I have both Amex Platinum and the new Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Based on my data point of one, Amex's concierge service is substantially better (and more effective) than the Chase's Visa Infinite one. I wonder if it is consistent with what everybody else experiences with the new Reserve card.
Here's the story. For an upcoming trip, I wanted to make a reservation for a high-end restaurant in Japan, and I emailed the Visa Infinite concierge first.
The concierge service got back to me very quickly, but asked me to fill in a PDF form before they could actually call the restaurant. The form also indicated they would not help with reservations on the day of international flight arrival, which I found pretty weird: if I'm willing to risk paying cancellation fees, why wouldn't you let me?
Here's the first reply from Chase's Visa Infinite concierge. The CCA form is attached to this thread.
Thank you for your requests for dining in Japan.
As you may be aware, Japanese restaurants have a particular way of arranging reservations, which means that they do require a lot more information in order to reserve a table, particularly to diners from outside of Japan. In order to attempt your booking at the venue, we would need you to fill out and sign the attached form.
Please note that canceling restaurant reservations in Japan is considered very poor practice and as such please only consider making reservations you are likely to fulfill. Restaurants will often charge a cancellation fee for reservations canceled at short notice, however it will not be published, and is considered impolite to ask. The cancellation fee can often be up to 35,000 Yen per person. Lateness additionally is frowned upon, so please do be on time for your reservation if successful.
We would be delighted to ask our Japanese restaurant specialists to inquire regarding this reservation, however please do provide the requested information, otherwise the restaurant would be unlikely to consider this reservation request.
Please note, that we are unable to proceed with booking without a completed CCA form and full credit card details.
Sincerely,
Visa Concierge.
Visa Infinite Concierge
I then reached out to Amex's concierge service, and the response was much easier to follow (no need to sign a PDF form):
I hope you are having a great start to your day. Thank you for contacting American Express Concierge regarding your dining request. We would be more than happy to try and secure a reservation for you and your guest to dine at XXX Restaurant while in Japan. We would need a few more details before we contact the restaurant.
What phone number can we release?
What are your hotel details?
Does anyone in your party have any allergies or dietary restrictions?
Are you celebrating anything special?
We look forward to your response.
After I replied to this email, Amex concierge confirmed the restaurant reservation within 48 hours.