mia

I saw a passing reference here...

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost....80&postcount=6

...but don't believe there is a separate thread to discuss how this alters the value of the Business versus personal Platinum cards for USA cardholders. Please mention if I have overlooked an ongoing discussion.

Effective February 1, 2008 the Business Platinum annual fee will increase from $395 to $450, same as the personal card. Additional Business Platinum cards will increase from $200 to $300 each, while the personal card continues to offer "up to three" additional cards for a single $175 fee.

One Business Platinum invitation I received includes this statement: The annual fees for Business Platinum Cards accounts opened prior to February 1, 2008 will not be increased at this time. I take this to mean that if you act now you will be able to renew at least once at $395/$200, but no promise that the fees will not change later.

Business Platinum offers two benefits that are not included with the Personal card, and one drawback:

+ OPEN network saving on purchases from a handful of merchants, including American Express Giftcards, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta, FedEx, Hertz, Hyatt, JetBlue, etc.

http://www133.americanexpress.com/os...s.asp?us_nu=dd

While this is nice it's offered by every US issued American Express Business card. You could obtain these benefits by pairing a personal Platinum Card with a fee-free Business card.

+ Regus membership, entitling the cardholder to access the "lounge" area of Regus office facilities. (This membership is also bundled with American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Crown Room Club memberships.)

- Business cards do not offer the same consumer protection as consumer cards. This is unimportant if you use the Platinum Card primarily for benefits and put most of the spending on another card.

If you need more than one card personal will be the obvious choice going forward because you can receive up to four cards for 450+175=$625, while a Business account with only two cards would cost 450+300=$700.

jason8612

wonder if this is cause the AA lounge additions

ctownflyer

2 Fee increases within 12 months?!?
I'm out.

2thdoc

oh yeah, you're right. 2 fee increases in a year's time, so where are the benefit increases besides AA lounges??

ctownflyer

Nothing that can justify a 50% total fee increase in under a year's time!
What is AMEX thinking?

oliver2002

That it can get away with it...

jamflyer

Did I miss something...I thought the Business Card was $125.00. Had the card fee free for one year - but will definately not renew. I have the Fideltiy Plat Amex and they are still $320.00(for now?). If its increased, then I may have to really re-think keeping it.

Traveling Salesman

I can not find anything about this on the amex web site does any one have a link?

If this is true twice in one year is a little much.

2thdoc

You might be thinking of the Biz gold charge card, this thread refers to the biz platinum charge card.