I had this card but the welcome bonus at the time was 25,000 miles .

It was good for me, because at the time I had no status at all. This card gave me similar treatment to being Elite (using the business class line, lounge access), plus the welcome points. Once you get status though it becomes less useful.

I switched to the Amex platinum at that time which has similar travel benefits, less fee, and a bunch of benefits that this card does not have.

So keep in mind that it is *not* an Amex platinum card by any means that Amex uses to judge it. If you call something like FHR they will deny you because you don't have the platinum "charge card".

This card gives on the one hand and takes away on the other. Really only useful I think for non-status or Prestige status people who find themselves suddenly traveling a lot and want the insurance and effective elite treatment.

Note that it's also bound to the same rules as Elite, you're not going to get into a lounge without a star alliance boarding pass, and it also will not function as *G to get into other lounges.