Over the last few years, we’ve seen Amex make multiple changes to their value proposition. Much to my chagrin, Amex has replaced many benefits with credits that are split monthly, quarterly or semi-annually as well. As per One Mile at a Time, the Business Platinum card is now getting a new benefit. This benefit is already showing up in user accounts. However, is this new platinum card benefit truly worth it?
Business Platinum Card
If you’re a current holder of the Business Platinum card, then there’s a good chance that you may already be seeing this benefit show up in your account. Similar to the benefit on the Hilton Surpass card and the Hilton Business card, you’ll be able to earn $200 in Hilton credits each year. However, this credit is split into quarterly time frames, with $50 each quarter. Cardmembers need to enroll before using this benefit.
Good or Bad?
If this is a new benefit that’s going to be permanent, does this move the needle for you? In my case, I canceled my Business Platinum card earlier this year, primarily because I wasn’t finding use of the Dell credit benefit beyond a point. While I love staying at Hilton properties, this credit doesn’t quite move the needle for me.
In my case, I would’ve probably signed up for the card again if the card was a simple $200 annual credit. However, in this case, the credit is split into $50 each quarter.
Gift Card Option
Now you may ask, but Ashish, why don’t you just buy a gift card each quarter? Yes, that is an option. However, that comes with a catch as well. Firstly, you can only buy physical gift cards and not e-gift cards. Secondly, there’s an additional shipping fee that Hilton adds on when you purchase a gift card online. Reddit conversations are abuzz with people complaining about some of the issues with Hilton gift cards.
If you crunch some of the data points on Reddit and other sources, you’ll find a few common themes pertaining to issues with the gift card option:
- No e-gift cards, only physical gift card
- If you buy a physical gift card, you need to pay $1.95 in fees for each $50 gift card you buy
- Some data points suggest that gift card may not work at properties outside the US. Also, even in the US, front desk employees aren’t adequately informed or trained to use the gift cards and it’s often incumbent on the customer to explain things to them.
Another DP for an unsuccessful attempt. Checked in with credit card at Embassy Suites Miami Airport. During check-out, I had a bill of around $200 to pay. I told them I’d like to have only $50 charged to my GC and the balance on my credit card. Tried twice. First I swiped and then the front desk person tried typing in the GC number manually. No success. Since I was in a hurry, I just paid everything with my credit card. Days later I called Amex and they told me that the hotel tried to charge me for $57.50 so that’s why the transaction kept being declined. However, I’m pretty sure I witnessed the credit card machine showing only $50 when I was trying to pay. Anyways, it looks like some Hilton properties are adding a $7.50 fee on top of whatever you’re trying to use the GC for. But that’s only happening in the background as the front desk person is not even aware of it.
The Pundit’s Mantra
Overall, I think that this benefit is fantastic for people who stay at Hilton properties each quarter, especially for stays in the US. For everyone else, things aren’t that straight forward.
In my case I’m still not convinced to get this card due to this Hilton benefit. Firstly, most of my hotel stays are outside the US. Secondly, the last thing I want is to track and add another quarterly credit. So, I do plan to sit out.
What do you think about this new benefit by Amex? Does this encourage you to sign up for the Business Platinum card? Tell us in the comments section.
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