Originally Posted by diesteldorf

After reading bd7's initial reply, yesterday afternoon, I decided to call Morgan Stanley proactively, even before realizing that I had a missed call from them earlier in the day.

When I called, I told the representative that I was concerned about my Access Investing account, was aware that it was being decomissioned, was familiar with UMA, AAA, and wanted to discuss my options.....Thanks again bd7.

In this regard, I was more assertive because I already mentioned UMA and AAA, but, as fatlard and steve4 mentioned, I could also liquidate my Access Investing account, keep my Cash Plus account, continue to pay $55 per month, and conceivably earn the yearly engagement bonus.

I also clarified that both UMA and AAA were still managed by MS in house, because, as GundamWing pointed out, Etrade doesn't count and was what MS was offering to many after Access Investing was discontinued. It wasn't a viablle low-cost option for those that wanted the MS Platinum. There are a couple different levels for UMA, but my representative also told me about Pathways, with a $1000 minimum, what fatlard referred to as option 2-a.

Because I called after market hours, I scheduled a follow up with MS next week to officially convert my Access Investing account to Pathways. I considered complely liquidating my Access Investing account and just keeping Cash Plus, as Steve4 mentioned, but am treating the Pathways account as a sort of insurance policy if my Cash Plus account is ever closed or if the terms of the engagement bonus ever change. I wouldn't blame MS if they no longer wanted to keep offering engagement bonuses to those with only a couple thousand dollars in a Cash Plus account, and keeping 2 separate products conceivably makes for a stronger relationship.

My representaive told me that UMA Pathways was a recent addition to their product offerings, but I don't know if it is just available to existing clients as a conversion option, or if will also be available to new customers. Before Access Investing was offered, the MS Platinum was out of reach for many because of the high asset levels requiored to establish a relationship. Maybe MS has decided they are willing to compete with Charles Schwab, and other financial institutions, for customers with more modest means. After all, the American Express Platinum was only available by invitation before it was marketed to the masses as a travel and lifestyle card. What we need is for someone with no existing relationship to call MS and ask to open a Pathways, or standalone Cash Plus account, and then apply for the MS Amex Platinum.

The MS Platinum is already the best option for many because of the free AU. If MS potentially raises the engagement bonus to match the new annual fee, and keeps the Cash Plus monthly fee at reasonable level, it may be an even stronger option, and that's why I'm converting to Pathways and keeping Cash Plus.

If Amex completely nerfs the Platinum or MS redefines or eliminates the engagemnent bonus, I can always get rid of existing products, but I may not be able to add them back.