You can also get additional Platinum cards for $175 and Gold cards for $45 anually.

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">In terms of incremental benefits from Platinum, I'm aware that Cent offers

(1) 2nd-level elite status on DL, NW and CO

Actually, it's DL, US, and CO. Of course, the CO status is honored by NW due to their alliance, so you effectively have it on NW as well.

There are a lot of hotel benefits:

- Automatic status: HHonors Gold VIP, Hyatt Hold Passport Diamond, Six Continents Club, and Starwood Platinum Preferred. So, the Hilton status is mid tier like the airline programs, but Hyatt and Starwood are top tier.

- Confirmed upgrade at time of booking plus $50 room charge credit at all Ritz Carleton properties (not combineable with FH&R program).


You also get some benefits with Avis and a several stand-alone retailers (Saks, etc.) which probably aren't worth getting a card just for that.

But, in addition to the "always double miles for everyday purchases" at gas stations, supermarkets, drugstores, etc. that I believe that Platinum also has, you get double miles at any of the airline, hotel, car rental, and retail partners listed above. It's a bit ironic that you get more miles at a Starwood property if you use Centurion Amex instead of Starwood Amex.

Another subtle benefit is that the customer service seems to be of very high quality. There have been many reports as to how Platinum customer service has declined over the years. It's a shame that some people would say that you have to pay $2500 a year to Amex to get what many would consider a proper level of customer service, whereas Diners Club can provide it for $95 a year.

[This message has been edited by Steve M (edited 03-15-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Steve M (edited 03-15-2003).]