Amex platinum Charge annual fee increase

[akeno]

Thank you for your analyses. However I have been an Amex customer for years. And before moving to a Platinum Charge I had the Krisflyer Amex.
Always paid of my credit cards every month. Maybe nothing to earn for them; but at least they could be honest about it.
It

The Krisflyer Amex is a Westpac issued credit card so your credit card history is not visible to Amex.

 

[ronnie66]

I know all that. But all the relevant info is in the credit file report that also was provided (not a basic summary). Anyway: still with FOS. Slow process

 

[Diesellife]

Is it with FOS at the moment? Did Amex offer you anything during the initial complaint process?

 

[ronnie66]

Yes it is still under FOS. Amex didn't respond to their second request for more information.

In the meantime I successfully negotiated a reduced fee.

 

[mini2]

Good to know ronnie66, gives me a bit more motivation to write that letter and flip it to exec customer relations. Again, they suck compared to their CBA/Citi equivalents even though I'm paying 12x the fee!

 

[ronnie66]

I ended up paying 450$ for the first year. If I am not accepted for the "complementary" card I will argue this again.

 

[Diesellife]

That's a big discount
1200 to 450.

 

[ronnie66]

It was 900$ at that time. So waiting for the new deal if not getting all benefits.

 

[mini2]

Thanks for that, now I know what to aim for....50%. Not that I wasn't declined to get a Reserve just that a lot of those advertised "benefits" did not work when I tried to use them.

 

[Masonic Phantom]

Thanks for that, now I know what to aim for....50%. Not that I wasn't declined to get a Reserve just that a lot of those advertised "benefits" did not work when I tried to use them.

Which One,s ???

 

[leyy]

Thanks Ronnie

Are you able to let me know which department you spoke to?

I am in the exact same position as you, except they have not reduced my annual fee.


Cheers
leyy

 

[ronnie66]

Not a particular person. It was addressed after the first contact with the FOS. Spoke to different people but received a letter with proposal after they had to reply to the FOS.

 

[mini2]

Which One,s ???

Roadside assistance - yeah did called a tow truck for me but the tow truck refused to accept to do the tow for free.
Lifestyle - can't get me a table on number of occasions despite calling them weeks in advance; couldn't get something for me despite them have it available via MR redemptions
Membership Rewards - can't get their points credited correctly all the freaking time
Others - can't get Small Biz stuff right; can't apply those $10/20/30 credit thing correctly, lodged a dispute incorrectly and ended up having to goto FOS to resolve this correctly (that's a separate development I guess but will lump it in the same complaint anyway just to reinforce the point)...

That's just the ones I remember probably a few more I've scribbled down in my notebook.

 

[leyy]

I guess I'll lodge a complaint with the FOS today.

Will let everyone know how I go, as I am sure there are other people in the same position


Cheers
leyy

 

[Diesellife]

Roadside assistance - yeah did called a tow truck for me but the tow truck refused to accept to do the tow for free.
Lifestyle - can't get me a table on number of occasions despite calling them weeks in advance; couldn't get something for me despite them have it available via MR redemptions
Membership Rewards - can't get their points credited correctly all the freaking time
Others - can't get Small Biz stuff right; can't apply those $10/20/30 credit thing correctly, lodged a dispute incorrectly and ended up having to goto FOS to resolve this correctly (that's a separate development I guess but will lump it in the same complaint anyway just to reinforce the point)...

That's just the ones I remember probably a few more I've scribbled down in my notebook.

1. why would the tow truck will do it for free at the first place? It's just unreasonable.
It is an insurance cover, which means you have to pay first and claim it (fixed amount) later on.

2. Where were you trying to book and how flexible were you? I've used it many times in Sydney and I can always get a table with advance booking and be "flexible".

3. Points do have problem from time to time (1 or 2 times only for me) but a phone call is all it needed to sort it out.

 

[mini2]

1. why would the tow truck will do it for free at the first place? It's just unreasonable.
It is an insurance cover, which means you have to pay first and claim it (fixed amount) later on.

Errrr read the PDS, towing is covered and ACE arranged it so if it's a covered event then how is that even unreasonable? In fact, Amex admitted they stuffed up in their own little investigation but reimbursement never happened so I'm just following it through.

2. Where were you trying to book and how flexible were you? I've used it many times in Sydney and I can always get a table with advance booking and be "flexible".

Just the Quay, tried 6 weeks out - no dice, Tried 4 weeks out, no dice. Tried 2 weeks out - definitely no dice. Same goes for lunch at Cafe Sydney. Every single time they've tried to convince me to take a booking at the Ocean Room instead. Every. Single. Time. Besides, just like the others having a whinge about the Reserve card application being declined, if they've advertised something but failed to deliver on a number of occasions - would you just leave it as it is or request a refund on services they're unable to provide?

3. Points do have problem from time to time (1 or 2 times only for me) but a phone call is all it needed to sort it out.

I accept the system will stuff up once in a blue moon but if it happens consistently on a weekly basis, why should I be calling them to sort it out?

 

[Diesellife]

I guess I've been really lucky with Amex then, based on your comments above.

Insurance paid out my 9000+ medical expenses in overseas last year, provided 10 days of hotel and the process was quick & no further questions were asked.

Restaurant bookings have been accommodated promptly, on top of my head, I've been only declined with booking 2-3 times over these years.

in terms of points, i called up twice regarding points and no issue ever since.
But I guess with Amex, ymmv... I'm disappointed that Amex has been reducing the benefits but to be fair...I wouldn't put Amex into "bad customer service" category.

 

[mini2]

Don't get me wrong, I'm still giving Amex my benefit of doubts at the moment and hopefully they will sort themselves out. Years ago their service was great, way better than what CBA/Citi were providing at the time. ACE helped me out a few times when I really needed it. It's just that the competition has caught up to them and their annual fee increase isn't helping the cause.

 

[Masonic Phantom]

Don’t get me wrong!!..... If I had that much trouble with AMEX over the years. .I would,t give them YARD ROOM!!
I have been a member since 1987 & had a Plat charge card since 1997 when it was by invitation only, as centurion is now
and in all that time the only problem was points not credited to my account in the 5/1 & 10/1 promotion.. case sent to FOS.. & points where given back,
had tables reserved in Aus, Eur, & Asia…. Insurance claim in China payed with no drama….and the service has been excellent over the years for me,
but I have not needed a tow truck…yet… so I think you have had a very bad experience with Amex.. for which I am sorry for you & I hope it all turns out OK.

M.P.

 

[leyy]

FYI

just an updated received a $450.00 off annual fee once FOS lodged dispute with AMEX,

will probably cancel card when fee is renewed


thanks to ronnie and all that helped


cheers