AMEX Platinum Charge Card now 120,000 points!

[RooFlyer]

Thanks . I've also been getting the run-around re getting the form (also got the 'we don't do PDFs' etc). Will wait another day or so for the last promised snail mail posting, else use the form you posted.

Re the re flight or hotel. Are these generally available with, say 2+ weeks notice/booking (I see the hotels require this notice). Or are such seats limited by the airlines per flight and as hard to get as airline 'Award' seats?

 

[avante]

Hey guys, this has probably been the only ridiculous customer service i've experienced from them, it took 6 weeks and 8 or so phone calls to finally get someone competent enough to email me a PDF. Everyone else has said 'we don't have pdf's' blah blah...

Anyway I've uploaded the PDF onto a public dropbox link, please feel free to use.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7604486/Platinum Reserve Credit Card - App_Dec 2014 (1).pdf

also the list of free hotel night stay if you wish to choose this over the free flight.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7604486/PRCC_HotelNightStayOffer.pdf

Many thanks Kaktus!!

 

[mitwg]

Thanks . I've also been getting the run-around re getting the form (also got the 'we don't do PDFs' etc). Will wait another day or so for the last promised snail mail posting, else use the form you posted.

Re the re flight or hotel. Are these generally available with, say 2+ weeks notice/booking (I see the hotels require this notice). Or are such seats limited by the airlines per flight and as hard to get as airline 'Award' seats?

The hotels, I've had 'some' availability issues even when booking 2 months ahead. Generally, the popular properties combined with a popular night (i.e. long weekend) tends to sell out. It is not a huge issue as they usually have alternative properties nearby that may be available, but nevertheless it is an annoyance we can do without.

On the flip side, the flight availability has been generally great. I don't know if this is a 100% concrete rule but basically, my experience was that the flight was bookable as long as there is saver fare availability on VA's website.

With the hotel, I realised that there's not much value in using the hotel over the flight. Even if I need the hotel rather than the flight, I would now try and sell the flight to a workmate or something and this would net $3~400 easily, which you can then use to book the hotel you want. This way, you don't have to worry so much about hotel availability and also, you get all the perks if you have elite status since you can book directly through the hotel or through FHR.

 

[blueythecat]

The astute amongst you, might notice that I've previously posted this review in the thread. Unfortunately my referral link has had a some problems, a few friends have applied and been approved, but the referrals haven't come through. Its been quite a few weeks and whilst AMEX investigate, I've regenerated my link, in case I made a mistake. The post below has the updated links.

This is an interesting and in some ways daunting offer. The $1200 annual fee, seems massive (to me at least), but then again 120,000 MR points is super super massive! I deliberated in this one for a good couple of weeks (normally I see - I apply!), but after crunching the numbers for the 5th time I decided to jump in and test the waters (thanks to AMEX's pro-rata refunds this is an option).

If you're also keen to apply here is the UPDATED REFERRAL LINK: OFFER NOW Expires 2 February 2016. You receive 120,000 Membership Rewards points if you spend $1000 in the first two months - updated referral link HERE!

As very recent applicant - only received the card this week - here are my brief thoughts on why I think the massive 120k points on offer justifies the $1200 annual fee:

• 120,000 Membership Rewards points - pretty simple really - based on my numbers I value this at easily $3000+(annual fee covered right there!)
• Points can be transferred to massive variety of partners - Qantas FF, Virgin Velocity and some more valuable ones via SPG (AAdvantage, BA Executive Club & US Airways Dividend Miles)
• $200 Annual Travel Credit with American Express Travel - value $200 (clearly)
• Free domestic / international flight (NZ) if you apply for a FREE Platinum Reserve companion card - ring AMEX after approval to arrange an application for this (value to me $400+) - Destinations List Here (Platinum Reserve)
• Unlimited Virgin Australia / Priority Pass Lounge Access - again subjective value $200 (I should be able to make use of this half a dozen or more times over the year).

Very happy to take any questions on how I decided this offer was value, if you'd like to know more, either post back here or PM me if you want more info.

Quick Card Summary (as per the other posts):

• 120,000 Membership Rewards bonus points after spending $1000 in first two months after card activation
• A $200 Platinum Travel Credit each year, can be redeemed online for airfares, car hire and hotel bookings
• Complimentary access to more than 800 airport lounges in 100 countries, including Virgin Australia Lounges,Priority Pass, Delta Skymiles and American Express Lounges
• Dedicated Platinum Concierge Service to take care of travel plans, tickets or dinner reservations
• Earn up to 3 Membership Reward points per dollar
• Transfer your points to a choice of 10 airline rewards programs:
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer, Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Air New Zealand Airpoints, THAI Royal Orchid Plus, Malaysia Airlines Enrich and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  
  
• And the best bit, transfers to AAdvantage, BA Executive Club & US Airways Dividend Miles, amongst others are possible through SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest)
• Transfer your points to leading hotel programs:
  • Hilton HHonors, Priority Club Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest
  
  
• Complimentary enrolment into elite tier of hotel partner programs including Club Carlson, Starwood Preferred, Club Accorhotels and Accor Plus
• Complimentary worldwide Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection
• Enjoy great savings on First and Business Class fare with some of the worlds leading airlines through the Platinum Airline Privileges program

All up I rate this as a very good offer, certainly worth applying for - I put my money where my mouth is on this one. As I said up front, I value this offer at $3000+. As another basic example, the 120k points redeemed for Virgin economy SYD-MEL flights is worth $2200 (and this option isn't even trying!!!).

Would a rate the Platinum Charge as a keeper or a earn and churn - probably the latter, although I'll give it some time before cancelling. If you decide you don't like it AMEX will refund the annual fee pro-rata upon cancellation.

Referral link is HERE, for anyone kind enough to use my link, my heart felt thanks, the points will be put to good use by my wife and I on a belated baby moon!

 

[AccountSignup]

I've called twice now for the Plat Edge card, both times told no worries, a form's in the mail, it'll take 7 biz days. Today's 7 biz days after the second call, nothing...will call again tomorrow night..

 

[mitwg]

I've called twice now for the Plat Edge card, both times told no worries, a form's in the mail, it'll take 7 biz days. Today's 7 biz days after the second call, nothing...will call again tomorrow night..

As much as that sucks, I think it is now time to complain. Write in a complaint letter to them and most likely, you will end up with 5000+ bonus points.

 

[gaz0303]

I'm struggling to see the enrolment into elite tier of hotel programs in the terms and conditions..can someone please confirm this.

Also, my parents have upcoming trip to the UK. Can you list a supplementary card holder who does not live at your address and get benefits of lounge access and hotel status?

Cheers

 

[mitwg]

I'm struggling to see the enrolment into elite tier of hotel programs in the terms and conditions..can someone please confirm this.

Also, my parents have upcoming trip to the UK. Can you list a supplementary card holder who does not live at your address and get benefits of lounge access and hotel status?

Cheers

Not sure about the T&Cs on benefits as they keep changing partners. I'd say the T&Cs actually do not include this as the pace where they change the partners are actually quicker than their T&C update cycles.

As for enrolling supplementary cardholders, as long as they have a supplementary card, you should be able to do that. I wanted to get a card for my gf for that exact same reason however in my case, I wasn't able to do this as she currently lives overseas and Amex wouldn't issue a supplementary card at all.

However once the card has been issued, any subsequent enrollment with most benefits should simply be a few clicks on the benefits page on the Amex platinum website.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hey guys, this has probably been the only ridiculous customer service i've experienced from them, it took 6 weeks and 8 or so phone calls to finally get someone competent enough to email me a PDF. Everyone else has said 'we don't have pdf's' blah blah...

<snip>

Thanks . I've also been getting the run-around re getting the form (also got the 'we don't do PDFs' etc). Will wait another day or so for the last promised snail mail posting, else use the form you posted.

<snip>

Nothing in the post in over a week, so I called them. Without much prompting, offered to e-mail me the application form.

Seems we might be wearing them down, but their mail-out for this product has issues ...

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I'm struggling to see the enrolment into elite tier of hotel programs in the terms and conditions..can someone please confirm this.

Also, my parents have upcoming trip to the UK. Can you list a supplementary card holder who does not live at your address and get benefits of lounge access and hotel status?

Cheers

I've had supplementary cards sent to an international address, although the mailing address is one they've previously sent mail to me at.

As for enrolling supplementary cardholders, as long as they have a supplementary card, you should be able to do that. I wanted to get a card for my gf for that exact same reason however in my case, I wasn't able to do this as she currently lives overseas and Amex wouldn't issue a supplementary card at all.

I believe there is a dropdown menu for Amex to select what your relationship to the supp cardholder is.
Once you're married - getting that card for her will be a lot easier - even if she's not an Australian Resident.

 

[AccountSignup]

called again, they were like yeah give it a month the post system is busy at this time of year. Oh and by the way, it's Platinum Reserve not Edge. I spoke to the same lady as last time, and she even could see last time she told me edge, but now told me she meant Reserve and got confused herself :|. Looks like I'll just sign up for Edge.

 

[RooFlyer]

Nothing in the post in over a week, so I called them. Without much prompting, offered to e-mail me the application form.

Seems we might be wearing them down, but their mail-out for this product has issues ...

Well, the first thing e-mailed was a staff form but then e-mailed the correct form, exactly the same as posted at post #100 above by kaktusdigital . Use it with confidence.

 

[marki]

Thanks have signed up now just wait for a response

 

[blueythecat]

called again, they were like yeah give it a month the post system is busy at this time of year. Oh and by the way, it's Platinum Reserve not Edge. I spoke to the same lady as last time, and she even could see last time she told me edge, but now told me she meant Reserve and got confused herself :|. Looks like I'll just sign up for Edge.

Thought that might be the case. Too bad the Edge didn't come through for you! It's a bit of a pity the Reserve doesn't have a different points earning structure to the Charge. If you're reading this AMEX I'll happily suggest a flat 1.5MR pts / $ (ATO excluded if you must )

 

[Digger11]

Got the new Platinum Card, with the bonus 120k of points - transferred them to SPG program (Starwood) and then onto AA (at 50% loss unfortunately but with a small bonus for transferring 25k online at a time per day ) and then bought a few more and am now returning form the UK next year in first/business class for less than $3k Aussie !! and that's for 2 of us. If I get any value out of the Platinum Card then that gets deducted from the $3k. Good deal !!

The devaluation of AA points later this year will make this more difficult unfortunately, but making hay whilst the sun shines.

Anyway, reason for the post is that I need to stay at the Hilton at Heathrow on the way back, and US Platinum Card holders get Hilton HHonors Gold. I tried to sign up for this but wouldn't let me,do us Aussies get any Hilton benefits ?
Also, was going to stay at the Sofitel at Heathrow with the Platinum Accor free night benefit, but the website restricts the free night to Asia Pacific Hotels only, not a big one, but still unexpected.

Cheers

Digger

 

[JennyH]

Okay so am ready to apply, using the referral link provided in this discussion. Before I commit, can anyone confirm what is meant by "new American Express Card Members". I currently have a Westpac Altitude Black Amex, does that make me an American Express member, or just a Westpac customer? Sorry, I am assuming this is a naive question.....
Jen

 

[kamchatsky]

Okay so am ready to apply, using the referral link provided in this discussion. Before I commit, can anyone confirm what is meant by "new American Express Card Members". I currently have a Westpac Altitude Black Amex, does that make me an American Express member, or just a Westpac customer? Sorry, I am assuming this is a naive question.....
Jen

You are not classified as existing Amex member as you Altitude Black is issued by Westpac. Hope this helps.

 

[JennyH]

You are not classified as existing Amex member as you Altitude Black is issued by Westpac. Hope this helps.

Thank-you! Will start the application process

 

[blueythecat]

Anyway, reason for the post is that I need to stay at the Hilton at Heathrow on the way back, and US Platinum Card holders get Hilton HHonors Gold. I tried to sign up for this but wouldn't let me,do us Aussies get any Hilton benefits ?
Also, was going to stay at the Sofitel at Heathrow with the Platinum Accor free night benefit, but the website restricts the free night to Asia Pacific Hotels only, not a big one, but still unexpected.

I reckon you can do better than HHonors Gold; HHonors Diamond, although not a Plat Charge benefit.

Hilton HHonors is currently offering Diamond status matches, from other hotel program Platinum level memberships. You get two hotel Platinum memberships with the Charge, IHG Platinum and Accor Platinum. You'll need to apply quickly though, as the offer closes on the 11th of Jan. Full details can be found here (Ausbt).

For those still wanting to apply for the AMEX Platinum Charge card 120,000 bonus points offer, you'll also need to get in relatively quickly as this offer closes on the 2nd of Feb! If you'd like a referral mine is here, or my 2-cents worth on the card can be found here.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I reckon you can do better than HHonors Gold; HHonors Diamond, although not a Plat Charge benefit.

Hilton HHonors is currently offering Diamond status matches, from other hotel program Platinum level memberships. You get two hotel Platinum memberships with the Charge, IHG Platinum and Accor Platinum. You'll need to apply quickly though, as the offer closes on the 11th of Jan. Full details can be found here (Ausbt).

For those still wanting to apply for the AMEX Platinum Charge card 120,000 bonus points offer, you'll also need to get in relatively quickly as this offer closes on the 2nd of Feb! If you'd like a referral mine is here, or my 2-cents worth on the card can be found here.

You actually get more than two Accor Plats with the charge card. Can apply for primary member and all supplementary cardholders.