Originally Posted by
Yul_voyager
I got the Amex Plat before the fee increased 2 years ago, kept it until now (I even paid the 699$ for the first time this year), and I am not sure if I should keep it indefinitely...
Marco Polo gold was a big benefit and until it was gone we never saw anything new to replace it. Nothing new with hotel benefit... US Plat got Hilton gold last year but nothing for Canadians.
It looks like Amex forgot to work on some new benefits to keep the card attractive...
1. Agreed that the discontinuation of CX MPC Gold/OW Sapphire status is a great deterrent to renew the card. I wish that they would "downgrade" (to MPC Silver/OW Ruby) rather than eliminating it altogether!
2. Starwood Gold status is good. I have stayed at the Sheraton several times and was upgraded every time.
3. Club Carlson Gold is useless. Individual hotel is allowed to opt out. Stayed at a Radisson in London UK and was denied any benefit. Wrote to CC and was simply told that some properties might not participate. I should check before booking! It's my fault!!
4. Accor Platinum - will find out in a few weeks. Booked a Novotel.
5. Hertz - very competitive rate and I like the 4-hour auto extension at no charge.
6. Insurance - was good but now superseded by CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege.
Overall, the Amex Plat offers reasonably good perks but I am no longer so sure at $699-200=499 that it's still worth it without the OW Sapphire status.