Do you think the incoming changes to the platinum edge free flight (now 200$ travel credit) is going to dramatically reduce the amount of complimentary flights for sale on Ozbargain? Will their value increase? What other cards remaining offer this perk (and their annual fee)?
Nice! With the virgin lounge passes I think I like it better than the platinum edge.
Still I am concerned there won't be many 250$ amex flights on the classified sections
Travel adventures can't be used to book flights for others I believe.
The Qantas Amex and Velocity Amex still have free flights, but yes, without the Edge free flights, there won't be as much available anymore.
Correct - the ANZ Travel Adventures card is cardholder name only, and also comes with a 60-day advance booking requirement which may be difficult for some
I'm thinking about cancelling my AMEX card. I don't use it for points at all because I don't really rate Membership Rewards. It is good for those special cashback offers though.
Don't forget 1 membership rewards point equals 1 point on the following frequent flyer programs:
Velocity Points
Krisflyer Miles
Asia Miles
Malaysia Airlines Enrich
Etihad Guest Miles
Thai Royal Orchid Plus
Virgin Atlantic
Getting 3 Velocity/Krisflyer points for every dollar shopped at the major supermarkets is pretty good value IMO, even if your default frequent flyer program is Qantas. There's also the option to transfer into HHonors, SPG and Skywards.
Source: http://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/american-express-m…
I was thinking to cash out my 30k membership rewards directly through uber rides.
That's $300 worth of rides, right? Which is fine I guess if you value your points at 1c each.
@bozbargain: Yeah I am not how easily I can get better value.. unless its QFF, flights seem like a pain.
What flights have you been able to use Membership Rewards for?
I just think we are a bit locked into Qantas here in Australia.
Each of the transfer partners offer rewards to and from Australia. In particular, the ones I have redeemed are:
1c/point for Uber isn't bad actually, much better than Qantas gift cards for the same amount of effort. But if you enjoy travelling and the occasional stint in business or first, you could do much better with the points.
The AMEX Platinum Edge is losing a lot with the flight replaced with travel credit, but it is still an outstanding "fee-free" credit card for everyday spend and especially supermarkets and petrol. If you have a look on AMEX Travel you'll realise a lot of their hotels are as cheap as Agoda or Booking.com
No need to give up on cashback offers altogether, even if you are cancelling. Consider getting one of the free cards, which are eligible for these offers. In case you are interested, my post on the free Essential card is here.
Thanks.
Another reason I am thinking of cancelling is that I am not eligible for points offer for new cards. Generally you cant't have an AMEX card in the preceding 12 months (might even be 18 months now).
The only thing is that MR points obviously expire if you cancel. Need to work out the best program to transfer into.
Hey, about this not eligible for bonus points offer if already cardmember, quite a few OZB comments have shown that Amex do not always enforce this (Not assured of course). I also got the bonus on my second card. Have a read of old threads and you might get a better feel about this.
@bluesky: Yes, I have contemplated having a shot at a new one but too risky. The AMEX Explorer Card was $395 and AMEX Platinum was $950. Both had 100,000 bonus points.
@kiribatian: Yes, great cards with huge bonuses, if they suit your circumstances. I can see why, with such huge bonus at stake, you wouldn't want to risk it! :-)
Amex Explorer has a $400 travel credit which can be booked on anyones name. So you could sell the credit but would obviously not be making any profit.
anz travel adventures cc