Joined Jan 2009
L3: Novice
Forum Thread
Amex Platinum does not feel premium: What am I missing?
February 6, 2023 at
04:51 PM
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Finance
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I am going to call to end this card on Saturday. Is there some reason I should hesitate?
I used to love it, and I've had the card since 2010.
It feels different lately. The travel benefits have been watered down. Too many caveats, not enough convenience. The lounges I used to love are largely closed, or depreciated by better lounges. Centurion lounges are not what they used to be (JFK is a shadow of the former). Yes it gives TSA and Clear, but many other good options do as well.
There are the non-travel benefits as well, but these are hit or miss at best, and generally seem complex to actually utilize. Also, they in no way offset the considerable cost.
Finally, customer service is not great. Concierge is not able to offer many of the things they once did at a call, and would usually like you to go to their website to enter your details. That absolutely misses the point. Booking with points website is buggier than ever (and it always has been a bit), and the travel agents you could once call have been replaces with "travel representatives" that are useless. Automated answering has replaced getting a human if you call. The app is no replacement.
Insurances are watered down, and additional paperwork added for them all. Even challenging a charge, once a simple call, now requires a web form plus the usual BS.
In general, this card no longer feels "premium" to me. What will I miss most? At present, I think the answer is Walmart Plus.
Is there something I'm missing?
I used to love it, and I've had the card since 2010.
It feels different lately. The travel benefits have been watered down. Too many caveats, not enough convenience. The lounges I used to love are largely closed, or depreciated by better lounges. Centurion lounges are not what they used to be (JFK is a shadow of the former). Yes it gives TSA and Clear, but many other good options do as well.
There are the non-travel benefits as well, but these are hit or miss at best, and generally seem complex to actually utilize. Also, they in no way offset the considerable cost.
Finally, customer service is not great. Concierge is not able to offer many of the things they once did at a call, and would usually like you to go to their website to enter your details. That absolutely misses the point. Booking with points website is buggier than ever (and it always has been a bit), and the travel agents you could once call have been replaces with "travel representatives" that are useless. Automated answering has replaced getting a human if you call. The app is no replacement.
Insurances are watered down, and additional paperwork added for them all. Even challenging a charge, once a simple call, now requires a web form plus the usual BS.
In general, this card no longer feels "premium" to me. What will I miss most? At present, I think the answer is Walmart Plus.
Is there something I'm missing?
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Just not worth it any more.
Everything you said is true. It's a dime a dozen. Expensive annual card. I once bought a 40k car on my platinum card in the early 2000's. Once had my card compromised on other side of the country to the tune of 28k. They called me on a Saturday to ask me if it was me and delivered to my house late Sunday a new card.
Wonder what would happen today.
Member since 40+ years!
Only good thing is they are finally opening up the lounges to ALMOST pre-covid hours.
Only good thing is they are finally opening up the lounges to ALMOST pre-covid hours.
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Look into Venture X Card. If you need more info PM me
I used it for the 20 dollars in disney credit, Free walmart plus membership, free tsa, free 200 credit towards a hotel. I have used the saks fifth ave credit, as well as other amex deals. I hardly spend money on it though, b/c I dont think the points are worth much. but I am getting a lot of free benefits for no money. would I personally pay the 750 membership fee? no.
What's FHR credit?
Fine Hotels & Resorts, a program which gives added benefits when booking through Amex travel. Experience Credit, late checkout, room upgrades, etc.. There's also THC, The Hotel Collection.