Reduced AMEX earn rates from April 2019

[foggy]

Hi all, I rang AMEX to enquire about my EDge card and whether it would be eliglble for the double points offer. He told them that they are reviewing all AMEX cards in terms of the account history (suspect spending), your management of the account (payments on time etc) and your relationship (how long you have been with AMEX). This supposed to be finalized by the end of February and is supposed to done via criteria entered into the “system”. They can also take account of other factors.

I think the centurion /plat charge customers have it set in stone.. and the other cardholders are yet to be determined. Attached is a letter a family member received

 

[Ken1]

I have a Platinum Charge along with the Reserve and an Explorer card that is linked to Ascent Premium. I received letters for both the Charge and Explorer cards today and like Foggy posted there is no mention of Explorer points since all my points go to Ascent Premium.

For those who haven't received letters yet I've scanned both sides of both letters. Here is the Charge letter:

 

[Ken1]

Here is the Explorer letter:

 

[unfunkable]

Any non charge or cent card holders get a letter yet?

oops, didn't refresh page before the above posted

 

[firstclasser]

I have a Platinum Charge along with the Reserve and an Explorer card that is linked to Ascent Premium. I received letters for both the Charge and Explorer cards today and like Foggy posted there is no mention of Explorer points since all my points go to Ascent Premium.

For those who haven't received letters yet I've scanned both sides of both letters. Here is the Charge letter:
View attachment 144660 View attachment 144661

Based on this, it doesn’t look like explorer points will get doubled

 

[Mr_Orange]

Based on this, it doesn’t look like explorer points will get doubled

Except that the Explorer points are going into the Ascent Premium account not the Gateway account, so I would say they will all get doubled.

You really need to see a letter from someone who only has the Explorer.

 

[firstclasser]

Except that the Explorer points are going into the Ascent Premium account not the Gateway account, so I would say they will all get doubled.

You really need to see a letter from someone who only has the Explorer.

Yes correct, I was referring in the case of someone who only has an explorer.
The letter being sent out to explorer only members seems to be only a common courtesy letter to advise them of the redemption changes, not to advise of doubling of points.

 

[unfunkable]

Yes it looks that way. That's not good. I got a feeling, even signing up now for a charge card, and moving everything across, you prob won't get doubled, as the system may already be set and flagged ready to go next year.

I will be keeping my explorer at least. I put through 40k on the amex each month on a supplier that conveniently forgets to surcharge me

 

[DC3]

Thanks to those who are posting updates. However, I will avoid phoning the Call Centres as it may lead to further confusion. I intend to wait for the letter to confirm my fate.

 

[Mr_Orange]

Thanks to those who are posting updates. However, I will avoid phoning the Call Centres as it may lead to further confusion. I intend to wait for the letter to confirm my fate.

Same for me. Irrespective of what they do or don't offer, I'm out and simplifying my wallet.

 

[deka2]

I have the Explorer / Platinum Edger combination, and received my letter today, which was the same as the Explorer received by Ken1.

No mention of doubling points.

I rang Amex and asked the question. After 5 minute hold was told that the only people who are having their points doubles are "most" Platinum Charge Customers.

The spiel I was given was complete garbage and revolved around changing points earn.

The letter was signed by Rachael Stocks, Managing Director American Express. Anyone know her email address?

 

[bbqwer]

I have the Explorer / Platinum Edger combination, and received my letter today, which was the same as the Explorer received by Ken1.

No mention of doubling points.

I rang Amex and asked the question. After 5 minute hold was told that the only people who are having their points doubles are "most" Platinum Charge Customers.

The spiel I was given was complete garbage and revolved around changing points earn.

The letter was signed by Rachael Stocks, Managing Director American Express. Anyone know her email address?

May be wait for platinum edge letter first ? Still a hope p.edge get double ?

 

[deka2]

Whilst I didn't ask specifically about the Platinum edge, I did ask which cards were being compensated in April.

That's when I was told, most Platinum Charge Card Holders.

Possibly a slim hope, but I doubt it.

 

[ozstamps]

I phoned Amex today chasing a $120 Hilton stay promo credit they had never done, and they verified that, and sorted that, and added it to my account.

Also had a local ‘’Shop Small’’ merchant spend not show yet, and he agreed that program was a bit of a mess, could see the charge, could see the merchant was enrolled in Shop Small, and added the $10.

Had a very good agent, and was on a roll, and opined my 1,250,000 points balance I was not happy about being halved next April and wished they had not been so savage with the devaluation.

Agent looked at my card history, tapped the computer, and said essentially “I can see you have been an Amex member for about 40 years, spend ~100K a year, never miss a bill payment, and I can confirm YOUR points balance at 15 April will be doubled, and those bonus points will post by June 15.”

So it appears there is somewhat of a case by case approach in place, and loyal long term AmEx clients who generate them some true revenue, appear to be getting looked after - for a change in any ''Loyalty'' plans!

Asked if he could note that for sure in my account and he said he had. I took his name and thanked him kindly.

I have no sympathy whatever for someone who signed up a card for 100,000 free points, churns that card after the minimum spend, and signs up for another etc, and wants those 100,000 points to be doubled for instance, as they were “Free” anyway essentially.

So it seems there is some kind of common sense broadly being used, on a length of loyalty to Amex basis etc, from that conversation, regardless of card type.

I was about to move them all to Virgin this week as the 15% Bonus is still in play, but if they double to 250,000, will hold off, as sure as eggs mid 2019 there will be some juicy transfer deals!

 

[deka2]

Thanks for the reply Ozstamp.

Please confirm which cards you hold.

If it is the Explorer / Plat then he bar must be high, as I have been a contineous member for 35 years, holding various cards, including the Platinum Charge, during that time.

For the last few years I would have put at least $50k through my Amex Cards.

No doubling for me at this stage.

 

[kpc]

Whilst doubling of your existing points balance is some (good) consolation, there is a significant devaluation earning wise moving forwards post April 15. If they double my balance, more than likely I'll keep going with my Amex cards...if they dont, I will TF my entire balance to Sq prior to April 15, and weigh up the value of keeping my Amex cards when the annual fee is next due

I learnt the hard way that I will/ should have loyalty to myself, not to any company. I have had a free Diners for nearly 30 years, and their reward program has been absolutely gutted....I keep it as I and ALL my supplementary card holders (also free) get free lounge access in many airports around the world

 

[serfty]

I presume they are anticipating bulk redemptions at the end of March with significant inherent cost.

I suspect by doubling the points of some with large balances with credit in June they are hoping to be putting the cost of some redemptions forward to the next finacial year.

 

[elogic]

Have just been on the phone with MR, I was told the doubling of points isnt down to the type of card
Its about the spend on it and time with amex , including payments on time
I have the Gold Business charge , spending 90k a month .
Was told I would be receiving the offer due to my spend with the card , all letters out by early Dec to members

 

[ozstamps]

Have just been on the phone with MR, I was told the doubling of points isnt down to the type of card

Its about the spend on it and time with amex, including payments on time

That was my take on my phone call.

I have a PERMANENT credit balance in AmEx of a few $1000 at all times, and have done for decades. Never owed them a cent.

And spend a lot of money. LOTS of it overseas, for which they cheerfully rape me a 3% fee, plus the bad exchange rate!

Never give them grief with disputing charges and the nonsense that some folks revel in for some reason.

 

[Saltywings]

I phoned Amex today chasing a $120 Hilton stay promo credit they had never done, and they verified that, and sorted that, and added it to my account.

Also had a local ‘’Shop Small’’ merchant spend not show yet, and he agreed that program was a bit of a mess, could see the charge, could see the merchant was enrolled in Shop Small, and added the $10.

Had a very good agent, and was on a roll, and opined my 1,250,000 points balance I was not happy about being halved next April and wished they had not been so savage with the devaluation.

Agent looked at my card history, tapped the computer, and said essentially “I can see you have been an Amex member for about 40 years, spend ~100K a year, never miss a bill payment, and I can confirm YOUR points balance at 15 April will be doubled, and those bonus points will post by June 15.”

So it appears there is somewhat of a case by case approach in place, and loyal long term AmEx clients who generate them some true revenue, appear to be getting looked after - for a change in any ''Loyalty'' plans!

Asked if he could note that for sure in my account and he said he had. I took his name and thanked him kindly.

I have no sympathy whatever for someone who signed up a card for 100,000 free points, churns that card after the minimum spend, and signs up for another etc, and wants those 100,000 points to be doubled for instance, as they were “Free” anyway essentially.

So it seems there is some kind of common sense broadly being used, on a length of loyalty to Amex basis etc, from that conversation, regardless of card type.

I was about to move them all to Virgin this week as the 15% Bonus is still in play, but if they double to 250,000, will hold off, as sure as eggs mid 2019 there will be some juicy transfer deals!

Great to hear! Given my spend patterns as compared to yours, I also think I have a non-zero chance of getting the offer. Will await the letter first before I badger Amex.