Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - HKG Amex cards will need 15 points to covert to 1 asiamile !!!!!

I read the notification which came with this month's statement.

The following applies to Amex cards beginning with the following numbers:

3763(9) 9
3763(9) 8
3763 3
3771 1


This includes my Amex Platinum and Chartered Gold Amex.

Here's a summary:

1. from 1 May 2009, 15 points = 1 mile
2. minimum transfer of 15,000 points, and then in multiples of 7,500
3. fee for conversions

HK$100 for 120,000 points or below
HK$150 for 120,000-180,000 points
HK$200 for 180,001 and above

4. points accrual

HK$1 = 1 point for Basic program
HK$1 = 2 points for Turbo, with cap of 320,000/year
HK$1 = 1.5 (local) or 3 (overseas) for Infinite Rewards (Centurion cards)


I think this absolutely sucks! :td:

I don't use that card that much anyway, except for their 50% discounts at a wide range of Maxim's restaurants. I'll keep on using the Standard Chartered Amex, which has the best conversion rate in HK (HK$1 = 2 points (local) or 6 points (overseas), and 12 points = 1 mile). I think it'll only be time before Standard Chartered to change their policy as well!

.....just when I decide to stop using the CX Card for a while and concentrate on banking the miles with the DBS Black Card (are they affected) and SCB Amex (which begins with 3771 0).

SCB already mentions that the conversion policy will be HK$15 to 1 AM for conversions of 10,000 miles and below.

Yes, Standard Chartered's conversion rate is HK$15 = 1 mile for under 10,000 miles, and HK$12 = 1 mile for 10,001 and above.

Is the CX card specifically mentioned? I don't know how they can suddenly change from $8=1 mile to $15=1 mile. With the heavy promotion of the card it will be a huge PR no no

Most of us have more than one card and are more than willing to ditch a credit providor if they become 'uncompetitive'

Most of us have more than one card and are more than willing to ditch a credit providor if they become 'uncompetitive'

The problem is when they all become "competitive" with each other again. I'm sure there's some collusion going on, and collusion isn't even illegal in HK.

Remember when all the credit cards were giving points for paying tax on your card? Then suddenly all of them stopped in the same year...

I don't receive inserts as I get my statements online only. When will they inform me?? And I still want to confirm that the CX card is included?

Having thought about it, I bet the new rules only apply to "Membership Rewards" program. The CX Amex card doesn't use membership rewards, as the the mileage goes straight to CX. So hopefully this means the CX Cards don't have any changes in earn rate.

Having thought about it, I bet the new rules only apply to "Membership Rewards" program. The CX Amex card doesn't use membership rewards, as the the mileage goes straight to CX. So hopefully this means the CX Cards don't have any changes in earn rate.

I hope, that seems to make since given you never "transfer" the miles anyway as you say, they just showup on the MPC statements

Having thought about it, I bet the new rules only apply to "Membership Rewards" program. The CX Amex card doesn't use membership rewards, as the the mileage goes straight to CX. So hopefully this means the CX Cards don't have any changes in earn rate.

I think you're right. I automatically assumed the CX was included because it started with 3771 1. The CX card doesn't use a points system anyway, as it's an automatic transfer system.

But when you think about it, the CX card has a less favorable conversion rate anyway :

CX card : spend HK$16 = 2 miles (conversion rate HK$8 = 1 mile)
SC card : spend HK$16 = 2.13 miles (they still have the 2x multiplier, so $16 x 2/15 = 2.13 miles)

Can the moderator please change the title of this thread? HK$15 = 1 mile is incorrect, because there is the 2x multiplier. Can you change it to 15 points = 1 mile?

I wonder why AMEX has not come up with a US Card CX tie in. I know the Starwood Card can convert points, but a directlink with membership rewards would be more attractive. I like it that a transfer to Delta and other links carriers is almost instantaneous when you need miles to complete an award.

I wonder why AMEX has not come up with a US Card CX tie in.

Because CX is a Hong Kong based airline? Should we be asking why isn't there a Delta AMEX for HK market?

Because CX is a Hong Kong based airline? Should we be asking why isn't there a Delta AMEX for HK market?

Yet, some carriers who are not US based have offered cards. I had an Asiana card issued by Bank of America. I do not believe there is a legal or technical restriction, it is all in the marketing and business opportunity.


The question is if there is a large enough installed base of CX Frequent Flyers that would merit the card.

I think the 15 pts=1 mile does not affect Centurion Card holders. They stay 12=1. Also, CX Amex is not affected (as yet!)

I tend to agree with traveler18. If it costs USD50 to join MPC, USD100 to change redemption group, why is there not any USD CC?

The question is if there is a large enough installed base of CX Frequent Flyers that would merit the card.

you've answered your question I reckon. even though a lot of US based customers fly in J/F with Cathay, the base just isn't enough. Numerical game I think.

I dunno, could it also be some agreement with AA that they cannot do this ? i.e. there's only certain FFP activities you can do in US and credit card isn't one of them (e.g. remember in the early days CX only did AAdv promos in US and not Asia Miles / MPO - now it's already a bit more that they're doing both but they still have both AAdv and MPO/AM on their US website if I remember right).