Why the Amex Platinum Card

[IndyRed128i]

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?

[nerdogray]

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.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

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?

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.

[cmyx6go]

Here's a recent thread on Amex vs other cards.

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1941088

[Bruuuce]

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.

[ppointer]

+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.

[///MPhatic]

Good thing I don't fly. I don't pay any credit card. They pay me.

[BIGW0RM]

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.

[AmuroRay]

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)

[c1pher]

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.

[Mandi90TT]

i do chase sapphire reserve and it works well for me. the airline lounge benefit is really good.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by c1pher

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.

Thats the card I use as well and it is great. You get a free annual night as well as $300 annual hotel credits which already nearly pays for the fee.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Mandi90TT

i do chase sapphire reserve and it works well for me. the airline lounge benefit is really good.

same.

[dradernh]

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!

[NYG]

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.

[Tyga11]

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

[ShopVac]

Originally Posted by NYG

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.

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.

[leopard print]

Originally Posted by NYG

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.

#1 is why I've been with Amex for about 10 years. Their customer service is excellent. However, the rewards program is a little lacking compared to other cards. And as someone said, their travel site is atrocious.

Can anyone who has a Chase Preferred or Reserve card chime in on their service?

[ZenBimmer]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

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?

I'm considering the AMEX Gold, annual fee in Canada is $250 compared to Platinum's $700 with similar rewards

[bucketfoot]

Originally Posted by IndyRed128i

Is it really even still a status symbol?

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.

[Patrick303]

Originally Posted by leopard print

#1 is why I've been with Amex for about 10 years. Their customer service is excellent. However, the rewards program is a little lacking compared to other cards. And as someone said, their travel site is atrocious.

Can anyone who has a Chase Preferred or Reserve card chime in on their service?

The wife and I use our Chase Reserve card for almost everything. The Chase Rewards portal is easy to use and points are worth 1.5x when booking thru the Chase site, however you can still transfer points directly to the partner if it's a better deal.

Customer service has been good in our limited experience of calling to book excursions while on vacations, change a reservation, etc.

[leopard print]

Originally Posted by Patrick303

The wife and I use our Chase Reserve card for almost everything. The Chase Rewards portal is easy to use and points are worth 1.5x when booking thru the Chase site, however you can still transfer points directly to the partner if it's a better deal.

Customer service has been good in our limited experience of calling to book excursions while on vacations, change a reservation, etc.

Thanks!

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.