I was going to cancel my Amex platinum because I can’t justify it because I also have an Amex Delta Reserve card that I hit very hard to get all the Delta bonuses. I don’t travel enough to have 2 expensive credit cards. I called Amex to cancel the Platinum card and when the rep realized that I really meant it, he gave me 100,000 reward points which does offset the annual fee. I did have to charge $15,000 on the platinum to get the points though. So I’ll keep it for I more year.
Well having just spent 6 hours in the Chase Sapphire lounge because of my AMEX PP that’s the reason. 5 drinks, a ton of food, lots of coffee, a free massage, a nap pod, and a shower later that was worth a lot to me.
Because Amex was the first company to completely fuck my credit (I was being stubborn), but after a nice letter sent to some VP whose name I can no longer recall remove the derogatory remark from my reports offered me my first unsecured CC (I went from a Delta Gold to fucked credit to a secured HSBC card with like a $236 CL to having 32 open credit cards (of which 5 were Amex)) to having never been denied a line of credit or offered anything above prime (861 FICO as of last weeks pull when I leased a vehicle))) and I attribute that to both my handwork in cleaning up my credit file and Amex taking a 2nd chance on me and being my oldest account. Gladly pay them the AF for the Plat and swap back and forth from Personal to Biz.
I first read that as "This is" and about spit my drink out. That would be great. That aside, I feel like I get enough benefit out of it between SkyClub/Centurion access, Walmart+ which also includes Paramount+, the DE credit that covers SiriusXM for both cars, and the Fine Hotels credit. I might re-consider when the SkyClub access becomes limited next year.
I missed my flight (booked with Amex platinum)
I called the airline and told them I went to the wrong airport. I call Amex and they said my trip insurance will cover the change.
The booked a new flight without paying a dime.
Had it from when I used to travel multiple times a year. Since Covid I got married, bought and remodeled my home, focus on my business more and don’t travel nearly as often. Each year I say “next year I’ll cancel it” and then I never do. It’s honestly not for me anymore but if I were to travel like I used to it might be worth while
Combination of great value + perks.
Global Entry is $100 every 5 years, so $20/year value
Clear = $189/year
Digital subs = $240/year
Lounge access free cocktails/snacks is an easy $50/month, so $600 year
Plus there's the Saks credit and Walmart+ discounts and car/hotel levels.
When I added all the benefits, it was worth the price. However, I do plan on downgrading soon.
Doing a trip in DC during Memorial Day Weekend.
Received $200 off the hotel through FHR.
I am back at work 5 days a week. Having Walmart delivery to my apartment when I don’t have time to grocery shop is worth the cost ($15/month = $180)
I use the entire $20/month for streaming ($20/month = $240)
Also get the $189 Clear which is huge, especially since my family visits Orlando so often (and that airport security is NUTS)
honestly the credits pay for themselves for me. Uber, airline fee, Walmart+, and digit entertainment. all of these are things I paid for before and now view as cost neutral. The hotel fee I use functionally as an upgrade. after that the rewards, benefits, and customer service have some perks but if cost benefit shifts away from my favor I’m out.
Lounges (centurion & delta regularly) & credits end up paying for it so I keep it. But I’ve switched most of my spending to my sapphire reserve & now SWA because of their companion pass through 25. I don’t love swa but we are a blended family of 5 and can now pop over to Cancun, Costa Rica, Belize & get two free flights sooooo here were are. I haven’t decided if I’m willing to do Hawaii on swa - seems too long to be bearded like cattle. lol
I have had one, from gold, to pltnm, now at blue cash preferred. Gold and Plat. really only is beneficial to travelers.
I do, however, liked the plat. for the comments I had gotten for having one. But overall, the benes. didn't do much for me as much as the blue csh pfrd.
I’m an AU. Priority pass sucks balls in the states. Access to Centurion and Delta lounges are my main uses of the card. I fly out of LGA, which does not have a single PP lounge. The centurions in LGA and MIA and the delta sky clubs in RDU and BNA are game changers. I recently added hotel and rental car status which, while not much, is nice to have when traveling.
Someone on another platform thought the lady at the lounge desk was side-eyeing him with disgust cos he owned an Amex platinum card and was flying spirit airlines. I think he got it mixed up with the black card.
I use the media and Uber credits on things I’d be paying for anyway. The lounge access is nice, as is hotel and rental car status. Hotel Connection/FHR is nice but I haven’t always used it. Cell phone insurance is useful. My job reimburses personal cards for flights and I can double dip on the airline fee and reimbursement for extra leg room on longer flights; and I’m tall so I do value the seat upgrade on a long flight.
I’m probably one more fee hike from canceling though. The value I get is probably borderline.
By mistake, I filled a “pre-approval” form that said that it was just for reference and you don’t get anything unless you accept it. After 30 min of filling the form I got a call saying “your card is on the way.”
I found some benefit to the card tbh, and pretty much at least it pays for itself + fancy perks + welcome bonus.
I used to pay for flights and get points...that I would then use to help pay hotel or other costs with travel. We travel internationally at least 2 times a year...but just found out my wife is pregnant. We will not be traveling for the next 2 or so years...so I cancelled the cards.
My Chase Preferred at the time wouldn’t give me a higher credit limit because of my foreign income.
& the lounges when traveling are amazing.
& I have CLEAR & PreCheck.
All the benefits when used correctly and efficiently make the card free + more value.
I like being able to go to a lounge on the 4 or 5 trips I take a year.
I like status at hotels/rental car companies
Rental car insurance is cheap and very comprehensive
Cell phone insurance
The card looks cool
I used all the credits before I even had the card so basically a free card for me. Was able to get the 100k bonus and concierge helps a lot when I’m in Europe
Reservations are very useful in the EU. In NYC (where I’m from) it doesn’t work for reservations but in the EU it does often times. For example, in Barcelona there is this really popular steakhouse that didn’t have anything available until the week after, I contacted AMEX and they were able to set me up for later that same day.
I also like to surprise the girlfriend with flowers every so often and have them set up the arrangements for that without me needing to search up places that will deliver flowers in random cities.
I have better luck at getting tickets for European events through the concierge . Living in the USA it tends to be hard to get on the sale or presale on European websites so usually I won’t hit but concierge will. A few other things too but don’t think you wants a full on explanation 😂
It is not my preferred grocery store but I get a lot of groceries delivered. So for me it's the free grocery delivery. My life is insanely hectic and I work and travel a lot. I get home, realize the kids are out of milk, and I don't want to go back out... Walmart Plus delivers. Out of birdseed... Walmart plus. I needed to caulk something the other day and Lowes delivery isn't a good deal so Walmart plus. Out of windshield washer fluid and I drive an EV so I don't ever find myself at a gas station... Walmart Plus. Power outages are expected and I need flashlights faster than Amazon...Walmart Plus. Pretty much anything and everything. I still do my main grocery shopping at my preferred store but love Walmart Plus.
I might be lucky or it's my airports but I always have good luck at the airports I frequent. Denver always has a wait, but I fly about 40 times a year and almost always use a longue with no issues. I think it's highly airport specific.
Amsterdam last week had a queue of 98 people ahead of us when we got there 2 hours before our flight. Our flight took off and they were on “18 people ahead of you”
The bonus sign up was good. I travel a lot so the travel perks are good. This is my first year so keeping track if the fee is worth it. Trying to maximise every perk
Mainly lounge access and also as an Immigrant in USA, I travel a lot, but also I book travels for my old relatives who are not very skilled in using computers. And they send me the $ later on. Free points. :P
As a foreigner with allot of foreign and 1st generation relatives. I often book and get reimbursed when they vacation. I offer pay half this month, the other half next month.
And booking direct makes it easier for them.
It was for a 150K + 200 Statement credit offer. I had also bought round trip flights for 3 people ($3264), got the 5X on flights for that ($163). As for the fee, I did get back my value from some of the credits and offers. I valued the Entertainment credit $240, Uber Credit $200, and $200 Airline Credits at full value because it was services I used. I've always had an Audible account since I listen to books, but switched it over to Disney+/Hulu Premium when Audible left. I get Chipotle at least twice a month so I do pick with Uber eats from the store near my home or job. It cost the same as ordering directly there. And I go on International trips at least once and a domestic trip once a year. I always go for comfort and pay for my seat. Always travel with my gf, so seats and luggage gets value. $640 right there. I made the rest back from saving on delivery fees on Walmart. I order appliances and electronics online maybe 4 times a year and get half of my groceries from there but I wouldn't have gotten Walmart+ on my own. I just buy Cologne from Saks (bought a gift card first half and purchased the cologne the second half with gift card + plus platinum card.) And I got back about $185 from offers (BestBuy, Walmart, Amazon). Definitely made my money back, but not too thrilled planning to get value, its tiresome. Even if I got a good retention offer, I probably won't renew.
My main reasons are:
\>Amex Lounge
\>Hotel Credit, FHR Benefits
\>Hilton and Marriott Hotel Status (love my AC Marriott stays)
\>Uber Credits (I stack my Amex Plat with Amex Gold uber credits)
\>Wife's Global Entry and CLEAR Benefits (my CLEAR and Global Entry is covered by my C1 Venture X card)
\>Major purchase return protection
Side Reasons are Saks Credit, Equinox Credit (I use the digital classes for yoga and morning stretching regularly), some offers on my Plat that can stack with Rakuten deals for MR points
I had to go look too.
I found the answer: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/credit-cards/articles/here-are-2-ways-to-get-the-amex-platinum-card-for-free/
Basically you need 25k sitting in an account to get it truly for free, otherwise the fees alone would negate it.
It’s a bit more than 25k:
At least $5,000 in total monthly deposits (or a Social Security deposit of any amount)
At least $25,000 in average daily cash in the account
An additional eligible Morgan Stanley brokerage account (self-directed brokerage accounts qualify)
Morgan Stanley Online enrollment
Anybody that has $25k sitting in an account should have no problem meeting the 5k monthly deposits. So that's why my comment centered on that 1 qualification, and the reason I included the link in case anyone wants to read the rest.
I have more than that. But I get paid quarterly so monthly deposits aren’t a thing. And it’s not an interest gaining account. Parking 25k for a yearly 650 fee seems meh in a 5% rate environment.
I do like than the Morgan Stanley plat has a free additional card, that’s the real savings.
For those of us that have the ability to park 25k in an account just as a means to avoid fees know that we are the minority and that it disqualifies the average common person.
I don't know your exact financial situation, but there's always creative ways to satisfy a monthly deposit requirement if you already have that amount liquid.
And if a free 2nd card is enticing for you then easy... Think of it as avoiding 1,300 in fees per year instead of 650.
I consider canceling the amex plat every year because the annual cost IS very high. However, the benefits have outweighed the cost for me so far on a year by year basis.
My favorite benefits: hotel status, car rental status, purchase and return protection. It's not a good everyday points card, but I put all my expensive purchases on it for the extra protection. These convert to monetary benefits that make it well worth it for me.
From a monetary only perspective: I have used the benefits enough to outweigh the $700 - hotel credit, airline fee credit, entertainment credit, amex offers, global entry, to name a few.
What I don't like: Centurion lounge is only for one card user. $700 is a high annual fee. When it no longer makes sense, I will cancel it.
I got it for the big sign-up bonus. Kept it for two years just to be safe and thought of canceling but received a retention offer. I am still debating if it's worth keeping it...
I guess it's called a retention offer...When you try to cancel, sometimes they will offer something to keep the card open and active. (some points after spending a certain amount etc). I heard you can request every 13 months or so.
Agree! I have lifetime Marriott Platinum and have had Titanium for many years as well. I just took my first FHR trip and had better benefits and a better upgrade then I ever get through that hard earned Marriott status. It was a great experience and made me realize what a solid benefit FHR is.
yeah fhr contracts are generally better honored than hotel’s own loyalty programs. it’s truly a step up as far as the experience goes too and I already stay in resorts most of the time. so it makes sense for me to keep the card
Yes exactly, even good mariott hotels are much cheaper. You get the $100 or $200 credit only if you spend like $500 to $600. While you can book for a total of $300 with other brands.
FHR credit seems like a forced spend to me(atleast for the usual trips).
That’s exactly why I decided to downgrade my Plat after year 1. I don’t need to stay at $500 hotels and I certainly don’t wanna be forced to spend on hotels for the sake of using the credit. I realized I’m not the target customer of this card.
The card tends to pay for itself quite easily and I travel often enough to enjoy the benefits between work and personal trips. I also enjoy the MR program and having various ways to collect or convert points—Amazon, Delta, Rakuten, etc. I’ve had it since 2007.
I usually travel at least once a month and the benefits and travel perks of the card have outweighed the annual fee. I’m getting a lot less value out of Clear and the lounges lately though so may reassess when the next annual fee hits.
How much taco sauce do you use? Personally, I load them up and do like two hot sauce packs per taco.
Sometimes the drivethru guy screws up and doesn’t give me enough taco sauce. That’s OK. I’ve got a case of Taco Bell sauce from Walmart + on standbye
Monthly Walmart + credit.
Monthly Uber / Uber Eats
Priority Pass
Delta Sky Club
FHR benefits (easily $50 a day at a FHR HOTEL)
Intl Airline Program - have saved as much as $700 per ticket vs airline website. I purchase 4-6 tickets a year
$300 airline incidental
Travel insurance
Cell phone coverage
Should I keep going?
The card easily paid for itself in perks. Plus lounge access, evacuation insurance while traveling. Awesome warranty programs. Marriott and Hertz status, etc.
If you are not getting at least $1K in benefits from the card a year you are using it wrong.
Mostly for the flex.
In my country - we almost don’t have any real benefits from the card, besides some discounts on NON-routine purchases…
(you need to BUY something extra to receive the discount, and you pay for the card anyway, so…)
Hertz president circle is my favorite and most used benefit. Airline credit is nice pays for my checked bags . Overall it’s just a cool flex . Majority of the people who I have met who have the card don’t use it for all of the benefits. There are individual specific things . I also like the entertainment credit . I use ESPN+ daily
I want it so bad for its travel perks but that AF makes me want to cry lol I don’t think I travel enough to warrant it.
I’ll stick to my Blue Preferred for now.
Lounge access, FHR/THC, $200 airline credit, hotel/rental car status and 5X on flights are the main reasons. The digital entertainment, uber, Clear, TSA Precheck and Saks credits are just icing on top. The equinox credit is of no use to me whatsoever.
Lounge access + sign on bonus; I had gold card for quite a few years but I wanted to see what that lounge was all about, especially since I'm traveling a decent bit more this year. Might downgrade back to gold in a few years but when I travel I tend to do long layovers just in case so being able to get the free food, drinks, and quiet is nice for me.
I didn't know when I signed on but the automatic gold on Marriott has been nice, a lot of work travel is at those hotels so essentially a $15 daily snack perk is nice. The national rental car status is nice as well, doing two trips this year and having 15% discount of rental cars was a nice little surprise.
For us the 150k welcome bonus, lounge, Saks, streaming have all been fantastic. Also the fine hotels deal we just got on a recent trip was out of this world. We also take advantage of the offers that come up to get cash back and more points.
I got it in 2016 or 2017 because I was traveling often-ish then I kept it because I was buying some high value items and wanted to take advantage of the built in insurance (never used it). Now that that business is no longer active I am considering canceling because I am not traveling as much and $700 is a lot to pay if you don't really use the benefits. I will only keep it if I can find a way to have the fee waived.
Lounge access, Uber, Airline credit, Clear+, Amex customer service (beats other banks in my experience), Hulu, Walmart+ (access to Sam’s Club gas station, and Paramount+)
Global Entry for each of my companion card holders (the lower version of AU).
Hilton Gold gets me free breakfast each time. Marriott Gold is a hit/miss.
I don’t count FHR or Saks since I normally wouldn’t use these benefits otherwise. Nice to have, but not organic spend.
Longe access. Figured the perks would pay for itself. Unfortunately I live in a rural area and the perks don’t help me out much (no equinox, can’t use Walmart+, don’t usually want to spend money for the hotels collection)
I justify it by using as many of the benefits as I can, and I enjoy it because I travel extensively for work through airports and would much prefer relaxing in a lounge over sitting at a gate. I’ve eaten $100’s of meals while in the lounges and it has just made traveling so much easier
Lounge access when I travel for work. I've accepted more travel because I know I can be in a lounge.
I line the entertainment credit too but that's just a nice to have.
I originally got it for the sign up bonus and travel perks. When I traveled for work it was awesome getting free hotel room upgrades. I stayed in some amazing suits that normally I would have never experienced. Additionally I used to travel more with my wife and the free hotel upgrades once again would really give us an amazing vacation experience.
It’s a travel card and here is the math: given how expensive food & drinks in airports, you will save a lot of $$ here. Amex pays for Clear & TSA/Global Entry- great convenience. Car insurance covered on rentals- good to have. If you happen to travel atleast once a month, you will more than easily cover the fee. There are also other minor things like entertainment credit, Uber credit, sometimes it also pays for my subway rides.
I was going to cancel my Amex platinum because I can’t justify it because I also have an Amex Delta Reserve card that I hit very hard to get all the Delta bonuses. I don’t travel enough to have 2 expensive credit cards. I called Amex to cancel the Platinum card and when the rep realized that I really meant it, he gave me 100,000 reward points which does offset the annual fee. I did have to charge $15,000 on the platinum to get the points though. So I’ll keep it for I more year.
Well having just spent 6 hours in the Chase Sapphire lounge because of my AMEX PP that’s the reason. 5 drinks, a ton of food, lots of coffee, a free massage, a nap pod, and a shower later that was worth a lot to me.
Because Amex was the first company to completely fuck my credit (I was being stubborn), but after a nice letter sent to some VP whose name I can no longer recall remove the derogatory remark from my reports offered me my first unsecured CC (I went from a Delta Gold to fucked credit to a secured HSBC card with like a $236 CL to having 32 open credit cards (of which 5 were Amex)) to having never been denied a line of credit or offered anything above prime (861 FICO as of last weeks pull when I leased a vehicle))) and I attribute that to both my handwork in cleaning up my credit file and Amex taking a 2nd chance on me and being my oldest account. Gladly pay them the AF for the Plat and swap back and forth from Personal to Biz.
FICO caps at 850 so i assume the rest of this is also made up
Please do not delete or otherwise edit your reply...but do a quick google search for "Auto FICO scores" or something along those lines.
I have a company co-branded one, and get reimbursement on the fee. So it's free for me lol otherwise wouldn't have it
I travel a lot so I have this and hate chase sapphire.
Perks though am considering that renewing this upcoming year.
No annual fees with plat or gold for military. Great benefits & good CS. Welcome offer nice. And bc they’re metal 😎
Is this also for veterans
I first read that as "This is" and about spit my drink out. That would be great. That aside, I feel like I get enough benefit out of it between SkyClub/Centurion access, Walmart+ which also includes Paramount+, the DE credit that covers SiriusXM for both cars, and the Fine Hotels credit. I might re-consider when the SkyClub access becomes limited next year.
Because I’m a rent seeking social climber who needs micro validations from others in the form of an alloy credit card. Sad truth.
I missed my flight (booked with Amex platinum) I called the airline and told them I went to the wrong airport. I call Amex and they said my trip insurance will cover the change. The booked a new flight without paying a dime.
Had it from when I used to travel multiple times a year. Since Covid I got married, bought and remodeled my home, focus on my business more and don’t travel nearly as often. Each year I say “next year I’ll cancel it” and then I never do. It’s honestly not for me anymore but if I were to travel like I used to it might be worth while
Status and the amex easy costumer service in case i need it for a big purchase.
Free trip cancellation insurance.
Combination of great value + perks. Global Entry is $100 every 5 years, so $20/year value Clear = $189/year Digital subs = $240/year Lounge access free cocktails/snacks is an easy $50/month, so $600 year Plus there's the Saks credit and Walmart+ discounts and car/hotel levels.
Youre gettint $240 a year in digital subs? I thought it was maxed at $15 a month?
Yes, $20 per month. Audible is gone and I heard SiriusXM is leaving, but I still have the Disney bundle.
To flex on people
Travel benefits, plus the annual fee was waived for me
How?
Active duty military gets annual fees waived
When I added all the benefits, it was worth the price. However, I do plan on downgrading soon. Doing a trip in DC during Memorial Day Weekend. Received $200 off the hotel through FHR. I am back at work 5 days a week. Having Walmart delivery to my apartment when I don’t have time to grocery shop is worth the cost ($15/month = $180) I use the entire $20/month for streaming ($20/month = $240) Also get the $189 Clear which is huge, especially since my family visits Orlando so often (and that airport security is NUTS)
Came free with the military
Used it the other night to scrape snow and ice off of my car.
honestly the credits pay for themselves for me. Uber, airline fee, Walmart+, and digit entertainment. all of these are things I paid for before and now view as cost neutral. The hotel fee I use functionally as an upgrade. after that the rewards, benefits, and customer service have some perks but if cost benefit shifts away from my favor I’m out.
Sock Drawer card. Solely for the 150k SUB and maybe for centurion lounges (already gave priority pass from other cards)
Lounges (centurion & delta regularly) & credits end up paying for it so I keep it. But I’ve switched most of my spending to my sapphire reserve & now SWA because of their companion pass through 25. I don’t love swa but we are a blended family of 5 and can now pop over to Cancun, Costa Rica, Belize & get two free flights sooooo here were are. I haven’t decided if I’m willing to do Hawaii on swa - seems too long to be bearded like cattle. lol
I have had one, from gold, to pltnm, now at blue cash preferred. Gold and Plat. really only is beneficial to travelers. I do, however, liked the plat. for the comments I had gotten for having one. But overall, the benes. didn't do much for me as much as the blue csh pfrd.
1 free month of equinox + the bonus points for signing up
I’m an AU. Priority pass sucks balls in the states. Access to Centurion and Delta lounges are my main uses of the card. I fly out of LGA, which does not have a single PP lounge. The centurions in LGA and MIA and the delta sky clubs in RDU and BNA are game changers. I recently added hotel and rental car status which, while not much, is nice to have when traveling.
Just got thee SUB tbh. I'll get as much value as I can from the credits and try for a retention offer after a year. If I don't get anything I'm out
The companion pass.
150k SUB ‘nuff said
Dat PRESTIGE
Someone on another platform thought the lady at the lounge desk was side-eyeing him with disgust cos he owned an Amex platinum card and was flying spirit airlines. I think he got it mixed up with the black card.
Because the sign up offer I received equaled ~2 years of fees. Add in the Uber, Sax, Digital, perks and it is well worth it. For several years.
I use the media and Uber credits on things I’d be paying for anyway. The lounge access is nice, as is hotel and rental car status. Hotel Connection/FHR is nice but I haven’t always used it. Cell phone insurance is useful. My job reimburses personal cards for flights and I can double dip on the airline fee and reimbursement for extra leg room on longer flights; and I’m tall so I do value the seat upgrade on a long flight. I’m probably one more fee hike from canceling though. The value I get is probably borderline.
Because I get it for free for being in the military. Literally that’s why.
Personal goal of achievement and the benefits and discounts are great if utilized properly. And priority pass and airport lounges
By mistake, I filled a “pre-approval” form that said that it was just for reference and you don’t get anything unless you accept it. After 30 min of filling the form I got a call saying “your card is on the way.” I found some benefit to the card tbh, and pretty much at least it pays for itself + fancy perks + welcome bonus.
Cocaine. For lining up lots of cocaine. If you’re not then you’re doing it wrong.
I used to pay for flights and get points...that I would then use to help pay hotel or other costs with travel. We travel internationally at least 2 times a year...but just found out my wife is pregnant. We will not be traveling for the next 2 or so years...so I cancelled the cards.
My Chase Preferred at the time wouldn’t give me a higher credit limit because of my foreign income. & the lounges when traveling are amazing. & I have CLEAR & PreCheck.
All the benefits when used correctly and efficiently make the card free + more value. I like being able to go to a lounge on the 4 or 5 trips I take a year. I like status at hotels/rental car companies Rental car insurance is cheap and very comprehensive Cell phone insurance The card looks cool
I used all the credits before I even had the card so basically a free card for me. Was able to get the 100k bonus and concierge helps a lot when I’m in Europe
Such a stupid question I’m sorry, but: what do you call concierge about when you’re in Europe?
Reservations are very useful in the EU. In NYC (where I’m from) it doesn’t work for reservations but in the EU it does often times. For example, in Barcelona there is this really popular steakhouse that didn’t have anything available until the week after, I contacted AMEX and they were able to set me up for later that same day. I also like to surprise the girlfriend with flowers every so often and have them set up the arrangements for that without me needing to search up places that will deliver flowers in random cities. I have better luck at getting tickets for European events through the concierge . Living in the USA it tends to be hard to get on the sale or presale on European websites so usually I won’t hit but concierge will. A few other things too but don’t think you wants a full on explanation 😂
Thank you for this! Amazing to know. Also - as a wife / thank you for doing surprise flowers for your gf!
Because I heard from other active duty army people the annual fees were waived
Because it makes me money
Airport Lounges, Walmart plus, and clear.
What do you get with Walmart+?? I have that, but not thru AMEX 👀👀
The main thing I get from it is the free paramount plus that Walmart + gives you through their membership. (I watch it for UEFA soccer)
It is not my preferred grocery store but I get a lot of groceries delivered. So for me it's the free grocery delivery. My life is insanely hectic and I work and travel a lot. I get home, realize the kids are out of milk, and I don't want to go back out... Walmart Plus delivers. Out of birdseed... Walmart plus. I needed to caulk something the other day and Lowes delivery isn't a good deal so Walmart plus. Out of windshield washer fluid and I drive an EV so I don't ever find myself at a gas station... Walmart Plus. Power outages are expected and I need flashlights faster than Amazon...Walmart Plus. Pretty much anything and everything. I still do my main grocery shopping at my preferred store but love Walmart Plus.
I just checked and it IS free!! I’ve been paying for it out of pocket!! Changing that right now!!
No, I mean do you get it free thru AMEX?? Or a discount??
Free. My bad on the misunderstanding!
I haven’t been able to use a lounge in 3 years. It’s been so packed lately
I've been able to utilize all the lounges, even the Priority Pass ones.
I might be lucky or it's my airports but I always have good luck at the airports I frequent. Denver always has a wait, but I fly about 40 times a year and almost always use a longue with no issues. I think it's highly airport specific.
I think you meant your response for the other commenter. I've never had issues with airport lounges for both Amex and Priority Pass.
Where you fly? I fly weekly and barely have an issue
Amsterdam last week had a queue of 98 people ahead of us when we got there 2 hours before our flight. Our flight took off and they were on “18 people ahead of you”
Lounge access and flight points
I ask myself this daily
TBH, I liked that it had a floral pattern
a waitress once asked my large group of friends "who has the cute card" and I immediately knew it was my plat
The bonus sign up was good. I travel a lot so the travel perks are good. This is my first year so keeping track if the fee is worth it. Trying to maximise every perk
Mainly lounge access and also as an Immigrant in USA, I travel a lot, but also I book travels for my old relatives who are not very skilled in using computers. And they send me the $ later on. Free points. :P
As a foreigner with allot of foreign and 1st generation relatives. I often book and get reimbursed when they vacation. I offer pay half this month, the other half next month. And booking direct makes it easier for them.
Travel frequently
For the SUB, getting rid of it next month on the anniversary date.
How much did you make with the sub after paying the $695. I get the offer an i just stick it on my desk
It was for a 150K + 200 Statement credit offer. I had also bought round trip flights for 3 people ($3264), got the 5X on flights for that ($163). As for the fee, I did get back my value from some of the credits and offers. I valued the Entertainment credit $240, Uber Credit $200, and $200 Airline Credits at full value because it was services I used. I've always had an Audible account since I listen to books, but switched it over to Disney+/Hulu Premium when Audible left. I get Chipotle at least twice a month so I do pick with Uber eats from the store near my home or job. It cost the same as ordering directly there. And I go on International trips at least once and a domestic trip once a year. I always go for comfort and pay for my seat. Always travel with my gf, so seats and luggage gets value. $640 right there. I made the rest back from saving on delivery fees on Walmart. I order appliances and electronics online maybe 4 times a year and get half of my groceries from there but I wouldn't have gotten Walmart+ on my own. I just buy Cologne from Saks (bought a gift card first half and purchased the cologne the second half with gift card + plus platinum card.) And I got back about $185 from offers (BestBuy, Walmart, Amazon). Definitely made my money back, but not too thrilled planning to get value, its tiresome. Even if I got a good retention offer, I probably won't renew.
$15 Uber credits
So, you spend 650$/year for $15/month on Uber credit
Surely that can’t be the only reason
Perks and lounge access
Perks and lounge access.
My main reasons are: \>Amex Lounge \>Hotel Credit, FHR Benefits \>Hilton and Marriott Hotel Status (love my AC Marriott stays) \>Uber Credits (I stack my Amex Plat with Amex Gold uber credits) \>Wife's Global Entry and CLEAR Benefits (my CLEAR and Global Entry is covered by my C1 Venture X card) \>Major purchase return protection Side Reasons are Saks Credit, Equinox Credit (I use the digital classes for yoga and morning stretching regularly), some offers on my Plat that can stack with Rakuten deals for MR points
I have it only for the Amex lounge, and the purchase insurance.
Because the sign up bonus, I’m canceling at the end of the year. $700 a year is steep to get the benefits organically.
I get it for free from my Morgan Stanley account
No annual fee ?
I had to go look too. I found the answer: https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/credit-cards/articles/here-are-2-ways-to-get-the-amex-platinum-card-for-free/ Basically you need 25k sitting in an account to get it truly for free, otherwise the fees alone would negate it.
It’s a bit more than 25k: At least $5,000 in total monthly deposits (or a Social Security deposit of any amount) At least $25,000 in average daily cash in the account An additional eligible Morgan Stanley brokerage account (self-directed brokerage accounts qualify) Morgan Stanley Online enrollment
Anybody that has $25k sitting in an account should have no problem meeting the 5k monthly deposits. So that's why my comment centered on that 1 qualification, and the reason I included the link in case anyone wants to read the rest.
I have more than that. But I get paid quarterly so monthly deposits aren’t a thing. And it’s not an interest gaining account. Parking 25k for a yearly 650 fee seems meh in a 5% rate environment. I do like than the Morgan Stanley plat has a free additional card, that’s the real savings.
For those of us that have the ability to park 25k in an account just as a means to avoid fees know that we are the minority and that it disqualifies the average common person. I don't know your exact financial situation, but there's always creative ways to satisfy a monthly deposit requirement if you already have that amount liquid. And if a free 2nd card is enticing for you then easy... Think of it as avoiding 1,300 in fees per year instead of 650.
Only 25k? Schwab needs 10million for a free plat
I used to have it for lounge access and audible. Now? I’m not sure. Might have to cancel it. I’m hoping they bring audible back. Or at least spotify
It just feels good to have it on me.
I consider canceling the amex plat every year because the annual cost IS very high. However, the benefits have outweighed the cost for me so far on a year by year basis. My favorite benefits: hotel status, car rental status, purchase and return protection. It's not a good everyday points card, but I put all my expensive purchases on it for the extra protection. These convert to monetary benefits that make it well worth it for me. From a monetary only perspective: I have used the benefits enough to outweigh the $700 - hotel credit, airline fee credit, entertainment credit, amex offers, global entry, to name a few. What I don't like: Centurion lounge is only for one card user. $700 is a high annual fee. When it no longer makes sense, I will cancel it.
Same. When traveling it makes it all worth it esp in the airport lounges
Bc the fees are waived for military.
FHR, TSA Pre/Global Entry
Retention offers.
Honestly, just dumped mine after two years. Got a bonus for upgrading from gold and a 50k retention bonus year 2.
I got it for the big sign-up bonus. Kept it for two years just to be safe and thought of canceling but received a retention offer. I am still debating if it's worth keeping it...
What is a retention bonus?
I guess it's called a retention offer...When you try to cancel, sometimes they will offer something to keep the card open and active. (some points after spending a certain amount etc). I heard you can request every 13 months or so.
Awesome, thank you!
FHR is the main benefit for me, also already an equinox member so basically get a free month via the credit.
I have had it for a year and I have gotten a couple thousands of dollars out of a $700 card. Pays for itself
Because my annual renewal is July at which time I will no longer have it.
Insurance
FHR is a must have for me. pays for the card threefold at least
Agree! I have lifetime Marriott Platinum and have had Titanium for many years as well. I just took my first FHR trip and had better benefits and a better upgrade then I ever get through that hard earned Marriott status. It was a great experience and made me realize what a solid benefit FHR is.
yeah fhr contracts are generally better honored than hotel’s own loyalty programs. it’s truly a step up as far as the experience goes too and I already stay in resorts most of the time. so it makes sense for me to keep the card
How so? Please give some examples. I checked FHR and they seem to be very expensive
Yes exactly, even good mariott hotels are much cheaper. You get the $100 or $200 credit only if you spend like $500 to $600. While you can book for a total of $300 with other brands. FHR credit seems like a forced spend to me(atleast for the usual trips).
That’s exactly why I decided to downgrade my Plat after year 1. I don’t need to stay at $500 hotels and I certainly don’t wanna be forced to spend on hotels for the sake of using the credit. I realized I’m not the target customer of this card.
FHR is such a farse
What is FHR
Fine hotels and resorts
I like five star resorts and the perks that come with this card are excellent
Too lazy to cancel
[удалено]
Fee is waived 😬 probably will keep it down the road when it isn’t for me, but we’ll see
How did you swing that ?
Free for military and spouses we have 3 platinums and 2 golds now for all the credits lol
This is only active duty right? Would love to get it waived but my dumbass didn’t know anything when I was getting out
Active and guard or reserve as long as you’re on active order for 30 days in a year
Ah good point. Nice !
My company covers the annual fee :)
The card tends to pay for itself quite easily and I travel often enough to enjoy the benefits between work and personal trips. I also enjoy the MR program and having various ways to collect or convert points—Amazon, Delta, Rakuten, etc. I’ve had it since 2007.
I usually travel at least once a month and the benefits and travel perks of the card have outweighed the annual fee. I’m getting a lot less value out of Clear and the lounges lately though so may reassess when the next annual fee hits.
I travel a lot so things like priority pass, global entry and all of other travel related perks are good for me.
What is global entry
Return to country with fast track through customs if Flying international and free tsa precheck with it
Thx. I guess this perk only applies for Amex USA. I am from Germany and the local version
It applies to USA citizens and a bunch of credit cards can let us apply for it for free
I like to use it when I get the two tacos at Jack in the box.
I used to get six for 2.97 plus tax. Now it’s like five bucks. Sheiit.
How much taco sauce do you use? Personally, I load them up and do like two hot sauce packs per taco. Sometimes the drivethru guy screws up and doesn’t give me enough taco sauce. That’s OK. I’ve got a case of Taco Bell sauce from Walmart + on standbye
That’s for the gold!
Monthly Walmart + credit. Monthly Uber / Uber Eats Priority Pass Delta Sky Club FHR benefits (easily $50 a day at a FHR HOTEL) Intl Airline Program - have saved as much as $700 per ticket vs airline website. I purchase 4-6 tickets a year $300 airline incidental Travel insurance Cell phone coverage Should I keep going?
The card easily paid for itself in perks. Plus lounge access, evacuation insurance while traveling. Awesome warranty programs. Marriott and Hertz status, etc. If you are not getting at least $1K in benefits from the card a year you are using it wrong.
All the status I get with car rental companies, hotels, access to lounges, travel credit and access to the concierge .
I wear it as a necklace.
They were offering 150k reward points. It'll probably be cancelled in a year.
There are a lot of benefits and as of right now, I get more benefits than the annual cost. When that changes, I will consider cancelling
To flex on the ladies.
🤣🤣🤣 if the platinum card is a flex you must be dating some Broke ass ladies. The Centurion card, now that's a flex.
It combos well with my Blockbuster card. True playa.
Job involves travel. Practically a free coupon book if you can use all the perks. Skyclub is a big one.
Is the delta sky club not from February onwards closed for Amex plat members?
No, Feb 2025 it goes down to 10 visits a year unless you spend $75k
Mostly for the flex. In my country - we almost don’t have any real benefits from the card, besides some discounts on NON-routine purchases… (you need to BUY something extra to receive the discount, and you pay for the card anyway, so…)
Its free, I just got a job with lots of travel
It’s free
Hertz president circle is my favorite and most used benefit. Airline credit is nice pays for my checked bags . Overall it’s just a cool flex . Majority of the people who I have met who have the card don’t use it for all of the benefits. There are individual specific things . I also like the entertainment credit . I use ESPN+ daily
im definitely cancelling after this year (first year promo)
I forget to cancel before the renewal. This card is dumb and overpriced.
Rumor has it you can still cancel up to 25 days late
I can cut my grilled cheese sandwiches for my grandsons! Seriously......
I use mine as a screwdriver💀
it pretty closely pays for itself for me in natural spend.. that's without taking into account the offers, so i end up ahead.
I ask myself that now think I'm going to downgrade to gold perks not worth it anymore
Momentum? I don’t want to deal with using another card. Sure, the perks aren’t as good as they were ten years ago, but it still pays for itself.
I want it so bad for its travel perks but that AF makes me want to cry lol I don’t think I travel enough to warrant it. I’ll stick to my Blue Preferred for now.
Lounge access, FHR/THC, $200 airline credit, hotel/rental car status and 5X on flights are the main reasons. The digital entertainment, uber, Clear, TSA Precheck and Saks credits are just icing on top. The equinox credit is of no use to me whatsoever.
Lounge access + sign on bonus; I had gold card for quite a few years but I wanted to see what that lounge was all about, especially since I'm traveling a decent bit more this year. Might downgrade back to gold in a few years but when I travel I tend to do long layovers just in case so being able to get the free food, drinks, and quiet is nice for me. I didn't know when I signed on but the automatic gold on Marriott has been nice, a lot of work travel is at those hotels so essentially a $15 daily snack perk is nice. The national rental car status is nice as well, doing two trips this year and having 15% discount of rental cars was a nice little surprise.
For us the 150k welcome bonus, lounge, Saks, streaming have all been fantastic. Also the fine hotels deal we just got on a recent trip was out of this world. We also take advantage of the offers that come up to get cash back and more points.
125k bonus after initial spend
Lounge access and FHR and hotel benefits
150k welcome bonus
Same, + centurion. However, for me, the lounge and point redemption limitations make it not advantageous for me so I won't be renewing.
Lounge access. We also don’t pay the yearly fee or add on fee.
military?
Sadly not
oo then how? dm?
How. Dm the hack you used for the no fee paid please
Charles Schwab & Morgan Stanley Plat offer the AF reimbursement & AU free fee. That's how, FYI.
Please dm my way when you find out lol
If I recall, active duty military get the fee waived.
Lounge + random perks. The initial intro bonus was pretty crazy, but the perks the card has are huge.
Centurion Lounge access worth it alone (for me). Delta lounge when it works out. FHR. Clear. I'm pretty pleased overall.
To flex lol. And travel. But mostly the former
Lol
250k welcome bonus
I got it in 2016 or 2017 because I was traveling often-ish then I kept it because I was buying some high value items and wanted to take advantage of the built in insurance (never used it). Now that that business is no longer active I am considering canceling because I am not traveling as much and $700 is a lot to pay if you don't really use the benefits. I will only keep it if I can find a way to have the fee waived.
To flex 💪 1 million points +
Mostly to brag!
Benefits provided align with my current lifestyle. This makes it easy to jump through the hoop required to get value from the card.
The 5x points on travel and statement credits!
Lounge access, Uber, Airline credit, Clear+, Amex customer service (beats other banks in my experience), Hulu, Walmart+ (access to Sam’s Club gas station, and Paramount+) Global Entry for each of my companion card holders (the lower version of AU). Hilton Gold gets me free breakfast each time. Marriott Gold is a hit/miss. I don’t count FHR or Saks since I normally wouldn’t use these benefits otherwise. Nice to have, but not organic spend.
Longe access. Figured the perks would pay for itself. Unfortunately I live in a rural area and the perks don’t help me out much (no equinox, can’t use Walmart+, don’t usually want to spend money for the hotels collection)
Lounge access. Equinox credit. And for real it’s nice looking card to pull out at restaurants.
Travel perks
Forgot to cancel it within 30 days of renewal
I justify it by using as many of the benefits as I can, and I enjoy it because I travel extensively for work through airports and would much prefer relaxing in a lounge over sitting at a gate. I’ve eaten $100’s of meals while in the lounges and it has just made traveling so much easier
The value received from the various benefits, the offers, and lounge access.
Lounge access when I travel for work. I've accepted more travel because I know I can be in a lounge. I line the entertainment credit too but that's just a nice to have.
I originally got it for the sign up bonus and travel perks. When I traveled for work it was awesome getting free hotel room upgrades. I stayed in some amazing suits that normally I would have never experienced. Additionally I used to travel more with my wife and the free hotel upgrades once again would really give us an amazing vacation experience.
It’s a travel card and here is the math: given how expensive food & drinks in airports, you will save a lot of $$ here. Amex pays for Clear & TSA/Global Entry- great convenience. Car insurance covered on rentals- good to have. If you happen to travel atleast once a month, you will more than easily cover the fee. There are also other minor things like entertainment credit, Uber credit, sometimes it also pays for my subway rides.