Should I switch my spending to get Centurion?

I have had an Amex Platinum card for over 5 years as well the Amex Black BA Card (Premier Plus). I use the BA card for all my AMEX spending (>Ł5k/mth) as it earns miles at the best rate. I hardly use my Platinum card and this is why I have not been offered Centurion.

As I travel a bit (and will be doing so more often) I am keen to get the Centurion (travel/insurance benefits etc.). I understand that qualification is based primarily on Platinum spend history.

I have almost a million BA miles so I'm not fussed about collecting at a mega rate right now.

Is it a good idea to switch my spending to the Platinum card? Will this 'guarantee' my invitation to Centurion? How long will I have to wait for the invite?

I used to put about 90% of my spend on by BA AMEX and and 10% on the Platinum and got offered Centurion a couple of years ago so I do not think it matters what card the spend goes on.

I don't think anything can garuntee an invite, infact I am sure I have read that they are not handing out invites at the moment as they have their quota of members. Maybe RM can shed some more light on that?

In the UK I think they look at the spending across all the cards; however you might need to call up Plat CS and ask them to put you through to Centurion. Ł5k a month is about right (so I've heard) to get an invitation, but this might change. As for how long...I wouldn't expect to receive any invites before February. I asked for the card in September and they said they were not extending invites until Q1 2006 and that they would keep my interest noted.

Chris

When I spoke to Amex customer services about this they said that they only look at Platinum spend not BA-Amex spend since the latter is an "separate credit card product" and not directly affiliated to Centurion like the Platinum charge card is.

Which customer service did you talk to for the above information: Platinum or Centurion? At least in the US, Platinum will definately tell you all of the above, but it's not true. The Centurion dept looks at spend on all accts you hold in your individual capacity.

I spoke to Platinum customer service today. They said that Centurion look mainly at two things: (1) how long you have been a Platinum member and (2) your spend on Platinum (not any other Amex credit card).

They said that you need to demonstrate a significant monthly spend on Platinum only for at least 12 consecutive months to qualify for consideration for Centurion. They wouldn't even register my interest without this prerequisite.

Seems a bit daft but that's what they insisted on. I'll try switching to the Platinum card but I disappointed not to be getting the Amex 2-4-1 coupon deal nor BA Miles. Stuck with Membership Rewards but I guess I can always go back to spending on BA-Amex once I get Centurion (2006-2007?). I hear that the BA-Amex relationship is up for review next year in any case.....

Why not put enough of your spend on BA Amex to trigger the voucher (only about Ł850/month) and then put the rest on Platinum?

I thought the BA/Amex deal was up this year but was (obviously!) renewed

are the travel and insurance perks worth the annual fee?

I like the idea of splitting the spending to get the voucher - thanks for that. I shall check when my qualifying year begins as one only gets one voucher per person per year.