Reduced AMEX earn rates from April 2019

[theblank]

Said there would be specific offers based on our spend profile, etc but again said "I don't know" when I pressed for more details.

thats interesting and I am looking forward to hearing about the different offers that some people will get, combined with the emotional outburst that will follow when an entitled someone finds he didnt get a good a deal as someone else.

 

[kpc]

I wonder whether the millions Amex spend on Shop Small is worthwhile for them....a lot of the smaller shops that I spend at during Shop Small charge a significant surcharge to use Amex. Outside Shop Small there is no way I will be using my Amex there esp with the new redemption rates post 15 April.

 

[djchuckles]

Got my letter today confirming doubling of points (Plat Charge)

 

[Saltywings]

I just got the letter for my Explorer: no mention of doubling the existing points balance, which makes sense (since Gateway stashes would end up being more valuable post-deval).

Interestingly, the letter mentions a new benefit - the 'Hotel Collection' - which seems to be different to the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program. The benefit is that bookings of 2 or more nights through their portal entitles you to a space-available room upgrade at check-in and a USD $75 credit. Interesting, and useful, but I'll take a doubling of my points, thanks.

No word on Plat Edge yet - the Explorer letter mentioned that you'll get a letter for each Amex you hold. There is still hope, as my Explorer earns Ascent points, not Gateway. Fingers still crossed. If the Edge also doesn't get anything, then the Plat Charge guys can have some validation for their $1400 annual fee

 

[Must...Fly!]

I just got the letter for my Explorer: no mention of doubling the existing points balance, which makes sense (since Gateway stashes would end up being more valuable post-deval).

Interestingly, the letter mentions a new benefit - the 'Hotel Collection' - which seems to be different to the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program. The benefit is that bookings of 2 or more nights through their portal entitles you to a space-available room upgrade at check-in and a USD $75 credit. Interesting, and useful, but I'll take a doubling of my points, thanks.

No word on Plat Edge yet - the Explorer letter mentioned that you'll get a letter for each Amex you hold. There is still hope, as my Explorer earns Ascent points, not Gateway. Fingers still crossed. If the Edge also doesn't get anything, then the Plat Charge guys can have some validation for their $1400 annual fee

Thanks for the update re: Explorer. I will go back to my plan of assessing what to do with my points!

 

[ninja-tim]

Got my letter today confirming doubling of points (Plat Charge)

snail mail or email?

 

[oobi doobi]

With the Citi devaluation, there was quite a bit of uproar from us with respect to their notice period and eventually they backed down and gave us extended notice.

And then I cancelled my Citi prestige $700 per year card.

 

[bbqwer]

I just got the letter for my Explorer: no mention of doubling the existing points balance, which makes sense (since Gateway stashes would end up being more valuable post-deval).

Sucksss..... I am hoping ascent point get double please!

 

[robbo135]

I also got the letter confirming the doubling of my existing points balance (Plat Charge).

So here is a potential opportunity:
Those with Plat Charge/Centurion will have their existing points doubled but the transfer rate to SPG/Marriott remains at 3MR :2 Marriott points. With a doubling of the existing points balances, the transfer rate becomes 3MR: 4 Marriott. Or under the old SPG scheme, 3MR to 1.33 SPG OR in other words 1MR = 0.4444 SPG (old program). This isn't too different to the old rate of 1 MR = 0.5 SPG (11% deval).

Of course this effective transfer rate only applies to existing points balances when the crossover happens.

Can someone confirm my logic is correct?

 

[psi999]

Will be interesting to see how explorer cards linked to accent (edge in my case) are treated.

No mail today so guess I'll find out tomorrow or friday.

 

[daft009]

Will be interesting to see how explorer cards linked to accent (edge in my case) are treated.

No mail today so guess I'll find out tomorrow or friday.

I'm in the same boat... Waiting.
Was thinking of applying for the platinum in Jan anyway

 

[ninja-tim]

I've got a business plat charge where points go to normal ascent. So hoping they get doubled too.

 

[kpc]

Will be interesting to see how explorer cards linked to accent (edge in my case) are treated.

No mail today so guess I'll find out tomorrow or friday.

I don't think we can say too much if Ascent is not doubled as well ....if not doubled, I will TF the balance of my Ascent pts to Sq prior to April 15. A couple of F returns to Europe will use up a sizeable chunk of my balance!

 

[Pointy Bird]

I have probably warehoused more points (> 10m) than I can burn in 3/4 yrs. Currently using Explorer/Edge linked to ascent. If Amex does not double my Ascent points linked to Edge, I wonder if getting a Platinum and disposing of Edge would trick the system to permit point doubling ( as suggested by daft009).
If this all fails, I plan to transfer 6m to SQ, 3m to Velocity and keep the balance with Ascent.

Although the devaluation is tragic, there is still reasonable value for transactions where costs are tax deductible. For personal/non business expenses, it is perhaps a borderline call depending on individual circumstances.

Until now, I had not considered the Centurion valuable to me as point earning was superior on an Explorer/Edge combination. However, given the changes to earn rates with Centurion, this now seems a superior product which may justify the cost of the card.

 

[Saltywings]

snail mail or email?

Snail mail. I expect the Edge letter to arrive some time this week!

I wonder if getting a Platinum and disposing of Edge would trick the system to permit point doubling ( as suggested by daft009).

Until now, I had not considered the Centurion valuable to me as point earning was superior on an Explorer/Edge combination. However, given the changes to earn rates with Centurion, this now seems a superior product which may justify the cost of the card.

I would be really surprised if the system would allow you to do that. Though if it did, I too would consider this 'hack'.

I'm with you on the Centurion thought process as well. It would kind of be like paying 5k a year to retain the old earn rates - ish. Well played Amex. Well played.

 

[albyd]

Have received my letter for my Platinum Charge card in today's mail. I'm assuming I'll be getting one for each of my cards. In short, my thinking is that since all my points pool into Ascent Premium with my Platinum Charge card into one homogenous points pool, I'm assuming that all of my points at 15 April will be doubled to retain parity with current conversion rates.

Whilst I'm not excited about the reduced earn rate, I appreciate the gesture from Amex to help us keep our Amex points warehouse at no disadvantage to us and giving us 5 months notice to prepare for the changes. I'll continue with Explorer as my main card until April 15, then concentrate all my spend on the Charge card - should mean I don't need to keep topping up the Charge card like I do currently with the Explorer during the month to keep it within its credit limit.

 

[fkcn]

I don't think we can say too much if Ascent is not doubled as well ....if not doubled, I will TF the balance of my Ascent pts to Sq prior to April 15. A couple of F returns to Europe will use up a sizeable chunk of my balance!

I think we can say quite a lot if not doubled like the orher programs. Though whether they would listen is another matter. Not sure how they would defend this differential treatment. I’ve had an Edge for 12 years so would hope to be treated the same as a charge/reserve card holder of 1-2 years.

 

[kkl]

Have only an edge atm, would make sense to apply for plat charge for doubling of points for Apr 15

 

[Saltywings]

Have only an edge atm, would make sense to apply for plat charge for doubling of points for Apr 15

Let us know if you actually go down this path and it works.

 

[bobbinbrisco]

Have only an edge atm, would make sense to apply for plat charge for doubling of points for Apr 15

agreed - worth it if ascent points won't be doubled come April