Originally Posted by
Autumn09
I know this thread relates more to CENT than PLAT, but was wondering if anyone has any further recent updates regarding Equinox and the American Express benefit(s).
I've been contemplating joining the local gym by my home in Southern California, though the membership team there has been a bit spotty/contradictory in their communication. I was quoted that benefits, when paying with an American Express Platinum card, are; discount initiation fee (more than half off), a 50-minute spa service, and 4 personal training sessions.
Has anyone had luck getting the initiation fee waived, and still keeping the Amex benefits? If so, what are you guys (if you don't mind me asking) paying in terms of monthly fee/and for what type of membership?
Thanks in advance!
From time to time they offer to waive the initiation fee if you are "referred" by a current member. I'm not aware of any ongoing promotion that waives the fee at the moment (there was one in August, but I believe it expired), but any member of Equinox can check on that with their local gym. I see dkelly1110 has requested to be listed as a referral, so I won't step in there. I did not pay an initiation fee when I joined a few years ago and still received the Amex benefits.
I currently pay $172 per month with the Amex Plat program. That gives me access to all Equinox locations other than E in NYC and Century City in LA. If you want Century City access, I believe the fee goes up to $225 per month. I note that this is only about $20 more per month than my company's corporate rate, so I think it is well priced.
The benefits are listed here:
http://www.equinox.com/Join/Default_...?card=platinum
Beware that the initial free training sessions that come with the Amex Plat package may only be for Tier I trainers. You should confirm whether they are applicable to only Tier I or all levels of trainers, if that matters to you.