Centurion Invitation

[Febs]

As is the Platinum Charge Card. The PDS has the full details, but it is basically a LDW benefit of up to AUD$70,000. Quoting from the AMEX website:

<snip>

Is that the same for the Platinum Credit Card?

Pity it doesn't cover anything for vehicles over $70k...I'm renting an M3 for a week in Germany soon and would like a little extra coverage.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[serfty]

Is that the same for the Platinum Credit Card? ...

I do not believe so:

http://www.americanexpress.com/australia/pdfs/platinum_credit_terms_condition.pdf

 

[Rae]

To be covered with insurance for the Platinum card and other credit cards for that matter, do you need to purchase / hire the item with that particular card though? I think that's why I ignore it - too hard to remember which card needs to be used for what. *groan*

I called Platinum Card Services once. I was on hold for 30 mins and felt that was enough of a reason not to call again. I think I am going to dump the card.

 

[straitman]

To be covered with insurance for the Platinum card and other credit cards for that matter, do you need to purchase / hire the item with that particular card though? I think that's why I ignore it - too hard to remember which card needs to be used for what. *groan*

I called Platinum Card Services once. I was on hold for 30 mins and felt that was enough of a reason not to call again. I think I am going to dump the card.

For some cards you need to use the card to get the insurance but the Platinum (Charge) Card you do not have to use to get the insurance. I'm not sure about the Platinum Credit Card.

 

[serfty]

Re: Platinum Credit Card Insurance

To be covered with insurance for the Platinum card and other credit cards for that matter, do you need to purchase / hire the item with that particular card though? I think that's why I ignore it - too hard to remember which card needs to be used for what. *groan*

I called Platinum Card Services once. I was on hold for 30 mins and felt that was enough of a reason not to call again. I think I am going to dump the card.

I believe you do, read this: http://www.americanexpress.com/australia/pdfs/platinum_credit_terms_condition.pdf

Activation of Travel Insurance Cover:
Purchase of Trip on American Express Platinum Credit Card or with
Membership Reward™ points.
Activation of Purchase Protection Cover:
Purchase of Eligible Items on American Express Platinum Credit Card.
Activation of Refund Protection Cover:
Purchase of Eligible items on American Express Platinum Credit Card
in Australia.

 

[Jobu]

The reality though, is that its appeal is more the 'exclusivity' factor that wins this card fans. The buzz of being part of an "invitation only" club and carrying a really cool looking card. The benefits all have value, and that's partly how you justify it, but if you are truly honest with yourself, you probably already get all of those benefits without the card.

If you qualify for the card, you probably already travel a lot, probably in J or F, so you already get premium lounge access. You probably already have premium hotel membership (and better than gold SPG), probably with several brands, or you prefer to frequent the more exclusive or boutique hotels who stare down at loyalty programs. You have chauffeur driven cars arranged for you in advance and at your beck and call for each trip. You don't need a concierge service for last minute restaurant bookings (you probably have a pretty good PA by now anyway), you already have dinner invitations for most nights of the week, and when you have a last minute urge to get into a 2 or 3 Michelin star restaurant, the theatre, or some international sporting event, you call up one of the investment bankers you have on speed dial.

So generally, it's a very expensive, but cool looking, metal plate, that has the added benefit of getting you service at the bar in the Raffles hotel or in a Hermes store when you're dressed in cargo pants and a t-shirt.

Let me know if you disagree...

Cheers,

JOBU

 

[dplp1]

Jobu, I do disagree. The companion airfare, lounge access and free nights at hotels as well as the complimentary cars to and from airports do make it worthwhile. I no longer pay for those priviledges ( other than card fee). I can tell you those charges I once paid for well exceeded the cost of the annual card fee. I do not Have an investment banker on speed dial for access to five star restaurants but I do utilize centurion concierge when I do need to get into restaurants in syd and melba on short notice. It works very well in that regard. The service levels from the customer care,travel and concierge teams is exemplary. The card is clearly not for everyone and nor is it intended to be.

 

[Dave Noble]

Jobu, I do disagree. The companion airfare, lounge access and free nights at hotels as well as the complimentary cars to and from airports do make it worthwhile. I no longer pay for those priviledges ( other than card fee). I can tell you those charges I once paid for well exceeded the cost of the annual card fee. I do not Have an investment banker on speed dial for access to five star restaurants but I do utilize centurion concierge when I do need to get into restaurants in syd and melba on short notice. It works very well in that regard. The service levels from the customer care,travel and concierge teams is exemplary. The card is clearly not for everyone and nor is it intended to be.

But what level does it provide above Platinum for the extra $3600 ? Companion airfares and lounge accesses for example are part of the same benefits as Platinum iirc plus they also have a concierge service

 

[Scrimo]

Since everybody else has covered all the "tangible" benefits I would like to add that this is simply the coolest card you can have in your wallet! I only carry my centurion card and cash!

And the best thing.....Invitation only. So they decide who are to be card holders of the most exclusive Amex card.

On the age question that was raised I got my centurion card when I was 34 (1 year ago) and I use most of the benefits from international travel.

 

[dplp1]

Since everybody else has covered all the "tangible" benefits I would like to add that this is simply the coolest card you can have in your wallet! I only carry my centurion card and cash!

And the best thing.....Invitation only. So they decide who are to be card holders of the most exclusive Amex card.

On the age question that was raised I got my centurion card when I was 34 (1 year ago) and I use most of the benefits from international travel.

It is a cool card. I love it. I do get sick of check out chicks telling me "it's heavy" however

 

[Homer]

It is a cool card. I love it. I do get sick of check out chicks telling me "it's heavy" however

Yeah that one happens a lot. The other one I get is “I just love this card.” But you know all of these comments just add weight to the argument that it’s really about showing off...

 

[Flashback]

Yeah that one happens a lot. The other one I get is “I just love this card.” But you know all of these comments just add weight to the argument that it’s really about showing off...

I was just about to say that

 

[NM]

Yeah that one happens a lot. The other one I get is “I just love this card.” But you know all of these comments just add weight to the argument that it’s really about showing off...

No argument at all ... just the facts

 

[ejb]

Yeah that one happens a lot. The other one I get is “I just love this card.” But you know all of these comments just add weight to the argument that it’s really about showing off...

but who doesn't love to show off?

ejb

 

[Homer]

No argument at all ... just the facts

Well I’m on the record in this forum, though perhaps not in this thread, of agreeing with that point of view. If only the lowly Platinum card came in black metal then I’d certainly change down...

 

[dplp1]

Well I’m on the record in this forum, though perhaps not in this thread, of agreeing with that point of view. If only the lowly Platinum card came in black metal then I’d certainly change down...

Same here

 

[bossreggie]

My Ego will NEVER require a credit card to stroke it.

I'll save the annual fee and still hang a left when I board a plane! (Unless flying domestically, in which case I'll plant my butt in row 1)

I never understood the whole credit card status. I could spend more on my Visa debit card. I do have a platinum card... However if my bank charged me an annual fee.... I'd quite happily revert to Gold or even Classic.

For nearly 20 years I have purchased an annual Travel insurance policy which is way less that the Centurian Card annual fee. (And covers more) As I don't travel in the back of an aircraft... Access to lounges is a given.

It's the old saying.... Money talks and BullSh!t walks..... I'll still get the good table at the restaurant and row 1 on the plane.

 

[Homer]

For nearly 20 years I have purchased an annual Travel insurance policy which is way less that the Centurian Card annual fee. (And covers more) As I don't travel in the back of an aircraft... Access to lounges is a given.

It's the old saying.... Money talks and BullSh!t walks..... I'll still get the good table at the restaurant and row 1 on the plane.

I don’t know that the Centurion travel insurance compares poorly against other policies and, having claimed a few times, I would be surprised if it did. It is not the same as the free travel insurance that some banks supply with their platinum cards, or even like the AMEX Platinum charge card travel insurance.

As for still getting a good table at a restaurant - well it might be tough to beat some of the Centurion tables. That’s one of my top 3 reasons for retaining the card. But I’m happy to hear your stories of success without one - it might inspire me to “go it alone”.

 

[JohnK]

I never understood the whole credit card status. I could spend more on my Visa debit card. I do have a platinum card... However if my bank charged me an annual fee.... I'd quite happily revert to Gold or even Classic.

This is one has puzzled me as well.

I have seen people disappointed that they only got the Silver credit card instead of the Gold credit card or the Gold Credit card instead of the Platinum credit card.

 

[haydensydney]

My Ego will NEVER require a credit card to stroke it.

Mine does.... and it loves it

I'll still get the good table at the restaurant

...what about at short notice at the best restaurant in town ?! You tend to get quite good seats booking via Centurion also