Review of Canadian Amex Plat
Apr 1, 2014, 7:51 pm
#31
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 952
As extensively posted in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ast-track.html
No more new applications past March 31st, and current members are getting letters regarding when their new MPC membership expiry is schedule to be, and offers regarding fast track to keep the status. The Marco Polo Gold offer and literature has been removed from the website and all welcome packages.
No more new applications past March 31st, and current members are getting letters regarding when their new MPC membership expiry is schedule to be, and offers regarding fast track to keep the status. The Marco Polo Gold offer and literature has been removed from the website and all welcome packages.
Apr 1, 2014, 9:19 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
I haven't paid the annual fee yet -- it was billed. My payment is due next week.
I don't disagree with you on this point -- and yes, I did get the bonus points already and I used some (but not all) of them. As I said, I agree with you that my request is a bit crazy given that I did get the benefit of the bonus points. Having said this, by cancelling the card Amex doesn't have to pay for the costs associated with the remaining 11 months of my membership (concierge, $200 travel credit, insurances, etc). So, I don't think this is as clear cut -- there are arguments to be made on my side and in Amex' favor.
I actually read the entire T&C's booklet for the Platinum card. There is absolutely no mention of the refundability (either pro or con) of the annual fee. At a minimum, I would have expected Amex to list on the disclosure page (that comes with the card) that the annual fee is non-refundable if this was their intention.
Here's the resolution of my issue:
I called Amex twice and I was told that the fee is non refundable (given my scenario -- as MA pointed out, if I had not used any of the points there may not have been an argument at all).
I called back after having read the full T&C's with the intention of speaking to a Supervisor. I ultimately spoke to an agent who asked me to explain my issue before she would transferred me to a supervisor. The Agent used Markandrew's argument --> she asked rhetorically (but respectfully) "do you expect us to give you the MR bonus points and refund your fee?". I made my argument that: (1) it isn't that clear in their T&C's that the annual fee is non-refundable *and* (2) that Amex avoids certain costs when I cancel the card early.
She actually agreed with my logic and asked me what I thought would be a reasonable solution. I suggested that they prorate the refund -- I've had the card for 1 month so I suggested that a refund of 11 months of the annual fee would be fair. She agreed. She processed the refund and cancelled the card.
I fully acknowledge that I should not have applied and used this card until I was 100% sure that I could justify the $699 annual fee based on my travel needs. For what it's worth, in the month that I've had the card, I've charged over $5k to the card so it isn't like I just met the minimum spending threshold and then cancelled it.
I will give a huge ^ to Amex for handling this situation the way it has -- they truly are a customer service oriented company (even when the customer is 'arguably' at fault, they seem to always step up to plate).
I don't disagree with you on this point -- and yes, I did get the bonus points already and I used some (but not all) of them. As I said, I agree with you that my request is a bit crazy given that I did get the benefit of the bonus points. Having said this, by cancelling the card Amex doesn't have to pay for the costs associated with the remaining 11 months of my membership (concierge, $200 travel credit, insurances, etc). So, I don't think this is as clear cut -- there are arguments to be made on my side and in Amex' favor.
I actually read the entire T&C's booklet for the Platinum card. There is absolutely no mention of the refundability (either pro or con) of the annual fee. At a minimum, I would have expected Amex to list on the disclosure page (that comes with the card) that the annual fee is non-refundable if this was their intention.
Here's the resolution of my issue:
I called Amex twice and I was told that the fee is non refundable (given my scenario -- as MA pointed out, if I had not used any of the points there may not have been an argument at all).
I called back after having read the full T&C's with the intention of speaking to a Supervisor. I ultimately spoke to an agent who asked me to explain my issue before she would transferred me to a supervisor. The Agent used Markandrew's argument --> she asked rhetorically (but respectfully) "do you expect us to give you the MR bonus points and refund your fee?". I made my argument that: (1) it isn't that clear in their T&C's that the annual fee is non-refundable *and* (2) that Amex avoids certain costs when I cancel the card early.
She actually agreed with my logic and asked me what I thought would be a reasonable solution. I suggested that they prorate the refund -- I've had the card for 1 month so I suggested that a refund of 11 months of the annual fee would be fair. She agreed. She processed the refund and cancelled the card.
I fully acknowledge that I should not have applied and used this card until I was 100% sure that I could justify the $699 annual fee based on my travel needs. For what it's worth, in the month that I've had the card, I've charged over $5k to the card so it isn't like I just met the minimum spending threshold and then cancelled it.
I will give a huge ^ to Amex for handling this situation the way it has -- they truly are a customer service oriented company (even when the customer is 'arguably' at fault, they seem to always step up to plate).
Most CC T&C I remember don't write anything about "fee refunds", but I personally wouldn't use it as a reason, but good to know AMEX was kind
I should keep that in mind next time I re-apply AMEX Plat card
Apr 2, 2014, 8:41 am
#33
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: YYC/MNL
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy SE
Posts: 520
Overall, the Plat is an awesome card with its' extensive coverage and affiliate memberships (Carson Gold and Fairmont have been worth it!).
For $500 (700-200 credit), what you get is worth it but I don't travel enough so I might switch back to Gold
For $500 (700-200 credit), what you get is worth it but I don't travel enough so I might switch back to Gold
Apr 2, 2014, 9:53 am
#34
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: American Express Membership Rewards, Marriott Rewards Platinum
Posts: 107
Does amex canada backdate account opening dates to match the member since year?
Apr 2, 2014, 11:28 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 952
I'm getting to know the PTS travel agents quite well as I'm calling lots to bug them about hotels in HK, and for Westjet fares between YXS-YVR. They must be quite tired of me now, waffling between hotel choices and asking them to look this and that up. 
Unfortunately, it does seem like the Westjet discount is dead for now. A travel agent confirmed it for me yesterday. I hope it does come back!
Getting to recognize individual travel agents' voices... that's how you know you're calling too much!
Unfortunately, it does seem like the Westjet discount is dead for now. A travel agent confirmed it for me yesterday. I hope it does come back!
Getting to recognize individual travel agents' voices... that's how you know you're calling too much!
Apr 2, 2014, 2:56 pm
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,068
Amex should not have pro-rated a refund and allowed the member to keep 60,000 bonus points. Thats nuts and makes no sense at all. They should have taken whatever MR points back and then pro rated a refund to whatever seemed reasonable given the points that were already used.
Apr 2, 2014, 2:58 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,068
Apr 2, 2014, 3:07 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
I was skeptical when I got this card last year, but its proven to be great value.
60,000 points alone were worth the $499 (or $299), especially if they ever turn into 90,000 Avios.
60,000 points alone were worth the $499 (or $299), especially if they ever turn into 90,000 Avios.
Apr 3, 2014, 7:11 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,156
I then looked at booking a rental car using Hertz or Avis. I already have Gold and Preferred service though the CAA membership. Hertz was insanely overpriced as usual so settled with a Mustang GT from Avis at $70/day using my Mlife discount code. Conclusion is that the rental car program provides zero benefit over over discounts obtained on the net.
Next is travel insurance. I am an avid scuba diver so traveling must always include insurance for travel health. My $120 RBC Infinite card has virtually the exact same insurance as the Plat card including the scuba diving heatlh care. My Sun Life company medical benefits also covers scuba diving.
Apr 3, 2014, 7:37 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,156
I'm getting to know the PTS travel agents quite well as I'm calling lots to bug them about hotels in HK, and for Westjet fares between YXS-YVR. They must be quite tired of me now, waffling between hotel choices and asking them to look this and that up.
Unfortunately, it does seem like the Westjet discount is dead for now. A travel agent confirmed it for me yesterday. I hope it does come back!
Getting to recognize individual travel agents' voices... that's how you know you're calling too much!
Unfortunately, it does seem like the Westjet discount is dead for now. A travel agent confirmed it for me yesterday. I hope it does come back!
Getting to recognize individual travel agents' voices... that's how you know you're calling too much!
It's unfortunate to hear that the WS discount is dead.
Apr 3, 2014, 7:39 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,156
However, going forward for 2014 and beyond, I am not so sure unless Amex is coming up with something tangible to replace the various lost benefits, e.g., CX MPC Gold, AA/US lounge access, etc.
Apr 3, 2014, 9:55 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Absolutely. I'm hoping for some sort of replacement soon, otherwise most of the justification for the increase to $699 just disappeared.
Apr 3, 2014, 2:08 pm
#45
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,098
However, going forward for 2014 and beyond, I am not so sure unless Amex is coming up with something tangible to replace the various lost benefits, e.g., CX MPC Gold, AA/US lounge access, etc.