Amex Platinum Charge - 120k bonus points and extra benefits!!

[blueythecat]

AMEX has revised the offering on their premium Platinum Charge Card to 120,000 sign-on bonus points. This offer, linked and is currently set to expire on the 30th of August 2018.

The 120k bonus points is an amazing deal, the best Amex offers on this card! But there is a catch and it's a relatively large catch - the card comes with a $1450 annual fee (increased from $1200). As a standard rule I'm not much into paying annual fees for credit cards (with the AMEX Edge and this card as the exception), so how can I justify such a large annual fee?! Well here is my logic on why this card is a great deal:

• 120,000 Membership Rewards points – pretty simple really – based on my numbers I value this at $2700-$3700 (annual fee covered right there!) – a little more on this later. The current offer is 40k points per month for the first three months in which you spend $1500 - totalling 120k points!
• Points can be transferred to massive variety of partners – Qantas FF, Virgin Velocity, Kris Flyer and Cathy Pacific Asia Miles and some more valuable ones via SPG (AAdvantage, BA Executive Club & Alaska Miles etc) – no other (non-invite only) Australian Credit Card can boast this!
• $4500 Annual Travel Credit (increased from $300) with American Express Travel – value $450 (clearly)
• The option for an additional $400 annual Travel Credit if you apply for a FREE Platinum Reserve companion card – you’ll need to ring AMEX after approval to arrange an application for this (value to me $400+)
• Unlimited Virgin Australia / Priority Pass / AMEX & Delta Lounge Access – a bit more subjective this one but, I value it at around $250. As a rule I’m not big on paying for lounge access, so it is hard for me to put a value on it. The Virgin Australia domestic lounge access speaks for itself - they are excellent these days and have a good network. Once outside Australia, the Priority Pass lounge network that is hard to surpass! If you are prepared to pay for lounge access then this benefit would easily be worth $900+++
• Access to AMEX Cash Backs and Small Shop Offers – I wasn’t even aware of this benefits until the last couple of years - and boy was I missing it previously!! The total value of AMEX statement credits and Shop Offers last year, for me, was $1500. That is some pretty epic value! AFF has a really good thread covering these offers here: AMEX Statement Credits.
• Accor Plus membership is back! (worth $395+) - this includes a free nights hotel stay at a number of their resorts! I’ve really made good use of this benfit in the past!
• NRMA style roadside assistance – value about $90 (hopefully you or I never need this one!!)
• Australian Financial Review Subscription - valued at $628 (this is a new offering).

A Quick Card Summary:

• 120,000 Membership Rewards bonus points after spending $1500 in first three months after card activation. Points are awarded in 40k lots each month for three months - where you spend $1500.
• A $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year, can be redeemed online for airfares, car hire and hotel bookings – I’ve done it quite recently for my card and it was very simple
• 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 – I should mention I value MR points at 2.5-.3.5c/point
• 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 & Alaska 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, Hilton Honors and Accor (back again)
• Complimentary worldwide Travel Insurance and Purchase Protection Insurance
• Great savings on First and Business Class fares with some of the worlds leading airlines through the AMEX Platinum Airline Privileges program

So as you see, you can really get some value out of this card, especially with the current sign-on bonus. How to value the current AMEX offer, this is always a challenging task, but I will give it a go. Whilst putting a value on reward points is always very subjective, I personally value AMEX membership reward points at 2.5-3.5c/point. Based on this, the bonus points from the current offer are worth $3000-$4200.

Perhaps a less subjective way is to provide some basic concrete examples, the 120k points redeemed for Virgin Australia economy SYD-MEL flights is worth around $3000 - not a bad deal, but this is probably a really poor use of these points. Better value would be flying Business class return on Qantas/CX/BA Australia to Europe by redeeming the points through Cathy Pacific Asia Miles. You'll need 65k points one way or 130k points return for these redemptions (with the 120k signon bonus you’re very close to a return ticket!) – Qantas charge $5000+ for these flights, so not a bad deal at all! Of course for supreme value you could try your luck at a Singapore Airlines Suite – using AMEX points is the only way I’m ever seeing the inside of one of those!!!

If you add in all the other benefits in too, the total value of this offer to me is in the order of $5500-$6700!! Not a bad deal at all in my mind!!

As I started off with, if you like the sound of the Platinum Charge Card then I'd really recommend you get on the bandwagon. Any referral link from this forum, or elsewhere, should do the trick, but make sure the AMEX page that loads explicitly says 120,000 points. I always recommend printing a PDF copy of the page before beginning the process in case there are any problems later - that way you always have a record! If you'd like to use my Referral link is HERE, my sincere thanks and good luck to anyone applying! I'm happy to take questions via PM too on this card (or anything else), no obligations whatsoever.

Footnote:
2017 & 2018 have proven to be a game changing years in the Australian credit card market place and AMEX is securing its place as the market leader (by a long way) for those of us to love to collect FF points! Post the Reserve Bank changes to credit card interchange fees in 2017 there have been massive cutbacks to the card offers by banks, leaving Amex as the market leader by far!
Referral Link HERE

PS - Whilst applying for new credit cards offers can be really great value (and can even be addictive), please only apply for a card you can afford! No sign-on bonus, no matter how big, is worth a lifetime of debt, so please don't put points ahead of financial security!!

PPS - AMEX are also currently offering the refree (myself, if you choose to use my link) 60k bonus points for anyone that signs-up using a referral link. I'm planning a trip away with the family Next year so will be putting any referral bonus points to excellent use.

 

[benjy]

I really can't beat bluethecat's review, very comprehensive!

But advertising my referral link should anyone be kind enough to use it prior to their sign on process. Located HERE

As at 18/7/18, should you join under my referral link you will earn 120,000 MR points if you spend $1,500 on the card each month for the first 3 months of Card Membership. If you apply before 29th August, using my link and are approved I'll receive 60,000 points.

Referral Points will come in handy as planning to visit Vietnam next year to meet my partner's family for the first time .

 

[Lawrage]

Going to throw my referral link (http://amex.com.au/refer/johnl5B2H) in the ring as well.

As to where you could go with this

• Transferring to Singapore Airlines you can go 1 way in Business class from Perth - Europe for 95k points
• Transferring to Qantas (flying Emirates) you can go 1 way in Business class from Perth - Europe for 110k points

If you have this card and then apply for the Amex Explorer you can get them linked to the same program meaning you will earn 2 points per dollar on most spend. That equates to 2 Kris Flyer miles or 2 Qantas points per $.

Amex are offering me 60k points for anyone who uses my link.

 

[lucky777]

Thanks for posting, bluethecat.
I would like to share my 2 cents on this card.
Amex Charge Platinum Card - designed for high end frequent traveller

Great card for frequent travellers, this card comes with below benefit.
1, Received 120k premium ascent rewards points when you apply and spent $1,500 within first 3 months of card membership;
2, Receive up to $850 travel credit P.A*, this is best to spend on domestic flight (e.g, Qantas or Virgin), as airfare on amex travel is exactly the same as it is on Qantas or Virgin website;
3, 2 x complimentary membership to Priority pass, just this benefit alone is worth over au$1,000 (Cost per Priority pass prestige membership is us$399 P.A).
4, Receive complimentary Gold (or equivilent level) membership for top range hotel chain, car rental & golf membership. E.g., Starwood gold member, shangri-la Jade member, hilton gold member etc;
5, Up to 3 points per dollar spent;
6, Complimentary travel insurance when you use this credit to book return flight of your trip;
7, Purchase protection insurance;
8, Complimentary Virgin Australia for your and one of your guest every time you travel with Virgin Australia;
9, As a platinum charge card holder, you could also get Amex reserve card for free which means you will get additional $400 travel credit as a reserve card holder;
10, Complimentary accor plus membership, worth $395, this membership offer a free night stay within accor group;
11, Complimentary AFR digital subscription valued at $628 per year.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could apply this card using this refer link, https://idap-e3.americanexpress.com...RID=j:i:n:g:h:5:a:Y:c-1531880056441-281574963
You will receive 120k points and I will receive 60k points as referral, this would help to make my family Euro trip dream come much sooner!
Annual fee is $1450, but if you balance all above benefit it is well worth the annual fee. This card may not suit every one, but would be a fantastic card to have if you are frequent traveller. I am happy to answer all related queries regarding all amex card!

*To obtain $850 travel credit, you also need to apply for Amex reserve credit card. As a platinum charge card holder you will be able to get reserve for free (no annual fee) and this card comes with $400 travel credit P.A.

 

[kaktusdigital]

Most people are quite familiar with this great card.
120,000 bonus points on offer with referral points also awarded to me.

a few highlights.
* returned accor plus membership with annual free hotel stay
* Unlimited entry for you and 2 other guests @ Amex centurion lounges
* Free digital AFR subscription
* Free Amex reserve card with $400 travel credit, + $450 Plat charge travel credit = $900
* Gold status for Shangri-la Jade circle also entitles you to Krisflyer silver. Fast track to Krisflyer gold by purchasing 3 SQ flights within 4 months.
more info here

PDF application for free reserve card here:
Dropbox - Platinum Reserve Credit Card - App_Dec 2014.pdf

Much appreciated to anyone who uses my referral link

 

[M@rcoPolo]

Adding to the info already provided, in an Australian first, the new Platinum Card features a sleek, metal design. Previously, you could only get a metal card from American Express in Australia if you were invited to use the Amex Centurion black card.

Made from metal, the Card Member name is laser-etched on the front of the card and the Card Number and 'Valid Thru' details displayed on the back - see picture below:



Simply click on the card picture above to use my referral link and EARN 120,000 BONUS POINTS

I will also earn 60k points that will go towards flying the family to NZ next summer

 

[HTG2016]

The best benefits of this card for me is 2 x Priority Pass membership with guesting privileges .

Each membership can get $72 off the food and drink bill at a Priority Pass restaurant

SYD Terminal 1 : Dining up $288 worth of food and drink landside , once you clear customer another $288 worth of food and drink if you planning on some takeaway before your scoot/jetstar/air asia flight .

Similar offer when you travel domestic from Terminal 2 / 3

Thanks anyone who use my link :

http://amex.com.au/refer/duyhut08sR?XLINK=MYCP

 

[digpomi]

Great Value to be had especially with sign on bonus of 120000 points. I will receive 60000 points. AFR subscription/Accor Plus great new benefits. Hilton Gold is of great value as well.
http://amex.com.au/refer/paramdpaua?XLINK=MYCP

 

[lang_13]

For all big earners,spenders and travellers out there who can make the most of the following benefits, this card represents good value for the hefty $1,450 annual fee:

• 120,000 membership rewards points (requires $1,500 monthly spend for 3 months)
• increased $450 travel credit
• complimentary access to Virgin Australia domestic lounges (plus Centurion Lounge, International American Express Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Club lounges)
• Centurion Lounge, International American Express Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Virgin Australia domestic lounges and Delta Sky Club lounges
  
• Complimentary Accor Plus membership
  
• Complimentary Australian Financial Review Digital Subscription
  
• Transfer at 1:1 rate to 10 airline programs incl Qantas

I would appreciate anybody signing up using the following link, to help me replenish my points balance with 60,000 MR points. Thanks!

Apply Now via Referral

 

[Jonova]

This is a very useful for those who travel a lot. From the $850 (up from $700) travel credit (when applying for the complimentary Reserve card), to the various hotel statues, and the Priority Pass membership, this card will easily offset its steep annual fee $1450 PA if one travels frequently.

Another feature that I was able to use recently, was the car hire excess cover, where by booking with the card I was covered for some bs damage they claimed I did, which the rental company wanted to charged me $600 excess but I was reimbursed by AMEX.

Apply now for 120k Membership rewards points and I will receive 60k points.

http://amex.com.au/refer/kennytg6E2

Happy hunting

 

[kamchatsky]

American Express Platinum Card is one of the ultimate cards to get, especially if you really like to travel. You can earn up to 120000 bonus Membership Rewards Points via my Referral Link here.

This card is not cheap at $1450 annual fee, however it does include A LOT of benefits, listed below:

• Receive up to 120,000 Membership Rewards points when you apply by 29 August 2018 and meet the minimum spend criteria – that’s 40,000 points for each month you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months
• $450 Travel Credit + $400 Travel Credit via free Platinum Reserve card = $850 Travel Credit to be redeemed against eligible travel booking when booking online
• Complimentary access for you and a guest to over 1,200 Airport Lounges across 130 countries and counting. Includes The Centurion Lounge, International American Express Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Virgin Australia domestic lounges and Delta Sky Club lounge.
• Complimentary Accors Plus membership valued at $395 per year. With over 800 hotels in 18 countries across the Asia Pacific Region, enjoy a range of benefits including discounts during your stay
• With Hotel Elite Status, be fast-tracked to the higher tiers of leading hotel loyalty programs around the world, without having to fulfil the usual qualifying criteria, such as numerous night stays each year. Hotel partners include Radisson Rewards, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La and Hilton
• With the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS program14, you can enjoy complimentary benefits that offer an average total value of more than AU$700*at over 1000 hand-selected 5-star properties worldwide. Complimentary benefits include daily breakfast for two people, room upgrades, noon-check in, guaranteed 4pm late check-out and a special amenity at each property
• Complimentary Australian Financial Review Digital Subscription valued at $628 per year, granting access to the latest news covering business, finance, investment and politics from Australia and worldwide
  
• Transfer your points to a choice of 10 major Airline Reward Partner programs including one to one transfer rate to Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer
• Complimentary domestic and overseas Travel Insurance
• Smartphone Screen Insurance for up to $500 for screen repairs to your Smartphone when you pay for your smartphone with your Platinum Card, either outright or on a monthly contract
• The International Airline Program offers great savings on First and Business Class fares with some of the world's leading airlines such as Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Emirates, and more. Depending on the airline and destination, you can save up to 20% compared to standard fares found outside of Platinum Travel Service

What can 120000 Membership Rewards points get you? Here are some of the examples and possibilities:
- Return Business Class from Sydney to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific (90000 MR points by transferring to Asia Miles 1:1)
- One-way Business Class from Sydney to Europe on Singapore Airlines (95000 MR points by transferring to Krisflyer 1:1)
- One-way Business Class from Sydney to Los Angeles on Virgin Australia (95500 MR points by transferring to Velocity 1:1)

As you can see this card has a lot of benefits, and it is an amazing card if you love travel. It would be great if you can apply via my Referral Link here.

APPLY NOW.

 

[peanutz]

Hi,

I would appreciate if you could use my referral link here

The Offer:
If you hold an American Express Platinum Card, an American Express Centurion Card or an American Express Gold Card your reward will be 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you refer a friend by 15 August 2018 and your friend applies by 29 August 2018 using your link and is approved.

Your friend will receive 120,000 Membership Rewards points when they apply for the American Express Platinum Card by 29 August 2018, are approved and meet the spend criteria. They will receive 40,000 points each month they spend $1,500 or more on their new Card in the first 3 months from the Card approval date.

 

[digpomi]

Great Card- Hilton Gold/Accor Plus/upto $850 travel credit/Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts+ 120000 points(for new amex card holders). I will receive 60000 points if you used my referral link below. Thanks in advance
http://amex.com.au/refer/paramdvich?XLINK=MYCP

 

[muppet]

Hi all

Does anyone have any experience with how long the bonus points come through. Is it each month 40,000 as implied?

Thanks
m

 

[blueythecat]

If I remember correctly, someone who applied under this offer told me theres came through each month once they'd made the $1500 spend for the month, but I can check back to confirm if you like?