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American Express Platinum Edge. $195 Annual Fee. 10,000 Bonus Points & New $200 Travel Credit

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American Express Platinum Edge. $195 Annual Fee. 10,000 Bonus Points & New $200 Travel Credit
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Bunnycat on 10/11/2016 - 18:27 americanexpress.com (411 clicks)

Hi Guys.
Looks like the old Platinum edge deal is dead. In that it no longer offers a free flight.
It has now been changed to a $200 travel credit instead, as has been the case with referral applications for a few weeks.
For many this new deal will be less valuable, however it will also appeal more to some who may not have been able to utilise the free flight, but who can use the travel credit for other things.

So the basic rundown looks like this:

Standard Platinum Edge Deal

$50k Min Income
$195 Annual Fee
10,000 Bonus Points after initial $750 spend
$200 Travel Credit
Apple pay compatible
3 Points per $ at Supermarkets
2 Points per $ at Petrol Stations
1 Point per $ on most other spend
0.5 Points per $ on Utilities, Insurance & Government bodies
0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months
Complimentary enrolment in the Membership Rewards Ascent program4 saving you $80 per year
Overseas Medical Emergency Expenses Cover up to $2,500,000
Personal Liability Cover up to $1,000,000
Baggage, Money and Documentation Cover up to $10,000
Travel Cancellation Cover up to $10,000
Travel Inconvenience Cover- may even cover you for flight delays, missed connections or luggage delays

Bonuses using referral link

Bonus points increased to 15,000 after initial $750 spend

Ozbargain Referral Wiki
You can also use any fellow OzBargainer's link from this referral wiki page: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/american_express_referrals

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: random (1)

Referrer: 40,000 Reward Points

Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (7)

Referee gets 200,000 MR points. Referrer gets 150,000 MR points.

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closed Comments

  • Maxii on 10/11/2016 - 18:29
    +1

    Does the change apply to existing cards as well? Or new cards only?

    • Bunnycat on 10/11/2016 - 18:37
      +5

      Edit-
      Just rang Amex to confirm that the complimentary flight will continue to be honoured to old cards (which it will). My card renews in 2 days & they're still happy to offer free flights.
      Feel re-assured with that. Love amex service. :-D

      • The Champagne Mile on 10/11/2016 - 19:06

        Have you asked for a retention bonus? Many people on the AFF have reported being offered 23k bonus points for the Edge when threatening to cancel the card around the anniversary date.

        • Bunnycat on 10/11/2016 - 19:10

          I am aware that people do get points for threatening to cancel their cards, but I'm not hard nosed enough for that sort of haggling. ;-p
          Have no intention of cancelling my card given my free flight.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2016 - 19:39

          @Bunnycat:
          can confirm, i have received points and waived the fee, not both ever though.

        • edman on 10/11/2016 - 20:58
          +1

          @Bunnycat: no need to threaten cancellation, just ring and say you would like to know if there are any incentives as you are thinking about cancelling. It's an automatic offer once you mention those words, this from an Amex rep

      • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2016 - 22:18

        That service is almost worth the fee…but free flights, statement credit…it really is a no brainer

      • anthem29 on 20/12/2016 - 20:14

        Got a flyer in the mail today, you'll get your current flight until your renewal, and come next cycle it's now a travel credit.

        Called and told them they will be losing both mine and my partners card. Will be moving to the ANZ card.

  • DaTa on 10/11/2016 - 18:31
    +1

    Lucky I booked tickets for Xmas already as this deal isn't as great and may make me cancel my card ultimately in the end

    • paaj on 10/11/2016 - 19:24
      +1

      looks like it doesnt apply to existing cardholders so I would hold on to this card.

  • The Champagne Mile on 10/11/2016 - 18:39

    Remember that for just $200 more per year ($395 annual fee) you can score $400 travel credit plus 100,000 bonus points in the Gateway scheme (or 110,000 using a referral link) and a flat 2 points per dollar for everything except govt spend with the Explorer card: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/262944

    I have both cards, but the Explorer has definitely become the favourite! You can have up to 2 AMEX issued credit cards, so I use the Plat Edge for grocery spend, and the Explorer anywhere else AMEX is accepted.

    • Bunnycat on 10/11/2016 - 19:05

      Explorer does look decent, but remember the MR points earned on the explorer aren't the same as the MR points on the edge. They transfer at different ratios, with the edge being the superior in most instances.

      • The Champagne Mile on 10/11/2016 - 19:09

        This is correct, Gateway transfers to airline partners at a 1 to 0.75 rate (different from the 1:1 Ascent rate).

        However, the Explorer's 1.5 ff points per dollar for everything except Government spend is still one of the best earn rates that can be found (and is superior to the Edge for everything bar supermarket and petrol spend). Plus transfers to Starwood (where I'm currently pooling my points) are the same across all AMEX MR programs, which is great.

        • kev98 on 12/11/2016 - 23:30

          So do you earn 2 points per dollar to spend on gift cards? At same cost as MR plan?

  • aussman on 10/11/2016 - 18:40

    how is this a deal flights were worth more than $200 its a card downgrade as you have to book through their travel agent

    • Bunnycat on 10/11/2016 - 18:58

      I guess if you lived in an area not serviced by the virgin network, this would be better?
      For Perth people, I really don't think it's better, but the platinum edge is still a good card given it's points earning potential.

      • aussman on 10/11/2016 - 19:52

        I have had one for many years it is a good card but this one is not a good deal hence neg

  • djkelly69 on 10/11/2016 - 18:40
    +3

    Given a previous deal has gotten worse, maybe this should be a forum post?

    • illumination on 10/11/2016 - 19:08
      +2

      I did that and discussed it at some length. This is exactly why I didn't post it as a deal.

      But it's also for this same reason why I sometimes feel whenever an "announcement" (like this) is made, posting it as a deal gives it a lot more visibility. Obviously in this case the deal appears to be worse so, so it doesn't look like a good deal.

      However, there are times when an "announcement" is posted as a deal and we're told that it should be in the forums, even if it's a better deal than what was previously offered.

  • DaTa on 10/11/2016 - 18:44

    http://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/american-express-p… seems it is mentioned here
    American Express have tweaked one of the core benefits of the Platinum Edge card, removing the free Virgin Australia flight each year – but for new cardholders only, at least for now.

  • The Champagne Mile on 10/11/2016 - 18:48
    +1

    As the previous deal for this card is still active (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/255580) maybe this information should be updated in it or it should be marked as expired?

    EDIT: Mods have expired the old one

  • door999mo on 10/11/2016 - 18:54

    I was lucky enough to get the free flights deal before they stop it O.O

  • paaj on 10/11/2016 - 19:27

    the ANZ Rewards Travel Adventure looks like a good card if people want the free flights.

    Edit: $225 P.A

    • illumination on 10/11/2016 - 19:33

      Yea it's not bad

    • arctan on 10/11/2016 - 22:22

      Yep it has 60k velocity points if you spend $500 in the first 2 months when you apply online with the special link.

  • cynix on 11/11/2016 - 00:57

    I've never actually used the free flights (not interested in the destinations they offer), so maybe the $200 credit is more useful? Unless there's an easy way to sell the flight?

    • Assclown on 11/11/2016 - 11:51

      Where have you been hiding?

      • cynix on 11/11/2016 - 14:00

        Under a rock?

        But seriously, is there a way to sell the flight easily and reliably? I'm about due for renewal.

        • Assclown on 11/11/2016 - 20:57

          If you message me, I may have someone lined up who will buy your return flight off you this weekend :)
          I tried to message you but says you don't accept messages. Let me know if you're keen.

          Cheers

  • Assclown on 11/11/2016 - 14:21

    Forums on here, Gumtree, any classifieds site you like. Your local pub, school wherever you can find someone who is willing to buy a flight. I'm in Western Australia, so anyone else in my position would jump at the opportunity to fly with virgin for $200 return to the east coast. What month is your renewal due?

  • plentifoo on 15/11/2016 - 00:36

    let's just pray they never change it for those on the old product. I live in WA and I always use my return flights every year. Even if I don't, a family member would or I sell it to pay my annual card membership fee.

    • plentifoo on 20/12/2016 - 21:25

      bugger. i've had a few reports from friends that they had received the same notification too.

      i'll be dropping this card too. It was a good 5 year run. also i was on the subsidized professional membership annual fee which made this deal all that much sweeter.

      They should'be given old customers with tenure the option of a grandfathered plan. They're AMEX afterall. Disappointed much.

  • flaketron on 15/11/2016 - 10:50
    +1

    My platinum edge application just got approved yesterday after waiting over a month. I hope that I don't miss out on the free flight offer as I live in Perth and that was one of the major draw cards.
    Applications team suggested I call the number on the card when I receive it to query as he couldn't confirm.

    • Hogg on 15/11/2016 - 19:42

      Keep us updated please. I'm in the same boat.

      • flaketron on 19/11/2016 - 14:10

        I'm getting the free flight. Thank God!

    • kev98 on 16/11/2016 - 22:18

      What did it say when you applied?

      • flaketron on 16/11/2016 - 22:23

        Still had the free flight when I applied.

        • illumination on 20/11/2016 - 12:46

          That's why you got the free flight then! I don't think there was ever any doubt for you

        • flaketron on 21/11/2016 - 17:33

          @illumination: The lady on the phone said it should only be for applicants who were approved before 10th November. It wasn't until I recited the difficulties I had getting the card approval process moving along that she could suddenly advise that I do get the free flight…

        • Hogg on 21/11/2016 - 22:24

          @flaketron:

          Were you able to confirm that they give you the free flight? Sometimes I found sales or customer service people tell you what you want to hear just to get you off the phone.

        • flaketron on 22/11/2016 - 22:12

          @Hogg: you were right. Rang again today and they said it'll be the travel credit. Oh well. Still, happy with the card and the travel credit now. At least I know I'll use the travel credit each year on a local hotel at least…

        • illumination on 24/11/2016 - 01:13

          @flaketron: Oh damn that's a shame :(

          Are you sure there's no way you can fight it though..?
          i.e. you applied for it and it was advertised as such, and now you're technically being given a product you didn't apply for

        • Hogg on 02/12/2016 - 14:37

          @flaketron:

          Oh no :(

          Did you get your first statement yet? Did it mention Travel Credit at the bottom? If it doesn't, it might mean you got the flight after all.

          I was on the phone to their call center about the same thing and they just kept flippity-flopping not giving me a real answer.

        • flaketron on 03/12/2016 - 13:12

          @Hogg: no mention of travel credit on the first statement. I'll call them during the week to find out as I have now paid the first bill too.

        • Hogg on 04/12/2016 - 00:45

          @flaketron:

          Keep us posted please :)

        • flaketron on 05/12/2016 - 17:51

          @Hogg: I can see "COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHT" listed under the "Card Benefits" tab in my online account. In addition, when I called the 1800 number today I was prompted with: "To redeem your complimentary Virgin flight, press 2…" or something similar. I haven't had time to wait in their queue but I now feel more confident that I'll get the flight.

        • Hogg on 06/12/2016 - 08:50

          @flaketron:

          Thanks for the update.

          Perhaps I should check my online account too.

          I also think the fact that you don't see travel credit as part of your card is a good sign too.

  • The Champagne Mile on 04/12/2016 - 11:14

    So I recently decided to cancel this card. I signed up in September, and they offered me the full annual fee back for cancelling (I hadn't used the flight). I was planning to hold on to it for the good supermarket spend to complement my Explorer card, but there are too many other good AMEX sign up deals around to justify holding on to it, plus the devaluation with the annual flight makes it less attractive. The Explorer earn rate is good across the board, so at least now I can use the same card anywhere where AMEX is accepted without having to think about which card to pull out.

    • Hogg on 06/12/2016 - 20:40

      While I am a newbie and I am beginning to recognise you as the credit card points expert, imho the combo of Edge and Explorer maximises points earning potential.

      Points Earn

      Spending Type Edge Explorer
      Supermarkets 3 1.5*
      Petrol 2 1.5*
      Everywhere Else 1 1.5*

      *This is converting the "value" of 2 Gateway points earned by the Explorer card to the equivalent Ascent value i.e. 2 gateway points = 1.5 Ascent points.

      Therefore the combination of Edge and Explorer allows you to earn maximum points depending on the situation.

      The only advantage I can see from holding only the Explorer is simplicity and getting other new customer deals.

      If I had to keep a card, it would be the old Edge. The edge earns double the amount of points at supermarkets compared to the Explorer which would be a staple of everyone's spending anyway. The complimentary flight can be sold for $250, negating the annual fee. All I see is upside.

      Whereas the $400 travel credit theoretically negates the $395 annual fee for the Explorer, practically it does not unless one travels at least once a year using up the $400. For someone who does not travel like me, the credit may not be used to its fullest potential.

      I really enjoy thinking about these great cards. Happy to have any flaws in my thinking pointed out.

      • The Champagne Mile on 06/12/2016 - 21:04
        +1

        You are absolutely correct that the Edge and Explorer definitely offer the best day to day points earning potential when used together.

        My specific reason for cancelling was as follows:
        1) in my situation, my annual supermarket spend isn't great enough to hold onto the Edge for that extra points in that spend category, and my car is on leaseplan (no petrol spend).
        2) I'm currently funnelling all of my points into Starwood (then converting into excellent Marriott 7 night + flight award packages). It's important to note that all AMEX MR schemes convert to Starwood at a rate of 1 to 0.5, which is a bonus for those on the Gateway scheme.
        3) the excellent bonus deals such as 112,500 for the Qantas Ultimate card can't be taken advantage of if you already have two AMEXes (as two direct issued AMEX credit cards is the limit) - so in my case, I needed to can one to access the tempting sign up offer.

        Of course, everyone's situation is different, and I can understand why people with significant petrol and grocery spend would find it makes sense to hold onto the Edge.

        • Hogg on 06/12/2016 - 21:14

          1) My situation is the similar. My supermarket spending is at Aldi and is quite minimal. My Petrol spend is also only $20/week. I definitely see your point here.
          2) Yes! I wrote that down in my extensive binge reading of points hack but completely forgot haha. Pooling everything to SPG with the Explorer would get max value out of the card.
          3) Noted

          All the points you made have convinced me. No wonder you're the credit card king/queen.

          For myself though, I would be too afraid to cancel the Edge if I was on the complimentary flight deal as opposed to the $200 travel credit. I'm going to reassess the Explorer before the next annual fee and may end up cancelling it if I don't extract enough value out of it. The only reason I got it was for the 110K bonus points.

        • illumination on 02/01/2017 - 18:39
          +1

          @Hogg:

          Just wanted to add something for you to consider.

          Do you ever shop at woolies? If you do, the advantage of having an Edge is diminished. This is because you can buy woolies gift cards from CashRewards for 5% off 24/7. You get 3pts/$ on the edge with these purchases too, but the main benefit is the 5% off.

          As an added bonus, you can use the eGift Cards at Caltex/Woolworths petrol stations to pay for petrol. This is an effective 5% off your petrol purchases and in fact probably means you will be better off pumping at a Caltex/Woolworths unless there's another station ~6.5c/L cheaper (based on current price estimates)

        • Hogg on 02/01/2017 - 19:33

          @illumination:

          Hey illumination,

          Do you mean it's more advantageous with an Edge?

          I rarely shop at coles and woolies. Coles only for things I can't get at Aldi.

          I do use Cashrewards to get the eGift cards whenever I need them though, mostly for Opal recharges.

          Basically I agree with you that the Edge is in general amazing.

          I was a big fan of the Edge but will have to re-evaluate now that we no longer get the free return flight.

        • illumination on 02/01/2017 - 22:21

          @Hogg:

          Sorry - I didn't make it very clear.

          Yes, it's more advantageous with an Edge because you still get 3pts/$. However, I'm questioning whether it's worth keeping an Edge just for the 3pts/$ @ supermarkets. It doesn't sound like it'll be that advantageous to you just to hold onto an Edge just for 3pts/$ if you only use it essentially for Opal top ups (do you participate in Shop Small too? Shop Small's awesome for opal top ups :P). Do you drive?

          Considering your circumstances, an Explorer sounds better than an Edge.

        • Hogg on 02/01/2017 - 22:37

          @illumination:

          You're absolutely right. I don't believe my situation maximises the potential of the Edge. I forgot to mention I do use it to pay for petrol however my petrol spend is quite minimal.

          The only reason I believed the Edge to be superior was because the free flight made up for the annual fee, and the card was pure upside. now with the change to $200 travel credit instead, I will be reconsidering before the next anniversary date.

          The Explorer is $400 travel credit which would be hard to recoup against the $395 annual fee unless I travelled every year. I only got it because of the 110K bonus points.

          I do use shop small and the amex offers as well. I've been keeping a spreadsheet and reevaluate both cards before the next anniversary date. I'll compare it with just having the $0 fee Amex card to see.

        • illumination on 02/01/2017 - 22:39

          @Hogg: Yea with the change from the flight to the credit it definitely changes things.

          However, don't forget you can use the $400 travel credit on other things too.. such as car hire, hotels. I get that you're more likely to use them if you travel, but you technically wouldn't need to travel to use those :P (although arguably more wasteful)

          You could always, as an alternative, sell it to a friend at a discounted rate

        • Hogg on 02/01/2017 - 22:53

          @illumination:

          The flight seemed to sell for $250 so after the annual fee, there was a small profit.

          My concern with the travel credit is that selling it at a discounted rate would yield a loss instead. It may still be worth it if the person's points earn makes it worth it. Depends on personal spending.

          I am also wary of the trap of using the travel credit for situations where I normally wouldn't so it's not really breaking even on the annual fee if you know what I mean.

          Saying all this, it could still be worth it depending on one's specific spending.

          What's your personal credit card suite? Will you change from the Edge to something else once the free flight is no more?

        • illumination on 02/01/2017 - 22:57

          @Hogg:

          Absolutely agree with everything you've said.

          If you don't believe you'd ordinarily use the credit anyway (or that you'd be traveling anyway) then definitely there is the potential to be at a bit of a loss. It seems like you're quite aware of what you should be looking at, and with that in mind I can understand why you would choose not to look at the Explorer/Edge, but instead opt for one of the free options.

          I've got:

          • AMEX Velocity Platinum ($349 annual fee - the only AMEX card remaining with a free VA return flight) - I intend to keep this
          • AMEX Platinum Edge - considering swapping for AMEX Explorer
          • NAB Velocity Platinum (signed up for a 75k Velocity point bonus)
          • 28 Degrees
          • Coles Mastercard no annual fee
        • Hogg on 03/01/2017 - 14:49

          @illumination:

          We're pretty similar.

          My current suite is:

          • AMEX Explorer - Signed up just for the 110K bonus.
          • AMEX Platinum Edge
          • Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard
          • Coles Mastercard no annual fee

          I'm going to reassess the Amex slots this year and see what's the most value.

          What's your rationale behind keeping the Velocity platinum? I'm guessing the free flight would be worth minimum $250 resale value so you'd just need to get more than $100 value out of it?

        • KupoHo on 03/01/2017 - 15:44

          @Hogg:
          I just applied for the explorer card but it said it's processing and I'll receive the outcome in 5-10days. How long did it take for you to receive your approval? Is there anything I can do to speed the process along? Do they ever require you to have your ID confirmed like other cards?

        • Hogg on 04/01/2017 - 17:24

          @KupoHo:

          Hey Kupo,

          Mine was approved on the spot. There was no request for ID or pay confirmation. It said I would receive the card within 5-10 days but I think I even received it in 4 days!

          My partner received the same message as you. It turns out they needed to do an ID check for her. They will likely end up emailing and/or calling you to request the additional info. It should be quick after that.

        • KupoHo on 04/01/2017 - 21:22
          +1

          @Hogg:
          Thank you for the response, they contacted me today - it was to do with verifying ID of the supp card I requested so all sorted and just waiting for the card now!! :)

  • plentifoo on 24/12/2016 - 19:55

    so i finally got official mail notification that i'll be transferred on to the new plat edge product. Has anyone had any success speaking to someone on the phone to remain on the old complimentary flight deal?

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