I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[Lain]

Finding your first statement closing date is easy via the app - you can actually see it immediately after approval even.

Login to the app and select the card you want to see - scroll down and click here:
View attachment 563609

Then on the next page you'll see your closing date:
View attachment 563608

 

[Lain]

This is somehow worse than the Platinum as it stands right now while also being more expensive every year.

How small is the subset that has an Equinox membership? I'm not sure how widespread they are, but if it's like boutique gyms here $300 won't go very far.

This is so stupid.

How many people are going to a gym while a pandemic is ongoing?

How many of Amex’s bougie Platinum clientele have already bought Pelotons, rowing machines, Mirrors, Tonals, or Tempos?

I live in a big city with several Equinox locations that have been shuttered for months; just recently reopened. I checked the price of membership: $300-$500 “initiation fee” that’s currently waived and $215-$310 monthly membership, depending on location.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Equinox is just eating the cost of these credits to gain some new members, and Amex is passing this off as value added to its members to justify the price hike.

The CSR’s $120 Peloton credit is downright useful and generous by comparison, without an accompanying hike in AF.

Unless the $300 is a monthly credit, enjoy your one month membership. If this is an ongoing thing, Amex should’ve offered a blanket membership like with WeWork. That was another totally wasted credit.

 

[punkin]

This is so stupid.

How many people are going to a gym while a pandemic is ongoing?

How many of Amex’s bougie Platinum clientele have already bought Pelotons, rowing machines, Mirrors, Tonals, or Tempos?

I live in a big city with several Equinox locations that have been shuttered for months; just recently reopened. I checked the price of membership: $300-$500 “initiation fee” that’s currently waived and $215-$310 monthly membership, depending on location.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Equinox is just eating the cost of these credits to gain some new members, and Amex is passing this off as value added to its members to justify the price hike.

The CSR’s $120 Peloton credit is downright useful and generous by comparison, without an accompanying hike in AF.

Unless the $300 is a monthly credit, enjoy your one month membership. If this is an ongoing thing, Amex should’ve offered a blanket membership like with WeWork. That was another totally wasted credit.

I agree. The new structure (even without the AF hike) makes this completely unworkable for me.

 

[afan]

One of those days that makes me love having two hometown airlines that "fight" with each other.

This plus the dl gc I have and I should be able to use both my gold and plat airline credits. I do need to read the fine print, but I'm hoping it doesn't have to be rt. SLC for memorial day to visit the bff.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I was coming here to post, I'm debating my next CC strategy. I'm under 5/24, but with the elevated Ink MSR, I'm not looking at Chase. I have 1 slot in Amex land. I'm thinking of taking the upgrade offer on my Everyday. But then I've been eyeing the free Hilton for a long time and I just got an email that the $100/100k offer expires next week.

I've tried for the Amex Plat a few times and keep getting the pop-up. But now I'm debating if I even want to go down that road w/ the AF rumors. I know I'd get $550 right now, but I know at $695 it would be a one and done for me!

I guess I'm off to read more about all the Amex Plat offers to see if it's even worth trying at this point. I think the everyday was 45k MR's. Maybe I should look at the Amex Gold now instead. Oh yeah, and then there are the damn Delta offers out there too. UGH. Why must Amex put a limit on us? Grrr.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Well Amex platinum still is showing no love. Got a 100k offer to come up....but got the pop up. I guess next up is trying for the Hilton.

And I'm blocked on the Hilton. Which means upgrading the Everyday is all I have left for now. So doing that. UGH!

 

[amcc]

There's a comment on a DoC post regarding new Amex Plat AF and benefits. Username is "Work4Amex" - who knows if this is truly reputable or not though:

Can confirm through my Intel that the Personal Platinum AF is planned to increase to $695 for new card holders starting July, existing card holders fee increase will come into effect Jan 2022 . There are other planned changes, keep in mind that it is all subject to change. Many of these changes should start July 2021

The 2 free Priority Guest passes will now be free only if you have $75,000 spend in a calendar year with the platinum.

$300 equinox credit
$240 entertainment credit
$200 credit for prepaid hotel bookings
$100 temp Resy credit

Everything else should stay the same

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumo...personal-platinum-annual-fee/#comment-1162835

These really don't look appealing to me - the entertainment looks like a $20 monthly, $200 hotel would probably be a forced staycation (not a bad thing), and Equinox is too fit for me . I can't figure out what the Resy credit would be as it's a reservation service. My renewal is coming up next month. I got a $500 retention offer last year so I think I will hang on one more year, ask for a retention offer next year with the higher fee and cancel at that point if the offer isn't good enough. I will need another MR card to hold my points.

I don't mind a higher AF card but the Plat is just so bland with such limited bonus categories. Is a regular Plat what people mean when they reference vanilla Plat?

 

[Judique]

Ugh, why did I decide to try and handle the Citi DC fraud alert on my final vacation/travel day. Silly me that I don’t bring all of my CCs on vacation. Ready to get home to this lovable pug!View attachment 563599View attachment 563600

So cute!

 

[calypso726]

I wanted to share two recent experiences with the Amex Plat Concierge, in case others might be interested, especially those headed to Maui.

Request 1: Reservations at Mama’s Fish House, two weeks from now
Result: While on chat, they attempted to contact the restaurant and secure reservations I was unable to secure online. They were unable to obtain reservations and informed me the restaurant indicated “we are fully committed for all tables through the end of April.”


Request 2: Research hiking trails, waterfalls and springs/swimming holes in Maui, including transportation costs and distance from WA Grand Wailea
Result: Concierge requested a few days to turnaround and committed to EOD Tuesday or sooner. By Wednesday, no response. When contacted again, they requested additional time. By Thursday I received a list (name, distance, cost) and requested a bit more time to finish up springs/swimming holes. I was disappointed by the output. By Friday they sent over a completely different research project, with descriptions and links. I’m not sure why the the sudden change, but sort of suspect they never put anything together initially, rushed something out the door, and then delivered the final product. I was pleased with the research and at no cost to me, was an easy starting point to share with my group and then do more research on our own.

You might be asking why not do my own research or google searches. I am very DIY, almost to a fault. I think with so many trips being canceled, I definitely have cancellation fatigue. So perhaps I didn’t want to get too invested. And I wanted to try a service included with the Amex Platinum card. Based on the experience, I would task them with future requests, probably further in advance.

In the end we’ve decided to do the Road to Hana and are using the App Guided Shaka Maui ($14.99) and combining it with some of the Amex research.

I thought I’d share a sample if anyone is interested. Feel free to PM me if you’d like me to email you a copy.

COPIED FROM AMEX EMAIL:

The distances listed are from your hotel to the locations.

Insider Tip: For many locations if there is a cost for parking or entry the entry fee paid at one location may be valid for multiple locations for up to 3 days if you save your receipt.

Trails:

Hosmer Grove Loop Trail
Distance: 41.3 Miles
Parking: $30.00

Cost to enter the Haleakala National Park:
Private vehicle: $25
Motorcycle: $20
Individual person: $12 (cyclists, pedestrians, hikers)

Link to this option: https://bit.ly/3vqlr0W
About: “Hosmer Grove Trail is located (just barely) inside Haleakala National Park. At approximately mile marker 10.5 on Highway 378, just after entering the park, you'll want to turn left to the start of the Hosmer Grove trail.
At about 0.3 miles down the road (on the right) you may notice one of Hawaii's famous sandalwood trees. The sandalwood has a long history in Hawaii and was once very precious in China for making incense and aromatic woodcarvings. “

Wai'anapanapa State Park Trails
Distance: 62.3 Miles
Parking: $10.00

Link to this option including a couple of short videos: https://bit.ly/3rO84We
Reviewer: "Beautiful beach, easy trails, amazing views"

Hoapili Trail & Kings Trail
Distance: 6.9 Miles
Parking: Free
Cost: Free
Link to further information about this location: https://bit.ly/3cJTKIj
Map of the area: https://bit.ly/3qLbk3t
About “From La Perouse Bay, this section of the ancient King’s Trail follows the coastline across jagged lava flows. The first part of the trail is along the sandy beach at La Perouse Bay. Be prepared: wear hiking boots, bring plenty to drink, start early and tell someone where you’re going. It’s a dry area with no water and little vegetation, so it can get very hot.”

Twin Falls Trail
Distance: 32.1 Miles
Parking: Free
Cost: Entrance to Twin Falls is free,
Link to further details of the location: https://bit.ly/38Dqp0V
About: “Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.”

Kuloa Point Trail
Distance: 64.7 Miles
Parking: $30.00
Admission is $10
Link to further details: https://bit.ly/3tc54Do
About: “This hike is located near the Oheo Gulch which is about 15 minutes past Hana, near mile marker 42. The Kahakai Trail stretches a quarter-mile between Kuloa Point and the Kipahulu campground near the 'Ohe'o Gulch.
Shoreline views along the ocean are beautiful, but be mindful of your step.”

Iao Valley State Park
Distance: 19.7 Miles
Parking: $10
Entry Cost: entrance fee when entering the park that ranges from $5 to $40 depending on how many passengers are in the vehicle.
Link to further details: https://bit.ly/3vn7Zer
About: “Visiting the Iao Valley on Maui is a must do when vacationing on the island. The park is home to one of Maui's most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks Iao stream and is an amazing attraction for easy hiking and sightseeing”

When we went to Maui a couple of years ago, Amex PLat Concierge was also unable to secure reservations at Mama's Fish House. I hung up and called the Visa Infinite Concierge line for the Chase Sapphire Reserve (also available if you have a Ritz Carlton card). They were able to get me reservations. Not sure if you have a CSR but thought this might help.

 

[gottalovepluto]

These really don't look appealing to me - the entertainment looks like a $20 monthly, $200 hotel would probably be a forced staycation (not a bad thing), and Equinox is too fit for me . I can't figure out what the Resy credit would be as it's a reservation service. My renewal is coming up next month. I got a $500 retention offer last year so I think I will hang on one more year, ask for a retention offer next year with the higher fee and cancel at that point if the offer isn't good enough. I will need another MR card to hold my points.

I don't mind a higher AF card but the Plat is just so bland with such limited bonus categories. Is a regular Plat what people mean when they reference vanilla Plat?

It’s like they’re making a next level of Plat here... An aspirational type one, a stepping stone to Centurion if you will but shortcutting building a base for it by forcing all Plats to upgrade. Boom! Instant success just look at all the current cardholders It will obviously target big city folks (equinox, Resy) who theoretically have higher disposable incomes I guess (choke a horse with that AF)... but still... why pay $700-800?! Flashing a Plat Amex around is not the ticket to being cool it used to be in our parents day so if they think a bunch of people are gonna want it cause it’s the next Sapphire Reserve... yeah, no. Unless they have some crazy sign up bonus that’s like 200k points I guess.

And did they miss the memo we are bored with this lifestyle stuff and focusing on travel? This is literally their time to shine by plussing up TRAVEL benefits. That’s my focus! It’s what my friends and family want as soon as their shots are done too. We all want OUT! And not to the freaking gym as we’ve all figured out DIY home setups at this point.

 

[Alexle2007]

For those headed to Honolulu on SW, please note it was an easy Wiki Wiki Shuttle ride from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 to enjoy the Plumeria Lounge. I am enjoying some “free” red wine before our 5 1/2 flight to SAN for the night. Definitely recommend it if you have time to kill.

 

[Judique]

Yup, I'm only 58 but seem much older at times. I stick to my iPhone SE because i like a small phone, headphone jack, and don't want face ID. DH says if I had a biger phone screen I could more easily read it, which is one of my compaints about apps. I have to be dragged kicking and screaming into anything new!

Ha - you are making me feel young at 68! I use some apps, but I'm not one to fill my phone with too much junk. But, I like a decently sized larger phone. Back in the stone age, the small flip sufficed, but I refuse to be left behind by all these young'uns!

 

[gottalovepluto]

When we went to Maui a couple of years ago, Amex PLat Concierge was also unable to secure reservations at Mama's Fish House. I hung up and called the Visa Infinite Concierge line for the Chase Sapphire Reserve (also available if you have a Ritz Carlton card). They were able to get me reservations. Not sure if you have a CSR but thought this might help.

Another vote for the Visa Infinite Concierge here! Don’t remember where I was going in NOLA trying for a last minute res but I do remember Amex couldn’t secure one but Visa Infinite Concierge team was able to.

Altitude Reserve also gets access if you don’t have a CSR.

 

[calypso726]

It’s like they’re making a next level of Plat here... An aspirational type one, a stepping stone to Centurion if you will but shortcutting building a base for it by forcing all Plats to upgrade. Boom! Instant success just look at all the current cardholders It will obviously target big city folks (equinox, Resy) who theoretically have higher disposable incomes I guess (choke a horse with that AF)... but still... why pay $700-800?! Flashing a Plat Amex around is not the ticket to being cool it used to be in our parents day so if they think a bunch of people are gonna want it cause it’s the next Sapphire Reserve... yeah, no. Unless they have some crazy sign up bonus that’s like 200k points I guess.

And did they miss the memo we are bored with this lifestyle stuff and focusing on travel? This is literally their time to shine by plussing up TRAVEL benefits. That’s my focus! It’s what my friends and family want as soon as their shots are done too. We all want OUT! And not to the freaking gym as we’ve all figured out DIY home setups at this point.

I agree. I'll be cancelling mine when the next AF rolls around if I don't get a good retention offer. If I come across a great offer with NLL attached to it, I'll pick it up again.

 

[Alexle2007]

So cute!

Thanks! DS was playing what do we like most about Puggles while we are away. Everyone’s response how he happily greets everyone in the morning and the cute way he turns his head to side when you are talking to him like he is thinking. What we like least is his puppy farts

 

[Alexle2007]

Ha - you are making me feel young at 68! I use some apps, but I'm not one to fill my phone with too much junk. But, I like a decently sized larger phone. Back in the stone age, the small flip sufficed, but I refuse to be left behind by all these young'uns!

One of my favorite memories of our trip- waiting in th Diamond check in line at Hilton and the guy asked DS and me where our parents were. I politely responded that I was the mom. Made me feel pretty good for almost 50 in 3 months.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Alaska Air offering status match for all of 2021 to Delta, Southwest and United elites.

https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/status-match
Additional details:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thepointsguy.com/guide/alaska-airlines-status-match/amp/

 

[EACarlson]

Hopefully the airline credit stays for at least part of 2022 so that doesn't affect double/triple dipping plans.

I would expect them to change it coinciding with a new year. Whether that year is 2021 or 2022 is up for debate, no way I see it changing in the middle of a year.

Maybe I should look at the Amex Gold now instead. Oh yeah, and then there are the damn Delta offers out there too. UGH. Why must Amex put a limit on us? Grrr.

The Gold is a great card, and does not count against your limit with AMEX. For some reason the Green counts but not the Gold or Plat. At least that is my current understanding.

Is a regular Plat what people mean when they reference vanilla Plat?

Yes, the vanilla plat is the regular Platinum card issued by American Express, you will also see references to CS Plat which is issued by Charles Schwab.

 

[wanderlust7]

I would expect them to change it coinciding with a new year. Whether that year is 2021 or 2022 is up for debate, no way I see it changing in the middle of a year.

That's true, beginning of the year would make more sense. The airline change for gold was announced in October 2020, in effect January 2022. So here's hoping it would be January 2023 if it does happen.

 

[Hoosier John]

... The Gold is a great card, and does not count against your limit with AMEX. For some reason the Green counts [against Amex's 4 credit card limit] but not the Gold or Plat. At least that is my current understanding. ...

Lain mentioned that, at least for the Green, turning off the Pay Over Time (POT), which makes a charge card act like a credit card, opens up a credit card slot. See his post here, and elaboration a few posts later.

PS. I also like the Gold card, especially this year (where you could earn more than the AF)