Cancelling CSR- But What's Next?
Jul 14, 2018, 5:20 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 790
I can't spring on the 60K Plat offer, but 75K is a maybe!
Jul 14, 2018, 5:36 pm
#32
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
You need to work on your budget and spending on a spreadsheet. It is a rather simple practice. We all get different life styles.
If your style is relatively simple, get the Chase CSR. AmEx MR system is complex and is not easy without some dedication to the reward games.
If your style is relatively simple, get the Chase CSR. AmEx MR system is complex and is not easy without some dedication to the reward games.
Jul 14, 2018, 5:44 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,496
Jul 14, 2018, 9:51 pm
#34
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Jul 15, 2018, 3:42 am
#35
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
The Business Platinum 100k offer is widely available, but the card differs significantly from the personal version. Benefits are similar, but the rewards have important variations.
Jul 15, 2018, 11:21 am
#36
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Flyover Country
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Free Range Airline Chicken
Posts: 202
I have both the CSR and the AMEX Plat. As has been mentioned, the Plat has wonderful benefits, but unless the CSR, only so-so rewards structure for anything but flights. I like the Plat for the benefits, and wanted to keep it. I ran the numbers, and found that I “make a profit” on the CSR even after the fee, because of earning point bonuses for dining and cruises (and of course the $300 credit) that get no bonuses on the Plat. So at least in my mind, I’m justified in keeping both. Except for very expensive flights, I actually use the CSR instead of the Plat even for air fare because of the better insurance benefits. As a result, I only have non-travel and non-dining expenses on the Plat, but AMEX doesn’t seem to mind. I think there’s an argument for both cards, or at least for exchanging AU status for you and your spouse.
I had the Ritz Carlton card as well, but cancelled it. Unless you can stay at Ritz Carlton regularly, I don’t think the card justifies itself. If you can do that, based on locations and expense, I suspect it would be great! Though in my opinion not a substitute for the Platinum card. As always, YMMV.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
I had the Ritz Carlton card as well, but cancelled it. Unless you can stay at Ritz Carlton regularly, I don’t think the card justifies itself. If you can do that, based on locations and expense, I suspect it would be great! Though in my opinion not a substitute for the Platinum card. As always, YMMV.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
Last edited by Mike B; Jul 15, 2018 at 11:29 am
Jul 15, 2018, 12:21 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: AA Plat Pro, United Silver, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,120
I've never called to receive the travel credit - I use Chase's secure messaging, and it's always credited by the next day.
Jul 15, 2018, 12:32 pm
#38
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
Personally, I find Amex Plat has the most utility. Their benefits are fairly easy to use, must have for free entry to SkyClubs, and have gotten some decent mileage out of using Concierge for random things. It's also Amex's top card, which keeps them happy as well while I go after all their bonuses
Jul 15, 2018, 2:35 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,788
I had the Ritz Carlton card as well, but cancelled it. Unless you can stay at Ritz Carlton regularly, I don’t think the card justifies itself. If you can do that, based on locations and expense, I suspect it would be great! Though in my opinion not a substitute for the Platinum card. As always, YMMV.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
The travel credit is a bit annoying to have to call/SM but I've never had a problem buying SW gift cards and getting them reimbursed.
Jul 17, 2018, 4:40 pm
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SLC
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium + LT Gold
Posts: 198
I found a link in incognito for a 50K Amex Gold offer, clicked on "apply" and waited for the page to time out. Then, on the timed out page I went to the top and clicked on "view all cards" and the 75K offer was there. I tried this method a couple of times, on different devices, browsers and with different offers (mainly trying to see if a 100K offer would appear), but the 75K is the highest I was able to find. I think there is a guide in the FT Amex section detailing this trick...
I ended up applying for the Platinum card through the 75K offer. I'm not too greedy and am fine with a lower offer; but, the 60K bonus just didn't seem like they were trying hard enough...
I have both the CSR and the AMEX Plat. As has been mentioned, the Plat has wonderful benefits, but unless the CSR, only so-so rewards structure for anything but flights. I like the Plat for the benefits, and wanted to keep it. I ran the numbers, and found that I “make a profit” on the CSR even after the fee, because of earning point bonuses for dining and cruises (and of course the $300 credit) that get no bonuses on the Plat. So at least in my mind, I’m justified in keeping both. Except for very expensive flights, I actually use the CSR instead of the Plat even for air fare because of the better insurance benefits. As a result, I only have non-travel and non-dining expenses on the Plat, but AMEX doesn’t seem to mind. I think there’s an argument for both cards, or at least for exchanging AU status for you and your spouse.
I had the Ritz Carlton card as well, but cancelled it. Unless you can stay at Ritz Carlton regularly, I don’t think the card justifies itself. If you can do that, based on locations and expense, I suspect it would be great! Though in my opinion not a substitute for the Platinum card. As always, YMMV.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
I had the Ritz Carlton card as well, but cancelled it. Unless you can stay at Ritz Carlton regularly, I don’t think the card justifies itself. If you can do that, based on locations and expense, I suspect it would be great! Though in my opinion not a substitute for the Platinum card. As always, YMMV.
On the Ritz Carlton card, I was always able to get the travel credit comped easily buying upgrades to economy plus seats on Delta. Having to call is admittedly a nuisance.
If OP can wait for a few months, might be able to get the 100K offer instead. Last two years, it has popped up around Thanksgiving.
Personally, I find Amex Plat has the most utility. Their benefits are fairly easy to use, must have for free entry to SkyClubs, and have gotten some decent mileage out of using Concierge for random things. It's also Amex's top card, which keeps them happy as well while I go after all their bonuses
Personally, I find Amex Plat has the most utility. Their benefits are fairly easy to use, must have for free entry to SkyClubs, and have gotten some decent mileage out of using Concierge for random things. It's also Amex's top card, which keeps them happy as well while I go after all their bonuses