Why are French AMEX so crappy?
 

Dear all,

That might sound curious to you but I'm truly wondering why French AMEX and even VISA are so crappy regarding potential rewards. We don't even have one Hilton, SPG or whatever AMEX or VISA that we can subscribe for.

I currently have AMEX Gold and FB Amex Plat and it's very disappointing. The Amex Gold has very limited partnerships (incl. FB and Accor, wow great...:td:)

The FB Amex Plat lost most of its interest as it has already been said quite extensively on FT.

So I'm thinking about not keeping the FB Amex Plat, probably switching to FB Amex Gold for the miles with AF and then not keeping the un-branded Amex Gold.

Is France not an attractive market at all for SPG, Hilton and so on?

I took a M&M mastercard with the Spuerkess in Luxembourg but that's it for the moment, nothing outstanding.

When I see how american credit/debit cards throw points for sign-up, sometimes I wish I lived there :(

I can't explain why they aren't strong in France but the complaint is definitely an on-going one.

I remember quite a few unhappy Amex France clients, even on Ceturion level posting here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...periences.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...servation.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ee-france.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...rant-rave.html

Actually now that I see it, seems always the same person complaining :)

Have you considered applying for a an International Euro card ex. UK ?

The IEC Platinum charge card may be better for you than the French-issued card ?!?

I had never heard of that, thanks for mentioning it. With that card, I guess I can transfer amex points to other programs such as SPG?

The International Euro Card has its own version of Membership Rewards, catalog is here:

https://global.americanexpress.com/m...age&Face=en_EI

The transfer ratio to Starwood is unattractive. 3 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Star point. Minimum Transfer 300 and increments of 300.