|
08-24-2022, 11:52 PM | #1 |
Private First Class
251
Rep 165
Posts |
Why the Amex Platinum Card
For work, I end up(Now the Covid has subsided) going to a decent amount of work dinners, and I always notice it's ALWAYS still an AMEX that is being used. I had this card back in 2015ish but now that the fee is nearly $700 a year I don't see the huge benefit.
Curious why people are still using this card, verses say a Chase Freedom, or even a Freedom/Reserve Combo. Is it really even still a status symbol? |
08-25-2022, 12:02 AM | #2 |
Captain
1432
Rep 692
Posts |
Funny timing on this post. I just today transferred out all of my points to Delta (300k'ish)... not because I love Delta, but because I literally could not find any other way to use them. I *despise* Amex's travel portal. It is slow and buggy as hell. Their "platinum" travel customer service is also a joke. For the annual fee and lack of perks, it is just not worth it. I do love a good metal card. I think to some it does carry a certain level of clout, but I'm over it. And let's be honest.. the Centurion card is the only card that really carries any real recognition... to a commoner like me anyway. There are probably other cards that only the wealthy would know about, kind of like these watches I see bantered around here that I've never even heard the names in my life.
I'm planning on closing the account before the next annual fee hits in a few months. I actually stopped using it a few months back. I've read Points Guy's articles and did my best, but I just could not find much value in it... travel or otherwise. It's repeatedly pushed as a travel card, but seriously, their site is TERRIBLE. My plain old Capital One Quicksilver has loads more perks in the way of vendor discounts, and the Savor is still 3% or 4% (can't remember) cash back for food/entertainment. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 12:41 AM | #3 | |
Brigadier General
12391
Rep 3,431
Posts |
Quote:
I used to think AMEX Platinum was special. But, I shred my Platinum as soon at my AMEX Centurion Black was delivered to me by personal messenger from Stephen Squeri. The first thing I did when I got the Centurion Black card was to get it wrapped with Xpel front and back and then put it into a clear wallet for additional protection and maximum visibility when I am out with my easily-impressed clients. Now I flash it as much as I possibly can to make sure everyone knows I'm special. Kidding of course. To me, these high carry cost cards are great if and only if the the real use benefits outweigh the cost. It's easy to justify paying for these cards by not being realistic about the true benefits the cards provide in real dollars. As far as the Platinum card being status symbol, I guessing that's no longer the case. It wouldn't be to me. It doesn't matter to me what card someone is carrying any more than what car they drive. |
|
Appreciate
1
cmyx6go16580.00 |
08-25-2022, 06:07 AM | #4 |
Colonel
16580
Rep 2,078
Posts Drives: 2022 X6///M Comp Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
|
Here's a recent thread on Amex vs other cards.
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1941088
__________________
I thought I was a good person but the way I react when people drive slowly in the left lane would suggest otherwise
|
Appreciate
1
RickFLM411511.00 |
08-25-2022, 06:15 AM | #5 |
the me
361
Rep 327
Posts |
I had the platinum back in the day, but now I have the Delta Reserve AMEX. If you fly enough on delta, its the only way to go, IMHO.
I will say, in the 90s when I had the platinum, the benefits were good for all the travel I was doing. Now with mostly delta travel, their specific card is best for me. as for the metal card aspect, you can select that is you want with the reserve card. Thinking many others as well. just means my wallet does not bend as well.
__________________
01 Z Coupe, 5MT, SB, not much else
08 M3 Coupe, 6MT, JB, not much else 21 M2c Coupe ,DCT, SOM, not much else |
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 07:38 AM | #6 |
Major
815
Rep 1,145
Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: FLL
iTrader: (4)
Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25]
2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50] |
+1 on the Delta Reserve Amex. It is the only way to go, IMHO, if you are a frequent Delta flier. Best point awards, extra mileage bonuses based on spending milestones, lounge access. Customer service is a little better than with a couple of Chase cards I have. Delta uses an algorithm for upgrades that also includes use of a Delta Amex, and I'll take any advantage available to get a no-cost upgrade.
The only disadvantage I have found with the metal card is that it is nearly impossible to cut in half if necessary -- so much so that Amex sends a return envelope for them when one expires. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 07:46 AM | #8 |
You got my money?
3600
Rep 4,837
Posts Drives: Ice Cream Truck Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: ///OC
|
I love my platinum. It pays for itself every year the second I use it to book a fine hotel and get the free room upgrade. Or for baggage when I travel. I have yet to not have it pay for itself. I also use my points to pay for random shit I buy on Amazon.
__________________
2022 G80 M3 Competition X / 2020 Range Rover Sport P525 / 2023 Ford Raptor
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 08:35 AM | #9 |
Brigadier General
2850
Rep 4,963
Posts |
Cashback programs are a way to control your spending (by funneling you to places where you shop) and track your purchases (which they are "paying" you for)
Now the government is moving in towards people who do just general purchases - see the new IRS plan to monitor all transactions over $600 (which is super arbitrary)
__________________
Last edited by AmuroRay; 08-25-2022 at 09:31 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 09:19 AM | #10 |
Primo Generalissimo
4891
Rep 4,133
Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area
|
I have the Marriott Bonvoy version which I think is $500 a year. I mainly stay at Marriott/Sheraton properties when I travel. It has reimbursed me for the first and renewal TSA pre check applications plus hotel expenses and a free night each year. I seem to get my $500 back at some point during the annual cycles. Automatic gold isn’t really a benefit for me since I’m lifetime gold. They added more tiers which kind of sucks so it would be nice to have an automatic platinum allowance to make it easier for me to go to the next level.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 11:16 AM | #12 | |
Major General
5059
Rep 6,879
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
c1pher4891.00 |
08-25-2022, 11:28 AM | #14 |
Brigadier General
4810
Rep 3,611
Posts |
I got rid of Amex 40 years ago when high-end shops I frequented in the Bay Area stopped taking the card because of its higher fees to the retailer.
I use a Chase Sapphire with 1% back now and let it go at that. Since covid, everything I've done has been online - except for bodywork on the car!
__________________
2017 M240i: 25.9K, 28.9 mpg, MT, Sunroof Delete, 3,432#, EB, Leather, Driving Assistance Package, Heated Front Seats | Sold: E12 530i, E24 M635CSi, E39 520i, E30 325is, E36 M3 (2)
TC Kline Coilovers; H&R Front Bar; Wavetrac; Al Subframe Bushings; 18X9/9½ ARC-8s; 255/35-18 PS4S (4); Dinan Elite V2 & CAI; MPerf Orange BBK; Schroth Quick Fit Pro; Full PPF |
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 12:09 PM | #15 |
Brigadier General
11586
Rep 4,078
Posts |
1) My money is safe with AMEX - they're always on your side first.
2) It's a phenomenal business rewards card especially if you like flying first class everywhere. For personal use, there's way better cards out there but AMEX Plat is my go to card. |
Appreciate
1
leopard print1584.00 |
08-25-2022, 02:36 PM | #16 |
Lieutenant Colonel
3414
Rep 1,714
Posts |
I thought it was a status symbol up until last year when I tried the airport lounge for the first time...there were hundreds of people lined up to get into the Charlotte lounge. I realized at that point it's a scam
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-25-2022, 02:44 PM | #17 |
Not willing to take advice
4429
Rep 1,555
Posts |
Agree to both these statements - AMEX Platinum is my go to card. CO Venture card is my #2, as there are places that do not accept AMEX, especially out of the country.
__________________
Proud owner of 4 Turbos and 1 Supercharger
|
Appreciate
1
NYG11585.50 |
08-25-2022, 03:48 PM | #18 | |
First Lieutenant
1584
Rep 395
Posts |
Quote:
Can anyone who has a Chase Preferred or Reserve card chime in on their service? |
|
Appreciate
1
NYG11585.50 |
08-26-2022, 09:00 AM | #19 | |
New Member
4
Rep 8
Posts |
Quote:
I'm considering the AMEX Gold, annual fee in Canada is $250 compared to Platinum's $700 with similar rewards |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-26-2022, 09:40 AM | #20 |
Captain
1181
Rep 868
Posts Drives: 2024 BMW 230i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Centennial, CO
|
It never was, it was just another little dick compensator
I'm all for getting a certain credit card because the benefits work for you. But getting one for status is just plain stupid.
__________________
This post sent using 100% recycled electrons.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-26-2022, 10:14 AM | #21 | |
Lieutenant
715
Rep 475
Posts Drives: 2024 Porsche Taycan 4S Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Denver, CO
|
Quote:
Customer service has been good in our limited experience of calling to book excursions while on vacations, change a reservation, etc.
__________________
2024 Porsche Taycan 4S
2017 Ducati Monster 821 |
|
Appreciate
1
leopard print1584.00 |
08-26-2022, 10:29 AM | #22 | |
First Lieutenant
1584
Rep 395
Posts |
Quote:
The Chase Reserve is the one I'm eyeing. Benefits are better than Amex for my needs. I haven't made the jump because the few times I have called Amex customer service, they've always went above and beyond. Don't want two cards with annual fees, though. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|