Amex platinum Charge annual fee increase

[fersea]

Who told you so? I just called AMEX travel and enquired about the $200 credit and was told I must use it (a) only for international flights and (b) I would be charged a fee of $55 per person ! I was planning to book a return flight to the USA for myself and my partner and suddenly my $200 turns into a $90 credit... doh!

It was the travel section. Have pmd you some details. Mind you I haven't booked anything.

 

[fersea]

No problems at all this morning getting into the Canberra virgin lounge with the card. Currently enjoying a welcome drink and free Internet at an Accor property.

 

[mlob]

Tried to post a link but I am a newbie here with only two posts up my sleeve so wouldn't post the link. There is a post within the Qantas thread talking about a 10% point bonus on transfers from bank charge/credit cards to QFF for a very short window starting yesterday.

Wondering if it will work for the platinum card as someone on the thread seemed to think not.

 

[mlob]

Actually 15%

 

[leyy]

Yes it will work if you have Ascent Premium Rewards, I know the Plat charge card can transfer to QFF but not all AMEX can.


cheers

 

[fersea]

Yes it will work if you have Ascent Premium Rewards, I know the Plat charge card can transfer to QFF but not all AMEX can.


cheers

I have sent an email to membership rewards to find out for sure.

 

[Foreigner]

Reading the posts, it seems Amex won't negotiate.

 

[M@rcoPolo]

I contacted them and they advised that I do get the $200 and they also said that as a platinum card holder the booking fees get waived.

So I called to book international flights using the $200 credit and indeed they did wave the $55 telephone booking fee - previous consultant wanted to charge me $110 (2x pax) telephone booking fees so I sent AMEX an email bitterly complaining about this, eventually somebody from marketing called to apologies and told me there should be no charges and the consultant was misinformed.

Bottom line the $200 credit is indeed worth $200 (not $145!) and if you have been charged a booking fee when using the $200 credit make sure you call AMEX and ask them to revert the charge. Note this is only the case when using the $200 credit, normal bookings made over the phone by Platinum Charge cardholders would incur the $55/pax booking fee.

 

[k3nnis]

How are the fares from Amex compared to directly booking on the airlines website?

 

[holo]

I just tried Amex Plat travel. They were $50 more expensive than the flight I found on bestflights in a Premium econ seat to London. Then there was the $50 booking fee. I asked about the $200 credit and the nice lady said I would only get that after my renewal. I said I shouldnt have to pay the booking fee and she said it was only waived under certain circs, and asked for names of people who had it waived. I dont think 30 forum names would count lol.

I mentioned it wasn't worth my time trying to get it waived as they were already more expensive with or without the booking fee. May just as well pay through Bestflights. Shame I couldn't get the $200 credit, but I can see why I dont get it until I renew with the $1200 fee, if I do renew that is !

 

[M@rcoPolo]

I asked about the $200 credit and the nice lady said I would only get that after my renewal.

The $200 credit becomes available from the beginning of the month when your $1200 renewal is due. E.g. my renewal is due in late November and I could claim my $200 at the beginning of November. As per my previous post telephone booking fees are waved when you book to take advantage of the $200 credit.

If the consultant tells you otherwise ask to speak to a manager.

 

[M@rcoPolo]

How are the fares from Amex compared to directly booking on the airlines website?

In my case (2 x return flights SYD to LAX in Y) I was quoted exactly the same amount as per Qantas online bookings.
You may want to check online at https://travel.americanexpress.com.au - prices are the same as phone bookings.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Rono]

Have read all of the previous posts, good info & thanks.
I'd like to ask the following two questions, if for no other reason than to put my mind to rest.

What are people being charge for Platinum Amex elsewhere in the world - I seem to recall several years ago that Singaporeans were being charged $300 US p/a.
(Wondering if this is just not another example where Australian's are being charged premium prices.)

Secondly, is this an opportunity for AFF members en bloc to flex some collective muscle ie what would AMEX's response be to a group getting up on its hind legs?

regards

Rono who is normally a peacemaker!

 

[tinkybelle]

I am just about to cancel happy to get on your bandwagon.

 

[Hammando]

If you threaten to cancel and ask if they'll offer anything to keep you(to the actual cancelation department) are they offering anything at the moment?

 

[Masonic Phantom]

I am just about to cancel happy to get on your bandwagon.

I think that horse pulling the bandwagon is dead!!!

 

[Rono]

I am just about to cancel happy to get on your bandwagon.

tinkybelle, lets see what sort of response we get here first...just hang five if you can

 

[Rono]

I think that horse pulling the bandwagon is dead!!!

Maybe you are right, maybe you're not - nothing ventured nothing gained Masonic Phantom....lets see what sort of response we get from the AFF forum first...

 

[Foreigner]

I renewed and dutifully paid the fee. One big plus with this card is the amount I can spend.