Reduced AMEX earn rates from April 2019

[SeaWolf]

Oh yes, there are a lot of people claiming their MR points for plastic gift cards right now for Christmas. Unbelievable!

I dunno, I feel like if the bulk of people were just squandering points on low value rewards then this devaluation wouldn't have been necessary.

 

[SOPOOR]

Oh yes, there are a lot of people claiming their MR points for plastic gift cards right now for Christmas. Unbelievable!

I know 15 people with amexs, and not one of them have ever claimed a premium airfare,
most have balances below 100k and dont know what to do with them

In fact ive never met a person IN person thats claimed a premium flight.

The biggest is a few cases of wine or a $500 pair of headphones or a tv

Edit: not surprised people are flocking to use their points up. Surely amex have expected this

 

[Chicken]

I dunno, I feel like if the bulk of people were just squandering points on low value rewards then this devaluation wouldn't have been necessary.

There are a LOT of plastic gift cards flying out everyday from MR right now (I know, but don't ask me how I know, or I would have to kill you

 

[StevePER]

Both Citi Signature and Westpac Black earn 0.4 SQ mile per $ , while Amex Edge would earn 0.5 and extra for supermarkets and fuel.

I think Westpac Black gives better value earning Qantas points than Krisflyer, with 1.25 points per dollar on the Amex.

Citi on average will earn more than 0.4 SQ miles per dollar after taking into account the increased earn on Diners Club (0.8 SQ miles per dollar) and the higher Visa earn rate with airlines, hotels, supermarkets and fuel.

If I was to stick with Amex it wouldn't be with the Platinum Edge.

 

[SOPOOR]

what do you guys reckon is the best way to complain about these changes,
i just spoek to live chat, they dont have an email address for feebdkac,

just the address
Executive Customer Relations
American Express Australia Limited
GPO BOX 1582
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Fax: 02 9263 6084

I do want a reply, or acknowldgement that theyve read it, not an auto reply saying received

 

[theblank]

Both Citi Signature and Westpac Black earn 0.4 SQ mile per $ , while Amex Edge would earn 0.5 and extra for supermarkets and fuel.

Citi Sig earns 0.6 KF (0.75 VFF) for supermarkets and fuel, its only the 'other' spending that is 0.4 KF

in any case be wary of comparing post April 2019 amex rates, to todays rates with other providers. They are yet to change, except Westpac who just have.

 

[foggy]

Citi Sig earns 0.6 KF (0.75 VFF) for supermarkets and fuel, its only the 'other' spending that is 0.4 KF

in any case be wary of comparing post April 2019 amex rates, to todays rates with other providers. They are yet to change, except Westpac who just have.

I can't shake the feeling that the dragon will halve the transfer rates too.

 

[daft009]

I can't shake the feeling that the dragon will halve the transfer rates too.

Stay postive, think positive

 

[nickc83]

My plat charge annual fee hit my account a few days ago so I decided to give Amex a call yesterday to give my opinion on a card fee rise and a points devaluation in the same FY.

I asked point blank if they will be doing anything to make sure existing point balance values are retained, customer rep implied their would be compensation but wanted to check before confirming with me. Got a call back today and was told they are doubling points on account balances as of 1am 15 April. Apparently letters will be comming out in the next few weeks. I enquired only about the plat charge so can't confirm its across the board.

Everyone take a breather.

 

[albyd]

Thanks for sharing that intel nickc83. That’s some backdown from Amex but admirable as that will stop the forced redemption and continued points warehousing by more alert MR members. Will take some of the pain from the reduced point earn.

Now to wait for our letters.

 

[Mr_Orange]

I will wait for the letter but with ongoing earn and redemption rates, I still think I will stick with my previous plan: Reduced AMEX earn rates from April 2019.

 

[opusman]

Would like it in writing!

 

[bbqwer]

If amex indeed doubling existing points, I am very happy and will hammer those amex cards before April !

 

[firstclasser]

My plat charge annual fee hit my account a few days ago so I decided to give Amex a call yesterday to give my opinion on a card fee rise and a points devaluation in the same FY.

I asked point blank if they will be doing anything to make sure existing point balance values are retained, customer rep implied their would be compensation but wanted to check before confirming with me. Got a call back today and was told they are doubling points on account balances as of 1am 15 April. Apparently letters will be comming out in the next few weeks. I enquired only about the plat charge so can't confirm its across the board.

Everyone take a breather.

It would be good if Amex can confirm this with their account holders soon, as I would need to know by 9th of December to take advantage of the bonus 20% velocity promotion.

 

[amaroo]

I'm going to keep my powder dry, and ignore the 45% QF transfer bonus. Even without this (alleged) little ray of sunshine of doubling MR balances - we already have way toooo many QF points, and we really want to give SQ suites a run for its money.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

I'm going to keep my powder dry, and ignore the 45% QF transfer bonus. Even without this (alleged) little ray of sunshine of doubling MR balances - we already have way toooo many QF points, and we really want to give SQ suites a run for its money.

Good choice. Krsiflyer is EXCELLENT for redemptions.

There is a 30% off biz class AU-ASIA on currently. Prices SYD-SIN in business class at ~40,000 miles.
Plenty more seats available too.

 

[michael65]

Had an online chat with someone from AMEX and he did not indicate that they would double the points. He said we had plenty of time to redeem our points.

 

[nickc83]

Had an online chat with someone from AMEX and he did not indicate that they would double the points. He said we had plenty of time to redeem our points.

Call up the during Sydney business hours and see if you get the same response.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Also I wonder which cards will get this rumoured doubling of balance...

 

[michael65]

Also I wonder which cards will get this rumoured doubling of balance...

I have an online chat with AMEX. There does not seem to be any oudbling of current points balance for Membership Rewards. When I raised the Charge card doubling she would not answer directly. She told me I did not have one so could not comment. I believe we need to keep the pressure up re the accumulated points balance, by complaining constantly to AMEX, and maybe the Financial Ombudsman. The more we complain the more likely they may change their course