A side note too for those (including me) contemplating the 50k bonus referral possibility vs 1st year free possibility for AMEX Platinum through the Ameriprise offer:

I asked a financial advisor yesterday and he reconfirmed that the 1st year $450 fee waiver was only for Achiever Circle Elite members (not just for anyone who puts in a few dollars for a brokerage account). Previously on other forums, some have indicated success for the first year waiver, even though they had "lower" level Ameriprise accounts.

I am inclined still to wait for a 50K bonus or better, instead of taking a chance with Ameriprise... any thoughts?