Apr 22, 2015, 10:57 am
Last edit by: mia
Effective June 2017 the USA Business Platinum airfare Pay-with-Points refund was reduced to 35%. This brings the net value to $0.0153 per point, essentially the same as Chase Sapphire Reserve's Pay-with-Points redemption rate.
USA Business Centurion cardholders will continue to receive a 50% refund. The Centurion version is also broader than the Platinum benefit:
Centurion: beginning October 6, 2016 you will get 50% Membership Rewards® points back when you use the Pay with Points feature for all or part of a flight on any airline. The maximum rebate per calendar year for Centurion members is (_______?)
Platinum: Business Platinum Card Members will receive 5 extra points for every 10 points they redeem for either a First or Business class flight on any airline, or for flights with their selected qualifying airline using Membership Rewards Pay with Points with American Express Travel (35% Airline Bonus). The maximum rebate per calendar year for Business Platinum Card Members is 1,000,000 points.
FAQ
Q1. How does the process work?
A1. Here is an example, buying a $1,000.00 ticket:
Q2. Must the Business Centurion or Platinum card be used to purchase the ticket?
A2. When the benefit was refreshed in October 2016 you could pay with any card linked to the same Membership Rewards account, but it appears this changed in April 2017.
Q3. Will I earn Membership Rewards points on the purchase price?
A3. You will not earn base points, but you may earn bonus points if you pay with a card that awards a bonus for airline ticket purchases, such as Business Platinum, Personal Platinum, Business Rewards Gold, Premier Rewards Gold.
Q4. What happens if I cancel the ticket?
A4. There are mixed reports, but in most examples the cost of the ticket is refunded (a second time) to the card account. In one example American Express refunded the remainder of the points instead. If you prefer the points refunded rather than a cash credit, phone into AMEX and they will restore the points and remove the credit.
Q5. Can this benefit be combined with the International Airline Program companion ticket?
A5. One poster was told no, but another was able to do so.
USA Business Centurion cardholders will continue to receive a 50% refund. The Centurion version is also broader than the Platinum benefit:
Centurion: beginning October 6, 2016 you will get 50% Membership Rewards® points back when you use the Pay with Points feature for all or part of a flight on any airline. The maximum rebate per calendar year for Centurion members is (_______?)
Platinum: Business Platinum Card Members will receive 5 extra points for every 10 points they redeem for either a First or Business class flight on any airline, or for flights with their selected qualifying airline using Membership Rewards Pay with Points with American Express Travel (35% Airline Bonus). The maximum rebate per calendar year for Business Platinum Card Members is 1,000,000 points.
FAQ
Q1. How does the process work?
A1. Here is an example, buying a $1,000.00 ticket:
- $1,000 charged to American Express card [Day 1]
- 100,000 Membership Rewards points redeemed [Day 1]
- $1,000 credited to American Express card [Day 2]
- _35,000 Membership Rewards points returned [~a month later]
- Net: $1,000 ticket for 65,000 points = $0.0154/point
Q2. Must the Business Centurion or Platinum card be used to purchase the ticket?
A2. When the benefit was refreshed in October 2016 you could pay with any card linked to the same Membership Rewards account, but it appears this changed in April 2017.
Q3. Will I earn Membership Rewards points on the purchase price?
A3. You will not earn base points, but you may earn bonus points if you pay with a card that awards a bonus for airline ticket purchases, such as Business Platinum, Personal Platinum, Business Rewards Gold, Premier Rewards Gold.
Q4. What happens if I cancel the ticket?
A4. There are mixed reports, but in most examples the cost of the ticket is refunded (a second time) to the card account. In one example American Express refunded the remainder of the points instead. If you prefer the points refunded rather than a cash credit, phone into AMEX and they will restore the points and remove the credit.
Q5. Can this benefit be combined with the International Airline Program companion ticket?
A5. One poster was told no, but another was able to do so.
Pay-with-Points flights. BUSINESS Centurion 50% refund, Plat 35%, Gold 25% (2015-23)
May 20, 2017, 5:32 pm
#572
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: YYC, SFO, OAK
Programs: AS MVP 75K, AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 734
My recent bookings have been either 31 or 32 days. I booked flights on 4/16 and 4/17 and both rebates posted on 5/18.
Also, up until now, every time I've refunded a flight within 24 hours they only refund the cash but not the points, effectively cashing out my points at 2cpm. But yesterday I canceled a booking and the agent manually reversed the whole transaction and gave me back my points immediately and said she had to re-charge my card for the cash amount to offset the refund.
I have never had any intention of abusing this system to cash out my points (I just tend to book and cancel w/in 24 hrs in order to buy myself time to decide on a fare) but I wonder if their procedures have changed lately.
Also, up until now, every time I've refunded a flight within 24 hours they only refund the cash but not the points, effectively cashing out my points at 2cpm. But yesterday I canceled a booking and the agent manually reversed the whole transaction and gave me back my points immediately and said she had to re-charge my card for the cash amount to offset the refund.
I have never had any intention of abusing this system to cash out my points (I just tend to book and cancel w/in 24 hrs in order to buy myself time to decide on a fare) but I wonder if their procedures have changed lately.
May 21, 2017, 4:03 pm
#573
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 70
50% bonus using business plat on a flight?
I'm currently trying to book a flight on Amextravel to Kunming, China (KMG) from Pittsburgh (PIT). This is an economy flight.
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
May 21, 2017, 5:06 pm
#574
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: YYC, SFO, OAK
Programs: AS MVP 75K, AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 734
I'm currently trying to book a flight on Amextravel to Kunming, China (KMG) from Pittsburgh (PIT). This is an economy flight.
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
You could maybe test it too by booking it late at night then seeing if you get an email the next day from Amex confirming the 50% rebate... if you don't, you can still cancel w/in 24 hours by calling in.
May 21, 2017, 5:36 pm
#575
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New York City
Posts: 801
I'm currently trying to book a flight on Amextravel to Kunming, China (KMG) from Pittsburgh (PIT). This is an economy flight.
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
My selected airline is United Airlines.
The flight goes from
Pittsburgh (PIT) -> Newark (EWR) (United)
Newark (EWR) -> Shanghai (PVG) (United)
Shanghai (PVG) -> Kunming (KMG) (Air China)
then
Kunming (KMG) -> Beijing (PEK) (Air China)
Beijing (PEK) -> Wash. DC (IAD) (United)
Wash. DC (IAD) -> Pittsburgh (PIT) (United)
I was wondering if my 50% bonus would apply on this whole flight or part of the flight. I called 18005539497 and they said they were 75% sure that it should apply to whole flight. The person seemed helpful but couldn't 100% confirm with me and transferred me to 18002973276. I called them and they said that it only works on the United legs of the flight. She however seemed very unsure about the terms and condition of the card. She initially mentioned some things about the 50% bonus and Amextravel that was incorrect. Anyone here know for sure whether or not it will apply?
May 21, 2017, 6:13 pm
#576
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 70
Assuming you've picked United as your airline of choice for the rebate, I would check to see if I could see the same flights/price when booking on United.com. Because my guess is you'd get the rebate as long as the ticket is issued by UA. If the same flights/price show up on their site as Amex when you've selected UA as the airline then... you're probably fine.
You could maybe test it too by booking it late at night then seeing if you get an email the next day from Amex confirming the 50% rebate... if you don't, you can still cancel w/in 24 hours by calling in.
You could maybe test it too by booking it late at night then seeing if you get an email the next day from Amex confirming the 50% rebate... if you don't, you can still cancel w/in 24 hours by calling in.
I checked United's website and the same flight is there! It's a good sign I guess. Haven't received the rebate email yet, but hopefully I'll get one tomorrow. I only booked just now after reading this.
May 23, 2017, 11:37 am
#577
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 371
Assuming you've picked United as your airline of choice for the rebate, I would check to see if I could see the same flights/price when booking on United.com. Because my guess is you'd get the rebate as long as the ticket is issued by UA. If the same flights/price show up on their site as Amex when you've selected UA as the airline then... you're probably fine.
You could maybe test it too by booking it late at night then seeing if you get an email the next day from Amex confirming the 50% rebate... if you don't, you can still cancel w/in 24 hours by calling in.
You could maybe test it too by booking it late at night then seeing if you get an email the next day from Amex confirming the 50% rebate... if you don't, you can still cancel w/in 24 hours by calling in.
However, the method of test booking & cancel w/in 24 hours won't work. Because Amex will NOT refund the points, but the ticket price as statement credit. In case the flight redemption isn't qualified for 50% rebate, OP won't receive the 50% bonus and ends up with 1cent/pt. Did I miss something?
May 23, 2017, 12:54 pm
#578
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New York City
Posts: 801
I agree that most likely the OP's flight redemption would be qualified for the 50% rebate.
However, the method of test booking & cancel w/in 24 hours won't work. Because Amex will NOT refund the points, but the ticket price as statement credit. In case the flight redemption isn't qualified for 50% rebate, OP won't receive the 50% bonus and ends up with 1cent/pt. Did I miss something?
However, the method of test booking & cancel w/in 24 hours won't work. Because Amex will NOT refund the points, but the ticket price as statement credit. In case the flight redemption isn't qualified for 50% rebate, OP won't receive the 50% bonus and ends up with 1cent/pt. Did I miss something?
AmEx will refund points.
May 23, 2017, 1:04 pm
#579
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: YYC, SFO, OAK
Programs: AS MVP 75K, AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 734
Amex doesn't often refund points IME but they are fully capable of doing so, you just have to ask and sometimes they'll just refund the points without you asking
May 23, 2017, 7:56 pm
#580
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: LIT
Programs: Blinged Out
Posts: 715
This has been working well up until yesterday when I talked to an especially rude rep who wanted to depose me because he had never heard of MR doing this. I didn't appreciate his tone or him insinuating that I was trying to game the system by not booking with AMEX Travel. I asked for a supe, and she was apologetic and friendly, but she kept referring to her giving me the 50% points back as a "one time courtesy." I wasn't impressed with AMEX customer service or their handling of this- usually they are great, but this bears watching going forward.
May 23, 2017, 9:12 pm
#581
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: New York City
Posts: 801
I've been having issues lately with the AMEX Travel portal showing different fares (significantly higher) for DL than Delta's own website. I can't get the reps at AMEX Travel to duplicate the fares, so I've been booking with Delta and calling the Membership Rewards department for credit to save time/hassle.
This has been working well up until yesterday when I talked to an especially rude rep who wanted to depose me because he had never heard of MR doing this. I didn't appreciate his tone or him insinuating that I was trying to game the system by not booking with AMEX Travel. I asked for a supe, and she was apologetic and friendly, but she kept referring to her giving me the 50% points back as a "one time courtesy." I wasn't impressed with AMEX customer service or their handling of this- usually they are great, but this bears watching going forward.
This has been working well up until yesterday when I talked to an especially rude rep who wanted to depose me because he had never heard of MR doing this. I didn't appreciate his tone or him insinuating that I was trying to game the system by not booking with AMEX Travel. I asked for a supe, and she was apologetic and friendly, but she kept referring to her giving me the 50% points back as a "one time courtesy." I wasn't impressed with AMEX customer service or their handling of this- usually they are great, but this bears watching going forward.
May 24, 2017, 6:32 pm
#582
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,934
So I go my Plat biz in the last 4 months and so anticipated having longer than June 1 to use my 50%. But today got snail mail with terms re 35%. Has something changed? I read earlier that those who got the card in these last few months would have until anniversary/AF.
May 24, 2017, 6:50 pm
#583
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
May 24, 2017, 9:43 pm
#584
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,934
May 25, 2017, 6:11 am
#585
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,952
The letter mentions the last five digits of the account number. If you have two Business Platinum cards you should receive two letters.
