2016 Amex Centurion Benefits

[exp1k]

As discussed in the Platinum thread, AccorPlus and Accor Platinum will be removed as a benefit.
This is particularly annoying now that Sofitel Australia is finally opening their lounges for Accor Platinum members.
While Platnum card holders get Hilton Gold and a $300 travel credit in return for the lost benefit, what do we get?

Has anyone received an email notification yet?

 

[netaddict]

As discussed in the Platinum thread, AccorPlus and Accor Platinum will be removed as a benefit.
This is particularly annoying now that Sofitel Australia is finally opening their lounges for Accor Platinum members.
While Platnum card holders get Hilton Gold and a $300 travel credit in return for the lost benefit, what do we get?

Has anyone received an email notification yet?

I was wondering if it is going from Centurion as well - has that been confirmed?

 

[exp1k]

I was wondering if it is going from Centurion as well - has that been confirmed?

IMPORTANT CHANGE From 15 April 2016, Le Club AccorHotels will no longer form part of your Centurion Membership. If you are not currently a member, enrol by 15 April 2016 via the link below to receive your complimentary year membership before this benefit expires.If you are already enrolled in Le Club AccorHotels and your membership expires on or before 30 April 2016, you will keep your membership for an additional year. If your Le Club AccorHotels membership expires on or after 1 May 2016, AccorHotels will assess your membership and enrol you into the appropriate tier in accordance with Le Club AccorHotels Terms and Conditions. This means that you may be able to retain your Platinum tier benefits provided you’ve met Le Club AccorHotels’ qualifying criteria available at accorhotels.com/leclub

 

[sparoz]

I am not sure if Accor has been much used to me anyway as I rarely receive any benefits though them - I usually book a Suite anyway so has Lounge access - if anything it is just fruits in my room.

However, I have been reassigned a new RM this week who is also my travel agent and concierge and based out of Melbourne. Just used their service today and it was absolutely fantastic. Been to London recently, and managed to got hold of one of their good "executive" based out of UK and he has been really good in getting me into restaurants and finding out things that not many people know.

So far this year, despite the lack of new hard benefits; I am actually happy as their soft product has been enhanced.

PS - did have some dodgy agents trying to do the minimum but now with the new RM I think I am confident that I will start to get some good service.

 

[exp1k]

I am not sure if Accor has been much used to me anyway as I rarely receive any benefits though them - I usually book a Suite anyway so has Lounge access - if anything it is just fruits in my room.

Well, if you book suites and business/first class anyway, then any status you get via Centurion is more or less useless. But that also means you are missing out on some of the best and most valuable benefits.

I rarely stay at Accor hotels, so it hasn't been very useful to me either, except for the one free night per year. But they recently purchased Raffles and Fairmont hotels and I had hopes the status mght be useful there.

 

[exp1k]

I got the black letter from Centurion, Accor is gone. In return they offer a USD 300 credit for onefinestay, which seems useless, and also they announced additional Centurion benefits for FHR stays in Waldorf Astoria, Rosewood and Oetker hotels. As if this had anything to do with removing Accor for Amex Australia.

AccorMinus can be reinstated for a discounted rate of $259/year.

 

[glenn.im]

How about the Foreign currency fees on the Centurion card ? 0% like the American Card or 3% like any other Amex Cards ?

 

[Mike989]

Not a bad little points earn just quietly -

Here’s what happens when you buy a $170.4 million painting with a credit card - MarketWatch

Noted as well the annual fee for centurion in the US, $2500.00.

 

[sparoz]

Well, I really don't think points matter if you can afford a $170million painting. I have a few million points only, and I find it hard to use them these days.

 

[Mike989]

Well, I really don't think points matter if you can afford a $170million painting. I have a few million points only, and I find it hard to use them these days.

well if you need any help, please let me know

 

[marki]

Cynical me but my new Amex Centurion benefit for the year are Costco declining Amex (yep) went yesterday to my Favorite Costco (docklands) and kissed the door handle(proverbial).

Great benefit thanks. THat all went to mastercard BTW, other benefits is Paying the ATO to use your card and getting 0.5 points while others cards can do much better.

Oh also found out that I won't be getting and 150K points bonus for joining business AMEX (already an existing member clause invoked) why oh why do I get myself trapped into stupid things like this. Why oh why no pop up warns you ..........ah the fine print

 

[marki]

MEMBERSHIP REWARDS

• Earn up to 2 points for every $1 you spend on your Card[SUP]1[/SUP] and enjoy personal concierge service[SUP]2[/SUP] Rewards Concierge[SUP]2[/SUP] offers Cardmembers enrolled in Membership Rewards, with over 100,000 points, an unparalleled personal concierge service.
• The team will search for what you want, quote the points required, and then arrange it on your behalf. They can also give you many options to choose from.
• Call Rewards Concierge on 1300 731 794 to use this service

Noticed this on
American Express® Platinum Business Card


I did not know that concierge will search rewards tickets for you !!!

Why are centurion not on to this?

a little proviso :

• 2. There is typically no charge for Rewards Concierge, although you are responsible for any purchases and/or shipping charges you authorise. Fees may apply for meetings and event planning. Return of rewards or items still in 'as sold' condition will not be accepted as part of this service. Members are unable to change or cancel orders after points have been redeemed or payment made

 

[sparoz]

MEMBERSHIP REWARDS

• Earn up to 2 points for every $1 you spend on your Card[SUP]1[/SUP] and enjoy personal concierge service[SUP]2[/SUP] Rewards Concierge[SUP]2[/SUP] offers Cardmembers enrolled in Membership Rewards, with over 100,000 points, an unparalleled personal concierge service.
• The team will search for what you want, quote the points required, and then arrange it on your behalf. They can also give you many options to choose from.
• Call Rewards Concierge on 1300 731 794 to use this service

Noticed this on
American Express® Platinum Business Card


I did not know that concierge will search rewards tickets for you !!!

Why are centurion not on to this?

a little proviso :

• 2. There is typically no charge for Rewards Concierge, although you are responsible for any purchases and/or shipping charges you authorise. Fees may apply for meetings and event planning. Return of rewards or items still in 'as sold' condition will not be accepted as part of this service. Members are unable to change or cancel orders after points have been redeemed or payment made

One of my friend use this all the time, but the conversion rate is pretty poor. There are suppliers/retailers who are happy with this and some are not as well.

 

[exp1k]

New benefit

A new benefit: one complimentary night at Belmond hotels (former Orient Express). There are some blackout dates and a small number of hotels are not participating, but depending on where you spend it, this can be worth up to $8000.

 

[marki]

Re: New benefit

A new benefit: one complimentary night at Belmond hotels (former Orient Express). There are some blackout dates and a small number of hotels are not participating, but depending on where you spend it, this can be worth up to $8000.

Thanks for that had not received anything in the mail so is it on the website?

 

[Rich]

Re: New benefit

I am just wondering if anyone can help me understand eligibility for complimentary use of the Centurion Lounge (in Dallas) for a non-Amex issued platinum card. The Amex website says platinum Amex card holders receive complementary access but if you have another bank's logo on the card, to call the number on the reverse. I have a NAB issued platinum card but when I called NAB they had no idea (so my hopes aren't high)!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Re: New benefit

I am just wondering if anyone can help me understand eligibility for complimentary use of the Centurion Lounge (in Dallas) for a non-Amex issued platinum card. The Amex website says platinum Amex card holders receive complementary access but if you have another bank's logo on the card, to call the number on the reverse. I have a NAB issued platinum card but when I called NAB they had no idea (so my hopes aren't high)!

No you can't access this lounge in the US unless you pay. Acceptable Aussie cards are the Centurion and Plat Charge cards (? Business Plat Charge also I think).