Amex Platinum Edge vs Amex Velocity Platinum

[raspberrysorbet]

I am very new to the world of FF and credit card rewards and am interested in a new reward CC to align with velocity. I have been trawling this website and the numerous T&Cs and have narrowed it down to the Amex Platinum edge and the Amex velocity platinum. I am leaning towards the platinum edge but I was hoping some expertise from this board may assist me in making the best choice for my situation.

A bit of background: My husband and I only have about 25,000 Velocity points accrued combined to start. We mainly travel for leisure (1-2 short domestic/ very short regional WA trips a year for work for me, cheap saver fairs) and at least 1 domestic and 1 overseas trip a year for us both and we prefer business class. We would be looking at Europe and NZ as our over seas destinations for the next few years. Flying economy isn't appealing to me I think I'd use points for upgrades and I'm not sure how likely I would be to use a free domestic flight that I couldn't upgrade - at least to premium. The free domestic flight offered on Velcoity plat is not worthwhile for me ex Perth as it does not include capital cities.

Based on my past 12 months, I'd would spend about $35,000 on a CC (I have already verified this is where amex is accepted and included the fee). My calculations for points have me earning twice has many on Plat Edge (23,995) than on the Veloc Plat (12,955); but the current bonus points offer switch these around (33,995 Edge vs 62,955 Veloc Plat).

So here's my questions:
1. Given I don't intend on any US travel; the complimentary business class offer on Velocity Plat isn't much use to me is it?
2. Is the 'discounted' business class affair flying Etihad to Europe as good as it sounds? We will have select dates to travel for a relatives wedding; so may not have the flexibility of looking for discount BC tickets.
3. Is it possible (and worth it) to get the velocity plat for 12 months for the point bonus to use on a BC domestic upgrade and a discounted BC flight to Europe and then switch to the edge afterwards?

Thanks so much

 

[uiopui]

Hey

I wont answer Q1&2 as i dont know about these.

Question 3 - YES, i believe its worth it (and have acquired the card myself). My thoughts are that the points and free flight are worth the annual fee. I have been told if you want to upgrade using points (for long haul international ) you need to be a Gold member but you can get reward flights outright without status. However this page states for short haul international and domestic you can be any status for upgrades with points.


Ive just jumped on the Velocity Amex Platinum and if you're based in WA its actually even better value due to value of included free flight. If you can both get the card then you would start accumulating enough points to do a decent trip internationally (short haul) and have two domestic trips for free (economy)

If you are referred (by an existing cardholder) there is currently an 80,000 point introductory offer ( Referral Link ) from me.

Some of the details ($349 fee)

• 80,000 extra Velocity Points[SUP]1[/SUP] when you apply by 31 July 2015, are approved and spend $500 on your new[SUP]1[/SUP]Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership

• Enjoy a complimentary Virgin Australia return domestic flight every anniversary year after your first Card spend in that year[SUP]3[/SUP]
• Enjoy 2 complimentary single entry passes to the domestic Virgin Australia lounge each anniversary year at selected airports[SUP]4[/SUP]
• 3 Velocity Points[SUP]3[/SUP] per dollar spent on eligible Card purchases at Tens of thousands of restaurants in Australia[SUP]3 [/SUP]

I have found that some of my largest spends outside of groceries and utilities is eating out. You'd be surprised what is included at 3x points under restaurants. My favourite bar here in Melbourne used to earn me 3x points along with other places. If you spend for instance $100 a week eating out it could add up to 15,000 points a year

Once you have this card id also look at getting the Edge as this card (Velocity Platinum) should take precedent due to large sign on bonus for new members. The Edge is definitely a card to add as your long term Amex due to the 3:2:1x points offers which im sure you know about