Originally Posted by
gooselee
Wading into this thread as I'm considering adding CSR to my wallet. But I already have Amex Platinum and DL Reserve.
The DL card gets me SkyClub access and the free companion cert, which more than pays for itself each year even without the MQM boosts. (I also have a DL Platinum solely for the coach companion cert). Amex Platinum w/additional card is okay value for me with PP, status bumps, Uber/airline fee, etc. Actually has gotten more valuable as my travel has dropped from very heavy to moderate - I spread my hotels/cars around enough that I no longer earn status, but the Amex allows me to still be a free agent and at least have some benefits.
Really considering CSR to move dining and non-flight travel to. Primary car insurance and other travel protections seem nice, too, but am I correct that I wouldn't actually get stuff like trip delay and baggage insurance since my flights would stay with Amex for 5x? It would still be valuable when we book vacation packages/tours and such, I guess. Or sacrifice 2x points to "buy" the better insurance when it matters.
I'm still trying to talk myself into spending $1895/year in annual fees (must add Mrs. Lee to all cards).
As a related note - has anyone swapped their Amex Plat for the CSR? What's the best landing spot to downgrade the Amex but retain your MR until ready to spend/transfer them?
I've yet to see a compelling reason where someone needs both the Platinum and the CSR. I don't know that it would hugely benefit you either. Sounds like you like the Uber, Hotel status, and Airline credit/cb. Is that $550+ worth of value to you? Also considering that the CSR would give you better insurance, as you stated, and bonus points in more categories. What part of the hotel statuses do you frequently use?