OT: Amex extra points promotion in HK
 

Amex has a new promotion for overseas spending, on Amex HK cards. If you spend oversease between 1 - 17 April 2006, you will get an extra 2 Membership Rewards points for overseas spending. You need to pre-register for this promotion at +852 2277 1211.

So if you enrol in Triple-Plus, this would mean every HKD $2.40 = 1 Asia Mile

What's the limit on this?

Also can you tell me how AmEx defines "overseas"? If I have a transaction in HK$ but executed in, say, the UK does that count as an overseas transaction and earn double miles? (This used to be the case on CitiCX, but they changed the rules so that for double miles it had to be both overseas AND in a currency other than HK$.)

The note on my statement doesn't give any of these details. A question I also have is what happens if I spend on the 16th of April, but since it is an overseas transaction, it doesn't reach my statement until the 20th April. Will it be counted?

I don't think there is a limit though, or else it would state that.

By the way, you don't earn double miles, you earn an extra 2 Membership Rewards points per HKD equiv spending.

Called the number and left a voicemail. Amex called me back and when I tried to register, the rep said that I was not on the list and that it was a targetted promotion and the people receive a letter if they qualify.

Also, he also implied that the promotion was for amex credit cards and not charge cards (which is what I have)

That's interesting. Mine is a charge card (Gold).

I also spoke with AMEX and the deal does not apply to Platinum cards (and black allegedly)

They stated that the point is to encourage those with low spending limits to use their card more so this deal is not available to prestige card members.

Well they probably targeted me based on my spending habit recently. For most of last year, I did a lot of overseas spending, with bills each month ranging from 80.000 to 120,000 each month.

Once I hit my triple-plus limit, I diverted my spending to a different card so for the past few months, I haven't had much put on my amex card.

I wonder if they also looked at the fact I bought some airfares on my Amex card, but didn't put any spending from those countries on my card?

no big loss. i've given up on my Amex Plat long ago. the DBS black amex card gives 1 mile per HKD 3 regardless of spending locale, doesnt require annual fee nor enrolment in triple plus, and the conversion fee is half of low tier amex's.

I believe the DBS points offer will expire as of 30 June 2006, and only applies to the first $50,000 of spending per statement.

that is right. but just when i was beginnign to fret, standard chartered amex to the rescue ! also hkd 3 per mile, and add cash back at supermarkets ! :-: :-:

i'll admit they dont have the prestige of a bona fide amex charge card, but who doesnt want 25% more miles ??

Yes I think the Standard Chartered card only gives the bonus points on the first $120,000 of annual spending.

I stick with triple points. Better value for money I think.

Executed in HONG KONG? What about internet orders?
 

Regarding the CX CITI card - what about internet purchases, eg, clicking in Hong Kong, buying from amazon and paying in US dollars? Will that be local or foreign?

Can anyone suggest a reason for having the Amex Platinum in Hong Kong when it offers so little? Especially when you have to pay an annual fee of HK$1600--or has anyone succeeded in getting Amex to waive this?

Got an offer to upgrade from Gold (where the annual fee is automatically waived if spend a minimal HK$24000 a year) to Platinum with a reduced annual fee for the first year of HK$800, which works out pretty well for the first year because you can also get a one time HK$1,000 rebate.

But what's the point of taking the card if I'd end up cancelling after the first year when the annual fee reverts to HK$1,600?--unless, in practice, its pretty easy to get Amex to waive it?

You seem to have a good deal on your annual fee. I pay something like
HK 5,000.