Thanks everyone! I want to sign up for the Ameriprise Plat for a year and just ditch the Gold. My main reason is the fee waiver for the Ameriprise product. I want to see if I use enough of the benefits to make it worth while. I can always downgrade after a year.

I am sure I would use the $200 airline credit (gift cards, or upgrade seats on Frontier). I would also get the global entry (though it would rarely be useful for me on Frontier) since it is technically free.

I have read a lot of blogs and posts talking about why the Plat is still worth it without any lounge access, etc. but they all read like they were written by someone from Amex (not surprising).

As far as rentals, I rent exclusively from Hertz through a USAA program. That gives me some percentage off. I am also a Hertz Gold Plus member.

Just as an anecdote, I rented from Hertz in Chicago recently and needed a 7 passenger SUV. I booked a Mercedes GLK 550 (or whatever their big SUV is) from the prestige collection. I get the text showing my stall number when I get off the plane, show up, and a small Chevy SUV is in the stall. There was no one around to ask for help, so I call the 800 number. The lady I spoke with was incredibly rude and told me to deal with it, my reservation was changed. That will probably be the last time I rent with Hertz.

From people who still carry Plats, what benefit for the $450 do you realize unless you fly on Delta? The $200 airline credit is nice, but doesn't make up the annual fee. Priority pass clubs aren't prevalent in the US, and the Centurion lounges are just starting to take off. Am I missing anything? I just keep reading about how good the card is. Is Amex going to surprise everyone in the next year and come out with some big, new benefits to make it worthwhile?