Originally Posted by igorjrr

Interesting to read that some people take the new "benefits" as gifts.
They are not gifts. You are prepaying for them.

The fact you have to try to figure out how to use it (instead of simply enjoying using it) is a clear sign that Amex is making you work for them, with your own money.

I personally find horrible that they increase the annual fee and severely limit where you can spend the added credits. They should have at least made the airline credit flexible to any travel expenses on any airline as a real gain. They are giving me more stress and stuff to pay attention to, and charging for it. Of course, that's a good bye.