am1996

Is this a US Centurion benefit or a non-US one? I was under the impression, apparently mistaken, that the US Centurion FHR program was exactly the same as the US Platinum FHR program, except that Centurion members receive an additional welcome amenity.

bravek201

Just a quick update.

I've had the application for a few weeks now but have been hesitant on sending it in.

I decided to return my completed app this morning to the lady I was dealing with previously. Called their hotline a few hours later and it says "Congratulations .. Your application has been approved, gives my credit line info etc .." ... so it looks like it's a GO !!!!

No PB relationship here, but I did inquire about that and was told as of May they are making changes to the requirements for the card.

It looks like the PB requirement is not (yet) a firm requirement as I was just approved today. However, perhaps my case is a little bit different as I established interest in the card and they had taken some of my information down before they implemented the changes?

5DMarkIIguy

US Cent.
Another example that's been widely discussed is the MO buy 1 get 1 for Cent. I believe it's under FHR, you get FHR benefits for both days.

5DMarkIIguy

I agree. That's why I said earlier that if anyone want the card, fax it in now. You might get someone who would process the application. Sort of like the CSR roulette at this point.

EricIU

To those with the card that want JPMorgan to add/consider features, I'd urge you to call customer service and inform them.

I say that because I inquired about the airport lounge access since it has indeed changed to "Lounge Club"... a program which has very limited lounge access... especially in U.S. airports. She suggested they could try to work something out for me that would reimburse me for my most frequently visited lounges (Admiral's Club, Presidential Club, etc.) or provide membership to those lounges (she's going to be calling me back about that).

She went on to say that if more current cardholders call and ask for features/services not currently offered, the higher likelihood the Palladium will add those benefits most requested.

I believe because the card is relatively new and the demographic it targets, that they will be more accommodating into adding features/services to keep clients... at least I hope so.

am1996

That's interesting, thanks!

I am familiar with it but I think that's different. From what I understand, it's not a separate FHR benefit for Centurion cardholders. Instead, it's a MO benefit that can only be taken advantage of if you are making a booking at an Amex rate through FHR. Please let me know if I am confused about this, which is possible, as I have no first hand knowledge of this.

dabigdawg

Confirmed: United Club membership is now offered if requested.

Hotel selection for upgrades/ameneties is still sparse compared to FHR but does include properties that FHR doesn't include in many cities. Two programs complement each other. When there is overlap, the cost, amenities are similar for both programs.

Concierge definitely much much better for Palladium.

jspira

I confirmed this in this thread two days ago, on 2 May.

Austin99

Always good to see a reconfirmation.

HookemHorns

Just got the 2012 book - nice presentation (hardbound). I agree with this analysis completely. Interesting - many of the properties give upgraded amenities (eg: airport transfer) for booking a suite. There definitely are properties that aren't part of FHR, which is a plus for me.

+1. AmEx plat hasn't seemed very "motivated" to me lately. I've only used Palladium for mundane stuff so far, but it has been handled quickly and with good results (eg: booking a dinner for 10 adults at a mid-tier restaurant that otherwise didn't have availability due to prom weekend).

5DMarkIIguy

Did you request the 2012 Book?

5DMarkIIguy

Did you call the Customer Service line or the Concierge line for the United Club membership? I called the CS line and they kept on telling me to contact United for the Club membership. I told them this has nothing to do with United, but a lounge access JP Morgan provides for card holder. CSR seemed clueless about the whole process and told me to just charge the day pass and they will take off the charge.

Austin99

I had the same experience. I called the CS line about making a payment and asked the lady about United lounge access and she said it wasn't offered. I didn't push the issue but might try concierge line if that's where others had their luck.

bravek201

In case anyone is wondering ... there was only one pull from Transunion.

ferrari_fan

That probably depends on your home location bravek. When I applied for CSP, they pulled Experian here in Texas.

Here is my theory for the Palladium Approvals at the moment:

1) If you have a good/excellent credit (720-760 or higher) and have a "thick" profile, meaning they can see you are a high roller, and have demonstrated credit management at high $$ levels, they will push PB on you.

2) If you have 780+ scores and thin-moderate profile, they might approve after arbitration and this is the loophole that might be intentionally "open" at the moment. They do need to build up the base in order to justify partnerships with hotels/airlines/other travel segments and compete with the Amex clientele.