Amex platinum Charge annual fee increase

[Plutonus]

I've found the FOS to be fairly useless in my dealings (other matters), but hopefully they come through for you.

I understand your point of view. In your case the introductory offer of the 80000 does make a big difference. Is it still in the following years?

My case is under investigation by the Ombudsman - while there is proof of misleading information also during the conversations with Amex reps ( told me minimum 3 months wait to apply for complementary card - which seems to be not true and followed by 6 months wait instruction etc.).

Will post outcome.

 

[ronnie66]

They are a bit slow.. And having different people work on the case doesnt help. But I believe that if I keep trying something will happen. People tend to give up too easily. I ll try to keep going and see what happens.

 

[Foreigner]

For all those who chucked the card or plan on doing so Amex may surprise card members with added benefits in 2014...

I'm hoping they will, truly.

 

[serfty]

Of course it's by now becoming moot, but for those who booked travel and expected to rely on the card for travel insurance, and, before travel, get hit with the fee increase and had to choose between paying the 33% ($300) increase or canning the card and procuring an alternative TI have basically been hung out to dry.

 

[straitman]

For all those who chucked the card or plan on doing so Amex may surprise card members with added benefits in 2014...

I'm hoping they will, truly.

Are you speculating or do you have inside knowledge :?:

 

[Foreigner]

It's a hunch...

 

[lovetravellingoz]

For all those who chucked the card or plan on doing so Amex may surprise card members with added benefits in 2014...

I'm hoping they will, truly.

Well here's hoping. My wife cancelled hers last Feb, and so will be eligible for a joining bonus again as her 12 months will be up. If they revamp the card I may consider it.

But they will need to up the ante, as for my particular circumstances much of it's original benefits have been eroded, or removed....and the TI on my free Westpac Black now gives me "free" travel insurance (admittedly not as good as the Amex Plat charge TI used to be, but adequate for my needs).

 

[vet]

They are a bit slow.. And having different people work on the case doesnt help. But I believe that if I keep trying something will happen. People tend to give up too easily. I ll try to keep going and see what happens.

I'm working on mine. The US Dept of Justice is looking into practices where Amex unleashed an army of customers with a unbelievable good promo as Amex battled MC/Visa/surcharges to 'salt' shops with hordes buyers that the Amex reps represented could be converted into sales if the shop dropped surcharges. Meantime Amex screwed the army out of kerzillions of points. Amex already settled a $75m penalty for the 'merchant' side of their practice. Now maybe there'll be a cross-pacific investigation into the screwing of carholders. Question: Are these points a liability in the accounts of Amex Australia and does the US Amex issue budgets of points to Amex Aust? In other words are the taxable books of Amex, which I think is a bank, 'changed' if Amex suddenly thinks "Omg we have a kerzillion points to award, allocates the kerzillion in the books, and then cancels those points by stiffing the customers?

 

[flyer999]

I replaced my Platinum card with a cheaper QF Ultimate and have earned more points with no loss of usable benefits. I already had a corporate travel policy and an Accor Advantage plus card. So far at least 100,000 points in front.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I understand your point of view. In your case the introductory offer of the 80000 does make a big difference. Is it still in the following years?

.

No, I is a joining only bonus. Once off, unless you churn and reapply after 12 months. Though some people have reported getting the joining bonus inside 12 months.

Not that the 12 months t&c is a relatively new clause.

 

[tinkybelle]

the 12 mths policy for bonus pts was in force when i got my plat charge 3.3 yrs ago. so 2010.
I had the business credit card so i was ok.
I then cancelled the biz card at end of that year.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

the 12 mths policy for bonus pts was in force when i got my plat charge 3.3 yrs ago. so 2010.
I had the business credit card so i was ok.
I then cancelled the biz card at end of that year.

It used to be ok if you had a different Amex Card. now they say any Amex card.

 

[vet]

my plat is now cancelled. I could swear the annual fee tripled in the space of a few years.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

my plat is now cancelled. I could swear the annual fee tripled in the space of a few years.

For a time they would discount the $900 fee cost to about $500. So effectively by now wanting the full wack of $1200 it is almost 3 times the price.

 

[Hammando]

My 12 months are up in March and will be getting the Platinum Charge card again.

I foolishly dumped the Amex Plat for the Diners Card.

Even with increased annual fee it seem like a bargain after dealing with Diners. (80,000 sign up points help)

 

[Masonic Phantom]

my plat is now cancelled. I could swear the annual fee tripled in the space of a few years.

Back in 1997 when the Platinum Charge Card was introduced to Australia, it was by Invitation only, as the Centurion Card is now.
And I paid $ 900.00 then!! so an increase has been a while coming.

 

[Foreigner]

In order to squeeze more out of my Platinum card I enrolled today in few of the hotel programs which apparently run year to year. IHG, SPG and Carlson. I'm already at highest level with Accor. Not sure how long it takes to receive cards.

 

[greenfrog86]

In order to squeeze more out of my Platinum card I enrolled today in few of the hotel programs which apparently run year to year. IHG, SPG and Carlson. I'm already at highest level with Accor. Not sure how long it takes to receive cards.

Remember that to get your free night you still need to enroll in the Advantage program despite your platinum status. They just 'upgraded' my existing account so it's not particularly painful.

The hotel programs do offer benefits that can add up - ie not having to pay for wifi can save you a bucket load

 

[fersea]

In order to squeeze more out of my Platinum card I enrolled today in few of the hotel programs which apparently run year to year. IHG, SPG and Carlson. I'm already at highest level with Accor. Not sure how long it takes to receive cards.

It doesn't take very long to get the email with your number which is when you can start using the privileges. The physical card doesn't mean much.

 

[dcooper]

another benefit gone

Notice of Changesto Your PlatinumCard Benefits- Access to American Airlines Admiral's Club Loungesand
US Airways Club
Effective March 21, 2014 Platinum Card Members will no longer receive complimentary access to American Airlines’
Admirals Club lounges and to US Airways’ Club locations as a Card benefit.
Card Members who qualify for Admirals Club lounge access under American Airlines' access policies and/or those who
qualify for US Airways Club access under US Airway's access policies will continue to receive such access in
accordance with those policies.
You will continue to receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club’, American Express lounges, Virgin Australia
Domestic lounges as well as access to more than 600 VIP lounges worldwide with Priority Pass0 membership. For details
and terms and conditions visit: americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges