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AmEx Platinum Charge Card - $1450 Annual Fee - 120,000 MR Ascent Premium Points + Free Platinum Reserve + $450 Travel Credit

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AmEx Platinum Charge Card - $1450 Annual Fee - 120,000 MR Ascent Premium Points + Free Platinum Reserve + $450 Travel Credit
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lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 13:01 americanexpress.com (653 clicks)
Last edited 17/07/2018 - 22:06

Not a small Annual Fee hence not the card for everyone, but some may find value especially in the first year with the hefty bonus.

Receive up to 120,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points when you apply by 30 August 2018 meet the minimum spend criteria – that’s 40,000 points for each month you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months. This offer is available to new Card Members, as well as Bank-issued American Express companion cardholders

Increased annual fee from $1200 before, but increased travel credit from $300 to $450, and some added benefits.

Some example of good uses for 120,000 points.

  • Return ticket to SE Asia with Singapore Airlines business class
  • Return ticket to Hong Kong with Virgin Australia business class
  • One way ticket to Europe with Singapore airlines business class

Some of the card's benefits:

  • Great transfer rates (1:1 for most airlines) - Qantas, Virgin, Singapore, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Thai, to name a few.
  • $450 travel credit to use at Amex Travel.
  • Free Companion Card of Reserve Platinum Card - $400 travel voucher for free.
  • Free Priority Pass for you and 1 supplementary cardholder, which you can take 1 guest in each (valued at US$399 each)
  • Gold Status with SPG, Hilton, Shangri-La, Radisson
  • Complimentary Accor Plus membership valued at $395 per year. With over 800 hotels in 18 countries across the Asia Pacific Region, Accor Plus enables you to stay and experience more destinations than ever before. Free complimentary night at participating Accor hotel each year.
  • Insurances - Travel, Rental Car, Roadside assist.

Earn Rates:

  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants in Australia
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on airlines, accommodation and spend in foreign currency
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else, except those in the 0.5 points category
  • Earn 0.5 points per $1 spent on utilities, telecommunications companies, non American Express provided insurance and government bodies

Big benefits, useful for those who travel a lot and can make use of the benefits that come with the card.

Edit: Referral links now show 120,000 bonus, for those who wish to apply using a referral to help a fellow ozbargainer.

  • For those who hold an Explorer card or some other cards, you may still be able to refer the Platinum card, referrer and referee still gets their bonus points.

Referral Links

Business Explorer Card: (No referral entries)
Centurion Personal Charge Card: random (9)

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

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closed Comments

  • RubenM on 17/07/2018 - 13:06

    Doesn't sound like such a great deal to me.
    I've recently found that travel credit is worth cents in the dollar. So buyer beware.

    • Schema on 17/07/2018 - 13:06
      +7

      Travel credit is simply hit or miss, sometimes you can find bargains, sometimes it's overpriced.

  • captain smash on 17/07/2018 - 13:07
    +21

    So it's gone from $900, to $1200 to $1450 in under 5 years while slowly reducing service levels.

    As a cardholder for 18 years, I wouldn't recommend it at this price. The service has slipped. Concierge is no longer available online, you have to submit requests via a phone call. The concierge will keep you on the phone while they call the restaurant. Hardly a concierge service, might as well call myself.

    The much vaunted hotel and airline deals are generally rubbish - you might save a few dollars.

    Travel Credit - must be used through AMEX's hotel and airline booking service - typically 20% dearer on hotels or it simply doesn't show flight availability at all.

    Complimentary Travel Insurance they've stuffed around with so many times I can't even remember what the benefit is anyway.

    • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 13:57
      +2

      You can still email the concierge. If you've ever communicated with them via email then it's that particular e-mail address.

      • jonnoyeo on 17/07/2018 - 14:32
        +1

        +1 I always just reply to the last email they've sent me and they respond quite promptly

        • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 14:35
          +1

          Given there's quite a few nightmarish stories with concierge stuffing up booking requests, I'd stick with email just to be safe (and a trail to go by when escalating to their customer exec team). No if's or but's, it's all in writing.

    • Overtime2000 on 17/07/2018 - 14:35
      +3

      I have a plat charge card. Looks like they just added free Accor Plus membership (back again) as well as free Australian Financial Review subscription.
      As well as increased the travel credit now up to $450
      I agree, the travel insurance is meh, but the roadside insurance, phone screen insurances are decent.

      I use mine 100% for business use anyway, so after tax deductions its a no brainer for me

      • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 14:38
        +1

        Existing card holders will also get these benefits?

        • PeteM on 27/07/2018 - 19:08

          Yes

      • PeteM on 27/07/2018 - 19:08

        Wish they would have told us about this… Off to get my free digital AFR….

    • scanuck on 17/07/2018 - 14:36

      Well written

      I can’t see what the increase value is from the increased fee

      Cancelling my explorer early next month anyway, as someone mentioned above, while the travel credit cancels the fee - it’s still not worth the $395 with AMEX increased rates

    • ruriruri on 17/07/2018 - 21:46

      which card has better travel insurance in your opinion?

  • CyberMurning on 17/07/2018 - 13:09
    +14

    "$1450 Annual Fee"
    with that kind of fee, i am expecting a personal assistant assigned to me, preferable dresses in nurse uniform.

    • Lukian on 23/07/2018 - 10:03

      That'll only get you one night.

  • FlatulentFrank on 17/07/2018 - 13:19
    +1

    gosh to think I got an explorer with 120k points and $395 annual fee only a few months ago.

    • C0mbat on 17/07/2018 - 13:27

      Exactly, this is a terrible deal. Just wait for the twice annual Explorer offer.

    • soangry on 17/07/2018 - 13:44
      +1

      Didnt know explorer bonus hit 120K, i thought highest was 100K. Explorer points airline miles conversion rate is lower than platinum charge. You get 120K premium ascent points with platinum charge which can be converted to qantas/emirates

    • nightelves on 17/07/2018 - 13:47

      When was this?

    • billbro on 17/07/2018 - 13:50

      Explorer MR points aren't worth the same amount as Ascent MR - but agree the pricing on this is pretty ridiculous.

      However, at $900 and at prior service levels it could have worked for some.

  • kabilya on 17/07/2018 - 13:28
    +4

    paid an annual fee of $395 a few months ago for an Explorer with 100K points and $400 Travel Credit. This is NOT a deal.

    • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 13:31
      +2

      It would be a deal for those who travel a lot and can make use of the benefits. It would be worth it at least for the first year with the added bonus. I would say one could be easily ahead in the first year.

      • Samsungnote10 on 17/07/2018 - 13:37

        And what does this caes have ovee the explorer to justify the $850 odd higher annual fee

        • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 14:02

          Mainly the hotel status as they often gives you free upgrade & breakfast & late check out etc. Eg you can book a basic room with Hilton and with Gold status you'll get free breakfast buffet and perhaps room upgrade to a suite (Platinum level).

        • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 15:01

          If explorer has 100k bonus now, then probably yes.

          However for the bonus available now in comparison to other Amex issued cards, I would still consider this if it was my first card. In the second year before next Annual fee hits, I would do a product change to the Explorer card.

        • Samsungnote10 on 17/07/2018 - 15:06

          @lilkid28:
          I just looked for the explorer and therr is no 100k bonus :(

        • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 15:11

          @hellohello123: Yes that's what I mean, as there is no 100k bonus on Explorer or other card now. If someone is in the market for an Amex card now, then I would recommend signing up for this Platinum charge card for the bonus and make use of its offerings. Then do a product change later.

        • Samsungnote10 on 17/07/2018 - 15:13

          @lilkid28:

          I signed uo. For. Explorer with 100k bonus about 1.5 yrs ago.

          Trying to Get relatives onto. Amex but waiting for 100k bonus to come back

        • nightelves on 17/07/2018 - 15:20
          +2

          At $1200 it may look steep but we had great value on the card especially bringing 4 adults and one child into priority pass lounge when we were travelling to asia. Also travelling domestically and utilising the Velocity lounge was a bonus as well.

          On top of that the hotel status which gave us free breakfast each day for two adults in Japan for one week really helped.

  • chino8826 on 17/07/2018 - 13:30

    What would happen to CA/CPA $950 annual fee ones? Travel credit increase to $450? Accor plus membership?

    I knew the partnership between CA and Amex has ended but I received letter saying the benefits would still be the same including the annual fee.

    • zed264 on 17/07/2018 - 15:10
      +2

      CPA ones also increased to $1200 with new benefits incluced

  • josho9 on 17/07/2018 - 13:35

    The non-professional association platinum charge card offer is becoming progressively worse. AMA/CPA are still better than this despite reduced benefits.

    edit: is the free platinum reserve still offered? I appreciate that it used to be available, but it is not mentioned on the current page and I recall comments on pointhacks suggesting that people had difficulty obtaining it after receiving the platinum charge card.

    • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 13:55

      Quite straight forward to apply one on my charge card. Just fill out the form and they'll mail the card to you in a few days.

    • cwongtech on 18/07/2018 - 02:12

      Do they ever check that you are part of the professional association?

      Looking to get a Platinum Edge, but have a higher earn rate on grocery spending.
      Looks like they don't have massive signup bonuses compared to the explorer.

      • PeteM on 27/07/2018 - 21:03

        Not sure if they check, when I joined up I had a student membership with CPA. Perhaps see if you have access to member advantage?

  • kirk7 on 17/07/2018 - 13:55

    I think as a CPA member discount rate of $950 is ok considering you get $700 in travel credit (including the Reserve).

    So the $250 covers the Virgin Aust lounge access, Priority pass for 2 cardholders (think $36 credit at the SYD terminals), Amex lounge, plus the other inclusions.

    Not too bad. But if you don't travel then just sit with the other cards on offer.

    • Lukian on 23/07/2018 - 10:06

      See below, it's $1200 fee now for CPA.

  • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 13:57

    SPG gold is probably going to be phased out as Marriott took over SPG. Amex does not have relationship with Marriott so it is interesting to see what happens after Aug.
    Even if SPG gold is still available it is useless after Aug as the benefit is watered down and no longer gets you free room upgrade and breakfast buffet/lounge access.

    • donbot on 17/07/2018 - 14:04
      +1

      Current SPG rate is 2:1, then to Marriott was 1:3, so effectively it was a 2:3 transfer rate to Marriott (good value)

      According to pointhacks, its going to be a 3:2 transfer rate direct to Marriott..so a huge devaluation.

  • chino8826 on 17/07/2018 - 14:00

    With Accor plus membership there's a complimentary night stay.

    • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 14:49

      Thanks, will update in post

      • chino8826 on 17/07/2018 - 15:22

        No Worries, and free AFR digital subscription.

  • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 14:01

    I was hoping Cathay MPC Gold might make a return or some other gold status.

    • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 14:03

      It would be good to have airline status but I am not holding my breath on this.

      • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 14:09

        I'm surprised MH didn't leverage the ads they've spent good money on in the Departures mag by handing out gold status.

    • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 15:02

      Would definitely be great if there was some sort of airline status. Even if it was Silver with for e.g two different programs. That would give additional baggage with the particular airline and its partner airlines

      • nightelves on 17/07/2018 - 15:28

        Agree elite status with an airline would have been handy. Hotel status don't mean much anymore after the merger between SPG and Marriott.

  • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 14:21
    +6

    The new metallic card is now available. I was annoyed when the overseas market got them 6 months ago and now I can finally get one too :D

    Had to change my card number though which is a pain.

    • Samsungnote10 on 17/07/2018 - 15:07
      +1

      For $1450 it had better be made of a gold metallic substance

    • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 15:24

      Did you have to ring up to switch to the metallic card?

      • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 15:38

        Yep have to call. Not switching over just yet as I don't want the number change to potentially canned the Amex Travel spend $600 get $200 credit offer saved to that card.

        • Peck on 24/07/2018 - 20:13

          Possibly a 'wacky' question, but do you have any idea if it will affect a travel credit held, if I get a new card number?

        • Peck on 25/07/2018 - 09:49

          I rang and shouldn't affect travel credit. Ordered metallic card, delivery will be by courier within a couple of days and someone needs to be at address to collect.

    • Buyers Remorse on 17/07/2018 - 15:43

      Ah didn’t even know the new metal card is in. Can’t reorder it as a replacement so the card number doesn’t change?

      • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 15:49

        Nope, had to be a new number.

  • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 14:30
    +3

    The CPA version has increased annual fee from 950 to 1200 now.

    • chino8826 on 17/07/2018 - 15:20

      When does that happen? The web page is still showing $950.

      • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 15:23
        +2

        It's already changed if you log into CPA website. If you sign up today you'll have to pay $1200 for annual fee.

  • roberto7 on 17/07/2018 - 14:35
    +1

    HO HO HO HO, $1450 annual fee!

    Soon it'll overtake our council rates 😁

  • CDG on 17/07/2018 - 14:57

    only good if i can get the welcome bonus even i already got an Amex card!!!

  • griftr on 17/07/2018 - 14:59

    Looks like the Reserve Card isn't offered anymore as part of this? That card has a $400 travel credit attached. So this new updated offering, if it doesn't have the Reserve Card, is actually going to be less travel credit… for a higher price!

    • lilkid28 on 17/07/2018 - 15:02

      I think you have to apply and get the card first, then request for the Reserve card.

    • Overtime2000 on 17/07/2018 - 15:10

      its definately there
      in fact a link for the application form is in the booklet they send you with the Platinum Charge card.

      • The Champagne Mile on 17/07/2018 - 15:22
        +3

        Hi, we reached out to AMEX about the Reserve prior to this offer launching, and they have confirmed that they are not removing it as a benefit - Reserve can still be obtained as a companion card.

  • nightelves on 17/07/2018 - 15:30
    +1

    They're now making people spend $1500 per months across 3 months in order to get the points. Think they're trying to prevent people from jumping ship too early after they've been credit the points.

    • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 15:41
      +1

      Given they no longer do pro-rata refund, effectively they've locked someone in for a year.

      • nightelves on 17/07/2018 - 15:49

        They still do but it’s a complicated process that involves a product swap something that is beyond me.

        • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 15:50

          That's just too much work to do a hit and run with the points. There's certainly simpler/cheaper offers on the market.

  • T-man on 17/07/2018 - 15:56

    The Plat Charge in the US has a lot of useful benefits, this Aussie version is crap

  • daft009 on 17/07/2018 - 16:07

    biggest negative is max point earn of 300k points at full point earn annually after-which it drops to $1=1pt or 0.5 for govt.

    • mini2 on 17/07/2018 - 16:35

      Use B2Bpay to work around it perhaps for govco payment?

      • daft009 on 17/07/2018 - 16:39

        that bit is not the issue, its the max point earn of 300k at full earn.
        300k points per year is very low ;)

        my combo of amex for $600 annual fee gives me uncapped point earn. I earnt 300k points in just all of June.

        • ninja33 on 20/07/2018 - 15:09

          Can you please elaborate on this - which combo are you using?

        • daft009 on 20/07/2018 - 15:23

          @ninja33: explorer linked to platinum edge. $400+$200 annual fee.

  • Loki556 on 17/07/2018 - 16:08

    If I remember correctly, you cannot get the points if you've had an AMEX card in the last 18 months. Is there a way to check when that 18 month period starts, if you've previously held the card?

    • The Champagne Mile on 17/07/2018 - 16:11

      Give AMEX a call - they will be able to advise you the date you closed your previous card.

  • arctan on 17/07/2018 - 18:03

    Complimentary full year AFR subscription costs $628 per annum for all cards. This is quite expensive! Are they worth 53 bux per month?

    • SimpleLeverage on 18/07/2018 - 12:37

      Would probably be worth it if you're in the industry.

      Which brings the point - would a proportion of the $1,450 Annual Fee be tax deductible for a Personal Amex Platinum Charge if the AFR Subscription is relevant to work (in particular given cost cutting many financial institutions are cancelling AFR subscriptions) or managing personal investments?

      • arctan on 18/07/2018 - 12:47

        Good question! Any tax accountant care to elaborate on this?

      • ninja33 on 20/07/2018 - 15:10

        I throw the entire fee in the return.

        N.B. - I am not an accountant. All advice is general in nature.

  • C0mbat on 17/07/2018 - 18:28
    -1

    For those wanting to know how to get 120k points for Explorer it's 100k bonus (twice per annum they do this offer) plus 20k extra for referral.

  • Peck on 23/07/2018 - 15:47

    Travel Insurance extended to Supplementary cards.
    You almost need a Uni degree to understand platinum entitlements. And then they go and change them - yet again!

  • alphasing on 24/07/2018 - 23:01

    Can anyone explain how "Return ticket to SE Asia with Singapore Airlines business class" can be redeemed using 120000 amex point?

    • arctan on 24/07/2018 - 23:03

      transfer to krisflyer point and then redeem Singapore airline business class there

      • Peck on 24/07/2018 - 23:21

        Agreed. About 58,000 plus $60 one way Bangkok to Sydney Business class.

  • Peck on 25/07/2018 - 09:58

    Don't forget to use the (random) Automated referral system.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/list_of_referral_links
    "Refer Friends. Get Rewarded.
    You can receive 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you refer a friend by 15 August 2018 and your friend applies by 29 August 2018 using your link and is approved."

    • d14a028c2a3a2bc9 on 01/08/2018 - 09:01

      Does the 'friend' get anything in return? Looking to apply via referral.

      • Peck on 01/08/2018 - 15:14

        Not unless the Random referrer is charitable. But Ascent Premium points are the best Amex points to have and 120,000 is sensational.
        Amex Explorer currently refer a friend is also 60,000 for the referrer, and the applicant will get 10,000 additional bonus points taking their total bonus to 60,000. Another great card.

  • PeteM on 27/07/2018 - 19:14

    It looks like you may also have access to the Platinum card with a discounted fee if you have access to Member Advantage. I can not confirm this as I am not a member, but member advantage seems to show up when looking for the card benefits. It displays on the Amex site where they display the CPA association they have.

    Seems you get access to Member Advantage through many different Unions and industry associations.

  • arctan on 01/08/2018 - 12:10

    Has anyone received their AFR membership yet? I applied a few weeks ago when it's online on Amex Charge card website.

    • firefly2k3 on 01/08/2018 - 19:17

      I received an email within a couple of days from [email protected] to create my membership. Membership got activated right away but access to articles was still restricted and kept asking me to subscribe. A short email to the support ID listed in the first email got things sorted.

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