will have to confirm whether this has changed or not.

By Invitation only so unfortuantely can't just apply or just have enough $$ in ur account.

Does anyone know what's the primary reason that CX wants to change partner? The Amex card doesn't seem too different to me to the old Citi card. Why did CX terminate its relationship with Citi in the first place?

Just curious.
Thanks!

Does anyone know what's the primary reason that CX wants to change partner? The Amex card doesn't seem too different to me to the old Citi card. Why did CX terminate its relationship with Citi in the first place?

Just curious.
Thanks!

$$$$$$$

wonder who's paying for all the advertising?

My limit is 5x my salary, which is the highest i have been ever granted for all the cards i got.

The credit limit is a little crazy...

Come on, it's AMEX, other than dining, i cannot think of a good way to use it....



I also got a really high credit limit....don't know why they are being so free and easy with the credit. Maybe because of my history with Amex?

Mine is about 5 times salary too. Maybe that's the rule. I have 3* from HSBC, and 2* from Citi. One more card and I'll be able to spend my whole annual salary in one day! :D

I'm using Amex now as my default card in HK - Wellcome, restaurants, phone bill, etc. I'm doing some tests on exchange rates to see if AmexCX or CitiPM is preferred for overseas.

I'm doing some tests on exchange rates to see if AmexCX or CitiPM is preferred for overseas.

I thought you said the AMEX card charges a higher coversion charge compare to the Citi cards? Do report back as I have just applied the CitiPM card.

That's what the T&Cs suggest for currencies other than USD and HKD. I've just put in two very similar orders to Amazon UK, one on the Amex and one on the CitiCX. I will report back when I know what hits my accounts in HKD.

Can someone please explain the "double miles when booking on cathaypacific.com rule to me?"

Say for example, i book a flight where the total distance is 10000 miles, thus earning me 10000 asia miles. Does the double miles rule mean i earn 20000 miles.. OR

does it mean say for example the flight cost was $8000. Thus earning me 1000 miles @ $8/Mile. When the double kicks in, I will earn 2000 miles instead of 1000.

:)

Can someone please explain the "double miles when booking on cathaypacific.com rule to me?"

Say for example, i book a flight where the total distance is 10000 miles, thus earning me 10000 asia miles. Does the double miles rule mean i earn 20000 miles.. OR

does it mean say for example the flight cost was $8000. Thus earning me 1000 miles @ $8/Mile. When the double kicks in, I will earn 2000 miles instead of 1000.

:)

You'll earn HKD$8/AM fm Amex plus HKD$8/AM fm CX if u purchase tix online fm cathaypacific.com. If the tix sells at HKD$8000, you get 2000 AM. Of course, on top you can also earn AM if you are buying eligible class tix. ^

There is another alternative card as I find out from my banking manager today - the Citi Ultima Card as it give 1.5 X more than the standard Citibank Platinum/Premier Miles card.

However the manager said they will have to confirm whether this has changed or not.

By Invitation only so unfortuantely can't just apply or just have enough $$ in ur account.

Citi Ultima Card is for Citigold Select Clients with excess of HKD 5MM net assets/balance.

Citi Chairman's Select Card is for Citi Private Bank (CPB) clients.

Also, if you think your credit limit is too high on the card, I strongly suggest you calling AMEX to lower it to approx 2 to 3 times your monthly salary.

A high credit line is not a good thing on your Credit Report. The Credit Report looks at net Credit Exposure on your Revolving (Credit Card) and Term (Mortgage/Personal) Loans. The high AMEX limit pollutes your credit report since banks will think you have too much credit facility and you may have difficulty in repaying such a large credit line, hence lowering your credit rating score and increasing the probability of default, and may cause banks to reject your credit application.

You can request a copy of your credit report from the card issuer if you've applied for a card within three months, regardless of the outcome of the application (approve/reject).

One thing that's beginning to bug me about the Amex card already - it's taking a very long time (meaning 3+ business days and counting) for transactions to reach the online records. Moreover, the amounts aren't coming off the available balance limit either, which, if really accurate, makes this cards extra attractive for fraudsters. On HSBC and Citi the available balance is decremented immediately the authorisation is pulled, and the details follow 24-48 hours later.

One thing that's beginning to bug me about the Amex card already - it's taking a very long time (meaning 3+ business days and counting) for transactions to reach the online records. Moreover, the amounts aren't coming off the available balance limit either, which, if really accurate, makes this cards extra attractive for fraudsters. On HSBC and Citi the available balance is decremented immediately the authorisation is pulled, and the details follow 24-48 hours later.

Yes this is my experience with other AMEX card around the world. However they do have the records readily available if you call them up, but it is a PITA when you need to review something online asap.

Yes this is my experience with other AMEX card around the world. However they do have the records readily available if you call them up, but it is a PITA when you need to review something online asap.

I've been quite happy with US AMEX tho. The credit balance is updated simultaneously, although sometimes the latest transactions may not show up, but that happens to my Citi credit card in the US too.

One thing I noticed is that the HK AMEX does not use the same system as US AMEX, because when I try to add my new CX-AMEX card into my current US account, the system forced me to create a new username for the foreign AMEX card. And the HK online account interface is so 1980's...

100% agree with you. I manage to lower the limit to HKD10000, which is not possible for other platinum Visa cards. Not even DBS AMEX black card (minimum HKD15000)

Also, if you think your credit limit is too high on the card, I strongly suggest you calling AMEX to lower it to approx 2 to 3 times your monthly salary.

A high credit line is not a good thing on your Credit Report. The Credit Report looks at net Credit Exposure on your Revolving (Credit Card) and Term (Mortgage/Personal) Loans. The high AMEX limit pollutes your credit report since banks will think you have too much credit facility and you may have difficulty in repaying such a large credit line, hence lowering your credit rating score and increasing the probability of default, and may cause banks to reject your credit application.

You can request a copy of your credit report from the card issuer if you've applied for a card within three months, regardless of the outcome of the application (approve/reject).

It doesn't bother me at all - there are times when I've had to make multiple payments in a month to keep my Citi card under its $200,000 limit (e.g. when buying a couple of AONE3s) so it's nice to have the headroom. I'm just surprised that's all.

I just received my card today. The limit is high but again, I don't see this as a bad thing, especially given the following:

I have an upcoming large (for me) purchase in the US. I just did the math on this and am AMAZED...for a $9,000 purchase, if I put it on my US credit card, I'd get 9,000 miles. If I put it to this card, I will get 1 mile for 2 HKD for the first 20,000 miles...and the purchase price is 71,600 HKD (counting exchange rate). So 20,000 miles for the 40,000 spending, then an additional 7,900 miles for the remaining 31,600 spending, means

almost 28,000 miles for one transaction

I think I will put the purchase on this card rather than my US card :D

It doesn't bother me at all - there are times when I've had to make multiple payments in a month to keep my Citi card under its $200,000 limit (e.g. when buying a couple of AONE3s) so it's nice to have the headroom. I'm just surprised that's all.

christep I'm sure that's exactly the logic that leads to high line sizes being assigned. Unlike Citi, Amex appears to be taking potential behaviour like yours into account and trying to make it easier to buy "a couple of AONE3s" while staying under your limit. ;) After all, if you've got a family of four travelling first class, 10K HKD isn't going to make it very far.

Just out of curiosity, my card was the TW version, and my limit is just what a normal Plat card would be in TW around HK$ 40~50K, and am I interpreting previous messages wrong or are you guys saying HK$10K is a high limit? That's strange...:cool:

No, 10K is a low limit (I see somebody above has lowered theirs to that level unless it's a typo). But the limits seem to be coming out a lot higher than that (like 10X).
My limit almost exactly matches the limit I had on my Citi CX card, though, now that I think about it. It's almost double my Amex Platinum credit card limit.

I'm doing some tests on exchange rates to see if AmexCX or CitiPM is preferred for overseas.Well I made some purchases from Amazon.co.uk, one using my CitiPM and one using my AmexCX. The result is that, as far as I can tell they are both using very similar exchange rates for GBP-HKD. Using the figure and oanda.com as the base for interbank rate then Citi translated at 2.05% and Amex at 2.15% off the oanda figure. But given how volatile exchange rates are these days that could easily be intra-day fluctuations. In any case, it seems clear on the basis of this small sample (and two other GBP transactions that I made the next day) that Amex is basically at 2% for non-HKD, non-USD transactions, not 4% as might be inferred from the T&Cs.

Just more background info FYI, Visa and MC have their own published FX rates and fixing times. The issuing banks must use Visa/MC's FX rate as a base since V/MC's base rate is uniform for settlement purposes. Like christep mentioned, its approx 2% markup from interbank ask rate, and the issuing bank will add a small spread for themselves.

quite surprised it came so quickly, but the letter says its totally free access. US$27 for guest though (which is standard Priority Pass practice).

I lose my BA silver in September, so the card came at the right time.

quite surprised it came so quickly, but the letter says its totally free access. US$27 for guest though (which is standard Priority Pass practice).

I lose my BA silver in September, so the card came at the right time.

Hoping to get mine by Friday. Faxed in the form last week Thursday (if I remember correctly) and have a trip to the US where I won't get lounge access without it.
To me, this is one of the main benefits of this card (other than a decent earn rate). When I'm on some random airline, I'm more likely to need to show up early due to operational uncertainties, so I can really use that lounge access precisely when I don't get it from my normal privileges.

Anyone else here still waiting to get their card? I've faxed in a ton of documents only to be told they needed me to give them my permanent US Address, which I swear (though I could be wrong) I have provided at least twice via fax.

Anyone else here still waiting to get their card? I've faxed in a ton of documents only to be told they needed me to give them my permanent US Address, which I swear (though I could be wrong) I have provided at least twice via fax.

Are you based in the states? I don't think you can apply for this card if not you're based in HK... Congrats to your SL status btw. And it took about 3 weeks for my application and about 5 weeks for my family.

Jamoldo, I have heard that if there is some problem with the fax they may be able to take a scanned copy by email if you can do it that way. A couple of friends have had different experiences--some sailed through very quickly and others were told that their documents were too dark or too light to read clearly. So they scanned and emailed instead.

(I'm of course assuming you're working in Hong Kong and have the other proofs like income...otherwise I doubt they'll take you)

Clubs, I'm based in HK.

MKE, I had the whole "too dark" thing happen to me too and they've received all of my other faxed documents, like income proof, bank account stuff, addresses etc long ago.

The irony is, if you ever make a purchase with your new CX Amex card and is required to fax in a copy of the front & back of your card then you are well and truely buggered. The color of this new card isn't the most photocopier friendly... Try it and you'll see what I mean.

Just a few days over 2 months after my application, followed by numerous phone calls, e-mails and faxes, I recieved my card via courier yesterday (thanks to a nice agent lady on the phone).

Victory is mine!^

Does anyone have both an Amex Platinum and Amex Cathay Pacific Elite Credit card, issued in Hong Kong, and have some foreign exchange transactions for comparison?

It seems to me that the FX conversion rate to HKD for the CX Elite card is much higher than that for the Amex Platinum. Most of my transactions lately have been in AUD and EUR.

I use www.oanda.com to check the historical FX rates, and compare to those used on my credit cards. The Amex Plat comes very close to the credit card rates (which are indicated as Interbank Rate + 2%). However, the conversion rates for the CX Elite card is even a few % higher than that. I have compared 5 or 6 transactions for October, and this seems to be the case.

Anyone have similar/different situations?

I haven't compared the two Amex cards, but I did check the Amex Cathay Co-brand (grey one) against my Citi Premier Miles from GBP to HKD and found the exchange rates & charges to be pretty much the same.

I have both Amex Platinum and Amex/CX Elite card and use both overseas for different reasons but have not noticed any major differences in exchange rates when used around the same time. OF course the AUD conversion from two months ago compared to now is vastly different.

Does anyone have both an Amex Platinum and Amex Cathay Pacific Elite Credit card, issued in Hong Kong, and have some foreign exchange transactions for comparison?

I am quite sure AMEX HK uses the same system for both cards as they are in the same level (Platinum). You can give them a call if in doubt and they should be able to get you a satisfying answer based on your situation.

Slightly OT, I have been using AMEX-CX Elite and SCB-AMEX card... Anyone have an idea about the foreign transaction rate IN REALITY? I talked to SCB rep and the rep told me it's the FX rate+2 charged by AMEX+some rate charged by SCB. Anyone have proof?

Does anyone have both an Amex Platinum and Amex Cathay Pacific Elite Credit card, issued in Hong Kong, and have some foreign exchange transactions for comparison?


Oct. 13, charged CAD$114.22 at AVIS using AMEX Platium.
Recevied bill with HKD$785.52
ER: 1:6.8773
On Oanda.com: it was 6.6243
Approx. difference: 3.7%

Oct. 15, charged USD$267.81 at AVIS using AMEX Platium.
Received bill with HKD$2120.31
ER: 1:7.9172
On Oanda.com: it was 7.7617
Approx. difference: 2%

Oct. 15, charged USD$355.01 at Embassy Suite using AMEX CX Elite
Received bill with HKD$2806.60
ER: 1:7.9057
On Oanda.com: it was 7.7617
Approx. difference: 1.9%

Yes, but the transaction date is not the date on which the currency conversion takes place. The oanda CAD/HKD rate for Oct 14 was 6.6546, and for Oct 15 it was 6.7798. If your Oct 13 transaction was posted on Oct 15 then the difference between the oanda rate and the Amex rate was only 1.4%.

Unfortunately, with the volatility of currency markets these days then even the time of day that the posting takes place can make a major difference.

Yes, you’re absolutely correct. The bill only showed my transaction date, not the process date.

By the way, I find the AMEX CX Elite alone may not be the best card to earn miles. I think in using combinations of both AMEX Platinum (or other AMEX credit / charge card) and CX cards can get you flying faster.

AMEX has this thing called Turbo Program, which gives you twice the points up to certain amount per year. The program is only HK$240 / year but free for Platinum and Centurion card. With Turbo Program, I get twice the points every year for up to HKD$160,000 spent. That's HKD$6/mile which is less than the CX Elite card at $8/mile (local).

AMEX has this thing called Turbo Program, which gives you twice the points up to certain amount per year...That's HKD$6/mile which is less than the CX Elite card at $8/mile (local).

Why not use make the most of it with SCB AMEX card? That's $3/mile for $120,000 spending cap...

AMEX Plat is only good when spending on 10X rewards program. P.S. anyone has a clue on how to get the AMEX Plat for free?

AMEX has this thing called Turbo Program, which gives you twice the points up to certain amount per year. The program is only HK$240 / year but free for Platinum and Centurion card. With Turbo Program, I get twice the points every year for up to HKD$160,000 spent. That's HKD$6/mile which is less than the CX Elite card at $8/mile (local).For Centurion it's actually still "Triple Plus" instead of Turbo, if I remember right. so it's 3x points (HKD 4 / 1 mile) for up to HKD 312,000 a year.

And, Standard Chartered Visa Infinite also gives unlimited HKD 6 = 1 mile for all spendings - including online bill payment, octopus AAVS, etc (which many other cards excluded from bonus points or even basic point earning).

And I use DBS Plat for local dining as it gives HKD 4 = 1 mile as well (besides overseas spending also at the same rate + 90-day repayment period I think).

For Centurion it's actually still "Triple Plus" instead of Turbo, if I remember right. so it's 3x points (HKD 4 / 1 mile) for up to HKD 312,000 a year.

And, Standard Chartered Visa Infinite also gives unlimited HKD 6 = 1 mile for all spendings - including online bill payment, octopus AAVS, etc (which many other cards excluded from bonus points or even basic point earning).

And I use DBS Plat for local dining as it gives HKD 4 = 1 mile as well (besides overseas spending also at the same rate + 90-day repayment period I think).


Ted,

I believe Centurion switched to $8/mile with no Cap now. They called it Unlimited Rewards or some junk like that. I think Triple Plus is gone completely.

I note that I am only able to get the double asia miles credit when using the CX Amex card and booking on www.cathaypacific.com, but not on www.dragonair.com. Would I still get credit if I booked KA codeshare flights on the Cathay website (for example, CX flight numbers for a KA-operated flight to /from Shanghai?).

I note that I am only able to get the double asia miles credit when using the CX Amex card and booking on www.cathaypacific.com, but not on www.dragonair.com. Would I still get credit if I booked KA codeshare flights on the Cathay website (for example, CX flight numbers for a KA-operated flight to /from Shanghai?).

Yes, you do earn bonus Asiamiles when you book KA code shared flight on CX.com, not sure for others though

It will be shown as CX Online Booking - Amex CX Card Bonus

Yes, you do earn bonus Asiamiles when you book KA code shared flight on CX.com, not sure for others though

It will be shown as CX Online Booking - Amex CX Card Bonus

Great! Thanks.

Do you know where I can find info of travel insurance covered by this card? I've been searching all over the net and couldn't find anything.

p3-7 of this: http://www.americanexpress.com/hk/en/pdfs/terms_n_conditions.pdf

Reading those again, the biggest issue I see is that the cover for delays, emergency clothes due to lost/delayed luggage and so on is only applicable to charges made to your Amex card. Since Amex is really not very widely accepted in many countries this would often make the cover well nigh useless...

I met someone in the lounge the other day who insisted that the "free" Priority pass that came with the CX AMEX card would charge a fee after one year (299 USD???).

I am traveling, so I can not check the original terms (and my first year must be over in a few days) - could someone pls confirm?

If there is a fee for the after the second year, how does one cancel (call MPO/AMEX/Priority pass directly)???

Thanks
JRK

Reading those again, the biggest issue I see is that the cover for delays, emergency clothes due to lost/delayed luggage and so on is only applicable to charges made to your Amex card. Since Amex is really not very widely accepted in many countries this would often make the cover well nigh useless...

wait... that is good to know- but do i have to pay my travels using this CX AMEX card as well?

Yes, clearly - the travel has to have been paid for using the Amex and only emergency expenses paid for using the Amex are reclaimable as far as I can see.

Yes, clearly - the travel has to have been paid for using the Amex and only emergency expenses paid for using the Amex are reclaimable as far as I can see.

I wonder how strict they are on this. I have claimed on the purchase protection a few times for warranty repairs after the warranty has expired. The repair is meant to be paid via Amex, but most repair places don't accept Amex. I haven't had a problem claiming.

I met someone in the lounge the other day who insisted that the "free" Priority pass that came with the CX AMEX card would charge a fee after one year (299 USD???).

I am traveling, so I can not check the original terms (and my first year must be over in a few days) - could someone pls confirm? I'm sitting here with the paperwork in front of me. The letter that came from Priority Pass with my card says:As an American Express Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Cardmember, your membership of Priority Pass and lounge visits are free.(their emphasis). That's very unambiguous to me. The fee for a PP card for the Supplementary Card Holder is US$249 per year. Visits by guests are US$27/visit.

There may be a different deal for the non-Elite (green) cards but I am very clear that for the Elite card the PP card is free as long as you have the card.

I think even if you cancel the Amex card your priority pass will remain valid until the expiry date on the card itself. I have used it a couple of times at Beijing when the CX/KA lounge was just too crowded. The attendent at the Air China F lounge had no way of telling whether the card is still valid except by the card date.

christep you are definitely right. The Priority Pass will continue for free as long as you hold the Amex CX card. Not sure about what happens when you cancel. The membership to Priority Pass will end but I'm not sure whether it ends immediately or when the Priority Pass card expires. My Priority Pass says expires August 2010--so I'd essentially get a free year by cancelling my CX Amex now? That sounds like a great deal for me, but it can't be right...

Since the CX Amex is also free (for reasonable levels of spend or CX MPC Silver or above, or probably just by asking if other HK credit cards are anything to go by) then I don't see the point of cancelling the Amex.

My PP shows 07/10 exp. So I can continue to use it without fears of sudden charges showing up.

It is actually quite useful when traveling China domestic (we are on vacation in North-East China at the moment), when the international KA lounges are out of reach...

Cheers
JRK

Since the CX Amex is also free (for reasonable levels of spend or CX MPC Silver or above, or probably just by asking if other HK credit cards are anything to go by) then I don't see the point of cancelling the Amex.
I can think of a good reason to cancel it. Amex has offered me such a high credit limit on this card one day it is going to be the reason for another cc company to deny my application! I guess a viable alternative would be to ask for a lower credit limit...

If you have a long track record of always paying off the balance then I doubt that it will make much difference.

I'm glad I have the PP card, although I've only used it twice so far - once in ANC and once in DUR. I have never seen a case when I would pay the US$27 fee for a guest - it seems that the lounges have pay-in rates which are far lower (for example DUR you could pay in for ZAR90, about US$12, although it wasn't worth even that).

This is OT, but still good info. Dah Sing Bank has issued a Platinum Visa card for Hong Kong residents. Details can be found in this thread in the BA forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/981068-new-ba-visa-hkg.html

I think the card has a good conversion ratio to BAEC, and the 8,888 introductory miles doesn't sound bad. The good thing is that this card offers 10% off all bookings on BA (done on a special link which goes to BA's website).

First three years annual fee is waived. I guess you could get this card, use it to get the 10% discounts, and then eventually earn the miles on Asia Miles instead of BAEC?

This is OT, but still good info. Dah Sing Bank has issued a Platinum Visa card for Hong Kong residents. Details can be found in this thread in the BA forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/981068-new-ba-visa-hkg.html

I think the card has a good conversion ratio to BAEC, and the 8,888 introductory miles doesn't sound bad. The good thing is that this card offers 10% off all bookings on BA (done on a special link which goes to BA's website).

First three years annual fee is waived. I guess you could get this card, use it to get the 10% discounts, and then eventually earn the miles on Asia Miles instead of BAEC?

except few BA tics get 100% miles

except few BA tics get 100% miles

Discount is also valid on World Traveller Plus, Club World, and First tickets.

And on BA ticketed OW tickets? (We live in hope... :D )