Originally Posted by theworld
Few queries. If I opt for the Gold for the Virgin 20,000 how does this work. Are they 20,000 MR's (therefore maybe putting them into another airline) or do they specifically have to go towards the Virgin scheme?
I'm not certain, but as with the Starwood card, you'd probably be earning miles on the co-brand's loyalty scheme, i.e., Virgin Miles. This seems limiting, but there are often special benefits attached to having the card, above and beyond any of Amex's other cards.
Originally Posted by theworld
Also can I opt for the Gold card (£95 fee) and then upgrade to Plat at £275 - £95 = £180 or will I have to pay the full £275?
I actually know the answer to this, as last night I decided to test run the platinum, but I asked the CSR who activated my card, "what happens if a couple weeks from now, I decide it's not for me? Do I lose the $395, or do I get it back?" and he informed me that I would get back a prorated amount. So, I presume that they would do the same for the gold card, only charging you in annual fee for whatever length of time you have it, and you get a prorated amount back to either apply to the plat's annual fee or whatever.