Originally Posted by
AAdmiral
Obviously JPM would need to add more features to the card like a full lounge membership published as a benefit which would be the United Club since they have a relationship with United. Also they would need to offer elite hotel status with their partners such as Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Fairmont Hotels since Chase issues all of the above credit cards for the respective hotel chains. Elite airline level with United and/or British Airways would be another feature needed. This would start to truly put the Palladium on par with Amex Centurion. Add Avis Chairmans Club membership to counter Amex Centurion Hertz Platinum and we have a true competitor. Obviously these are some of the things on my wish list for making the Palladium Card better. Adding these benefits or some would make paying a higher annual fee justified.
I'm ok with a higher annual fee but they should start with making sure the Palladium gets basic benefits that the Reserve will get. For example, 3x on travel and dining. If you're going to be paying a high AF, you want simplicity. You don't want multiple cards for no reason. Right now, Palladium doesn't even have 2x on dine, as Preferred has. Pretty pathetic.
IMO, lounge status is overrated. Every "highend" card gets you lounge status these days. And you can just pay for a yearly membership. United is only good for domestic.
Better is airline status, if they can swing it. I'm not big on hotel status at boring chain hotels, especially the likes of Marriott and Hyatt, or even IHG and Fairmont. Much better would be annual black status at GHA or similar for unique boutique hotels. I find rental car status to be useless and a gimmick.