Earth Plat for $125 or Platinum Edge for $149?

[Febs]

Hi all,

Am in two minds about my Earth Platinum, and thought some of the experts here might be able to answer my questions.

I've had an Earth Platinum for about 3 years - first year on 1/2 annual fee, second and third year on no annual fee (from memory - the first year may have been free as well). I put about $35,000/yr through the card and always pay it off in full.

I rang up today to see if they could offer any deals on my upcoming renewal, and was told they wouldn't waive the annual fee again, but could give me a $125/yr annual fee for life. Decent deal.

..but then I look at the AMEX Platinum Edge card, for a similar amount ($149), with similar benefits, but with a domestic flight each year included. Also a decent deal.

Still trying to decide, but I have a few questions:
- Probably my favourite "feature" of the Earth Platinum card is the Australian, 24/7 call centre, and the excellent concierge. How's the AMEX Platinum Edge in that regard? Outsourced call centre, or Aussies? Good concierge (in terms of booking restaurants etc..?)

- Anyone know if AMEX will transfer an existing MR account to a new card? I have an MR account (which allows transfer to QF and SPG) currently on my green card, which (if I could) I'd transfer to my new Platinum Edge card. If not, I presume there's no AMEX Platinum that allows QF and/or SPG transfers, other than the $900 charge card?

- Anyone been able to get a better deal out of Westpac? 1/2 price fee is good, and last year I would've called it a great deal, but in light of the new AMEX Plat range, I'm not so sure...

Keen to hear any input. Thanks!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[notzac]

If you value transferring your points to Qantas, then Earth Platinum is a no-brainer. All AmEx Platinum cards (except the charge card) can't transfer to Qantas.

 

[Febs]

If you value transferring your points to Qantas, then Earth Platinum is a no-brainer. All AmEx Platinum cards (except the charge card) can't transfer to Qantas.

I guess what I'm saying is, it's not a deal-breaker. SPG would be nice (though I presume it's the same as QFF - charge card only?), but if the AMEX Plat Edge concierge and customer service is as good as Earth's, then I'd consider the switch, even without QFF/SPG.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[AdMEL]

- Probably my favourite "feature" of the Earth Platinum card is the Australian, 24/7 call centre, and the excellent concierge. How's the AMEX Platinum Edge in that regard? Outsourced call centre, or Aussies?

I've called the Platinum Edge number three times in the last week to switch my current gold credit card with no annual fee for life to the new Edge Card (they appear to be having technical issues with e-mailing the transfer form).

Once I spoke to a foreigner who didn't disclose where she was located and twice I've spoken to Aussies in Melbourne. Yesterday evening when I spoke to the second Melburnian, I asked where there other centres were and was advised they have two in Australia - one in Melbourne open 6am - Midnight and one in Sydney open 24 hours. When I asked about overseas centres, I was advised they were moving them back to Australia!

 

[Febs]

Sounds promising. Thanks!

The Membership Rewards site is very confusing. It implies that with Ascent (which you join when you get the Platinum Edge card), you can transfer to SPG (per https://catalogue.membershiprewards..._Choices_Spirit_July2010.pdf&languageId=en_au ). Does that apply to the Platinum Edge card too? I can't see it mentioned on the Platinum Edge site anywhere, but it does list other travel partners.

What I'd like is a clear, easy to understand page that says "With Ascent, you can transfer to these partners. With Choice - these. With Spirit - these."

I think they're just trying to be difficult...

 

[drewbles]

When I had the Amex Plat CC (and since I moved to the QF Ultimate card) I've only ever had an Aussie call centre. They always answer with 'American Express Sydney/Melbourne this is blah'. The service i've gotten with Amex has increased out of site over the past few years. They are actually really picking up the ball and running with it, unlike most CC providers *stares at Citibank*.

 

[MelbMan]

Yes I'm all over Citibank customer service whose call centre must be in the phillipines.

 

[stuartfaz]

Yes I'm all over Citibank customer service whose call centre must be in the phillipines.

If Citibank Customer Service is on Planet Earth I'll be very surprised. Have had a fair bit of contact with them around my Virgin Flyer card, they are horrible.