Strategy to obtain US Amex

[Ko0l]

Is it worth the $395 fee?

You do get a 25k companion award, which can be used on anyone you are traveling with. That will offset at least half the fee or more depending on how you value it. The award can also be topped up with points for a more expensive flight.

The partner award fee is also waived which will save ~$100 after a few partner award bookings.

Besides that, it's mainly for people who want to spend to earn elite status with AS.

Extra $300 for 15k pts, 25k companion award, 3 x foreign spend and waived partner award fees is definitely worth getting over the signature version. IMO

 

[levelnine]

Extra $300 for 15k pts, 25k companion award, 3 x foreign spend and waived partner award fees is definitely worth getting over the signature version. IMO

It's an interesting equation.

If you're looking purely for the cheapest points, the Ascent/Biz cards are better.

If you're looking to acquire points without affecting your 5/24 status, the Biz card is the choice.

If you're looking for the most value out of a single card, the Summit is prob the best choice given the extra 15-20K points & 25K cert are likely valued at more than $300. Though it's very YMMV. Personally, I'd never pay $USD300 for 15-20K points and a 25K cert because I generally attain points at far less cost than that.

The 3x on foreign spend is the dark horse. Spend $130K on foreign spend, earn OWE & 390K AS miles. If you can do that spend without breaking a sweat, it's not a bad value proposition.