In a recent post, it was stated that the Canadian AMEX Platinum card fee was increasing to $699. I started to think that if the US Platinum card fee were to increase, would I pay it? Obviously it would depend on what the improved benefits would be. I searched the AMEX website to locate a place to suggest some benefits, but could not find one. I then thought FlyerTalk would be a good spot to do so (not sure how often AMEX people read this, but I thought it was worth a shot). Although there have been threads on specific and pointed suggestions, I didn’t see a thread on an overall list. I wanted to put all of mine here to see what you think: agree, disagree, or maybe some of you know more details about specific items. Perhaps some of you have some additional suggestions.

For starters, I do love my AMEX Platinum card, and I have been a loyal member since 2003. Between the FHR benefits, the airport lounges, the airline credit, the customer service, and the concierge department, I pay the $450 each year without any regrets. Like everything else in life, a fee is worth it if you use what you’re getting out of it. I feel that I get more than the $450 each year. Having said that, it doesn’t mean I can’t offer some suggestions to improve it (especially if there was going to be an increased fee).


1) Improve the actual material of the card similar to what Chase does with some of their cards (some sort of metal material). This is not just for aesthetics, but more important for me is durability. I call up to have my Platinum card replaced 3-4 times/year based on usage.

2) Starwood 1:1 point transfer. I assume that this has something to do with an agreement with Starwood which is why it’s currently 3:1. However, if the fee were to increase, I think this should be an added benefit.

3) I don’t think there should be any fees to book through Platinum Travel. Although I’m usually able to book online without any issues, I do like going through a Travel Counselor for more important trips or more complicated trips. The fact that it costs $39 per person per flight is an issue for me (although I understand it may not be for some).

4) An increased status on either SPG or Hilton, or perhaps on an airline such as Delta, US Airways, or American. This is probably the same as #2 with respect to an agreement with the hotel or airline. American is less likely because of their agreement with Citibank, but Delta or US Airways could be a possibility.

5) This has less to do with AMEX Platinum, but I think an overhaul is needed for the Membership Rewards program. I feel that over the years, Membership Rewards has grown to be limiting and expensive. Between statement credits, hotel gift cards, hotel transfers (see above), and even airline transfers (JetBlue), it could use some improvements. (Just a note: I do like the 20% points back on travel, but I would rather have an increase in 20% to use right away). However, I have transferred to Delta for free flights over the years, and I once transferred to Hilton for a free stay, but not much else.

6) Point transfers to airlines should not have fees.

7) I liked the domestic companion ticket program that was available a few years back. I was able to use that a few times, and would love to see that benefit return.

8) It would be helpful if Platinum Travel had the ability to search inventory on its transfer partners. For example, I would like the ability to call Platinum Travel, see how many Avios points I need for a flight or upgrade on BA, and then book it through PTS (transferring MR points to BA) without having to go through BA for any of it. I believe this is still a Centurion benefit (or at least it used to be), and it may be a pipe dream for Platinum.


Some of these or even all of these may be a stretch. However, if all or some of these were implemented, I wouldn’t expect the fee to stay at $450, and I would willingly pay an increased annual fee.

Again, just my thoughts.